TILE TODAY 96
FULLY ENDORSED BY THE AUSTRALIAN TILE COUNCIL
THE INTERNATIONAL SURFACE EVENT 2018 TRENDS
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
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THE ART OF THE EXIT ADHESIVE SELECTION GUIDE 2018 I N S TA L L AT I O N
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INDUSTRY NEWS
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96 SHOW REPORT 8
The International Surface Event held in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) is over for another year. Tile Today visited the show for the first time in 2018 and saw a dynamic, highly performing surfaces industry.
INDUSTRY 18 There comes a time in every tile business that the
owner/owners have to think about selling out and divesting an asset they have developed into a profitable enterprise. Bryan Vadas writes about some of the potential pitfalls and solutions.
INSTALLATION 22 An article from Laticrete’s UK office offers insights for a
trouble-free installation of engineered stone tiles.
ADHESIVES GUIDE 26 A selection of the leading adhesives and sealants
currently on the market.
TRENDS 30 The resilient appeal of tesserae mosaics bears eloquent
testimony to the potential of this historically important surface finish, writes Joe Simpson.
40 Developments in ceramic tile will be driven by tile
manufacturing technologies such as continuous pressing, digital inkjet decoration, and new glaze formulations.
MACHINERY 34 The T Move and Roboslab tile handling tools by Raimondi
make it much easier to lay very large format tiles.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT 36 The vaulted Mortuary Chapel in Vila-real, Spain
references the region’s ceramic-making tradition and the tile vault technique.
REGULAR DEPARTMENTS 28 Featured Products 48 Industry News READ ON THE GO: Scan code to view the latest FREE digital versions of the magazine on our website. Simply click on the front cover once you have scanned the code.
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For Tile Today, 2018 started with a visit to the bright lights and glitter of Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) to attend The International Surface Event (TISE). You can read our report on TISE that begins on page 8.
TILE TODAY
General manager Georgia Gilmour (left) and Tile Today editor Betty Tanddo attend TISE 2018
Coming back from Las Vegas, we encountered more of the day-to-day concerns confronting the tile industry. Regular contributor, Bryan Vadas writes about issues facing tile business owners when they are considering selling out. This edition also features an Adhesives Guide that lists some of the major products available on the market. Farewell Tony We would also like to thank Tony Stock for his efforts on Tile Today and Discovering Stone magazines. He leaves with our best wishes to take on other opportunities. Finishes & Surfaces The response to Finishes & Surfaces magazine has been truly overwhelming since its release in late-2017. This groundbreaking publication which specifically targets architects, specifiers, interior designers and fit out professionals. What is of importance to the Australian tile industry is that we are working on the 2018/2019 edition, said publisher, Vicky Cammiade. “The architect and specifier needs a source for new ideas, applications, technical data, as well as the increasing importance of sustainability. These are all relevant details important to the commercial sector. “This is vital to readers of Tile Today as we can provide direct access to the marketplace they’re after, by providing a unique opportunity to be an integral part of the next edition, by showcasing important projects and detailing the products used and why it was successful in all the tender requirements. “Trudi Woodward our advertising sales manager has several marketing packages available that will get the attention you require,” said Vicky. Contact Trudi on 03 9890 0815 or email trudi@elitepublishing.com.au to reserve your prime positions now.
Proudly produced and printed in Australia ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD ABN: 27 006 876 419 PO BOX 800, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815 Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Website: www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au www.elitepublishing.com.au PUBLISHER Vicky Cammiade vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au EDITOR Betty Tanddo betty.tanddo@elitepublishing.com.au INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT Joe Simpson joe.simpson@elitepublishing.com.au MACHINERY EDITOR Philip Ashley philipneilashley@yahoo.com.au ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Trudi Woodward trudi.woodward@elitepublishing.com.au CIRCULATION MANAGER Georgia Gilmour georgia.gilmour@elitepublishing.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN Uber Creative – Annette Epifanidis Mobile: 0416 087 412 annette@ubercreative.com.au www.ubercreative.com.au PRODUCTION For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au PRE-PRESS Prominent Digital PRINTED BY Prominent Press Pty Ltd ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF: Flooring Magazine, Discovering Stone Magazine, Finishes & Surfaces Magazine, TileToday Magazine, Supplier Magazine and FB Magazine.
Until next time,
Leading the Industry
Endorsed by Australian Tile Council www.australiantilecouncil.com.au
Betty Tanddo Editor
FRONT COVER IMAGE Wide & Style from ABK is a collection that offers large-format tiles with tapestry- or wallpaper-like imagery options that can also be personalised by designers, architects and consumers. ABK offers 25 standard designs that achieves a velvety quality though the use of metallic tones and the company’s dry pressing technology.
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ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.
Please note: Shade variation is an inherent feature of tile production. The Publisher is not liable for any discrepancy between images published in Tile Today and actual products.
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The International Surface Event 2018 The Tile Today team hit the ground running at TISE 2018. It was impressed with the energy and positive sentiments at the show.
S
weeping into Las Vegas at night in an airplane, one thing seems certain: energy conservation and light pollution are not two of the most important issues for this community. Where Los Angeles at night looks like some animated illustration of circulation in living tissue, the long freeways traced by a seemingly endless procession of moving red taillights, and San Francisco resembles nothing so much as a printed circuit board, with its tall skyscrapers plugged into the flatland of the financial district like so many massive capacitors, Las Vegas really does look like a combination pinball/ video game/jukebox. That’s especially so when it comes to what the locals (and experienced visitors) refer to as “The Strip”, a nearly seven kilometre stretch of city street where virtually all the city’s most famous resorts and casinos are located. It’s a proximity that makes it easy for a tourist to wander from what seems like one fairy-like
8 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
extravaganza to the next, ablaze in lights, all about entertainment — and the omnipresent slotmachines, never more than five metres away from any particular point. The well-known Mandalay Bay hotel (named after a famous poem by Rudyard Kipling) sits at one end of the strip. First opened in March 1999, the hotel was expanded with a second hotel tower, which opened in December 2003. Most importantly, a convention centre was added to the hotel,
which opened in January 2003. With 140,000 square metres of space, it is, on its own, the fifth largest convention centre in the US. This vast convention centre is the annual location of the The International Surface Event (TISE). This year the event comprised three world-class tradeshows: SURFACES, StonExpo/Marmomac, and Tile Expo. It’s a four-day extravaganza of everything to do with coverings and facades for just about any horizontal or vertical surface. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center, located at one end of the Las Vegas strip, was the location for TISE 2018
SHOW R EPORT
Frequently used as an event to launch new products, it is also heavy on information about upcoming trends. Every major North American manufacturer is represented, along with most major global suppliers as well. It’s one of the few conventions of this type that offers solid opportunities to study and learn what really is going on in the world of surfaces. Some of the educational events included: State of the Industry Report in the Residential and Commercial Markets, presented by the wellregarded Farnsworth Group; Ageing in Place: Surfaces for Seniors; and multiple talks on subjects such as new flooring types, stone restoration, employee management, and style/design issues. Right: DTA is a long-time supporter of the TISE 2018 event; (l&r) Phillip Cozens and Grant Beem from DTA; Tilecutters displayed at the DTA stand. Below: The entrance to one of the exhibit halls at TISE 2018; A DJ played upbeat music in the halls of the Mandalay Bay.
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In case all of that seems a little stuffy and formal — don’t worry, stuffy and formal might actually be the only thing that is illegal in Vegas! For example, it is the first convention we’ve been to that had its own DJ grinding out tunes to keep the attendees’ feet tapping. And if the convention did get a little overwhelming, you had only to step outside into the waiting wonderland of Las Vegas for a half-hour or so to rediscover your sense of enthusiasm. According to event organiser, informa, attendance at TISE 2018 was up 12% from the previous year. Over the past three years, attendance has increased 30%. Amie Gilmour, CEM, Director of TISE, said, “The TISE team has been truly honoured by the influx of emails from the industry...with how impressive the event was this year...It is our goal to create a marketplace for the industry to gather, do business, and build relationships. We’ll continue to listen and strive to fill the needs of the industry.” There is simply too much for Tile Today to cover comprehensively, but in what follows we’ve picked out some of the more significant events, people and products that really caught our attention.
DTA Australia Australian company, DTA has been in the North American market for about five years. Currently, sales of DTA’s floor drains are experiencing sharp growth, says managing director Phillip Cozens. The Hayman Collection is made using high grade 316 stainless steel and is watermark compliant. DTA saw an opportunity to improve standard drains for showers and bathrooms, and then watched the category grow. Phillip was essential to the development of the modern tile industry in Australia. He has parlayed his natural entrepreneurial talent into developing DTA as a major international enterprise. Phillip also founded Kincrome, tool company that has a strong presence across most major hardware stores in Australia. DTA has expanded from its base in Livermore, California in the US to satellite warehousing in Atlanta. The business has grown, along with awareness for the brand. Phillips says using sales reps and displays has helped to expand the market for the brand.
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Custom Building Products The start of Colin Morrow’s (ACT Australia) relationship with Custom Building Products, a major producer of tile-setting grout and adhesives, began on a “wing and a prayer”. Around the same time last year, Colin said he “just rocked up to the stand” without an official invitation. There he met up again with one of its founders, Tom Peck, and said, “How are you going?” This simple introduction and the inevitable pitch for the business was met with an enthusiastic response. It eventually led to Colin bringing into the Australian market a specialist colour range. “The higher end stuff”, he explains. “So we are trying to re-introduce Custom. We have about 10 new product lines and we are looking at doing more in the future. They are products that complement my existing lines. “There is one product that is called ProLite® which is a lightweight tile adhesive that went really well for us at CTA. We are bringing in the concentrate then manufacturing the actual product in Australia.” According to its brochure, ProLite has excellent handling characteristics for a wide variety of floor and wall 12 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
tile installations. Ideal for setting large format tile (LFT), heavy tile or stone, it will not sag or slip on walls and offers non-slump performance for floor installations. Capable of thin-set or medium bed application up to 3/4” (19mm) thick on horizontal surfaces after beat-in. It is 40% lighter than traditional mortars, and a 13.6kg bag covers the same area as a 22.68kg bag of traditional mortar. Formulated with post-consumer recycled material, it contributes to LEED® certification. ProLite contains up to 22% recycled content by weight and 48% recycled content by volume. Exceeds ANSI A118.4TE, A118.15TE and A118.11 without the need for additives. It is also available in a rapid setting formula. All the other products Colin is bringing in are finished goods such as coloured grouts. He said, “Fusion Pro is one of these products and it is a premixed grout. “You just basically open the lid and start spreading the grout, and put the excess back in the bucket. Then you put the lid back on and you ready for the next job. So there is no mixing, and there is literally no waste. And it is as stain resistant as epoxy grout which can be much more difficult to use and more expensive. “For domestic applications where someone just wants stain resistance, not chemical resistance, Fusion Pro is ideal.” Another product from Custom that is being imported by ACT Australia is RedGard SpeedCoat®. Colin said: “The beauty of this product is that it is premixed and you
can use it on a damp substrate. So if you are repairing a shower recess, and it is still damp, normally you would have to let it dry out. That’s when you’d be using a normal membrane. “With SpeedCoat, you can put straight on a damp substrate. You can re-coat it within an hour and you can tile over it within an hour. Using standard products, it could take over 24 hours. And you can even flood test it. So you can waterproof the bathroom … it can be flood tested before you even get to tiling it, to make sure it’s not leaking. They are having a bit of success with it here in America because it brings down the building timeframe and therefore the cost of building.” Top: Custom Building Products was a major presence at TISE 2018; The Aqua Mix range at the Custom Building Products stand. Below: (l&r) Tom Peck (Custom Building Products) and Colin Morrow (ACT Australia).
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Intermac (Biesse Group) The Master Series 38.3 CNC, Donatoni Jet 625 CNC Bridge Saw and Montresor Vela 7.2 Vertical Edge Polisher were all on display at the Intermac stand. The Master 38.3 and ICAM3D CAD/CAM is what the company refers to as the number one selling CNC machine in the world. This machine takes professional end-users from concept to production in a few simple clicks. Designed for businesses looking to optimise production, the Master 38 is reliable and delivers “excellent quality to price ratio”. With a useable bed size of 63” x 127” it is ideal for most stone and glass fabrication.
urethane binder that reflects light and allows it to pass through grout joints and into the tile itself. This can add an elegant sparkle and/or blend naturally with tile and stone. It can create a unique three dimensional effect within clear glass tile installations. Dimension RapidCure offers HXD™ Technology that enables Bostik to offer the highest performance resin system of any pre-mixed grout available. The resin system is the most important factor in grout performance. This breakthrough in polymer chemistry allows the company to offer unmatched toughness, water and stain resistance in its pre-mixed grouts.
Ardex Americas Showcased at the stand was Ardex S 1-K, a one-component waterproofing and crack isolation membrane. This compound is easy to use and produces a flexible waterproof coating for use in showers, bathrooms, and other wet areas. Recommended for use over a wide range of substrates and finishes, the consistency helps to minimise drips and splatters. S 1-K provides crack isolation up to 3mm and comes in two sizes (large 3.5 and small 0.7 gallons) or (13.2 and 2.6 litres).
Bostik USA Dimension® RapidCure™ glass-filled, pre-mixed, urethane grout was one of the many products highlighted at the Bostik stand. It is a patented, water-based formula that contains reflective, micro-glass beads, and a translucent,
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Clockwise from below: A demonstration at the Ardex stand; The Ardex S-1K product was featured at the company’s stand; Bostik’s Justin Hertel explained Dimension RapidCure to Tile Today; (l&r) Michele Ragno and Jacqueline Liger, both from Intermac; The Intermac stand.
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Mapei USA At the stand, Mapei’s Flexcolor 3D translucent grout and sealer was used with lighting technology from Backlit Tile Kit. Mapei Flexcolor 3D is a professional-grade, ready-to-use translucent specialty grout with an “iridescent effect” finish, providing a complementary look for a tile project. The product is offered in 10 different designs with translucent characteristics that not only reflect but also refract light. This allows the grout to transition in colour to complement the tile colour. It is formulated for commercial and residential installations with porcelain, ceramic, glass and naturalstone tiles. Flexcolor 3D can be used to grout interior tile. And the dense surface structure helps to prevent water-based stains on the grout surface. This product is formulated with the latest innovation in recycled glass bead aggregate, which ensures colour
consistency, ease of cleanability and improved workability. In addition, it can be used on sensitive tile surfaces once tested, requires no sealer and cures naturally from evaporation. Comparison testing of MapeI Flexcolor 3D versus traditional Portland-cement grout has verified that it requires 65% less time to install than powder grouts. Diane Choate, Mapei’s PR/ corporate communications specialist, said the company is focusing on technology driven mortars. It is working on creating a new awareness of mortars for consumers and professional end-users.
wedi All wedi waterproof shower systems offer reliable, cost efficient solutions for constructing 100% waterproof and mould proof showers. They have an XPS extruded polystyrene foam core, and are easy to clean and install due to its prefab, modular style. They open up new design possibilities for showers, wet areas and baths. wedi shower systems blend design flexibility and robustness previously only experienced with mortar bed installations. It uses state-of-theart material and manufacturing technologies. Every detail of the assembly is part of the specific wedi waterproofing approach, down to the factory integrated drain parts. The shower system’s water management is based on a true “water out“ performance.
Clockwise from top: (l&r) Bastian Lohmann, director of sales at wedi Americas and Betty Tanddo; wedi’s waterproof, modular shower system; Laticrete product demonstration at the stand; (l&r) Tile Today editor, Betty Tanddo and Diane Choate, Mapei’s PR/corporate communications specialist demonstrate the benefits of the Flexcolor 3D translucent specialty grout; Mapei made a strong impression at TISE 2018.
According to Bastian Lohmann, director of sales at wedi Americas, the products have opened up new markets for the company such as showers for disabled end-users and ageing in place residences. He said, “Easy to use modular, barrier free entry showers eliminates a lot of steps. The system is focused on setting tile on a beautiful substrate.”
Sika Claire Legrain demonstrated the company’s MB Redline product, a 2-component, rapid curing, solvent free, low viscosity, epoxy moisture control system for use with all flooring systems that require protection from subfloor moisture. It cures in three hours for fast turnaround jobs. The product can be used with carpet, resilient flooring, wood flooring, floating floors and all types of floor that require subfloor moisture protection. 16 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
Left: Sika’s Claire Legrain demonstrating a product for the Tile Today team; Some of Sika’s floor covering systems on display. Right: Jerry Squier from Royal Adhesives & Sealants, now part of H.B. Fuller.
Sika’s stand also highlighted Level-425, a one-component, durable and versatile cementitious underlayment for interior concrete and cementitious substrates. It can be applied manually or by pump to produce a self-smoothing, rapidsetting, and flat substrate prior to the application of a final floor finish. Typical application thickness is 1/16” to 1/2” (1.5 to 12.7mm), or up to 1” with aggregate.
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MB Redline is solvent-free (100% solids), has low viscosity and comes in an easy to mix packaging. It has excellent penetration and stabilisation of the substrate. There is a reduction of adhesive consumption and suitable for use on floors with radiant heating.
vinyl tile and plank in a releasable application. This adhesive can also be used to install cushions to recommended substrates in double glue down applications. Due to its pressure sensitive characteristics, it eliminates concern about installing a non-porous backed floor covering over a non-porous substrate. Royal Vinyl Flooring Adhesive was developed by Royal Adhesives & Sealants, a company recently acquired by H.B. Fuller. ■
Jerry Squier from H.B. Fuller discussed the Royal Vinyl Flooring Adhesive during our visit to the stand. The product is designed to be used for multiple types of resilient flooring. Royal Vinyl Flooring Adhesive is releasable, non-flammable, nonhazardous and water resistant. It provides a tough, long lasting bond, and is designed for the installation of dimensionally stable vinyl-backed carpet tiles, VCT, vinyl sheet and
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The art of the exit Family-run tile businesses can often use some help when it comes to selling them to outsiders, according to Bryan Vadas.
F
amily-owned tile businesses are often run with a good deal of emotion mixed in with business acumen. While that emotional involvement can be an advantage, it can also sometimes conceal the realities of the business world. That’s especially the case when family businesses that have been going for 20 years or more face the challenge of what to do when the children (or grandchildren) decide they don’t want to take over ownership of the business. Typically, that means that the business must be exited, and preferably sold to some non-family owner. Family owners often expect that their business has accumulated some capital value, and that they should be able to sell it for a reasonable price. After all, a lifetime of building a business, a brand, an income stream must be worth something on the market, right? Unfortunately, as many find out, the reality is that this is not necessarily the case. Three of the main issues family owners face when they seek to exit a tile business are: • Debt vs Credit: There are creditors that need to be paid out once trading ceases, and there are usually far fewer debtors to cover the value of the creditors at the point of selling a business. • Lease Exit: There are usually leases in place that may need to be paid out, or, if the business owner is also the landlord, the need to find a tenant to pay a rent in line with expectations related to the value of the property. • Stock Valuation: There is also the issue of getting paid for stock at a value close to the owner’s own valuation. New owners will often write down slow selling stock, write off stock they perceive is “dead”, or stock in quantities too small to have any real commercial value — absent the emotional attachment to
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a line that sold so well, once upon a time. There are also individual factors that can reduce the sales-appeal of a tile business. For example, businesses that have been built around their founder have particular difficulties. The business often carries the founder’s name, and that founder may be the custodian of key business relationships. Many such businesses lack defined and established processes in favour of “flying by the seat of their pants”. These businesses are the hardest to sell, as the owner is the business, and once they walk out the door, the new owner is left with a something like a hollow shell deprived of its source of vitality. These issues, combined with a lack of demand, are often enough to collapse many business exit results. Sometimes this is to a point where exiting from a business might not provide the (ageing) owners with enough of a financial “cushion” to fund a reasonable retirement.
operators, not passive investors. This means adopting a certain lifestyle, especially in the early days of ownership of the business, and often this means long hours, weekends, and all the headaches that go along with stock, staff, drivers, product claims, tradesmen and creditors who always seem to have far better memories than debtors. It’s not for everyone.
The foreign buyer myth Some medium to larger operators in the tile industry see their exit in terms of a plan to sell to a foreign manufacturer seeking to establish a channel to market in Australia. The reality in such cases is quite often vastly different to what might seem like a great idea at the time. With a population of just 24 million people and tile consumption of around 20 million square metres annually, the fragmented Australian market is less attractive to plans for mass distribution than most in the local industry realise.
Tile attraction
Finding a buyer
While the market for small businesses overall seems to be in something of a dip, distribution businesses such tile retailers/wholesalers, face particular problems of their own. For a start, the complexity and diversity of tile business could make the industry less than attractive to many newcomers. Sure, the risk can be mitigated by joining a group, either through licensing or franchising, but with the upside there comes downside. Groups are perfectly suited to scores of individuals who are new to an industry, but there are those for whom joining a group just isn’t suited. Likewise, some businesses aren’t structured correctly to simply and cost-effectively transition to life as part of a collective. Fundamentally, the risk/return ratio in the tile business is not one that will attract general investors. Investors in the tile industry are typically hands-on
Especially for smaller businesses, the profile of a buyer as someone who already knows something about the tile business, if not everything about how to run such a business, necessarily limits the field of potential buyers. After family and relatives, the next most likely buyers could be a staff member, or the staff members as a collective. Yet while it is a delightful thought that the staff can take over what they have helped build, the reality is that, in most cases, staff do not have the asset base or equity to purchase the business from the exiting founder. There have been some cases in the tile industry in Australia where this had worked, but they are few and far between and, as such are very much the exception rather than a highly viable option. This means that most tile business owners will need to look outside their
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immediate circle of acquaintances to find a buyer. The problem with this is that while owners of tile businesses usually have some degree of skill in the core competencies of running a tile business — purchasing, promotion, merchandising, sales, staffing, etc — few have much in the way of the skills, knowledge and experience needed to make a successful business divestment. There is also the matter of just how much time there is in a day. Selling a business can take a lot of that time, as well as focus and energy away from that “day job” of running a tile business. If the focus shifts from the successful operation of the business itself, there is a potential that profits will drop, which will lead to a drop in business value. Quicker than might be expected, this can start a downward spiral that pushes the possibility of a profitable exit further out of reach.
Outside alternatives Business brokers offer something of a solution to being able to continue running a business while selling it, but finding, vetting and briefing brokers are skills which many in tile businesses have not developed. Business brokers perform with varying degrees of effectiveness and success. Some tell you what your business is worth, and they go about advertising your business in a long list of other businesses. How your business fares alongside multiple listings of fruit shops, McDonalds franchises, Jim’s Mowing licenses, and a host of some really attractive small businesses will largely remain up to chance. Other divestment agencies will assess your business, give you a realistic current market value (which you may or may not want to hear), suggest ways in which the owner can add value and make their business more saleable. They then will present the business to select potential buyers who have been carefully curated and identified as suitable. Recognising the difference between the different types of brokers can be difficult, briefing them even harder, and then keeping them on track to achieving their promises on a timely basis can introduce the business owner to a whole new world of 20 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
angst. All of it is made much harder by the “cloudiness” created by some very flattering valuations offered by brokers in the outset, which appeals to the owner who wants to get the most for his business. There is risk they will accept something that would seem “too good to be true” if examined without the promise of an easy out.
Solutions One school of thought holds that small business owners should be constantly looking at their business from the point of view of a potential buyer. They should, this theory goes, be constantly shaping the business so as to maximise its basic “capital”, or resell value. From the choice of the name of the business, to staff selection, to establishing processes, targeting certain markets, and identifying early the potential path to exit or a possible purchaser, the owners can maximise not just the profitability from trading the business but enjoy a relatively simple and lucrative exit. That’s easy to say, but few business operators want to think about their businesses in that way. Often the early days are so much about simply keeping things going, that the habit of taking such a long view doesn’t form, even later when it is obvious the business is viable, and even growing. Nonetheless, all is not lost. There are still options that can be explored, and the solutions developed that can come close to matching the desired outcomes. One such solution is to adopt a well-known brand with existing market awareness. However, such a move surrenders custodianship of the brand, which has advantages, but also makes the business vulnerable to any negative actions of the core franchisor, or other, rogue franchisees. These could have a big impact on the saleability of a business. That said, franchising, or licensing, addresses the business issues raised in the 1980’s classic book “The E-myth”, by allowing the operator to get on with their skill and passion of making sales, while having support and systems to take care of the other processes like buying, advertising, training, etc. There are short term costs in
rebadging, but the benefits around ease of exit and the price one ultimately achieves for their business may be worth it. Just understand that there are additional costs along the way, and perhaps even on exit, but costing out the two scenarios will quickly give you a snapshot as to the net difference between joining a group or going it alone. Our company, Time Masters, has been closely involved with assisting groups franchise, growing franchised networks, and converting or setting up over thirty individual franchised sites for a number of major groups in Australia. We have learned firsthand that franchising is great for some people, but it definitely doesn’t suit everyone, and is not workable for some existing business structures.
Finding a price Most sell their business based on a multiple of earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), but there are many more options (and much more lucrative ones) when one thinks of a strategic sale. Selling a business is not the time to be bound by conventional thinking and the most successful exits have come about for those who think outside the square. Time Masters was once involved in an acquisition of a group of businesses (outside of the tile industry) which returned the single site operators seven times their EBIT as opposed to the multiple of two to three which they were looking to achieve before we assisted with the solution architecture.
Conclusion When selling a tile business, one must be realistic. Start early, and allow more time than you would initially expect. Explore all options, and don’t be bound by conventional thinking. Be clear on what you want to get out of it. Be even clearer on what you are willing to accept. Patience, planning, and accepting reality are the keys to exiting safely without the exit door hitting you on the way out. Story by Bryan Vadas, Tile Agencies Group (www.tileagenciesgroup.com.au)
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I NSTA LL ATION Left: Bretoncemstone® are large-sized slabs which are made by combining and compacting the materials using Breton patented “vibrocompression vacuum technology”. Slabs sizes measure up to 140 x 308cm, with finished thickness ranging from 9.5mm to 30mm.
A no-stress engineered tile installation A trouble-free installation for engineered stone tiles requires the use of an appropriate adhesive and pre-testing.
E
ngineered stone, reconstituted stone or agglomerate is a term used to describe a man-made stone or tile product that usually consists of stone pieces and/or aggregates held together in a synthetic binder such as a polyester resin or epoxy resin. They offer a cost-effective alternative to natural stone. Most engineered or agglomerate tile will have similar characteristics to the type of mineral used in the matrix, and are frequently composed of or classified as granite, quartz or marble. For instance, if the constituent mineral is moisture sensitive, the tile may be as well. In some cases, the type of binder may also have a significant effect on the behaviour and performance of the engineered product. Polyester resins have a high thermal coefficient of expansion and could present problems in differential movement when installed in exterior installations, such as building façades. Obviously, check with the tile manufacturer to verify the acceptability of each engineered/ agglomerated tile for its intended purpose. For instance, certain tiles may not be appropriate on an exterior application due to moisture sensitivity. Some resin and stone pieces are vulnerable to extreme temperature changes, are not resistant to ultraviolet light (UV) or stable in freeze/thaw conditions.
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Engineered tile can often be found in larger format sizes, with 900 by 900mm now commonplace. It is important to note that the facial dimensions and thickness of the engineered tile have a direct bearing on the dimensional stability of the tile. It is also a good idea to check with the tile manufacturer for their recommendations on setting materials. They may also have requirements on the moisture vapour emission rate (MVER) of the mortar bed or concrete prior to installation of their tile, and may even prohibit the installation of their product using traditional sand and cement methods. Some engineered tile manufacturers issue a table or chart listing which of their products are suitable for using normal setting materials, which ones call for rapid setting materials, and which tile products need 100% solids epoxy setting material. Conducting a test in the actual conditions is often prescribed, using the specified installation materials, to determine acceptability of all materials and conditions. Tiles are manufactured in a broad array of colours and can be engineered to offer technical benefits such as scratch resistance and flexural strength. They are marketed under a wide range of generic names, including conglomerates, resin
agglomerated tiles, reconstituted stone, re-composed stone as well as engineered stone. The manufacturing process combines a mixture of crushed marble or stone chips and powdered stone, together with colours and polyester resin as the binder. The dry materials are combined and the resin and hardener added to make a mass that is placed in an enclosed chamber and put under negative pressure, using a vacuum pump, to remove air bubbles. After the polyester resin reacts, it binds the entire mass into a solid block that is then cured and sliced into tiles and slabs. These tiles and slabs are then further processed by polishing the front and grinding the back to a uniform thickness. Slabs can also be cast by this process, and will be processed by grinding and polishing to produce finished slabs with the appearance of marble or other stone, but at a more economical cost than natural stone cut from block. Normally, the back of all the agglomerated stone is passed through a grinder to gauge the material to a uniform thickness and to remove all irregular protrusions. The thickness is normally gauged accurately within +/- 1mm. This reconstituted stone material is generally used, worked and installed just as natural stone tiles or ceramic tiles. Slabs cut in the larger sizes are used for floors and walls similar to natural granite or marble slabs. There are two main types of polymer-resin binder used in the manufacture of engineered stone tiles: epoxide or polyester. Typically the ratio of resin binder to agglomerates varies from 4% to 8%, which means, of course, they also contain 96% to 92% of stone/ quartz filler. It is a general rule that the higher the percentage of resin present, the lower the abrasion resistance. The proportion of resin also affects the tile’s coefficient of thermal expansion.
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This is important due to the increasing use of underfloor or undertile heating systems (UFH), becoming popular as a heating choice. When considering a rigid tile finish over UFH, it is important to understand how the heat change affects the different materials employed within the tiling installation. The coefficient of thermal expansion for a typical sub-floor – such as concrete or cement – is similar to a cementitious-based tile adhesive. However resin based tiles generally have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion. In simple terms, the tile has a high modulus of rupture, or measure of strength before rupture, and is being “restrained” by the tile adhesive. However due to heating and cooling cycles, a relatively small amount of heat expansion and contraction can exert a high level of stress on the tile adhesive. And, the larger the tile, the greater the dimensional changes on resin agglomerated stone caused by the thermal expansion or temperature increases. Resin based stone tiles also have varying degrees of moisture sensitivity. This means that these tiles can also be susceptible to differential moisture expansion. In severe cases, this can lead to “curling” of the tiles. The (UK) Tile Association technical document on ‘Tiling with Resin Agglomerated Tiles’ suggests that: “Cementitious floor screeds to receive resin based tiles should be completely cured and tested to ensure that they have a moisture content of not more than 2% by weight or 75% relative humidity using the appropriate equipment and that an appropriate adhesive is chosen”. This means that the use of a cementitious-based tile adhesive or screed will introduce moisture directly
beneath the resin agglomerated stone tile which may be taken up slowly by the tile. Some loss of moisture will occur when the tile joints are unfilled; although this process will be slower. The larger the format size, the more likely it is that moisture will become trapped at the tile/adhesive interface. In the case of some resin based tiles, this will increase the risk of curling of the tiles away from the tile adhesive bed. It is common practice for the manufacturer of large format tiles to fix a reinforcing mesh to the underside. Consideration must be made to the type of adhesive used to fix the mesh so it will not have an adverse effect on the adhesive bond. British Standards Code of Practice BS 5385-3 proposes that the mesh on the back of the tile should not obscure more than 25% of the total surface area. If it does, at least 75% of the mesh must be removed or the tiles be mechanically fixed. BS 5385-3 recommends further that resin based agglomerated stone tiles should not be used externally. Therefore, the correct selection of tile adhesive is essential when fixing reconstituted resin based tiles, and advice must be sought from the tile manufacturer or supplier. It is always good practice to carry out a trial test area first.
Adhesive selection guidelines Engineered tiles are neither classed as ceramic nor, strictly speaking, as natural stone. BS 5385, states: “To avoid moisture from the adhesive bed distorting resinbased agglomerated stone, reaction resin adhesives, or quick drying low alkalinity cement-based adhesives should be used”. When installing a ceramic tile or natural stone tile using a tile adhesive, the accuracy of a sub-floor should be such that it facilitates the accurate
Gulf Stone floor tile is a fine quartz resin based engineered stone made from approximately 93% natural raw materials.
fixing to the desired planarity. If this is not the case, this may be rectified using a smoothing or levelling compound prior to the tile installation. In the case of fixing large format tiles – in particular, resin agglomerated stone tiles – the surface regularity should be of a much higher tolerance for both the wall and floor substrates. The tile adhesive should be applied using a notched trowel to the wall or floor and additional back buttering of the tile with the tile adhesive to ensure a full solid bed and adequate adhesive coverage. When fixing resin agglomerate tiles to both walls and floors, solid bed fixing is essential to: • Ensure full contact between the tile adhesive and the tiles • Eliminate voids beneath the tiles Engineered tiles are generally not recommended for use in frequently wet areas such as wet rooms, walkin showers, or swimming pools. For domestic showers and wet rooms, specifiers should seek advice from the tile supplier or manufacturer with respect to their suitability in these applications. It is also important to establish what, if any, additional precautions may be necessary to take both during and following completion of the tiling installation. Fundamentally the wall and floor background substrates should be protected from moisture ingress or leaks by using a waterproofing tanking system. (Laticrete has its Hydro Ban product.) Additional protection from potential water ingress may be afforded by using an impervious reaction resin grout. (Laticrete makes a Spectralock Pro Premium Grout.) But the use of impervious grouts and adhesives is no substitute for a tanked installation.
The need for inclusion of movement control joints within any tiled installation is explained in the BS 5385. Any movement, such as drying shrinkage, thermal expansion/ contraction and moisture movement will generate stresses within the tiling system which can lead to de-bonding or cracking of the grouting and/or tiles. Where the resin based tile is deemed to be suitable for floors subjected to direct heat or heat from an environmental source, the (UK) Tile Association advises the frequency of movement joints need to be increased and fit for purpose. For instance, the ‘Tiling with Resin Agglomerated Tiles’ technical document says the floor area should be divided into bays not exceeding 25 to allow for the anticipated increase in thermal expansion of the resin agglomerated tiles with UFH. Under normal dry internal conditions, the advice is that bay sizes should be reduced to bay sizes not exceeding 36sqm. It is always advisable to use white adhesives for installing white or lightcoloured engineered/agglomerate tile. In all cases, proper substrate preparation and attention to detail is paramount to a long lasting and problem free installation. Attention to detail will minimise lippage, reduce moisture-related concerns and eliminate problems caused by poor choice of setting materials. Once again, it is recommended to verify the suitability of the installation system by conducting a test area. This can help provide peace of mind for the architect, builder, tile contractor, and building owners. ■ By Michelle Costigan, technical product manager, Laticrete UK
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A DHESI VES GUIDE
ACT AUSTRALIA 1300 794 321 actaus.com
ATLAS 1800 242 931 www.rlagroup.com.au
DAVCO 1800 653 347 www.parexdavco.com.au
FLOORS Concrete
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-33 ADH-31
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS1 C1ETS1
Atlas Atlas Atlas Atlas
Techbond 14 Addflex + Addflextra Just 2 Ezy
C2S1ET C2S1ET C2S1ET C2S1ET
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Compressed Fibre Cement Sheet (Floor)
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-41 ADH-33 ADH-31
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C1ETS1
Atlas Atlas Atlas Atlas Atlas
Techbond 14 Oneflex Addflextra Addflex + Just 2 Ezy
C2S1ET C2S2E C2S1ET C2S1ET C2S1ET
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Existing Tiles
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-33 EBM-LITE
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS1 Epoxy
Atlas Techbond 14 C2S1ET Atlas Oneflex C2S2E Atlas Addflextra C2S1ET Atlas Addflex + C2S1ET *Existing tiles should be primed with RLA Universal Primer prior to tiling
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Cement Render (Masonry)
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-33 ADH-31 RELIABOND T1-60
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS1 C1ETS1 D2ET D2ET
Atlas Atlas Atlas Atlas
Just 2 Ezy Ezyfix NS Techbond14 Just 2 Ezy
C2S1ET C1S1ET C2S1ET C2S1ET
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Plasterboard
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-41 ADH-33 ADH-31 RELIABOND T1-60
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C1ETS1 D2ET D2ET
Poly Mastic Atlas Just 2 Ezy Atlas Ezyfix NS Atlas Techbond14
D1E C2S1ET C1S1ET C2S1ET
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Swimming Pools & Other Total Immersion Locations
PROLITE ADH-55 EBM-LITE *Both can be used as a glue system
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 Epoxy & grout fixing
Atlas Just 2 Ezy C2S1ET Atlas Mastic C2S1ET Atlas Super Tilefix + Uniflex Additive C2S1E
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Slim thickness tile or panel 3-5+mm
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 EBM-LITE
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 Epoxy
Wall/Floor Atlas Oneflex
C2S2E
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Floor tiling to receive floor traffic on same day of tiling
ADH-55 F/S ADH-44 EBM-LITE
C2ETS2 C2ETS1 Epoxy
Commercial Fast Set
C2S1ET
Davco 2 Part Rapid C2S1FE for moisture sensitive stone 2 Part Rapid Powder - 1429420 2 Part Rapid Liquid - 1229505
Shower Floors
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-33 ADH-31
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS1 C1ETS1
Atlas Addflextra Atlas Addflex + Atlas Just 2 Ezy
C2S1ET C2S1ET C2S1ET
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Vitrified products (Porcelain)
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-33 ADH-31
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS1 C1ETS1
Atlas Atlas Atlas Atlas
C2S1ET C2S2E C2S1ET C2S1ET
Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Stone, Marble, Porcelain) Not suitable for moisture sensitive stone 1435120
Granite/Marble
PROLITE ADH-55 ADH-44 ADH-33 EBM-LITE
C2ETS1 C2ETS2 C2ETS1 C2ETS1 Epoxy
Atlas Techbond 14 Atlas Oneflex Atlas Addflextra Atlas Addflex + Commercial Fast Set
C2S1ET C2S2E C2S1ET C2S1ET C2S1ET
“Davco SMP Evo C2S1TE (Davco 2 Part Rapid C2S1FE for moisture sensitive stone) SMP Evo - 1435120 2 Part Rapid Powder - 1429420 2 Part Rapid Liquid - 1229505
WALLS
MISCELLANEOUS
26 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
Techbond 14 Oneflex Addflextra Addflex +
MAPEI 1800 652 666 www.mapei.com.au
RLA POLYMERS 1800 242 931 www.rlagroup.com.au
FLOORS Concrete
Kerabond Plus & Isolastic Keraflex Maxi S1 Granirapid
C2TS2 C2TES1 C2FS1
RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA
Moreflex Unigrip Mastik Flex One Part Tileflex
C1S1ET C2S2ET C2S1ET C2S2E C2S1ET
Compressed Fibre Cement Sheet (Floor)
Kerabond Plus & Isolastic Keraflex Maxi S1 Granirapid
C2TS2 C2TES1 C2FS1
RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA
Moreflex Unigrip Mastik Flex One Part Flexibond NS Tileflex
C1S1ET C2S2ET C2S1ET C2S2E C1S1ET C2S1ET
Existing Tiles
Kerabond Plus & Isolastic Keraflex Maxi S1 Granirapid
C2TS2 C2TES1 C2FS1
RLA Unigrip (provided substrate is clean) C2S2E RLA Mastik, after priming with Universal Primer C2S1ET RLA Flex One Part, after priming with Universal Primer C2S2E RLA Tileflex, after priming with Universal Primer C2S1ET RLA Commercial Fast Set, After Priming with Universal Primer C2S1EFT
Cement Render (Masonry)
Kerabond Plus & Isolastic Keraflex Maxi S1 Keraquick S1
C2TS2 C2TES1 C2FTS1
RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA
Moreflex Unigrip Mastik Flex One Part Flexibond NS Tileflex
C1S1ET C2S2ET C2S1ET C2S2E C1S1ET C2S1ET
Plasterboard
Keraflex Maxi S1 Tixobond Fine S1 Mapemastic Easy
C2TES1 C1TES1 D1TE
RLA Moreflex RLA Unigrip RLA Mastik RLA Flex One Part RLA Flexibond NS RLA Tileflex Poly Mastic
C1S1ET C2S2ET C2S1ET C2S2E C1S1ET C2S1ET D1E
Swimming Pools & Other Total Immersion Locations
Granirapid Kerabond Plus & Isolastic
C2FS1 C2TS2
RLA Unigrip C2S2ET RLA Mastik, When mixed with 50/50 Uniflex additive C2S2ET
Slim thickness tile or panel 3-5+mm
Ultralite S1 Ultralite S2
C2TES1 C2ES2
RLA Unigrip C2S2ET RLA Mastik, When mixed with 100% Uniflex additive C2S2ET
Floor tiling to receive floor traffic on same day of tiling
Keraquick S1 & Latex Plus C2FS2 Keraquick S1 C2FTS1 Adesilex P4 C2F
Shower Floors
Kerabond Plus & Isolastic Granirapid Keraflex Maxi S1
Vitrified products (Porcelain)
Granite/Marble
WALLS
MISCELLANEOUS
RLA Commercial Fast Set
C2S1EFT
C2TS2 C2FS1 C2TES1
RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA
Moreflex Unigrip Mastik Flex One Part Flexibond NS Tileflex
C1S1ET C2S2ET C2S1ET C2S2E C1S1ET C1S1ET
Kerabond Plus & Isolastic Keraflex Maxi S1 Granirapid
C2TS2 C2TES1 C2FS1
RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA RLA
Moreflex Unigrip Mastik Flex One Part Tileflex Flexibond NS
C1S1ET C2S2ET C2S1ET C2S2E C1S1ET C1S1ET
Keralastic T Kerapoxy Granirapid
R2T R2T C2FS1
RLA Unigrip (provided substrate is clean) C2S2E RLA Mastik, after priming with Universal Primer C2S1ET RLA Flex One Part, after priming with Universal Primer C2S2E RLA Commercial Fast Set C2S1EFT www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au | TILE TODAY #96 | 27
F E AT U R ED P R ODUCTS
Stain proof grout
Setting new grout standards
Fusion Pro offers same or better performance than traditional 100% solids epoxy grout. No mixing is required and is highly resistant to stains. It is easy to apply and clean off, leaving full grout joints with no shade variation or efflorescence issues. There is no waste. Custom Fusion Pro pre-mixed grout is available in a range of colours.
Prism coloured grout is stain resistant and provides uniform colour with no efflorescence issues and full joints, making it suitable for large format tile installations. Weighing in at 7.7kg, Custom Prism will cover the same area as 12kg of traditional coloured grout. ACT AUSTRALIA 1300 794 321 www.actaus.com
ACT AUSTRALIA 1300 794 321 www.actaus.com
Heavy duty specialty cleaner Laticrete also featured STONETECH Epoxy Grout & Haze Coating Stripper at The International Surface Event 2018. The fast-acting, non-runny gel solution is safe to use on multiple surfaces and removes epoxy grout haze and tough coatings in minutes. This product is ideal for adhering vertical and horizontal natural stone, masonry and tile applications. LATICRETE 1800 331 012 www.laticrete.com.au
White hot tiles New and exclusive to Beaumont Tiles, Vulcanic Ash combines organic textures and runway-like glamour. Soft textured, yet hard wearing, this large format tile draws inspiration from tarnished industrial flooring and volcanic rust. Made in Spain, it was a standout tile at Cevisama 2017. BEAUMONT TILES 08 8292 4444 www.beaumont-tiles.com.au
Floor heating system Seen at The International Surface Event 2018, the STRATA HEAT floor heating system is easy to install and offers a customisable floor heating experience. It consists of the world’s first heat conductive thin-set additive, a high performance floor heating wire, an uncoupling mat and a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat. LATICRETE 1800 331 012 www.laticrete.com.au
28 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
T RENDS
Left: Botanic Tale is a collection of mosaics with modular patterns from mosaico+
Rediscovering the past (again) There is still nothing that equals the surface allure of an elegantly selected colour gradation or the pixelated splendour of a figurative mosaic, writes Joe Simpson.
I
n an era of digital inkjet printing and ultra-large ceramic slabs, the world’s specialist mosaic producers can seem like a bit of a throwback. However, the resilient appeal of tesserae mosaics bears eloquent testimony to the potential of this historically important surface finish. In fashionable areas like metallic glazes, Moorish-inspired geometric patterns or the enticing curves of a walk-in snail shower, traditional mosaics still attract architects, interior designers and aspirational home owners across the globe. However, just as small format tiles enjoy something of a renaissance, it has been notable that the big names in mosaics, like Bisazza, are moving into larger formats, such as 100 by 100mm, 100 by 200mm and many variants in between. Often created in collaboration with name designers, the latest offerings from the big mosaic houses still use
30 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
multi-tile patterns, but the unit size has grown from 12 by 12mm or 25 by 25mm up to something far more easily identified as a tile rather than a tesserae. That is not to say that these factories have abandoned traditional square or rounded edged tesserae mosaics; they have merely enhanced their offering into larger formats in order to increase the scope of their creative solutions. To prove this point, one of the top names, Appiani, recently launched Highline, a single press-firing mosaic for interior and exterior applications. This is a collection with a strong visual character that offers eleven solid colours on 300 by 300mm sheets with mesh-mounted 12 by 12mm tesserae. Matte and gloss effect tiles are arranged to form urban New York-vibe brick patterns. The characteristic details of some neighbourhoods in the Big
Apple, such as the famous “high line” pedestrian path, provided the inspiration for this new collection that sees metropolitan atmospheres turned into pale tinted mosaic blocks. Appiani mosaics was founded in Treviso, Italy in 1873. In 1960, the Appiani family embarked upon a policy of modernisation and started to work on projects with designers such as Giò Ponti and Pompeo Pianezzola. It built a production plant the following decade to make glazed porcelain stoneware using monocottura technology – single pressing and firing. The company was taken over by the Bardelli family in the 1990s, who decided to focus on reinstating tradition and heritage by developing the production of ceramic mosaics. Today, Appiani offers individual pieces and flexible modules enabling designers to create combinations, designs and layouts with decorative finesse and architectural value. Appiani has rediscovered the appeal of materials from the past like mosaics (mosaic art), offering colours, shapes and finishes to create surfaces using a variety of materials and multiple coloured blocks by combining shapes and dimensions of traditional ceramics. Production is divided into complementary products, made using various production technologies that can be combined with one another, including monocottura, bicottura and glazed porcelain stoneware. An Appiani ceramic mosaic sets it apart from glass mosaics: perpendicular sides, flat masonry and a slightly rounded glazed surface allow for perfect adhesion of the tiles during installation. Ideal in terms of aesthetics and shape, these mosaics preserve their beauty and resistance over time. Appiani is now a member of the Altaeco group, along with three other tile companies: Ceramica Bardelli, Gabbianelli and Ceramica Vogue.
Bisazza Perhaps the most famous name in mosaics, the essence of Bisazza lies in the fusion of creativity and highend luxury that culminates in some stunning glass mosaics.
Bisazza mosaic tiles used in a living room.
A pool mosaic, Bisazza Sydney has pulsating dark blues taken from the Vetricolor, Smalto and LeGemme ranges.
AUSTRALIA’S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN SEALERS It has been this way since 1956 when Bisazza first began producing mosaic tiles in Alte Vicenza, Northern Italy. Here, Bisazza quickly became a trailblazer in glass mosaic, set apart by the founder’s entrepreneurial spirit, love of design and mastery of evolving technologies. ward Van Vliet and Marcel Wanders. Since 2005, Bisazza has been part of Fondazione Altagamma. Alongside stable-mates such as Gucci, Ferrari and Versace, the association advocates leading Italian businesses and their underlying culture, to the rest of the world. During the past few years, Piero Bisazza, the company’s CEO, has focused on bringing Bisazza mosaic tiles to a global audience. Bisazza’s mosaic collections: Colours, Blends, Shading Blends, Flora, Modern, Timeless and Luxe provide an array of colours, tones, textures and patterns. They include gold bathroom mosaic tiles, utilising handmade gold leaf from Florence. These opulent gold and white-gold tiles are encapsulated in shimmering glass mosaic. These gold bathroom mosaic tiles can be used to add highlights to blends or shading blends. Or if a design calls for pure decadence, complete walls or even an entire bathroom can be clad entirely in glistening gold. Bisazza’s decoration collections include imaginings by some of the world’s most renowned designers
including Jaime Hayon, Marcel Wanders, Paola Navone and Patricia Guild. From simple glass mosaic colours to tiles with intense textural detail, Bisazza colours and blends represent the pinnacle of the art of mosaic design. The Flora collection explores floral patterns in the colours of Bisazza glass mosaic; while the Bisazza Luxe mosaic collection features tiles embedded with gold, white gold and crystals. The Modern collection demonstrates a contemporary aesthetic that brings Bisazza glass mosaic tiles to life in chic patterns. The Timeless collection is a gathering of sumptuous Bisazza mosaic patterns, both simple and complex. And mosaic is not just for walls. The Bisazza Flooring collection displays the glass mosaic patterns whose style is especially well suited to flooring, although they can be used equally well in any other mosaic application. A departure from traditional, light-coloured pool mosaic, Bisazza Sydney’s deeper hues impart a real aura of exclusivity. For this range, four mosaic tile colours from three Bisazza ranges are used together create a concoction of pattern, texture and colour. A pool mosaic, Sydney conveys a strong sense of depth and volume with its pulsating dark blues taken from the Vetricolor, Smalto and LeGemme ranges.
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Because the Australian climate can present challenges for pool builders, Bisazza has developed an innovative support system for mosaic sheets that ensures tile adhesion exceeds the requirements of the latest Australian standards. As part of an on-going program of technical innovation, Bisazza’s hot-melt system for mosaic is exclusively available in Australia and New Zealand for selected colours and blends. The latest hot-melt cross linking system uses polyurethane thermo set adhesive which is strong, easy to adjust and does not change its characteristics when wet. Bisazza PU adhesive is also UV resistant, so it will not darken over life. To further enhance the installation and the aesthetic appearance of the mosaic, Bisazza recommend the Bisazza range of Fillgel which has been further improved to provide a greater resistance to UV.
Reviglass Since 1985, Reviglass has produced recycled glass mosaic at Bidania in Spain. Creating a 100% recycled glass mosaic requires advanced technology to develop an sustainable resource exploitation process in order to minimise the environmental impact. Reviglass boasts no emissions to the atmosphere and claims that the use of recycled glass reduces by up to 25% the consumption of energy during the production process. Reviglass’ R&D does not end with production. Luminis is a glass mosaic that glows in the dark for from six to eight hours after being exposed to light. Ideal for emergency exits, danger signs, directional signs and arrows, the range is available in colours such as blue, celeste, turquoise and yellow. Experts in glass tesserae, Reviglass offers everything from 12 by 12mm micro mosaics in more than 50 colour options and mixes; through to 25 by 25mm plain colours or mixes with rounded corners and edges; glazed anti-slip sheeted mosaics featuring 25 by 25mm tesserae, 36 by 36mm or 50 by 50mm tesserae; several plain and mottled ranges such as Galaxy and the CL range of 72 plain coloured glass pieces in 12 by 12mm and 15 32 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
by 15mm; and the Abalon range of pearlescent tesserae in 12 by 12mm and 25 by 25mm in 24 mother-ofpearl hues that really catch the light.
Arzigogolo Post-Deco design is the energy behind the elegant, loops and swashes of the Arzigogolo mosaic. Designer Ferruccio Laviani describes his Arzigogolo graphic pattern as archetypal of the design of the 30s and 40s, drawing inspiration from the works of designers from the period such as André Arbus and Gio Ponti. Arzigogolo Grigio contrasts a warm/neutral grey with white-gold mosaic, producing a simple yet highly refined pattern. The design is also available with dark loops on a white background – Arzigogolo Bianco – which contrasts white and grey Smalto tiles.
Sicis Another of the great names in mosaic, Sicis is an art mosaic factory based in Ravenna, Italy. Sicis is renowned for constantly creating new concepts in glass tile that then become the next cutting edge design element for designers and architects. It is well known for reinventing the art of marble and stone mosaics in an industrial production, influencing and leading the development of artistic mosaic. By combining craft skills, planning and continuous research, Sicis is able to offer unique surface solutions. Mosaic tesserae, more than anything else, express this by combining into infinite chromatic combinations and decorative patterns. The Flower Power collection has intense chromatics with a background painting of huge flowers that go from sunflowers, narcissuses, daisies, noble roses etc. Sicis Murano Smalto glass mosaic tile is an example of classical Italian glass making meeting 21st century design. It allows contemporary designers to draw from the rich colour palette of the ancient artisan glass makers. These variations of colour, surface texture and size were all part of Sicis’s plan when creating this rich classical glass mosaic.
From top: Appiani mosaics recently launched Highline, a single press-firing mosaic for interior and exterior applicationsthe Vetricolor, Smalto and LeGemme ranges; Mosaic tiles from Atlas ceramics boast contemporary and classic designs; Sicis is renowned for constantly creating new concepts in glass tile.
Sicis Iridium Mosaic Glass Tile is an iridescent glass tile in a 5/8inch format. Its palette of colour can be coordinated to work together that can result in a spectacular, one-of-akind look. Sicis Structura collection offers a series of glass mosaic panels with shiny square tesserae in different sizes, thicknesses and textures. Structura enlightens the three-dimensionality of a mosaic that, in a game of shapes and thicknesses, recreates the effect of a dazzling waterfall, flowing on shiny walls in an original way. Finally, Ipix incorporates Sicis diverse glass mosaic collections, including transparent, iridescent, mirrored, and textured materials. With over 500 colours, clients are provided with the freedom to choose from a large number of variations, patterns, and colour palettes. With this autonomy, the Ipix collection delivers patterns ranging from tone on tone to strong contrasts, both figurative and abstract. ■
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Laying large panels with speed and safety Joe Simpson writes about a hydraulically-operated mobile lifter for handling large format tiles.
I
t is one thing for tile manufacturers to produce mega-format gauged ceramic panels up to a colossal 4.8m by 2.4m in size. It is quite another matter for tiling contractors to handle these monsters safely and securely on site, without damaging the tiles or doing themselves a serious injury. Help is now at hand in the form of T Move and Roboslab by Raimondi. These new tile handling tools are very functional, making it far easier to handle and lay these very large format tiles.
T-Move T-Move uses familiar tile handling technology, but on a much larger scale. It has a modular structure with vacuum suction cups that offer lowtech flexibility to provide an on-site solution to ceramic panel handling issues, regardless of the size and surface finish of the panels. At a more advanced level, the Roboslab system allows users to lift (from a case/pallet or an A-frame) 34 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
panels of any size and up to 200kg in weight; and then position them accurately, on both floors and walls, prior to final installation. When installing in the transverse position, the maximum weight is 200kg and the maximum slab size is 1,800 by 3,400mm. The slab can be longer than 3,400mm but not wider than 1,800mm. When installing in the longitudinal position, the maximum weight is 100kg and the maximum slab size is 1,800 by 3,200mm. In this case, the slab can be wider than 1,800mm but not longer than 3,200mm.
Roboslab Roboslab is a hydraulically-operated mobile lifter, designed to improve efficiency and productivity of tile fixers, as well as reducing daily fatigue. It can also move tiles that are simply too large or too heavy to be handled manually. It should also help to speed up the installation of panels which are currently laid manually.
Above: The Roboslab system allows to lift (from the case/pallet or the A-Frame) panels, of any size and weight up to 200kg, laying them both on floors and wall
Any type or size of ceramic slab can be safely installed in both transverse and longitudinal positions. For wall installations, Roboslab is capable of achieving the third tier of a 1,500mm (4.9ft.) wide slab laid horizontally, with the long side of the tile parallel to the floor, and the forth tier of 1,000mm (3.2ft.) wide slab. The boom frame attachment is equipped with six large 300mm vacuum suction cups, that can be individually positioned to suit any slab size, or any shape after cut outs. The suction cups are spring-mounted to simplify slab collection and release.
T-Move is device for handling large format tiles.
A control unit drives the boom (up/down) as well as tilting the frame attachment from horizontal to vertical (or vice versa). This facilitates back-buttering and installation on either walls or floors. The control unit is removable to allow the tile setter to operate the machine when standing next to the slab, which means they can carefully observe every movement during positioning. The frame attachment can also slide 100mm (4”) sideways on ball bearings to accurately position
the slab before dropping it on thin set adhesive. Once the slab has been collected, either from a flat crate or from an A-frame, the boom frame attachment can rotate horizontally to position the slab sideways and transport it in a safe position. This is vital when restricted access, such as door frames, have to be negotiated on site. Proportional hydraulic valves provide smooth and accurate and progressive movements. While safety is granted by two independent
vacuum-pump-units, each one connected to a set of three suction cups via separate and independent circuits. The rear wheels provide full manual steering, while both front wheels can either be locked straight or steered hydraulically, if necessary. This provides excellent manoeuverability while retractable side-mounted stabilisers ensure the unit’s stability. The introduction of T-Move and Roboslab underlines Raimondi’s ongoing commitment to supporting tile contractors with the installation challenges posed by large format tiles and slabs that are becoming ever more popular. ■
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Spotlight on the vaulted Mortuary Chapel for the Soriano-Manzanet family in Vila-real, Spain.
Vaulted virtuosity in Vila-real International correspondent Joe Simpson profiles a structure that highlights tile vault technique. Entire bricks were used, avoiding trimmings or patching up joints.
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he vaulted Mortuary Chapel for the Soriano-Manzanet family in Vila-real, Spain was designed by architects Fernando Vegas and Camilla Mileto, and executed by Salvador Gomis under the supervision of Salvador Tomás. It references the Spanish region’s rich ceramic-making tradition and the characteristic tile vault technique, widespread throughout the East of Spain.
36 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
Close to 20,000 hand-made ceramic tiles were used during the construction.
This technique was pioneered by Valencian architect Rafael Guastavino and adopted by many modernist architects, notably Gaudí. It can also bee seen in America’s transport infrastructure, where the technique came to be synonymous with Guastavino and his place of origin. Special 3D programs were required to design the pantheon and the final solution was only agreed on after working through 23 variations, aiming for optimum aesthetic and structural results. All the curves in the pantheon were produced using catenary profiles. Close to 20,000 hand-made ceramic tiles were used during the construction, once tests had been carried out to determine the appropriate type of clay and firing regime. Texture, durability and aging tests were also undertaken. The size and thickness of the tiles, which are dependent on the curves, were carefully specified, and detailed calculations undertaken to determine the required weight of the three ceramic layers to compensate for the effect of wind suction. The vault comprises four interlinked hyperbolic paraboloids and is very light yet incredibly strong. Formwork was not required and only some metal guides were used to ensure curvature was guaranteed at all times.
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Above & right: The chapel references the Spanish region’s rich ceramic-making tradition. The structure was built using only brick, plaster and white cement. All the curves in the pantheon were produced using catenary profiles.
The structure was built using only brick, plaster and white cement; with no need for steelwork or reinforced concrete. Nevertheless, the pantheon vault has been designed to withstand earthquakes with fibreglass rods installed to absorb sheer force. The total constructed weight of the vault is approximately 12.5 tonnes, considerably less than a traditional pantheon with brick walls and concrete floors and ceilings, which could weigh between 15 and 20 times as much (between 190 and 250 tonnes) for the same volume. These figures reveal the savings in both energy and material, as well as the versatility of the tile vault compared to other more common constructions.
Special 3D programs were required to design the pantheon.
38 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
The floor comprises around 50 different shapes of Cenia Stone tiles designed and placed to form an isotropic puzzle that is repeated in all four modules. The external lighting of the vault is provided by fittings embedded in the paving at the foot of each of the vault. The benches are solid blocks of Cenia stone specifically sculpted to utilise the ventilation of the niches and sockets. Plant holders are also individual Cenia stone blocks which have been hollowed out and incorporate imperceptible perforated drainage on the base. The central paving uses double slip-coated ceramic tiles, playing with curves and counter-curves in dialogue with the vault. These tiles were designed and manufactured for the occasion by ceramist Enric Mestre, who also designed the monolith and the ceramic panel at the top of the pantheon. The slab used in the crypt, a single piece of Cenia stone weighing about a tonne, was extremely difficult to extract and produce, but can be slid effortlessly thanks to the rails and wheels attached to the back and installed by Unisystem. Inside, in a long space that highlights the smooth finish of Porcelanosa’s Butech panels, there is room for 24 niches and 12 columbaria, lit with simple linear LED fittings on the ceiling. ■
ABOUT THE PROJECT LOCATION: Municipal Cemetery, Villareal, Spain CLIENT: Soriano – Manzanet Family DESIGN: Camilla Mileto & Fernando Vegas CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: Construcciones Angose S.A. VAULT BUILDER: Salvador Gomis Avíñó POTTERY ARTIST: Enric Mestre Estellés RESTORER: Noema Restauradores BRICKS: Anticfang LOCKSMITH: Unisystems Porcelanosa Grupo NATURAL STONE: Inmar Stone Group
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Left: Wide & Style from ABK is a wallpaperlike surface with a wide range of patterns and shades.
Technology takes tile to a new level This year, ceramic tile will underline its status as the most progressive of all surface finishes, according to Joe Simpson.
D
riven by some significant advances in tile manufacturing technologies, notably continuous pressing, digital inkjet decoration, and new glaze formulations, the technical and aesthetic evolution of ceramic tiles has accelerated significantly over the past five years. This has manifest itself in the widespread introduction of ultralarge panels, the surge in sales of 20mm exterior-grade tiles, and the large range of new creative designs made possible by inkjet and overlays with effects that deepen the impact of graphics or traditional glazes. At the same time, alongside massive tile (or panel) formats – up to an aweinspiring 4.8m by 1.6m – the past year or so has also seen the profile of
40 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
small format glazed wall tiles grow greatly. This is a retro trend that still faces forward. While it the sheer size of today’s gauged ceramic panels tends to hog the headlines, an equally significant revolution is happening at the micro scale. Perhaps the most significant advance after digital inkjet may prove to be reactive inks that either sink through the surface glaze creating relief, or rise up to create structure. However, today’s tile buyers should also pay close attention to lustre effects, which can now be offered in multiple colours. The latest generation of metallic glazes that far surpasses all that has gone before in terms of sophistication. And the new kid on the block – inkjet glue – can be used to adhere granular frits or dry glazes, offering vetrosa and other alluring surface effects.
When it comes to modern metallic, Grespania’s new Avenue range of porcelain tiles is fairly typical. Richly textured with hints of metal, its applications extend beyond the home and into the commercial realm. The range comes in three formats – 800 by 800mm, 600 by 600mm and 300 by 600mm – and four colours: white, black, Marengo and grey. But let’s not get carried away. Beneath the surface skin of these latest designs, the dominant trends – the volume sellers – remain fairly predictable and conservative. Grey, white, and black remain the top three colours for both floor and walls. And the fourth? A neutral choice: greige. In wood-effect tiles, classic wood tones still reign supreme with oak dominant but now challenged by lighter woods that have a clear Scandinavian influence. When it comes to marble-effect tiles, classic white marbles with subtle yet deeply realistic veining are still king: carrara, statuario, calacatta, thassos, etc. Classic marble gains in value with every season and remains a go-to material for architects and interior designers. Charming, elegant and with beautiful veins running through the pieces, the Altai range from Grespania is typical, offering a touch of modernity with its original design. The collection, in polished and natural finishes, is available in 600 by 600mm and 300 by 600mm formats, plain or rectified. Noble, bright and warm, the Altai range proposes discrete hues: from white to grey, through a range of ivory and beige.
Planks and other fashion formats In terms of tile formats, planks are huge and no longer confined to woodeffect tiles. Stone-effect, metallics and even cotto tiles are all now working planks formats with some success. The dominant format appears to be 200 by 900mm, but longer planks, up to 1,200mm, are gathering momentum. The 300 by 600mm and 600 by 600mm sizes which have dominated
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T RENDS
Left: Cementine Boho is inspired by modern Boho chic style. BOTTOM: Savona tiles from Bellavista.
The natural world Nature figures strongly in today’s designer wall tiles, with an exotic interplay of birds, flowers, plants and wildlife in a riot of colour. Providing strong design impact, they would suit feature walls or a subtler detail decoration. While floral designs have been around since decorative tile was invented, what is new now is the touch of tropical modernism in the form of palms, cacti and similar exotic looks. Also on the natural theme, woodeffect tiles remain popular. Grespania’s Cambridge range is one of many to offer multi-formats: 295 by 1,200mm, 195 by 1,200mm, 145 by 1,200mm rectified and 150 by 800mm, as well as four colours: Caramel, Coffee, Midnight, and Moon. It typifies how the current generation of woodeffect tile can help create warm and welcoming environments.
Surface sophistication square floor tile sales in recent years, appear to be being increasingly challenged by sizes from 450 by 900mm up to 1,200 by 2,400mm or square formats of 900 by 900mm and above. And multi-format ranges, offering many pattern options, are very prominent, driven by the growing adoption of continuous pressing technology. In small format wall tiles, the key size appears to be 75 by 300mm, a kind of elongated subway shape; but 200 by 200mm, 150 by 300mm and slim rectangular sizes up to 100 by 750mm are also abundant. There are more 100 by 100mm tiles on the market now than at any time in the past 20 years. Exterior tiling has truly come of age, with many manufacturers now offering 20mm thick tiles in a range of slip-resistance finishes for both domestic and commercial applications. The design options have increased, with wood-, concrete-, and stone-effect tiles, now sitting alongside more decorative options. 42 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
Once limited to 600 by 600mm, external tiling also now comes in many more sizes like 400 by 800mm and 600 by 1,200mm, as well as 200mm and 300mm wide plank formats in many lengths.
Terrazzo and stracciatella Terrazzo-effect tiles have strutted the tiling catwalks over the past 18 months. Some of the better versions pick out the chips (inclusions) in gloss glaze; some have uniform chips, others multi-sized inclusions. Then there are versions with imperfect spacing or chip coverage. With digital decoration, tile designers can interpret terrazzo in many different ways. As well as the classic look of Italian colonnades, designs now span the trencadis broken tile style through to “salt & pepper” surfaces peppered with miniscule particles. The stracciatella or conglomerate stone effects can also have virtually any base colour, as well as multi-coloured inclusions.
Tile designers are constantly seeking new ways to add movement and volume to the flat surface, whether by texture, pattern, or tromp l’oiel effect. Some of the most cutting edge have deconstructed familiar shapes to transcend the traditional rectilinear format of a tile. A ceramic take on Cubism, perhaps? From the more design-led brands, 2018 will see more and more kaleidoscopic patterns, floating geometric shapes, trencadisstyle fragments, and Modernistinspired art tiles. This is not to say that tile designers have turned away from more obvious and familiar sources of inspiration, such as oriental carpets. However, these are now fused with more
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eclectic influences, such as Indian ritual tattoos and Kolam rice floor decorations. The hand-drawn look is key, with a sense of the artisan’s own personality sketched into a durable design. Chalk, pencil and paintbrush effects are all being used creatively in a variety of tile choices for use either over a large scale or as a feature section. Fusion is another theme. For instance, cottos, earthenware tiles, cement and moulded pieces come together to create Grespania’s Gea range – an adaptable collection that combines nature and modernity, architecture and the avant-garde, to create cosmopolitan urban environments as well as rustic, natural spaces. The Gea series comes in three large formats – 1,200 by 600mm, 800 by 800mm and 600 by 600mm – and a choice of colours: white, pearl, cement, taupe and anthracite. And the finish typifies so much that is good about today’s tiles: a soft spatula-effect relief that triggers an elegant gloss/matt interaction.
Beyond the copy It may never prove to be a volume seller, but the most striking and potentially influential tile design of the past year or so has to be Pop Job, created by Studio Job for Mirage. This striking collection explores an alternative graphic, coloured and provocative style. The shiny, smooth surface is obtained through a “twin-surface” technique, that sees thick glass applied onto the porcelain stoneware surface. There are seven shades available, ranging from more neutral tones such as white, beige, grey and black, to more vibrant colours such as green, pink and blue. “What we did with Mirage was professionalise the idea of a grungy old wooden floor but in ceramic. We always work with icons, so for us a floor in an interior conjures an image of an oak, parquet fish-bone floor. It is the most iconic type of floor you can have. We didn’t want to do it too literally,” explains Job Smeets, art director at Studio Job.
From top: The Pop Job collection explores an alternative graphic, coloured and provocative style; Grespania’s Cambridge is a wood-effect tile range in Caramel that measures 195 by 1200mm; Tiles by 14 Ora Italiana’s Marmo Mix. Opposite: Edilgres E-Street Arch is a modern interpretation of cement.
“We exaggerated it, so you see immediately that it is not real wood. We just used the structure and looked at this material from a more graphic angle, intensifying it to the greatest possible extent to obtain a parquet with the Pop style in brilliant, bright colours that are totally detached from reality.”
Pop Job is the most extreme example of an emerging trend. While some companies recreate the look of wood or stone to an impressive degree of realism, others mix different materials or handpick certain characteristics to form a whole new typology. This fusion of material-looks and themes result in a surreal, imaginative interpretation of tile and a potential new language for interior design. Other good examples are Nextone by Lea Ceramiche which combine stones from four different quarries; or Sicis’ Vetrite range that infuses marble designs with metallic veins to create unique materials that can’t be found in nature. Other current influences appear to be the design style and palette of the 1950s such as iconic cartoonists and artists, like Guido Crepax. There are also hand-painted patterns, sketches and illustrations, marbled effects and watercolour designs.
A softer, industrial aesthetic Although minimalist, urban-edged, cement-coloured floor tiles are still popular, tile manufacturers are exploring the softer side of concrete tiles, with chalky stucco effects, careworn decor, and concrete greys with a
hint of colour; as well as polished and semi-polished surface treatments. Narrow plank formats with surfaces are also moulded to look like shuttered in-situ concrete. Manufacturers currently offer concrete-effect tiles in many shades, tones and textures. And concreteeffect tiles have broadened to encapsulate spatulated plaster finishes, distressed stucco looks, aged hydraulic tile decors, concrete/timber and concrete/metal composites. Concrete-inspired designs have taken industrial chic in a variety of fresh directions. The best of these have exquisite surface detailing, like Trame by Lea Ceramiche. This has three different surfaces – Plaster, Matter, Canvas – and a neutral and harmonious colour palette. Plaster recreates a soft and spatula textured surface. Matter is rougher and opaque with the grainy finish of real concrete. Canvas has a linen texture with a delicate graphic relief. Each of the three material surfaces come in six different colours. In the Dwell collection by Atlas Concorde, porcelain floor tiles, and white-body wall tiles, deliver surfaces inspired by brushed concrete and synthetic resins. Ideal
T RENDS
house, it is accompanied by original Broadway decors. Also sitting alongside the concrete look, are interlocking curving shapes and mid-century patterns and palettes that have been given a modern edge. In flat or relief, matt or glazed, neutral or colourful, these tiles breath personality. Whether as the subtlest suggestion or as more visibly linear ridges, a number of new tile collections embrace a motif of fine lines. Running closely parallel or criss-crossing at angles, this textured effect can add a hint of fascination to otherwise neutral schemes, and work particularly well over large walls.
Piemme proposes
for contemporary styled venues and avant-garde architectural spaces, the colour palette includes natural and neutral colours, co-ordinated for floors and walls, and two synthetic nuances, for daring flashes of colour on walls. Grespania’s Avalon range offers urban-themed colours enhanced by a touch of the patina typical of cement surfaces exposed to the bustle of the city and the passage of time. And, with a 603 by 603mm format with a thickness of 20mm, it is one of many ranges out there to explore the concept of inside-out living. Petitot, from Novoceram’s Charme collection, also explores the design possibilities of cement-effect tiles. Petitot can evoke plaster, cement or metal, depending on which part of the design you are looking at. The range pays tribute to the work of Ennemond A Petitot, an eclectic French artist of the XVIII century. 46 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
Above: In the Dwell collection by Atlas Concorde, porcelain floor tiles, and white-body wall tiles, deliver surfaces inspired by brushed concrete and synthetic resins; Lithostone takes the Ceramiche Piemme range into the large format tile sector for the first time
Casalgrande Padana’s Resina is one of the more complex designs from the concrete-effect stable; with surfaces distinguished by flashes of light, brushstroke markings and splashes of colour interspersed with a body of neutral tones inspired by the homogeneity of resin. This collection of porcelain stoneware transcends the modular nature of tiles to create contemporary, original flooring. Cement also works well with other influences. Grespania’s Palace New York range combines cement and metal with the Corten colour featuring a rusted effect, achieving a combination of light and texture that enhances each piece. Intended for use as a floor tile throughout an entire
To select just one company, digital decoration proves its great versatility in Ceramiche Piemme’s three tile ranges: Uniquestone; Fleur de Bois and Lithostone. Uniquestone recreates natural effects resembling stone, granite and marble. The dual-purpose designs both enhance the spaces in which they are laid, while simultaneously guaranteeing products that are extremely easy to install and maintain. The natural finish recreates a detailed copy of the textured effect of the stones that inspired the designs, while the polished version adds elegance and brilliance. Fleur de Bois is the new timbereffect tile collection inspired by walnut. It features a visual mix of American and Italian walnut, that is made even more naturalistic by the application of advanced digital decoration technologies. The range highlights the characteristic longitudinal veining of walnut, evident in the American walnut design; as well as several special effects, such as a subtle artisan planed look, and an aged care-worn look typically found on old floors. Finally, Lithostone takes Ceramiche Piemme into the large format tile sector (1,200 by 2,400mm and 1,200 by 1,200mm) for the first time. The range has four stone inspirations: Burlington, Lavica, Limestone, and Beola. The result is four very different shades, ranging from white to beige, grey and anthracite. ■
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N EW S
An event for built environment professionals DesignBUILD is returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 2 to 4 May, for three days of networking and inspiration. In its 32nd year, the central theme of the event is, “It’s all in the detail”. DesignBUILD 2018 will showcase PowerHouse prefabricated homes, Wattyl Paint and Swiss Krono Group. Alongside the trade exhibition are two paid speaker and education programs, curated to cover the themes of industry compliance, sustainability and innovation. This includes panel discussions on topics such as build to rent, property resale and commercial buildings of the future. The DesignBUILD speaker program provides access to leading industry professionals who will discuss new products, policy and applications needed to keep ahead of the game. Keynote speakers Michael McCormack (Milieu Property Group), Robert Simeoni (Robert Simeoni Architects) and Simon Knott (BKK Architects) will be joining the town planners and design panel to discuss how the growth of Melbourne as an international city depends on a successful working relationship between developers, architects and town planners. Product compliance and conformity – informed by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London last year and the 2014 Lacrosse building fire in Melbourne – is a critical issue at DesignBUILD this year. They will be addressed through a panel discussion hosted by the Building Products Innovation Council’s Rodger Hills.
DesignBUILD 2018 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 2 to 4 May
48 | TILE TODAY #96 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au
Cyclist Cadel Evans surrounded by members of the Mapei team
In addition to speakers, DesignBUILD’s “Incubator” is a creative pavilion at the trade show that champions innovative thinkers and gives them a commercial platform to launch their inventions. The five most innovative entries are judged by an industry advisory panel against a set of criteria covering: innovation, creative, sustainability and impact on industry. In another project, DesignBUILD’s RAW allows university students to experience the full tender and construction process as they compete to have their designs built as key feature areas on the show floor. Conference director Pia Argiratos said this year’s event will include three panels led by respected architecture and design journalist Stephen Crafti. The discussions will be focused on: whether property speculation is compromising design outcomes; innovations in multilevel development; and how architects and town planners can collaborate rather than clash, for mutual benefit. “DesignBUILD is about bringing together people who are talking about the big topics that the industry is starting to deal with. It’s bringing together industry leaders to be able to lead discussions on this,” says Argiratos. “DesignBUILD is an opportunity for people to come together and not only learn about the latest products and innovation, but also to pause and reflect where the industry could do better… “[It] represents a space for the many ‘tribes’ of the industry to come together off the work site and learn together. This event is an opportunity to think about better ways to do things – so it’s a chance to work on the business, not in it.
Mapei committed to cycling The 2018 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race held in late January attracted over 100,000 people lining the streets of Geelong, Barwon Heads, Torquay and around the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Mapei was involved as an official partner for event once again and welcomed over 500 customers to its VIP hospitality venue which was positioned in front of the start/finish line and overlooking Corio Bay. The company’s connection with cycling began in 1993 when it sponsored and developed a team that was UCI ranked No. 1 eight times in its 10 year history. (The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events.) Cadel Evans joined the Mapei team in 2002 and continued to train at the Mapei Sports Centre in Italy under sports professor Aldo Sassi who helped Cadel make the transition from mountain biker to grand tourer. After Sassi’s death in 2010, Cadel continued training under the eye of Aldo’s protégé, Andrea Morelli. After winning the Tour de France in 2011, Evans dedicated his victory to Sassi. Mapei continues its sponsorship of major cycling events including the UCI Road World Championships which is held in a different country each year. Mapei Australia hosted this event in Geelong when it came to Australia for the first time in 2010.
NEWS
The Excite range in light blue gloss from Beaumont Tiles.
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index ACT Australia
24-25, 44-45
Australian Tile Council
49
B.A.T. Trims
33
Distinctive Tile Imports
17
CDK Stone
21
Clear Software
35
Colortile 11 Designbuild 37 Discovering Stone
51
Efflock 41 Europe Imports
5
Everstone
7, 19
Finishes & Surfaces
47
Foshan China Ceramics
39
Kerimika (Reed Exhibitions)
43
RLA Polymers
23
Mapei 29 National Ceramics
9
Sure Seal Sealants
31
Starstile (Fenice International)
Back Cover
Sovereign Distributors
37
Parex Davco
15
Tile Power
2-3
Trade Port
13
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Beaumonts predicts tile trends After attending the most recent Cersaie trade fair in Bologna, Italy, Beaumont Tiles believes it has uncovered the global tile trends for 2018. The resurgence of terrazzo and square format decoration, as well as the celebration of organic imperfections were out in force at Cersaie. Terrazzo is trending because of its quirky colour combinations, the clash of materials and unique sense of movement and vibrancy. It represents a mix of natural stone and cement with big or small chips of marble, granite, quartz and glass in tones of red, green or black. The emergence of the perfect square (20 x 20mm) decorative tiles embrace design styles from retro, 60s and 70s as well as geometric, heritage, metallic and encaustic cement. They mix design and materials from natural stone to timber-look-a-like. Massive tiles continue to trend with a modern design twist – large slab tiles with fibreglass backing bending around curves were all the rage. Forest greens, earthy blues, timber hues, and stone are all making an appearance in 2018. Also gaining attention is the large format tiled kitchen benchtops.
Ceramic market at CeramBath The upcoming China International Ceramic & Bathroom Fair (CeramBath) will be held in Foshan, from April 1821, 2018. It covers the world’s major
producing countries as well as domestic suppliers of ceramic and bathroom products. CeramBath organisers believe it provides a bridge for international exhibitors to access the Chinese market. It also plays a role in helping local companies expand their global reach.. In 2017, it attracted 54,397 and 60,930 visitors across the two Cermbath events, representing 12% growth. The increase in visitors came from Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. At the same time, many visitors from the US (one of the top 10 ceramic import countries in 2016) also chose CeramBath as the platform to purchase their products. Based on the exhibitors data from 2017, large-size tiles have entered the mainstream in terms of their popularity. However traditional products such as micro-crystal tiles and glazed tiles are still the major profit drivers on the market. ■ Below: A map of where visitors to CermBath originate from
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