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contents
TILE TODAY
ARCHITECTURE & SPECIFICATION 35
An artistic vision rendered in tile
46
Tiling in commercial kitchens
50
Modern tile in public places
MARKETS AND TRENDS 07
Cersaie 2016 preview
14
Contemporary classics with firm historic foundations
22
Fashion takes shape
26
Brick tiles – the latest iteration of urban chic
36
Ceramic tile imports continue to rise
INSTALLATION 62
Crack suppression fundamentals
66
Why are expansion joints needed in tile and stone applications
71
Risk of shower proofing failure
INTERVIEWS 42
Stefan Schmied, RAK Ceramics
58
Philip Gray, Mapei Australia
38
Design
74
Featured Products
78
News
86
Advertisers index
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DOWNTOWN PLUS Continuing the success of our Downtown series, DOWNTOWN PLUS has a fresh colour palette with more exposed aggregate.
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Newham Collegiate.
Contemporary classics with firm historic foundations Tile Today’s International Correspondent, Joe Simpson, celebrates the revival of interest by today’s designers for the exquisite moulded decorative tiles hand-produced by England’s Craven Dunnill Jackfield.
F
rom its base in the historic Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire, Craven Dunnill Jackfield is the leading manufacturer of traditionally-styled, decorative tiles in the UK. Established in 2000, with a deserved reputation for quality and authenticity, the company boasts the flexible manufacturing techniques and highly skilled staff to enable the production of any style or volume of ceramic production, ranging from single 3D tiles to murals using thousands of square metres of specialist ceramics. The factory combines modern methods with traditional production techniques to enable the manufacture of bespoke wall, floor, decorative art and faience ceramics in any style, volume or size. Craven Dunnill Jackfield take great pride in the faithful manufacture of
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period style tiles. Where possible, it uses original machinery, glaze recipes and hand decorating techniques to ensure the total authenticity of its restoration tiles. The company’s expertise is perhaps most clearly seen in the range of high profile restoration projects it has completed. Craven Dunhill Jackfield’s wall tile production facilities were set up to cater for specialist restoration projects requiring colour matched glazes, moulded fittings and cappings. Dry pressed tiles are manufactured using a Victorian powder press that compacts powdered clay into a metal mould. This allows the company to consistently repeat a relief tile design. Dry pressing tiles is ideal for reproducing large quantities of the same design. Victorian wall tiles is another area of expertise. 12
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T R EN D S Blues Kitchen Shoreditch.
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Inspired by the spread of the British Empire, Victorian designers were influenced by classical and medieval architecture, while others drew on nature. The one element that unified all of these styles was the use of rich deep colours with a luxurious feel. Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s range of embossed and screen printed decors captures the heyday of this industry; ideal for adding character and style to a Victorian property, as well as creating a design statement in any home. The company also manufactures Art Nouveau and Art Deco style wall tiles, as well as offering clients expertise in ceramic manufacturing processes such as hand dipping, tube lining, slip casting and screen printing. A colour matching service is available for clients wishing to restore an original feature, with all tiles handmade to order. One recent project that placed Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s decorative tiles centre stage is The Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch. This venue now boasts a vast, four square, Victorian-inspired, ceramic tiled fronted bar. Craven Dunnill Jackfield was responsible for the project, from design to handmanufacturing the tiles and then factory-mounting them onto panels for rapid installation on site. The Blues Kitchen faience tiled bar front was manufactured in keeping with a tradition that dates to the 1880s. It is opulent and rich in style, with a central motif that features a mythical lion’s head, embellished with swags and fruit. The deeply textured relief tiles are made using hand-carved plaster moulds and decorated using metal oxide glazes, which craze upon firing to create an authentic aged effect. Special moulded external corner fittings were designed and made to allow the highly decorative and ornate patterning to flow seamlessly around the external corner of the bar front. The lead time for the project was short: less than four months from the initial conversations to the installation of the faience bar front, back bar wall tiles and floor. Having agreed the design, Jackfield created CAD drawings, before plaster moulds were made for each tile element.
Unusually, Craven Dunnill Jackfield worked directly with the customer, rather than with an architect or designer. Craven Dunnill Jackfield was therefore responsible for creating all the CAD drawings for the project, manufacture and making up the tiled modules. In order to meet the planned opening schedule, the Craven Dunnill Jackfield team explored options to reduce the time required to install the tiles and overcome issues associated with fixing heavy, ceramic tiles to a vertical surface. The solution was to supply pre-tiled modules that were assembled on site and grouted in situ. The completed installation is a stunning piece of ceramic craftsmanship, authentic to a Victorian bar from a bygone era. It is robust and hard-wearing and thus able to withstand the hustle and bustle of this stylish themed bar. “The Blues Kitchen is an excellent example of the comprehensive and unique in-house expertise we can provide at Jackfield,” stated Adrian Blundell, Head of Production. “We were able to provide a joined-up service for a technically challenging project, including product prototyping, layout design and specialist manufacture to a specific concept or brief.” The Shoreditch project led on to The Blues Kitchen in Brixton. Located in what was once the old Electric Social premises, the cavernous ground floor space is dominated by a flamboyant faiencefronted, ceramic tiled bar, designed and hand-manufactured by Craven Dunnill Jackfield. This contemporary installation of Victorian-styled ceramic tiles breathes new life into this traditional art form and highlights the practicality of ceramics in a bar environment. The faience tiled bar (traditional tin-glazed pottery, prevalent in the Victorian era in the UK) is 10 metres long and is set off against a backdrop of white and blue brick shaped ceramic tiles and amber dados. The hand-made faience tiles at the front of the bar date back to the 1880s in style. Five different designs of tile clad both the bar and five floor-to-ceiling
pillars. Each of the central, large green, convex tiles measure 245 by 600mm, with the textured relief design featuring a repeating urn motif. They are bordered by four styles of decorative blue and amber coloured dado tiles. The same designs are featured on the 2.5m tall pillars, which are capped with deep capital tiles. The relief tiles were made using hand-carved plaster moulds and decorated with metal oxide glazes, which craze upon firing to create an authentic aged effect. Each of the large tiles, featuring the urns, required 200g of glaze to achieve the desired depth of colour. It took two people to dip the pieces into a large vat of glaze. These were then gently lifted and carefully stacked into the kilns and fired over night at 1,040 oC.3 One of Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s largest ever contracts involved making and supplying over 15,000 handmade tiles in 46 different designs, and a variety of colours, for the renovation of the Victorian Reading Room at Leeds Central Library. The Leeds Municipal Buildings (now Leeds Central Library) were completed in 1884 at a time when tile making had just exploded and decorative tiles had become highly esteemed status symbols. Designed by George Corson, the building is an outstanding demonstration of Victorian tile-making techniques and designs from the leading manufacturers of the day, with the original tiles produced by E. Smith & 18 Co of Coalville, Shropshire. www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au | TILE TODAY #90 | 17
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For the last 50 years much of it has been covered over with plasterboard and concrete and was only rediscovered in 2001 when re-wiring was undertaken. While there is an intricate encaustic tiled floor in the vestibule and geometric tiles sweep up the magnificent staircase to a geometric tiled ceiling, it is the former Reading Room where the building’s tiled magnificence is revealed in its full glory. The original room measures 80 by 40 feet and is divided by arches into a nave and aisles which are supported by granite pillars. It features wide expanses of glazed field tiles with intricate relief patterns in a myriad of shades of turquoise and blue, interspersed with contrasting burgundy and aubergine coloured tiled bands. Higher up large format, highly decorative tiles in rich copper green decorate the ceiling and intricate floral mosaics in gold and rose hues surround the stone busts of authors. Craven Dunnill Jackfield worked closely with specialists Heritage Tile Conservationists on the project. Together they re-created the Reading Room, restoring tiles which could be saved, and making and installing 15,000 hand-made replica tiles where the originals had disappeared or were too damaged for re-use. New moulds for each pattern were carved, blocks made and tiles cast in special clay bodies, followed by handdipping in glazes to reflect the myriad hues taken on by the original tiles over time. Another project to benefit from the company’s expertise was the renovation of the Grade 1 listed Newcastle Theatre Royal, which saw the auditorium and public areas restored to the original 1901 Frank Matcham interior, complete with rich burgundy and embossed decorative wall tiles and a geometric and encaustic tiled floor. TheatreSearch, the Consultants overseeing the project, recommended that the wall tiles were reinstated, as depicted on archive drawings of the original Frank Matcham design. The actual patterns and styles of tiles selected were influenced by those 18 | TILE TODAY #90 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
found at other theatres designed by Matcham, such as The Theatre Royal & Opera House in Wakefield and The Gaiety Theatre & Opera House in the Isle of Man. While Craven Dunnill Jackfield is perhaps best known for its bespoke tile-making service, the company also offers a standard range of embossed, plain and decorative dado tiles, which are all historically accurate in style and are still made using traditional techniques for an authentic look. The embossed Leighton tile design in burgundy, cream and gold was selected as the decorative frieze element, interspersed with plain burgundy field tiles and edged with Dado and Dart tiles for the walls in the rear stalls and side walls in the main stalls. Beneath, plain burgundy tiles create a rich swathe of highly glossed colour down to the floor. The effect is gloriously opulent and striking but also practical, as the tiles are robust and will withstand decades of wear; while the touch of cream in the Leighton tiles is a useful safety feature when the house lights go down. As part of the restoration project, a hand-made geometric and encaustic tiled floor was installed in one of the stall inner vestibules and up the stairs. This features a pattern based on The Gaiety Theatre & Opera House. Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s expertise is much in demand to manufacture authentically-made Victorian-style tiles for major refurbishment projects. Typical is the replacement and restoration of hand-glazed, historic wall tiles for the Grade 2, former East Ham College, now the new Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre. The project involved the origination of accurate models for 39 unique designs and the formulation of several metal oxide glazes, which were fired and applied seamle ssly to match the original tiles of the 1903 building. Many of the tiles in the outer porch, the main vestibule, stairs and ground floor corridors had been extensively damaged. While it was possible to salvage some of the original tiles by cleaning, many others were missing or so badly damaged that they needed to be replaced.
Nearly 1,400 tiles were required across 39 unique designs, 813 of which had to be manufactured from scratch, as there were no existing moulds. These included decorative, embossed border tiles, two sizes of panel frame profiles, skirting borders, 6 by 4 inch and 6 by 3 inch tiles in plain and round edge, and external curved skirting profiles. Fitting new tiles within existing ornately decorated tiles was an intricate job and required the reproduction tiles to be accurate in both size and thickness. Unable to take moulds from the original tiles, the team at Craven Dunnill Jackfield re-modelled all the tile profiles, faithfully copying the remaining originals. The replacement tiles were then manufactured in biscuit before being hand-dipped in specially formulated, metal oxide glazes: green and brown. The glaze recipe used was similar to that of the original tiles. Rick Mather Architects led the refurbishment project, in consultation with English Heritage. Installed by WB Simpson & Son, the newly manufactured wall tiles are such an exact match to the originals, and so expertly installed, that the difference in age of around 110 years is indiscernible to the untrained eye. These projects demonstrate that the combination of intimate knowledge of the tile making process, allied to an extremely experienced and dedicated workforce, still has a vital role to play in today’s architecture and can lead to tiled finishes that have an enduring beauty and appeal. ■
T R EN D S Paisley by Gamma Due Srl reflects buta, a tear-drop design of Persian origin. This intricate pattern combines with seven colours in the Basics collection.
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Fashion takes shape Words by Anthony Stock
Rectangular formats which increased from 200 x 100 mm to 300 x 100 mm, now appear in lengths which reach 1800 mm and beyond, in a variety of widths. The popularity of Ceramicwood planks provides a strong indication that this trend is here to stay. Photo 3. Taking the rough with the smooth is an old saying, which relates to accepting your lot and getting on with it. It can also relate to prevailing textural trends. On the one hand, we have utterly convincing replications of natural
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La Fabbrica manufacture Icon a rectangular timber-look design which is available in six colours and three contemporary formats.
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A
s Cersaie, the world’s premier tile exhibition looms large on the horizon buyers will place their bets in regard to the new trends which will emerge. In recent times, we have witnessed a bold return to design, principally in the shape of decorated cement tiles. Digital inkjet technologies continue to inspire tile manufacturers, providing them with opportunities to render more colourful and complex designs on a canvas which continues to grow in size. Photo 1. There has been a strong return to a variety of shapes which were prominent in the 70s, and early 80s, in particular hexagons and octagons. Photo 2.
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Madison by Ceramiche Roma Spa, is based on the timeless appeal of cementitious materials and the natural appeal of terracotta. Hexagons, octagons and a variety of new and old shapes have been launched in multiple sizes and complementary colours and textures.
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stone, produced with high gloss finishes, or textural effects which favourably imitate the feel of exfoliated stone. Take your pick. If that’s not enough to confuse or excite you in equal measure, the rapid and ongoing advances in tile decoration have made it possible to create tile designs that capture several of the popular surface finishes we see every day in our build environment, rendered in one series, sometimes on one individual tile. Photo 4. If the prepared background is flat, plumb and well prepared, it is possible to fix precisely calibrated tiles with grout lines of 1 or 2 mm, as opposed to the 3 mm specified in AS 3958. Careful use of an appropriate colour grout can produce a surface finish that appears to be practically seamless. Ultra slim tiles and panels continue to emerge in standard sizes and large dimensions, which exceed three metres by one metre. This exciting trend will, in this writer’s opinion, be a particularly significant development in the history of ceramic tile production. Correspondingly a number of tilemakers have released 20 mm thickness products, which can be loose-laid externally in suitable locations, or incorporated in suspended dry-lay systems which hide underfloor cabling and pipework.
Cir-Serenissima have mastered the art of combining the appearance of a variety of surface finishes. Terracotta, wood and hollow bricks are captured in the Recupera series which offers infinite design possibilities..
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Bowl by leading retailer Beaumont Tiles is a fascinating ceramic product which can be installed in myriad shapes and designs. Bowl is one of the intriguing products displayed at the new Beaumont Studio which recently opened in Malvern, Vic.
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Special pieces
An increasing number of manufacturers are offering ceramic products which combine intriguing colours, designs and in many instances added volume created by using special technologies like thermoforming. The featured products are available from Ocean & Merchant, NSW.
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Many of the products featured herein are glazed porcelain tiles, fired at temperatures which frequently exceed 1200 degrees Celsius. However, there are still a number of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers who specialise in providing traditional ceramic tiles, which are fired at lower temperatures. In addition some manufacturers employ special techniques like thermoforming, which permits the slipware to be curved or moulded, prior to firing into quite extraordinary shapes. Photo 5.
These volumetric pieces can be clustered together to create an eye-catching, highly tactile design, or integrated into a blend of regular ceramic tiles which have contrasting gloss or matt surface finishes. Photo 6. The design potential is endless, any good quality digital image can be accurately reproduced on the surface of a tile. It sounds as if tile manufacturers have all the bases covered, but with 20 visits to Cersaie under my belt, I can guarantee you that there is much more to come. â–
BRICK ATELIER An extremely refined collection of slender ceramic wall tiles in a small rectified 8x31.5 (3� x 12�) format that brings life to spaces of striking sophistication and character. Colours: Calacatta, Carrara, Grigio, Noir S. Laurent, Persian Jade, Silver Dream, Statuario Select, Black Bevel, Silver Bevel, White Bevel Finishes: Gloss Size: 8 x 31.5 Areas of application: Indoor, Living Room, Bathroom, Decoration
17 Everley Road, Chester Hill, NSW 2162 phone 02 9743 8122 fax 02 9743 8133 email office@dwtiles.com.au
DW TILES
T R EN D S Aura by Iris Ceramics
Brick tiles – the latest iteration of urban chic By International Correspondent, Joe Simpson
J
ust as metro tiles, a longestablished classic in the tiling world, are enjoying a resurgence, a near relation – the brick tile – has leapt to prominence over the past 24 months. This sudden surge in popularity relates to the latest iteration of urban chic, and the evolution of mix-and-match interiors from shabby chic. But, as in most hot tiling trends there are brick tiles and then there are brick tiles! Of course the classic 230 by 110 by 76mm Australian bricks (8in by 3.75 inch English tile) is represented, but brick tiles come in many different shapes, from elongated rectangles through to micro-bricks that are but a small step from mosaic tesserae. There are also tiles that ape the large format honeycomb bricks that are such a common construction material in Mediterranean countries where it is used as the infill between columns of reinforced concrete. Of course the variety of brick effect tiles should come as little surprise given the huge variations in the material is it emulating. Englishspeaking countries with a strong brick tradition are in evidence, from the standard 8in by 3.75 inch English brick, through 8 by 4 by 2.25 ins (203 by 102 by 57mm) American bricks; and 8.75 by 4 by 3 ins (222 by 106 by 73mm) South African. But today’s brick-effect ranges also reflect the equally ubiquitous bricks found in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and the Mediterranean countries. Other common sizes include 215 by 50mm, 215 by 65mm, 225 by 68 mm, 230 by 70mm, 230 by 73mm, 230 by 76mm and 230 by 80mm. The list is extensive and regionally specific. As a result, there
is plenty of inspiration for today’s tile designers and they have responded with an eclectic mix of high quality brick emulations. At one end of the scale is the Micro Brick by Brix. Reducing the dimension of the classical brick to mosaic proportions, this tile range produces small-scale patterns that echo both brick walls and intricate stone pavements. Micro Brick was designed by Nendo who started researching into micro mosaics in 2005 with the I Frammenti collection by Claudio Silvestrin, winner of a Honourable Mention at the XXII Compasso D’Oro. Sant’Agostino’s Terre Nuove collection
Sant’Agostino’s Terre Nuove collection
Ceramica Incontro’s Muretto range
Micro Brick range by Brix
Emilceramica’s Brick Design
The Micro Brick range by Brix comprises small mosaic pieces 5 by 10mm (3mm thick) presented in five different minimalist and simple patterns. The result is a melange of visually stunning Lilliputian looks. The starting point of the project was this the idea of reducing to a smaller scale standard construction bricks. The direction and different distances between the rectangular elements creates a visual pun reminiscent of brick walls or complex paving concepts. The colours are the same as those used in the standard Brix range. The micro-elements are produced in unglazed porcelain stoneware, making Micro Brick suitable for both external and internal applications, such as floors, walls, steam rooms, swimming pools and even Turkish baths. Most of the new wave of brickeffect patterns ape standard brick formats. Emilceramica’s Brick Design, for instance, is a versatile range ideal for interiors ranging from metropolitan lofts through to more traditional settings. The colour range spans Gesso, Paglia, Tortora, Seta, Moka and Nero: all available in either 125 by 250mm or 60 by 250mm. Marca Corona’s Brick Lane range interprets the contemporary taste for building restoration, focusing on a core material, brick, in a 75 by 300mm size. Brick Lane offers a wide variety of shade inside each colour that lends real character to this collection. The range includes a decor, with intense graphic variation, that simulates the remnants of old plaster on the brick.
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A key component of the range is a “corner tile”, a flexible design element that can be used in a multitude of locations. Brick Lane also comes in a hexagonal size, offering the same variations of colour and shade. CIR’s Recupera range is one of the most eye-catching of all the new wave of brick effects. Introduced at Cersaie 2015, Recupera was inspired by the hollow honeycomb clay bricks used in Mediterranean construction. The resulting tiles have a distressed, reclaimed look as though the original coating of plaster or stucco has just been scraped away. The result is, on one hand, edgy and urban, and, on the other, soft and warm. Recupera may be to “out there” for the average Australian homeowner, but will surely find favour with a new restaurant chain or high street fashion retailer. A glazed porcelain range with a natural finish, Recupera (which means recover in Italian) delivers the
charm of old materials and combines in a single collection all the beauty of terracotta, wood and perforated brick. The range comes in 100 by 200mm brick format and 240 by 277 hexagonal, complemented by a larger 200 by 400mm option. Del Conca’s Cantina range claims to take the brick look in a new direction: around smoothed corners. This has been achieved by moulding the corners of the porcelain tiles to form both inand out-corners with the natural look and feel of traditional fired bricks. This range is available in three colours (white, red, and black). The tiles are durable and long lasting, perfect for accent walls or even fireplaces. Inspired by the rustic eateries of Mexico, Cantina recreates their characteristic atmosphere: dim golden lighting, supple leather seating and rugged wood finishes ... in a sophisticated brick-effect tile. This porcelain range has a rich colour palette and authentic brick graphics achieved using digital ink jet technology.
Suitable for both floor and wall installations, Cantina comes in 100 by 300mm, with 100 by 200 by 100mm internal and external corners. Ceramica Incontro’s Muretto range is a variation on the brick theme that pays homage to Apulian farmers’ dry wall tradition. These are dry stone walls of the Mediterranean, where the light of their white stone gleams in a bright blue sky. This special landscape is captured in Muretto through the use of an innovative ceramic coating. The tiles are made up of 90 by 600mm modules. The stone itself works as the basis for an inspired visual composition that capture the strong and enduring emotional power of dry stone walls. Concealed cut fitting is used to preserve the dry wall effect. Muretto has a powerful tactile appeal, owing to the digital relief printing of Apulian natural slate, which, with its four colour varieties, can recreate the varying nuances between one type of dry wall and the other. There are four specific 30
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Size: 500 x 500 x 9.5mm [Ceramic] Finish: Gloss, Matt, Grit 6 Colours | 1 Size | 3 Surfaces Random Pattern / Design: 1 face
AY E R S S T O N E
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VIC Bayswater VIC Point Cook NSW Office QLD Office Hobart Office Orders
: Unit 1, 843 Mountain Highway, Bayswater, VIC 3153 Ph: 03 9720 4041 : Unit 2, 22 – 30 Wallace Ave, Point Cook, VIC 3030 Ph: 03 8459 2828 : Unit 4, 5 Merryvale Road, Minto, NSW 2566 Ph: 02 8795 0833 : 62 Commercial Road Newstead QLD 4006 Ph: 07 3257 3255 : Unit 2, 94-98 Charles Street, Moonah, TAS 7009 Ph: 03 6272 9219 : VIC, TAS, SA, NT – 1800 035 072 NSW, WA – 1800 354 759 QLD – 07 3276 8888
Rondine’s Brick Generation
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colour references and seven different textures, offering thousands of wall styling possibilities. Coem’s versatile Bricklane range comes in a selection of sizes, suitable for both floors and walls, and can bring a simple touch of modern style to any setting, with its sophisticated, vintage flavour. Bricklane transmits all the allure of brick, thanks to the large variety of textures and diluted, dusty shades that offer a retro look. The colour options are Intonaco, Cemento, Cotto, Bruno, Nero, Total White, Total Grey and Total Black. The available formats are 305 by 614, 101 by 614, 305 by 305 and, perhaps most importantly, 75 by 305mm The Wall, by Elios, is another high impact brick-effect range. This porcelain tile is offered in two formats - 75 by 304 and 100 by 200mm - in a range of seven earthy hues: Bianco, Pietra, Gesso, Nero, Rosso, Cenere and Grigio. The core proposition of Ornamenta’s Pick ‘n’ Brick range is that it is a hand-made 50 by 150mm brick made of extruded porcelain gres. The range offers an irregular surface and small flaws that are claimed to make each tile unique. The extensive range of colour options includes bianco, grigio, grigio chiaro, ardesia, basalto, bianchi/neri, rosa, cipria, rosso mattone, rosso, rosso intenso, lipstick, verde chiaro, verde scuro, verde smeraldo, turcheese azurro, blu note, l’acqua, giallo, senape chiaro, ocra, persiano, savanna, and le terre. Rondine’s Brick Generation recalls the look of the walls in open brickwork typical of a number of specific cities worldwide, with a handcrafted feel that reflects the industrial development of cities such as Venice, London, New York and Bristol. Brick Generation tiles can be used for both floors and walls, and provide a perfect blend of contemporary style and timeless appeal. The tiles, just 10mm thick, are able to offer an impressively accurate reproduction of the surface and the feel of brick. The rough texture, material intensity 32 and wide variety of shades, 30 | TILE TODAY #90 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
The brick-effect is just one aspect of Sant’Agostino’s Terre Nuove range of porcelain tiles.
Johnson Tiles – Loft
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brings the essence of brick back to life. Brickwork with a twist, it allows designers and homeowners to experiment with a few simple objects to create a 100% urban look. The Bristol design encapsulates the quirky character of the underlying subculture that can be found in this UK port’s artistic and post-industrial heritage. The allure, feel and urban spirit of bricks springs back to life in this porcelain stoneware, that conveys the contemporary nature of the vibrant neighbourhoods that make up this English city. The New York design symbolise the atmosphere of the Big Apple and the raw details that distinguish the most characteristic neighbourhoods of New York. The range is presented in classic colours - white, almond and black – to create a fresh, stylishly contemporary look. The tiles have a chalky, matt surface that emulates the elegant façades of Brooklyn Heights. Venice takes its inspiration from the atmosphere of the world’s most The Wall by Elios
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famous lagoon, and offers an original take on industrial brickwork, bringing a contemporary twist to a long-lived material. The innovative focus of the Brick Generation collection is not limited to the reproduction of the appearance of industrial brickwork, but is also evident in the variety of ways in which it can be used: it is ideal for both floors and walls. Not only the classic 60 by 250mm format, but also the new sizes - 340 by 340, 170 by 340 and 605 by 605mm, plus 600 by 600mm rectified - make it possible to create stylish brickwork surfaces on both floors and walls, inside and out. Terramix, a new range from Marazzi, has a Scandinavian flavour and yet was inspired by the Belgian bricks used to clad the outsides of houses, with their widely varying colours. In the small 70 by 280mm size, it is intended to meet every need, both indoors and out. Shade gradations from red to pinkish brown, and the alternation
of light and dark shades, give naturalness and elegance to the various installation options. The perfect blend of tradition and modern design, which gives of its very best in refurbishment contracts. Its suitability for use as a floor or wall covering extends its versatility and potential uses, in both residential and commercial contexts. Aura by Iris Ceramica is a wall tile that emulates bare brick architecture and gives it a contemporary look with a handcrafted flavour in neutral hues inspired by today’s urban settings. Intended for both residential and commercial uses, Aura offers a variety of decorative pieces to create original inserts in spaces with a postindustrial feel. Aura is available in one size – 100 by 300mm, in seven colours, with either matt or gloss finishes. The two surfaces may be combined to create fascinating contrasts; while the flaws in the individual tiles add a touch of character. 34
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The brick-effect is just one aspect of Sant’Agostino’s Terre Nuove range of porcelain tiles. Digitally decorated, these tiles have a satin, stone-look surface and are available in 300 by 300, 300 by 600, 600 by 600, 150 by 300 and 70 by 300mm. There are five colour options: Light, Sand, Warm, Brown and Dark. Suitable for both walls and floors, the range’s options include skirtings, decorated mosaics and a worn-out decorated look. Terre Nuove is a new interpretation of the materials of the aesthetic tradition, given a postmodern make-over via smearing, burning and aging. As a result, the even the smallest size tiles have great depth and expressive power. The range captures the naturalness of raw earth in a colour range ideally suited to contemporary. It can generate a new modern aesthetic with strong echoes of a classic visual effect. ■
Part of the Terramix range from Marazzi
We moved from a standard computer software package to ClearTile and what a difference! ClearTile’s reporting system is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Paul Cannizzaro, Director, Designer’s Ultimate Tiles, Victoria
An artistic vision rendered in tile
U
S artist Nicole Nadeau, best known for A New Wave (2006), Work of Art: The Next Great Artist (2010) and Road Rage (2016), has used one of her own breasts to create a mould for a collection of hexagonal tiles. Nadeau created a single mould of her breast to form the tiles, which are cast in ceramic and mounted onto the solid-surface material Corian. Each tile is glazed white apart from the areolae, which are a rosy pink. The project relates to the mythical Amazon warriors of ancient Greek, who are said to have cut off one breast to more easily draw a bow and arrow. Nadeau has tessellated the tiles to create an installation at this year’s Collective Design Fair in New York, which took place from 4 to 8 May 2016. Titled Everyone Thought I Was You, the wall-mounted piece comprises honeycomb-like configurations designed to look like natural patterns. Nadeau is a twin, and the artwork is an exploration into the territory between individuality and similarity. Although the tiles look identical at first glance, the casting process creates
imperfections that make each one subtly different. “The idea is that my sister and I are a copy and paste, much like the hexagons in these visual patterns that you see in nature,” explained Nadeau. Based in New York, Nadeau trained as an industrial designer, and now uses manufactured and natural materials to create installations and sculptures. “A lot of my work has to do with identity as well as using industrial materials, and I love nature too so that was definitely an inspiration too,” she says. Much of Nadeau’s work deals with ideas of permanence and impermanence, and the natural life cycle. This work stems from the awareness that the body is an unreliable, fragile tool. As humans age they experience a growing realisation that the body can break down and is, in fact, a structure. Here Nadeau explores this theme and the hopefulness that can be found in such impermanence. Setting up the same parameters hundreds of times and yet achieving different results every time, she said,
reflects the fact that while each day may seem the same and dull, it is really new and full of endless possibilities. “I love science and patterns in nature more than anything,” said Nadeau. “Things that surprise me and get me excited are usually strange facts in science that happen in nature. Its magical, all of these great things are happening all around us, especially ones we don’t see. “For me making art is like being a modern day alchemist: having the power or process of transforming something common into a something special.” Everyone Thought I Was You realises this artistic vision in tile. ■
DE SIGN
Urban and Polo Replacing Ace Ceramics’ Uptown series, Urban comes in eight neutral colours in three finishes, expressing enormous versatility for projects of any size. The Urban series is divided into a cool and warm colour scheme, allowing you to create a cohesive colour palette with ease. Sizes include 100x200mm, 300x300mm, 300x600mm and 600x600mm. The Polo series is a collection of 75x300mm tiles with gloss and matt finishes, suitable for wall only. The neutral colour palette provides endless possibilities. ACE CERAMICS PTY LTD www.aceceramics.com.au 02 9584 4000
Metro Modern in style, Metro, the stretched hexagon mosaic is a sophisticated selection of all-stone shapes. Part of the Montage 3 range from Southern Cross Ceramics, this versatile product can be used from floor to wall. Available in both white and black marble. SOUTHERN CROSS CERAMICS www.southerncrossceramics.com 03 9535 5252
Painted Wood Made in Italy, the Painted Wood range from ColorTile is part of their advanced tile technology collection replicating painted wood that has weathered over time. With no maintenance, this glazed porcelain range looks identical to the natural product. Painted Wood is available in three colourways and a 200 x 1200mm format. The range is suitable for internal use only, including wet areas, and offers a striking design especially when patterned as a feature wall. COLORTILE AUSTRALIA 1300 265 678 www.colortile.com.au
New designs by Grohn The stunning tonal textured pattern of the Kansas and Beton Range of 60 x 60 two centimeter Porcelain from Grohn is perfect for outdoor and indoor projects. Thanks to their high slip resistance they are extremely suitable for pool surrounds with the added advantage that two centimeter Porcelain can be bullnosed or rebated into the pool. Create a stunning finish with Porcelain by Grohn exclusively imported by Europe Imports Seven Hills. EUROPE IMPORTS 1300 3920774 www.europeimports.com.au
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Piccadilly Series Intense contrasting colours inspired by the natural tones of basalt – a material that reflects a natural and sophisticated design. Piccadilly is designed to cover commercial and residential areas and effortlessly transforms any space. Full colour body porcelain is available in six colours; Ash, Beige, Grigio, Marfil, Marrone, Nero; three finishes: Lappato, MattR10 P3, Structured External R11 P4 and three sizes: 30x30, 30x60, 60x60. The Piccadilly series is exclusively distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand by Distinctive Tile Imports. DISTINCTIVE TILE IMPORTS www.dtiqld.com.au 07 3862 9195
Downtown Plus An extension to Ace Ceramics’ existing Downtown range, Downtown Plus has the impact of concrete and all the benefits of porcelain. The series contains more exposed aggregate and a fresh colour palette with three finishes to match internal with external schemes. Available in four new colours in 300x300mm, 600x600mm in matt, semi-polish and textured. ACE CERAMICS PTY LTD http://www.aceceramics.com.au 02 9584 4000
Esagona Legno
Abstract Memories
Esagona Legno from Everstone is a unique timber hexagon porcelain tile made in Italy.
With Abstract Memories Starstile has reinvented the way to have memories of the past.
Available in one size 280x240mm – two colours – Sbiancota and Invecchiato – and two finishes smooth and grip, this tile suits a myriad of applications.
A cotto-cement look in five stunning colours, Abstract Memories has amazing matching memory decors using digital printing.
EVERSTONE
STARSTILE
www.everstone.com 02 9795 2000
www.starstile.it
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Marazzi Group Marazzi Group has adopted the latest digital products from Projecta Engineering for use at its facilities in Fiorano and Sassuolo: G5, the new generation of digital decorating machines launched in June 2015, and Evo7 (hybrid model). The first completely modular digital decoration system, G5 covers the entire glazing process and further improves all digital technologies developed to date.
extract iconic Bath Stone. Lovell Stone Group has invested heavily in new equipment for Hartham Park, including a Fantini chainsaw.
software. The eight DHD digital decorators currently installed in the group’s facilities will now be joined by a further six machines.
The Abstract Maze
Eporta
Sicis
Sicis, one of the world’s leading brands of mosaics products, is set to open its first UK showroom in London, which the company sees as the nerve centre of design and luxury, and among the most important market for Made in Italy goods. The location will be in the heart of Mayfair, at 15A Dover Street, the most chic and prestigious neighbour of the English capital. Located in a four-storey Victorian town house, every floor will be shown a different part of Sicis. The concept of the project takes up the points and the guidelines introduced by Massimiliano Raggi for positioning the brand. The showroom will host mosaics in many materials including marble, silver and gold, as well as bi- and tridimensional artistic mosaics, furniture and lights. Sicis will also launch, for first time, new luxury fabrics that recall some of the company’s most iconic mosaic patterns.
Lovell Stone Group Lovell Stone Group, which took over the lease of Hartham Park Bath Stone underground quarry near Bath, England in February, has started to
The Abstract Maze exhibition, conceived by Patrick Norguet for the Lea Ceramiche showroom on Via Durini, Milan, showcases Naive Slimtech in all of its chromatic variety and in its integration with the architectural space. The imposing slabs, cut into irregular shapes and positioned in varying directions and at various heights, create new spatial boundaries. Metal tubes extend from the ceiling to the floor, a ‘weave’ of coloured lines that recalls the pattern of the project and creates a new architectural landscape.
Cosentino The Spanish Cosentino Group, a global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces, hired 685 new employees worldwide in 2015, including more than 200 in Spain. In 2015 Cosentino opened more than 10 Cosentino Centres worldwide, new Cosentino Cities in New York and Milan, and took over a major Canadian distributor. As a results, Cosentino ended the year with over 100 of its own logistics and sales facilities around the world. The group’s estimated consolidated turnover for 2015 was Euro 715 million, 20% up on 2014.
RAK Ceramics An important order for the DHD printers was received from RAK Ceramics, which is installing new DHD inkjet printers, together with the Crono 3.0 colour management
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Eporta, the online trade-only marketplace that connects over 1,000 interior trade buyers to more than 750 global brands - www.eporta.com - has listed the most popular products by category in the first of its quarterly trend reports showing what the interior trade is buying. The data identifies the most popular products sold and searched for by the global customer base and proves that interior designers and trade buyers are above all looking for quality and originality, with colour and pattern both featuring heavily. Eporta was set up in 2014 by Aneeqa Khan, who was previously the strategy director for Zoopla.
Banned toxic substances Further to the discovery that XPS (extruded polystyrene) cored tile backerboards manufactured in China are being produced using banned and toxic substances, subsequent tests have shown that other such boards originating in the country contain these materials, according to a press release issued by a group of the leading European brands. Jackoboard, Marmox and Wedi had previously provided test information to the UK’s Environment Agency regarding the chemicals incorporated in Chinese manufactured XPS boards. These showed that the boards contained blowing agent gases, which are banned in Europe due to their harmful effect on the environment. The boards also incorporated a highly toxic fire retardant at quantities also banned throughout Europe. Recently, Jackoboard, Marmox and Wedi submitted further samples of the boards in question to two leading independent European testing laboratories. The results showed that these boards contained blowing agent gases, which were banned in Europe 14 years ago, and four times the permitted level of toxic fire retardant.