Floor&Wall International 2025 by Edizioni Laboratorio Verde

Investing in the future to rethink interior spaces

Investing in the future means envisioning and designing interior spaces that are not only functional but also capable of adapting to the ever-changing needs of people. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and well-being, interior environments must reflect these values, becoming places where aesthetics, technology, and comfort blend seamlessly.

Rethinking the future of interior spaces involves exploring innovative solutions that utilize eco-friendly materials, natural lighting, and modular design to adapt to diverse uses over time. This approach prioritizes the user, enhancing daily life, whether in a home, office, or public space.

This vision demands investments in research, education, and collaboration among architects, designers, and manufacturers. Only through such efforts can we create spaces that inspire creativity, productivity, and well-being, redefining the concept of interiors as dynamic, living elements. The future of interior spaces is the future of those who inhabit them.

CORP. of TOMORROW CORP. of TOMORROW

CORP. OF TOMORROW

Investing in the future to rethink interior spaces

6 THEME TO BUILD A FUTURE WORTH LIVING iF Design Trend Report

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25 31 37 43

ADESIV

50 years of innovation,quality, and global leadership in adhesives

IMPERTEK

Preparing today for tomorrow’s World

ITALPROFILI

In-depth discussion of environmental issues

MAPEI

The future of Mapei’s resilient line

RAVAIOLI LEGNAMI

Steps to make nowadays, towards a real and concrete sustainability that looks to the future

WOODCO

Statements by Gian Luca Vialardi, CEO of Woodco

FAIRS & MATERIALS

News from the world

To build a future Worth living

IF INTERNATIONAL FORUM DESIGN GMBH, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE FUTURE OF FRANKFURT, HAS ANALYZED DESIGN TRENDS IN AN ERA OF RAPID TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE

We live in a time of rapid change and profound transformations, where business, creativity, technology, nature, and politics converge and interact in unprecedented ways. In this dynamic context, design plays a crucial role, capable of positively influencing these changes and guiding society toward a more sustainable and innovative future.

For the third consecutive year, iF International Forum Design GmbH, in collaboration with The Future of Frankfurt, has published the “iF Design Trend Report 2024.” This report analyzes major design trends in an era of global transformation, offering a holistic vision that encompasses various sectors and disciplines. Through rigorous, interdisciplinary research, the report highlights six key transformations shaping the future of our society: Conscious Economy, Human Digitality, Co-Society, Mindshift Revolution, Glocalization, and Eco Transition.

The “iF Design Trend Report 2024” provides not only a detailed analysis of current trends but also concrete examples of products and services embodying these transformations. Designers and industry experts from around the world have collaborated to offer diverse and in-depth perspectives, creating a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how design can address global challenges and seize emerging opportunities. This article explores some key insights from the report by analyzing the six transformations identified as capable of influencing and guiding design practices toward building a future worth living.

CONSCIOUS ECONOMY

The shift from a production-based economy to a purpose-oriented economy involves reshaping the work environment. Architects and material manufacturers must consider established trends such as the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the emphasis on wellbeing in workplaces.

AI tools can optimize the design of environments and surfaces, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. This includes designing ergonomic offices and creating spaces that cater to new work needs, such as collaborative areas, flexible workspaces, and comfortable environments. Studies show that incorporating natural light, sound-absorbing materials, and quiet zones for focused work, as well as spaces for idea exchange, significantly reduces workplace stress. AI tools accelerate creative processes, generate design options, and manage projects, leaving architects and designers to add the human touch and final creative interpretation. The key is to use AI to optimize work without losing the personal and creative dimension that makes each project unique. Technological advancements make mechanical tools less physically demanding: eliminating cables, reducing weight and noise, and making devices safer and easier to use. XR (extended reality), hologram technology, and voice interfaces enable immersive new work environments.

In this conscious economy, the collective desire for purpose-driven work aligns with innovative technologies offering individuals, organizations, and society the freedom to rethink work and the economy. Employees increasingly view their jobs as integral to personal development, demanding working conditions and environments that sustainably align with a healthy lifestyle. AI enables the automation of repetitive and physically taxing tasks, accelerating creative processes and reshaping the very concept of work.

BEST PRACTICE: THE CAMPUS - 3 Workplace floors and Hall CORE A renovation project addressing the needs of post-COVID-19 hybrid work, redefining how information is disseminated. Reflecting KOKUYO’s values of “empathy and co-creation,” “experiential design,” and “experimental culture,” it establishes a cutting-edge workplace for the hybrid work era.

(KOKUYO Co. Ltd.)

THE SIX TRANSFORMATIONS SHAPING SOCIETY’S FUTURE

While these transformations are linked to megatrends and their longterm effects, they offer a distinct perspective on these changes. They focus on specific social issues that need to be addressed and the human needs associated with them.

While little can be done to change the overall direction of megatrends like demographic shifts or urbanization, these transformations provide some leverage to tackle megatrend challenges:

Conscious Economy: design that reshapes work

Human Digitality: design that humanizes technology

Co-Society: design that enhances public spaces

Mindshift Revolution: design that supports a new era of well-being Glocalization: design that connects global and local

Eco Transition: design that promotes climate transition

HUMAN DIGITALITY

“Human Digitality” represents a crucial transformation in the relationship between technology and individuals, placing humans at the center of a hyper-connected world.

This innovative approach challenges designers to create new forms of interaction between humans and machines, leveraging voice interfaces, gesture controls, and emotion recognition. “AI Companions” offer creative and emotional support, serving as coaches and learning assistants, adapting to each user’s level. They are used in service interfaces and brand marketing strategies.

After years of digital transformation, communicative complexity has generated both benefits and insecurities. “Human Digitality” seeks to rebalance this dynamic, promoting responsible and empowering digital competence. Designers must navigate challenges such as AI Companion aesthetics and stereotype management in humanoid interfaces. Personalized interactions can create emotional dependency, necessitating careful evaluation. Opportunities include innovations in voice assistance and emotion recognition, making devices everyday companions. Humanized interactions with AI strengthen ties to devices and brands, delivering increasingly personalized and engaging experiences.

Emotion recognition market

Source: mordorintelligence.com 2023

Source: iF Design Trend Report

“Brands are increasingly creating shared spaces, fostering communities and events. Such spaces can hold significant cultural value, filling a public void”

Patrizio Cionfoli DIRECTOR OF DESIGN AND INTERACTION, STUDIO VOLPI, ITALY

CO-SOCIETY

Design is emerging as a transformative force to bridge social divides and build a “Co-Society” through inclusive participation. Co-Design, in particular, plays a crucial role when design directly impacts people’s daily lives, such as public spaces and urban infrastructure. The design of neighborhoods and landscapes not only reshapes our environment but also significantly influences quality of life and community belonging.

Cities like New York and Hamburg illustrate how Co-Design can address social and urban challenges. For example, New York leverages Co-Design to combat poverty and discrimination by directly involving residents in the design process. Hamburg has developed the DIPAS tool, enabling citizens to provide feedback on urban planning projects through digital platforms.

These approaches demonstrate that participatory design not only makes user interfaces more intuitive and accessible but also enhances administrative processes. This enables government agencies to respond more swiftly and sensitively to community needs, creating cities that are more inclusive and livable for all.

BEST PRACTICE: Project INKlusion

Samsung, in collaboration with diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders and over 500 internal employees, developed an Inclusive Design Strategy and Guide to empower designers’ creative potential. They reimagined the design process, resulting in ‘INKlusion,’ a visual metaphor of ink that encourages designers to view inclusivity as a creative opportunity, adding vibrancy to their mindset.

MINDSHIFT REVOLUTION

Digital communication and social media enable us to understand the world like never before, democratizing information sharing through posts, reports, and experiences. This exposes us to diverse opinions and realities. The Mindshift Revolution represents a social, moral, and spiritual change, urging companies to understand their audiences and adopt innovative approaches to design aligned with evolving worldviews.

Social media exposes structural discrimination and inequality, and design actively reshapes social structures by promoting diversity and inclusivity in products and services. The Mindshift Revolution is changing how brands act, requiring the authentic integration of corporate values across all aspects of an organization.

Studies show that diversity and inclusion not only improve society but also provide economic benefits. Diverse teams achieve better results and are more resilient in crises. Equitable participation structures strengthen social cohesion, and projects integrating diverse perspectives tackle complex problems more effectively. Bhutan, which has measured Gross National Happiness since 1990, exemplifies how material, ideological, and spiritual well-being can be strong progress indicators.

The Mindshift Revolution invites us to consider a “Design for Happiness,” where the goal is not merely to meet consumption needs but to contribute to the happiness and satisfaction of all Earth’s inhabitants. It imagines a world where design promotes well-being for all, fostering a more just and joyful society.

Source: Kotler/Sarkar 2017

While structural transformation processes are at the forefront of Co-Society, the Mindshift Revolution focuses on ideological change

Wheel of Privilege

Source: ccrweb.ca

BEST PRACTICE: Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s has developed a progressive, non-partisan mission aimed at meeting human needs and addressing injustices in local, national, and international communities. This mission is integrated into the company’s daily activities. The “Change is Brewing” campaign exemplifies their ongoing commitment to racial justice, urging the country to divest from an ineffective criminal legal system and invest resources into services that help communities thrive.

GLOCALIZATION

Glocalization, the integration of the “local” into the “global,” opens new and exciting opportunities. Multinational companies, blending local knowledge with global expertise, tackle global challenges with regionally tailored solutions. While globalization has its limits—such as localized risks stemming from global crises—counter-movements emphasize local values, marking the rise of glocalization.

This paradigm shift highlights hyper-glocal branding, driven by AI and real-time data integration, revolutionizing how brands connect with their audiences. Imagine a world where advertisements and product offerings dynamically adapt to real-time insights, seamlessly blending into the fabric of local communities.

Hyper-glocal branding goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating genuine connections. Brands actively participate in neighborhood events, support local causes, and collaborate with artists and influencers to craft meaningful experiences that resonate deeply with their audience.

MIGRATION, DESIGN, AND SOCIETY

Migration and globalization are deeply interconnected. People migrate for various reasons, crossing regional and federal borders, importing and exporting ideas and values. Three forms of migration are particularly relevant to design:

Forced Migration: Leaving one’s country due to armed conflict, economic or social deprivation, or ecological crises. Migrants bring cultures, experiences, and needs that influence design, driving innovative solutions to humanitarian challenges.

New Nomadism: This trend involves elite knowledge workers sought globally. Their lifestyle demands flexible workspaces, virtual collaboration tools, and mobility-enhancing products.

Transformative Travel: Travelers seek deeper resonance with their destinations, blending local customs and sustainable design to create authentic and meaningful experiences.

In all its forms, migration profoundly impacts design and society, fostering diverse ideas and innovations that address the needs of a globalized, interconnected world.

Source: Dumitrescu/Vinerean 2010

ECO TRANSITION

The report examines the transition to a holistic eco-systemic society, emphasizing decarbonization, climate adaptation, and regeneration as pillars of sustainable design. Regenerative design restores ecosystems through projects like urban green spaces and sustainable housing, aligning human needs with environmental goals.

However, the Eco Transition demands profound restructuring—from energy production to manufacturing, logistics, and sales— requiring significant investment from businesses and governments. Designers are central to this transformation, acquiring new skills to adapt products to novel production methods and alternative materials. Product design is pivotal in the circular economy, influencing materials and their combinations. Biodesign and living materials, such as plants and algae, represent a significant shift in our relationship with nature, promoting coexistence and interdependence.

Future innovation requires moving beyond an anthropocentric approach, appreciating interdependencies between humans, nature, society, technology, and the environment as a foundation for progress. Ecological Design Thinking, emphasizing our symbiotic relationship with the world, could be a valuable tool in this context.

BEST PRACTICE: Mogu

Mogu has conducted extensive research into mycelium-based technologies across various sectors, producing materials ranging from soft and spongy to dense and durable. Leveraging their aesthetic potential, Mogu has introduced the first commercial mycelium-based products for interior design applications, marking a milestone in sustainable innovation.

SUPPORTING AND MONITORING PROGRESS

The iF Design report clearly shows that design is evolving towards a promising future. It is no longer just about aesthetics but a discipline blending economics, technology, society, and environment. Innovation and sustainability are taking center stage, with Artificial Intelligence emerging as a critical ally in this evolution. However, this path is fraught with challenges: as science fiction films often remind us, AI is powerful enough to require careful management to avoid potential pitfalls. As design and AI continue to advance, it is crucial to foster debate and regulation to navigate this complex terrain.

In closing, design has the potential to lead us towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future. To achieve this desired change, we must support design progress while carefully managing artificial intelligence. all images and infographics from ifdesign.com

Source: Sanchez Ruano 2019

Symbiotic Design Process

ADESIV

“Wooden flooring is an investment designed to last a lifetime, and as such must be treated with the utmost care and respect”

50 years of innovation,quality, and global leadership in A dhesives

Since 1971 Adesiv has been producing industrial adhesives for the construction, footwear and paper industries. The company has been making adhesives for 40 years, and the most exciting challenge is improving day after day. Its evolution and strategic choices have always been based on a very clear mission and objectives: quality products, quality customer care and respect for the environment. From 1971 up to the present, thanks to the investments in the Research and Development and to the implementation of a technologically advanced system for the production of raw materials, Adesiv has never stopped growing.

Choosing Adesiv means choosing a company with a global, forward-looking vision, with a guarantee of consistent quality. The company has taken its brand name to 45 countries worldwide and has taken a leading position on the reference markets, above all for products for laying, finishing and maintaining wooden floors. Today Adesiv is able to offer a wide range of customised solutions, aware that wooden flooring is an investment designed to last a lifetime, and as such must be treated with the utmost care and respect

Expanding global reach through innovation, quality, and strategic growth

For many years now, Adesiv has been working on the development of overseas markets, which today account for 65% of the company’s annual turnover. The number of foreign customers has grown as a result of the company’s presence at the main trade fairs in the sector and the constant efforts of the sales force at events (meetings and presentations of product ranges) held both in our offices and at our main European distributors and other locations. Another factor that has contributed to our international growth and visibility is our continual investment in machinery for quality control and the expansion of the production areas in the two factories. The more customers we have, the more space we require for production, which currently occupies 15,000 square metres.

Enrico Passerini Filippo Dal Ponte

THE C ONSTRUCTION SITE OF WORK

Adesiv took part in the renovation of an old historical building in the city of Augsburg in Germany. This building, a monument in the city was originally a convent, and later became a meeting place for the city’s middle-class students.

The floor, measuring over 800 square metres, was covered with solid Slavonian oak boards, glued to the concrete subfloor using our bicomponent adhesive PELPREN PL6. The base was treated for rising damp with our WB primer. To maintain the historical appearance, a warm shade was used of our PAVIOLIO WB 25. Augsburg, Germany.

& Floor Wall

IMPERTEK

“The company is committed daily to laying the foundations for a conscious and strategic use of AI, always with an eye on sustainability and collective well-being”

Preparing today for t omorrow’s World

Conscious economy and ecological transition

Impertek has always been at the forefront of promoting sustainability. The products of the Pedestal Line range are made from recycled materials and designed to be recyclable, embodying the principles of a circular economy that reduces waste and enhances resources. The ISO 9001 Certificate and FDES Certification further testify to this commitment, as does the work of the Research & Development division, constantly focused on finding alternative raw materials to traditional plastics that respect the environment without compromising quality. On the production side, the renewal of the press fleet and the daily monitoring of energy consumption represent a decisive step towards what the company calls its “Green Revolution”.

Human-centric digitalization and industrial automation

Technological innovation at Impertek is not a novelty introduced by AI but a philosophy that has guided the company for years. The continuous development of industrial automation has optimized production processes while improving the quality of working life. The introduction of advanced machinery has lightened the physical workload in production and warehouse departments, allowing employees to focus on quality control and timely responses to customer requests. This technology has significantly improved order management, enabling operators to concentrate on fulfilling orders more effectively.

Mindshift and glocalization

Changing mindsets is a crucial challenge, and Impertek tackles it with a global vision in values and local actions. The renovation of workspaces and the adoption of innovative tools aim to foster collaboration and employee well-being, reflecting a concrete commitment to an inclusive and sustainable corporate culture.

Impertek’s vision

Artificial intelligence represents an extraordinary opportunity for businesses, but its true potential can only be unlocked when it is fuelled by solid and well-structured data. At Impertek, this concept is a concrete reality. The company is committed daily to laying the foundations for a conscious and strategic use of AI, always with an eye on sustainability and collective well-being. Impertek’s vision is based on the idea that the combination of industrial automation, sustainability, and the centrality of human capital can generate balanced and conscious growth. In this context, artificial intelligence is not an end but a valuable tool to achieve ambitious goals, looking far ahead without ever losing sight of the value of the individual.

CASA DEI R ACCONTI

AN ECO-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR PATIO WITH IMPERTEK’S DECKOFIX SUPPORT

Hidden among fields and vineyards in a bright and peaceful setting, Casa dei Racconti is a small country relais located just a few kilometers away from Venice and Treviso. The property, converted from an early 20th century country house, features six rooms, a kitchen that offers dishes from the local cuisine and an elegant outdoor infinity pool, providing guests with a serene and relaxing experience.

The project involved the construction of a 125-square-meter outdoor patio near the pool: a space designed for moments of relaxation as well as for hosting parties and events. During the planning phase, the need for a safe, quick, and easy-to-install structure was combined with the desire to use environmentally friendly materials. For this reason, traditional methods such as concrete were replaced with Impertek’s Deckofix supports, which are: made entirely from recycled materials, easily removable without causing negative impacts on the soil and ideal

for allowing rainwater to drain naturally into the ground, preserving the ecosystem and promoting the health of the surrounding trees and plants. Deckofix supports are installed directly on the ground, ensuring the perfect flatness of the floor thanks to its levelling head. With a load-bearing capacity of 800 kg, they can be adjusted in height from 35 to 250 mm and feature a screw system for reaching depths of up to 70 cm. For the patio’s construction, 120 Deckofix elements were installed, along with substructures made of laminated timber joist and fir. Enhanced stability and resistance were achieved with an aluminum joist substructure, before the final installation of natural wood planks.

WWW.IMPERTEK.COM

IMAGINE HAVING MORE TIME

to spend in your favourite leisure activity.

ITALPROFILI

“Sustainability is a responsibility. Our aim is to promote a conscious economic model, which puts quality and the environment at the centre”

In-depth discussion of e nvironmental issues

Italprofili: our commitment to the environment and to the future

We have been working in the building industry for over 40 years, but what sets us apart is our constant attention to the environment. Green has always been an integral part of our identity, and today more than ever we want to intensify this link by adopting innovative solutions that combine excellence in production and sustainability.

Every day we choose the future

Every day we respect the environment, choosing recyclable and eco-friendly raw materials for our products. We use high quality, non-polluting and fully recyclable polymers that allow us to reduce waste and promote a production cycle in line with the principles of the circular economy.

Our photovoltaic system

For us, talking about sustainability means acting concretely. This year we took an important step forward by installing a last generation photovoltaic system at our production plant. This investment has enabled us to:

• Reduce CO emissions by 87,000 kg each year, in this way we actively contributing to a cleaner environment.

• The reduction in emissions equals to 125 trees planted each year, this is a symbol of our connection with nature.

Thanks to this choice, we have optimized the use of energy in our production chain, diversifying energy sources and making our processes more efficient and sustainable.

Looking to the future with responsibility

For us, sustainability is not just a choice, but a responsibility. We are determined to continue on this path, pursuing green certifications and constantly improving our production processes. Our aim is to promote a conscious economic model, which puts quality and the environment at the centre.

With Italprofili, innovation and nature go together, because we believe in building that not only builds buildings, but also a better future for all.

VILLA E UGENIA

AN EXCLUSIVE PROJECT IN JESOLO LIDO WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR A SWIMMING POOL ON THE ROOFTOP

For the rooftop with swimming pool and solarium of the hotel Villa Eugenia in Jesolo Lido, an important elevation has been built that holds the pool. The decking of the solarium has been designed to be perfectly integrated with the level of the pool, thanks to a raised floor placed on a joist substructure supported by adjustable self-levelling paving supports Special Evolve Joist from Italprofili.

This configuration ensures visual and functional continuity, hiding under the decking the pool service equipment, which can be easily inspected. The Special Evolve paving supports, made of recyclable and non-polluting materials, are distinguished by the self-levelling system that compensates for slopes up to 5% and for the wide range of heights, from 20 to 1,030 mm.

Easy and quick to adjust, thanks to the regulating key or the simple rotation of the base, thanks to the new Locking Head system.

Italprofili is confirmed as an ideal partner for innovative and sustainable architectural solutions.

SHAPES THAT INSPIRE

LEAF-PLAT is the new laying system made in Italproﬁli for raised ﬂoors for exteriors. Easy and quick to install, it guarantees resistance over time and allows a better distribution of the loads. It is ideal for the construction of terraces, pool edges and outdoors.

LEAF-PLAT is designed for maximum freedom of installation, in fact it allows to create unique designs combining ﬁnishes of different formats and materials.

- Great freedom of design

- Quick and simple installation

- Increased stability even on high ﬂoors

- Resistance and durability over time

- Protection in the event of tile breakage

- Improved load distribution

SYNTHETIC GRASS TILES

MAPEI

“We focuses on innovation and sustainability, developing versatile, high-performance products that meet modern needs and minimize environmental impact”

Innovation and sustainability: the f uture of Mapei’s resilient line

Mapei completes its range of products for substrate preparation. Advanced strategies and solutions to meet the industry challenges and anticipate the needs of designers and customers.

Mapei looks to the future with an approach focused on innovation, sustainability, and the creation of versatile and high-performance solutions. The company’s strategy is based on careful attention to market needs and constant dialogue with designers, architects, and industry operators. In recent years, the focus has been on developing products that address contemporary challenges, such as the need for quick interventions and materials respecting the environment. Mapei offers the widest range of products for creating and levelling substrates, capable of providing the right mechanical strength, acoustic insulation products, adhesives, and systems for laying all types of flooring. A real example of Mapei’s commitment to innovation is the introduction of two new anhydrite-based self-levelling compounds, Planitex S and Planitex L, specifically designed for the creation of unbonded screeds or the smoothing over existing bonded cementitious, anhydrite, or concrete screeds before laying ceramic, natural stone, resilient, prefinished wood, and raised floors. Thanks to their excellent thermal conductivity, they are also ideal for filling heating and cooling systems.

New solutions

Planitex S is designed for thicknesses between 0.5 and 5 cm and is perfect for filling low thermal inertia (or low thickness) heating-cooling systems and creating unbonded screeds or smoothing over existing bonded cementitious, anhydrite, or concrete screeds. Planitex L is designed for thicknesses between 3 and 7 cm and is particularly suitable for filling traditional low thermal inertia heating-cooling systems and is ideal for creating unbonded screeds. The Planitex range represents a versatile and practical solution. These products can be easily applied with both electric mixers for small interventions and plastering machines for larger jobs, always ensuring a quality result. Planitex S and Planitex L are particularly suitable for any design requirement, from new construction to renovation.

Innovation and sustainability at the heart

Mapei’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in materials that combine high technical performance and a reduced environmental impact. All Mapei systems are designed to meet the demands of modern construction sites. This feature is particularly appreciated in a competitive market where speed and precision are essential.

Collaboration and technical support

At the heart of Mapei’s philosophy is a collaborative relationship with designers and clients. Thanks to tools like the Mapei PRO platform, the company offers personalised support at every stage of the project, from initial consultation to on-site implementation. Professionals can therefore rely on a reliable partner capable of responding promptly to the most complex design challenges. With the introduction of the Planitex line, Mapei completes its range of products for substrate preparation and confirms itself as a leader in innovation and sustainability, anticipating the needs of a constantly evolving market. Thanks to an integrated vision and unparalleled technical expertise, the company continues to offer cutting-edge solutions for modern, dynamic, and sustainable construction.

LVT F LOORS FOR EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE

A CREATIVE SOLUTION ENSURING HIGH PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY

Choosing LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) flooring in private homes is becoming more and more common thanks also to the wide range of finishes available on the market that create the effect of other materials, such as stone, cement or wood. The availability of different formats also encourages the use of this type of material to create surfaces with a high aesthetic impact while, at the same time, being functional and practical and offering high-performance characteristics. For residential settings LVT offers numerous solutions and allows homeowners and designers the chance to express their creativity to the full, while at the same time guaranteeing excellent performance in terms of resistance and durability.

A complete system

It is no coincidence that the owners of a detached house in Northern Germany decided to go with LVT flooring to create interiors characterised by creativity that would embody their own personal style. This solution was, in fact, adopted for most of the rooms, with LVT flooring installed in the lounge, study, kitchen, corridors, on the stairs and in the bedrooms and toilettes.

The LVT protection layer at the top was 0.3 mm thick, particularly suitable for residential use, with a wood-effect finish to give the various rooms a sensation of warmth and comfort.

In this project, the main challenge was the need to cut some sections of flooring directly on site prior to installation, particularly in correspondence with the areas where the various LVT elements cross one another. Mapei was able to propose a system that ensured installation of the LVT flooring would be reliable and durable.

The first phase of the work was to treat the substrates with ECO PRIM T PRO, a multi-purpose acrylic primer that can be applied on absorbent substrates and ceramic tiles. The next step was to apply ULTRAPLAN XTRA, ultra-fast drying self-levelling compound, to eliminate any differences in thickness and to make the substrates suitable to receive the LVT flooring after a very short time.

On the upper floor, substrates consisting of OSB (Oriented Strand Board) panels were instead levelled with PLANITEX FAST, a product distributed on the German market by Mapei GmbH.

The LVT flooring was then bonded with ULTRABOND ECO V4 EVOLUTION, a universal adhesive with fast, high initial tack and extended open time. Thanks to its characteristics it is suitable for installing LVT modular elements and mosaics. Apart from being very easy to apply, it guarantees excellent adhesion, good dimensional stability and high mechanical characteristics, including in areas exposed to castor wheels according to European standard EN 12529.

This complete system by Mapei enabled flooring to be installed to perfection in all the rooms in the house, including in the kitchen where surfaces in LVT are easy to clean and take care of, and in the toilettes, for which LVT with a faux-ceramic effect was chosen.

What is more, the system proposed by Mapei is a sustainable solution because all the products used have very low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and are certified, therefore, EMICODE EC1Plus by GEV, the German Association for installation materials with controlled emissions, as well as carrying the Blauer Engel mark, an eco-sustainability symbol widely used in Germany. Companies / Mapei

SEMINARE E COLTIVARE COMUNICAZIONE TO PLANT AND NURTURE COMMUNICATION

RAVAIOLI LEGNAMI

“The company looks to the future with a global perspective, by adopting sustainable solutions that combine the quality of the products to the care for the environment”

Steps to make nowadays, towards a real and concrete S ustainability that looks to the future

Angelo Bagnari

titolare Ravaioli Legnami

The ecological transition is a responsibility that Ravaioli Legnami has taken as a goal by combining innovation – result of technological research – and tradition, that is the founding base of its past from which to constantly find inspiration. Being rooted in the Italian territory with a long history in the wood business, the company looks to the future with a global perspective, by adopting sustainable solutions that combine the quality of the products to the care for the environment.

“We have ISO 50001 Energy Certification – explains Angelo Bagnari, owner and export manager of Ravaioli – for a couple of years, an international standard that represents a tool for general optimisation of the company resources with positive outcomes in the environmental field. And it is in this perspective that a 466.14 kW photovoltaic plant has been installed at the headquarter in Villanova di Bagnacavallo (Ravenna). The purpose is to tangibly contain the ecological footprint for every process: “In 2025 the company – continues Angelo Bagnari – will obtain other certifications related to quality, sustainability and circular economy, to strengthen our role in the business of wood and materials alternative and complementary to it”.

The constant attention to the clients’ needs and to the environment brings Ravaioli on a virtuous path: from the careful choice of raw materials to storage, from production lines to distribution and post-sale assistance. “Today our company exports Ravaioli Legnami-branded products in the world: from all Europe to Asia, until North Africa and the Middle East. And it does so by combining local roots and international view, tradition and innovation, to build a more sustainable future. What we offer – says again Angelo Bagnari – are solutions made with materials from forests managed sustainably and from cultivations that keep the world’s future in mind. Among these are bamboo-based products, the ultimate natural and renewable resource that offers high technical and aesthetical performances”.

D IMORA DEI LARI

ELEGANCE, BEAUTY AND SUSTAINABILITY: BAMBOO

ELEGANCE BY RAVAIOLI LEGNAMI AT THE GULF OF NAPLES

The Gulf of Naples gives a feeling of beauty like few other places in the world. Here in Bacoli stands Dimora dei Lari, a place of hospitality where elegance, sophistication, excellence and care for details match a unique view. In a place such as this, Bamboo Elegance by Ravaioli profiled with concealed milling and installed with steel clips fits perfectly and completes architect A. Falconio’s project.

Bamboo Elegance is the ageless decking by Ravaioli, with its naturally greyish effect, resulting from an exclusive production process: an original finishing for a product of exceptional hardness and dimensional stability that needs no maintenance.

Bamboo Elegance is guaranteed 25 years, it is made of a sustainable material such as bamboo, which grows very rapidly and is CO2 neutral throughout its production cycle.

In the photographs: Dimora dei Lari, Bacoli (NA) project: arch. A. Falconio photo: Tiesse Digital material: Bamboo Elegance with concealed milling

Ravaioli Bamboo Elegance.

Ravaioli Legnami:

WOODCO

“Parquet

embodies sustainability’s cradle-to-cradle approach: crafted from renewable wood, it can be restored and recycled, ensuring ongoing use and easy disposal”

Statements by Gian Luca Vialardi

CEO of Woodco

On the Arrow format

Arrow is a slat with extraordinary creative potential, ideal for those seeking a solution that combines aesthetics, versatility, and customization. Thanks to its very small and compact format—yet light and elegant at the same time—it serves as a creative canvas for architects and designers. It offers the opportunity to bring to life new geometries and compositions, characterized by a multitude of facets, remarkable dynamism, and strong visual impact. Arrow allows every floor to be transformed into a unique and original work of art, making it the perfect choice for those who wish to explore new boundaries in interior design.

On the relationship between Woodco – Design – Customization

Woodco is much more than a parquet company: we are also a creative partner for the world of design. Each of our collections is born from a passion for wood and a keen awareness of current trends, always prioritizing living quality, a constant we cannot compromise on.

To support architects and design professionals, we have developed a dedicated design assistance service, aimed at meeting the needs of those requiring customized solutions. We offer our expertise not only from a technical perspective but also in terms of interior design: our floors can be personalized in terms of colors, treatments, and surface finishes, effectively addressing diverse aesthetic and stylistic needs.

For the most refined and bold projects, our team of skilled artisans intervenes manually, shaping the raw material to truly reflect the ideas and visions of design professionals. The collaboration between designers and artisans is at the core of Woodco’s customization: a creative dialogue that allows surfaces to take shape as true works of art.

Woodco and Sustainability

Sustainability today is an essential standard, a principle that must guide every production and design choice. Its highest expression, in my view, intertwines with the concepts of durability and circularity: every material good should be regarded as a precious resource, designed to last over time and to be part of a virtuous cycle of continuous use and reuse. Regeneration is likely the key concept of sustainability, and parquet is somewhat the emblem of this “cradle-to-cradle” process: a wooden floor is not only crafted from a natural, renewable raw material but also retains its charm for years, as it can be restored to its original beauty with a simple sanding, entering a continuous reuse cycle. Moreover, once it reaches the end of its life, it is easily disposable and fully recyclable.

At Woodco, we have chosen to make sustainability not just a value but a tangible practice. In recent years, we have focused on using European-sourced wood, but that’s not all: we have also ensured that production and processing take place strictly in Europe. Our parquet production site is located within the Slavonian forests, a territory rich in biodiversity and renowned for the quality of its raw materials. This ensures both direct control over the entire supply chain and a reduction in the distances between production and processing locations, consequently lowering CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the FSC and PEFC certifications testify to our commitment, ensuring that the procurement of raw materials always complies with forest responsibility standards, protecting biodiversity and future generations.

OF LIGHT AND S HADOW

AN AUSTERE AND RIGOROUS LEXICON, A LIGHTING DESIGN INSPIRED BY MUSEUM AESTHETICS, AND A WOODEN FLOOR BY WOODCO WITH MAGNETIC REGULARITY: IN ALTAMURA, BARI, THE ARCHITECTURE FIRM GIORDANO&PARTNERS RENOVATES AN APARTMENT, EMBRACING A NOIR-STYLE NARRATIVE

An abode that makes chiaroscuro a design feature, crafting a narrative where volumes, materials, and textures shape a perfect balance of contrasts: in Altamura, in the province of Bari, the architecture firm Giordano&Partners has recently completed an apartment that evokes the evocative and immersive atmospheres of film noir.

A perfect synthesis between theatrical staging and urban residence, the home unfolds on a single level and is defined by a selection of carefully chosen furnishings, enhanced by a lighting design reminiscent of exhibition and museum spaces. In the spacious living room, for instance, a track lighting system illuminates precise and well-defined areas: the sofa peninsula, the wall designated for the television, and two metal stools used as side tables. In the kitchen, small LED strips highlight the contents of the shelves, while in the bedroom, two slender cones of light illuminate only the bedside tables, leaving the rest in total darkness.

The intention to play with strong contrasts of light and shadow, lending a calculated dramatic flair to the interiors, is evident in the choice to juxtapose dark-colored furnishings with lighter wall finishes—though never white. The theatrical stage where this dualism of light and shadow comes to life is the exquisite wooden flooring by Woodco. Customized specifically to meet the project’s demands—seeking a surface in caramel tones, in stark contrast with the noir atmospheres of the interiors—the parquet was crafted in the Cognac Oak color, exceptionally offered in the Arrow format, typically not available in the standard catalog.

freely combinable to create patterns, designs, and compositions marked by a multitude of facets, as each element is never identical to another—except in size.

“We were looking for an unusual floor,” comments the Giordano&Partners studio, “one capable of emphasizing the apartment’s exposure, which benefits from natural light on all four sides. Since sunlight streams in from every direction, we wanted a three-dimensional surface that could come to life from every angle. When we discovered that with Arrow by Woodco we could create quadrotte (square patterns), we knew we had found the right solution: on one hand, the slats energize the color, expressing it in infinite nuances, while on the other, the staggered arrangement of the quadrotte reflects light in ever-changing ways, creating dramatic chiaroscuro effects that perfectly embody the interiors’ personality.”

The result is a parquet with magnetic regularity; a surface with such a strong character that it acts, like a true stage, supporting the evocative spectacle brought to life by the furnishings and finishes.

The wooden floor

A precious tool for interior designers, Arrow is an exclusive parquet format by Woodco. It consists of small slats measuring 45 x 450 x 14 mm,

DOMOTEX /Asia

SHANGHAI - FROM MAY 26 TO 28, 2025

The 27th edition of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR will take place in Shanghai from May 26 to 28, 2025, showcasing the latest developments and trends in the flooring industry and offering a wealth of business opportunities in the Asian markets. As the largest dedicated gathering of the international flooring community in 2025, this is a must-attend event for flooring professionals seeking cutting-edge products and new business development opportunities. Buyers of all types of carpets and flooring can enjoy free access by registering online.

What to expect from DOMOTEX asia /CHINAFLOOR 2025

More than 1600 exhibitors are expected to exhibit across 7 dedicated halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC – Hongqiao). Hard flooring, the largest segment of the event, will occupy four halls, featuring a variety of resilient, wood, laminate, cork and bamboo flooring, alongside outdoor decking and sport flooring. FLOORTECH Asia, in one dedicated hall, will focus on the entire hard flooring supply chain, including raw materials, machinery, accessories, coating, installation technologies, testing and certification, and more. World leading companies such as Swisskrono, CFL, Eletile (HMTX), Unilin Technologies, Valinge, i4F, LX Hausys, Daejin, KDF, KTE, Yousung, Power Dekor, Kingdom Flooring, Novalis, Adesiv, AICA, Azumi, BONA, ExxonMobil, Wintersteiger will showcase their latest innovations in these halls. Carpet, known as the heart of DOMOTEX asia, will occupy two halls, covering the entire carpet supply chain and offering a wide range of finished products. Renowned international and Chinese carpet brands such as Bikaner, Bulckaert, Dongsheng, Elite, Haima, Home Value, Kingtex, Paulig, Ruixin, Standard Carpets, Shree Mahesh, Voxfloor will bring to the audience everything, from hand made to machine-made carpets, catering to all residential and commercial needs. At the same time, leading brands such as Groz-Beckert, Freudenberg, Staubli, Trutzschler, Universal Fibers, Vandewiele, Zimmer will showcase solutions for the carpet production supply chain.

A growing global impact

In its 2024 edition, held last May, DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR welcome 83,850 professional visitors from 117 different countries, marking a 25% increase in international visitors compared to the previous year. The total number of 17,923 international attendees surpassed the previous record set in the 2019 edition, establishing the event as more global than ever. The 2025 edition is set to achieve another milestone in international participation.

Industry insights

According to research, the Asia Pacific flooring market was valued at USD 127.56 billion in 2023, accounting for 45.9% of the total global revenue share. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2024 to 2030, outpacing the projected global average CAGR of 5.4%. China remains the dominant market, contributing 36.4% of the regional revenue share in 2023 and forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030, exceeding the average growth rate in the Asia Pacific region.

(Source: Grand View Research)

Flanders Flooring Days

KORTRIJK - FROM JUNE 02 TO 05, 2025

WWW.FLANDERSFLOORINGDAYS.COM

Flanders Flooring Days, the premier gathering for professionals in the flooring sector, is set to take place from June 2-5, 2025, at The Hub in Kortrijk Xpo. This year’s event, now in its fourth edition, emphasizes sustainability, reflecting the growing importance of eco-friendly practices in flooring and textiles. Attendees, including manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and prescribers from over 78 countries, will explore the latest trends in both hard and soft flooring, textile floor coverings, and finishing techniques.

Highlighting the event are two innovative projects: CISUFLO and Living Lab Carpet, both showcasing the future possibilities in sustainable flooring. CISUFLO, or Circular Sustainable Floor Coverings, is an initiative aimed at enhancing the circular economy within the flooring industry. Supported by the European Green Deal, which targets a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, CISUFLO focuses on extending the life cycle of carpet, vinyl, and laminate through recycling and new manufacturing techniques. The project features a smart product information system, ePRODIS, allowing for the traceability of flooring products to assess their sustainability.

On the other hand, Living Lab Carpet addresses the issue of carpet waste in Belgium, where annually, 1,200 tonnes of carpet end up in landfills. The project seeks to extend the life of carpets

through innovative reuse, repair, and renovation strategies. By examining the lifecycle of discarded carpets and implementing new business models and logistics solutions, Living Lab Carpet aims to reduce environmental impact and resource consumption significantly.

Both projects are part of a broader vision shared by Centexbel, the Belgian textile and plastics research center. Centexbel will be present at the fair, sharing insights and advancements in sustainable flooring and textile technologies through their booth and a series of engaging seminars.

For those interested in participating or learning more about these pioneering sustainability efforts, Flanders Flooring Days offers a unique platform to connect with industry leaders and experts. Visitors can also contribute their expertise by booking a booth at The Hub. With its focus on sustainability and innovation, Flanders Flooring Days promises to be a crucial event for anyone invested in the future of the flooring industry.

Salone del Mobile

MILANO - FROM APRIL 08 TO 13, 2025

WWW.SALONEMILANO.IT/EN

The 63rd edition of the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, scheduled for April 8-13, 2025, at Rho Fiera in Milan, continues to be a pivotal event in the design industry calendar. Known for its wide range of expressive and innovative furniture, this edition emphasizes sustainable excellence and emotional engagement, offering a platform for industry leaders and brands to showcase their latest advancements. This event not only serves as a meeting ground for design professionals but also acts as a laboratory for experimentation and cross-industry integration, fostering discussions about design and project culture.

Adding to the 2025 edition’s allure is the launch of major site-specific projects and the first edition of The Euroluce International Lighting Forum. This forum will feature two days of conferences, round tables, and workshops, aiming to enrich the Euroluce experience with discussions on key themes and new visions in lighting. Notable speakers include DRIFT, A.J. Weissbard, Marjan van Aubel, and Kaoru Mende.

A highlight of the cultural program is “Mother,” a comprehensive work by Robert Wilson in collaboration with the Milan City Council’s Culture department, showcased at the Pietà Rondanini Museum – Castello Sforzesco. This installation pays tribute to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, engaging with the Stabat Mater by Arvo Pärt in a dramatic dialogue. It represents an intense vision of reusing light to merge sound, images, and movement, reflecting Wilson’s unique creative language. This event is part of a broader initiative to engage with Milan Art Week and further develop cultural and business dialogues.

The Salone del Mobile’s ongoing commitment to promoting growth and development within the design sector is encapsulated in the 2025 campaign “Thought for Humans” by Dentsu Creative Italy. This initiative continues exploring the boundaries of artificial intelligence in design, supported by the visual research of New York photographer Bill Durgin, focusing on the human body, space, and material.

Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, emphasizes the Salone’s role in fostering intercultural dialogues and illuminating Milan as a design capital. The fair not only showcases the latest innovations but also serves as a reflection on the future of living and design challenges. Claudio Feltrin, President of FederlegnoArredo, highlights the importance of the Salone for international business expansion, especially in promoting Italian design and innovation on a global scale.

This edition promises to be an impactful event, already anticipated to be sold out, demonstrating the Salone’s vital role in shaping global design trends and fostering an international dialogue on creative and sustainable future living environments.

WHAT’S NEW from Materially

FROM BIOPHILIC DESIGN TO RECYCLED MATERIALS, THE WALL SURFACE INDUSTRY IS TRANSFORMING, DRIVEN BY SUSTAINABILITY AND ENHANCED PERFORMANCE WITHOUT SACRIFICING AESTHETIC INNOVATION

Traditional solutions include wallpapers made of paper, with or without non-woven fabric backing, which can be improved for better resistance. Organoid products exemplify this innovation with natural materials that retain original scents, aligning with biophilic design principles. Paper Factor introduces another innovative product with decorative panels made from 100% recycled paper and cardboards mixed with PetroFree™ natural resin and natural pigments, offering durability, reusability, and aesthetic appeal through 3D surface effects.

In the realm of fabric coverings, Glamora’s GlamPure stands out with its non-woven fabric made from pure European linen and viscose, boasting FSC and Oeko-Tex certifications. It uses Greenguard Gold standard inks and offers excellent thermal insulation properties, making it suitable for bioarchitecture in residential and hospitality settings. Conversely, Carnegie Fabrics has developed a new version of its Xorel material from bio-based polyester derived from sugarcane, emphasizing sustainability.

PVC often faces sustainability concerns; however, some companies have managed to produce vinyl materials with lower environmental impacts. For example, 3M’s polyolefin-based self-adhesive films for architecture, suitable for LEED credits, and Inpro’s G2 BioBlend®, a protective covering for doors and walls made from Cradle-to-Cradle™ Bronze certified PLA and PETG, highlight advances in material composition.

Composite materials provide innovative solutions by blending different substances to achieve unique effects. Traditional fiberglass extends decorative options into challenging environments like shower enclosures. More modern materials like Stoneskin use a reverse printing process to deposit minerals from stone onto a flexible film, and X-Kin extends the Fenix material family to wall surfaces, maintaining the smooth, super matte, and fingerprint-resistant finish typical of Electron Beam Curing technology.

These developments are redefining interior design by merging advanced functionality with contemporary, sustainable aesthetics, as the quest for new materials continues to produce diverse and captivating solutions.

MATERIALS LIBRARY

Through the Materially database and physical samples, you can explore over 10,000 innovative materials from 7,500 global manufacturers. The Materials Library includes a wide variety of materials and innovative processes. Thanks to the constant addition of new materials, the library is always up to date.

Organoid® natural wall coverings bring nature indoors while retaining the organoleptic properties of the plants they are made from. Image courtesy of Organoid.

Biobased Xorel può contenere fino all’85% di materiale bio based ottenuto dalla canna da zucchero. Immagine per gentile concessione di Carnegie Fabrics

Professional and technical magazine of the surface and cladding system