Atelier · Bespoke Fabrication

Arches

Structural and decorative stone arches fabricated to project drawings — for doorways, windows, colonnades, mihrabs, and monumental facade openings.

The arch is one of architecture's oldest structural achievements — and in natural stone, one of its most enduring expressions of permanence and authority.

Metamar's Atelier fabricates stone arches for the full range of architectural applications: from a single framed doorway to a colonnade of repeating arches across a palace facade, from a carved mihrab niche in a mosque interior to the monumental entrance arch of a government building. Each arch is fabricated as a voussoir set — individually keyed wedge-shaped stones that assemble into the complete arched form on site.

Stone arches are central to the architectural vocabulary of Saudi Arabia's most significant building types. The pointed arch, the horseshoe arch, the ogee arch, and the muqarnas-filled arch are all within the Atelier's capability. We work closely with your structural engineer to ensure each arch set is fabricated to the correct bearing condition, keystone geometry, and installation sequence.

Capabilities & Options

01
Round (Semicircular) Arches

The classical Roman arch — a full semicircle of voussoirs, symmetrically tapered from impost to keystone. The most structurally direct arch form, suitable for both load-bearing and decorative applications.

02
Pointed Arches

The defining form of Gothic and Islamic architecture. Two arc segments meeting at a point — available in acute (lancet), equilateral, or obtuse configurations. Central to mosque and palace design vocabulary.

03
Horseshoe Arches

Characteristic of Moorish and early Islamic architecture, the horseshoe arch extends beyond the semicircle before returning inward to the impost. A strong visual marker of Islamic architectural identity in Saudi interiors.

04
Segmental & Flat Arches

Arches with a rise less than a full semicircle — from shallow segmental to near-flat jack arches. Used extensively for window heads and interior openings where ceiling height is limited.

05
Ogee & Multi-Foil Arches

S-curved ogee arches and trefoil, quatrefoil, or multi-foil arches for decorative applications. Produced by CNC cutting of each voussoir to the exact curvature, with hand-carved soffit ornament as specified.

06
Carved & Moulded Arches

Arches with moulded archivolt profiles, carved keystones, carved spandrels, or full muqarnas soffit decoration. The carved keystone or boss is typically the most complex element and is produced as a single carved piece.

Arches in Executed Projects

Materials & Capabilities

Available StonesMarble · Limestone · Travertine · Onyx — Please consult for other stone formations
Arch TypesRound · Pointed · Horseshoe · Segmental · Flat · Ogee · Muqarnas
Voussoir CountDetermined by span and rise — confirmed in shop drawings
Span Range600 mm – 12,000 mm+ · Structural confirmation required above 3 m
Available FinishesHoned · Polished · Carved relief · Muqarnas · Coffered — Please consult for other finishes and details
Archivolt ProfilesStandard moulded profiles or custom sections to drawings
Structural InterfaceBearing details and dowel locations coordinated with project engineer
ApplicationsDoorways · Windows · Colonnades · Mihrabs · Facades · Interior Screens

From Drawing to Delivery

01
Structural Coordination

We review your arch drawings together with your structural engineer's bearing details. Voussoir geometry, keystone dimensions, and bearing conditions are confirmed before fabrication.

02
Shop Drawings & Approval

A full set of arch shop drawings is prepared — showing each voussoir numbered, with dimensions and joint angles. Client and engineer sign-off required before production.

03
CNC Cutting & Hand Finishing

Each voussoir is CNC-cut to the precise wedge angle and profile. Carved keystones and archivolt mouldings are hand-finished. The complete arch is dry-assembled in the factory to confirm fit.

04
Delivery & Sequence

Voussoirs are delivered numbered in installation sequence. Centring (temporary formwork) guidance is provided. Our team can advise or attend the crown-closing operation on site.

Atelier — Arches

Discuss Your Project

Share your arch drawings — span, rise, arch type, stone selection, and any carved or moulded requirements. Our Atelier team will provide a detailed fabrication proposal.