Solidnature and OMA/AMO Launch 'Il Sonno' Stone Groceries Collection
During the prestigious Milan Design Week in April 2026, the collaborative efforts of AMO/OMA and Solidnature birthed a captivating installation: a surreal stone supermarket. This innovative concept playfully reimagined the mundane act of grocery shopping through a minimalist and humorous lens. Now, for a limited period, the unique pieces that populated this imaginative retail space are available for acquisition.
OMA/AMO and Solidnature Present 'Il Sonno' Stone Supermarket Collection
The 'Il Sonno' supermarket, conceptualized by architect Samir Bantal, the director of AMO, was designed to spotlight the profound expressive capabilities of natural stone. Every element, from the shelving units to the 'groceries' themselves, was meticulously crafted from stone, enveloping visitors in an immersive material experience. Bantal remarked on the installation's ability to disrupt habitual shopping behaviors, stating, "At Il Sonno Supermarket, this reflex is frozen in stone. Commodities have been transformed into desirable objects, stripped of function. The dream lies in the interval between recognizing an object and realizing that it has solidified." He added that the ephemeral nature of the supermarket's stock, perpetually preserved in stone, encourages a contemplative and slower engagement, replacing hurried transactions with a sense of wonder.
Until June 21, 2026, design enthusiasts and collectors have a rare opportunity to pre-order 12 distinct items from the 'Il Sonno' collection. These extraordinary pieces include onyx bananas, red marble steaks, sandwiches ingeniously fashioned from travertine with accents of red marble and green onyx, and elegantly veined Flamingo Nebula marble milk bottles. Each limited-edition item possesses its own unique character, showcasing the inherent chromatic and textural variations that define natural stone.
David Mahyari, owner of Solidnature, emphasized the deeper significance of natural stone in contemporary design. He stated, "Natural stone introduces a different sense of value, rooted in sustainability, durability and authenticity." Mahyari highlighted how this approach contrasts with consumption models driven by speed and disposability, advocating for a shift towards greater awareness. He believes that such everyday choices can contribute to a grander vision, fostering a more mindful and forward-thinking world. These exquisite stone creations, which effectively transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, are available for purchase starting at €90 on Solidnature's website.
This pioneering project serves as a compelling reminder that creativity and thoughtful design can elevate even the most commonplace objects into works of art. The 'Il Sonno' collection not only offers aesthetic pleasure but also prompts a re-evaluation of material value and consumption patterns. It demonstrates how embracing natural, durable materials can contribute to a more sustainable and aesthetically enriched future, inviting us to pause and appreciate the beauty in the seemingly ordinary.