Tile International 3/2010 by Kairos Media Group (div. ceramics)

Cersaie 2010

Made in Germany

Responsibility. Sustainability. Innovation.

[ ] 10 years of experience HYDROTECT

Hydrotect: the proven coating

Environmental protection is one of the most urgent tasks of our days,

• Decomposition of pollutants in the air: both indoors and outdoors.

and we feel obliged to contribute to it to a high degree. That is why we

In the case of exhaust fumes produced by industry and cars, for

are coating our ceramic tiles with Hydrotect, which offers three special

example, 1,000 m2 of facade ceramics with Hydrotect clean the air

economical and ecological advantages:

as effectively as 70 medium-sized deciduous trees.

• Extreme easiness of cleaning and/or self-washing effect with

• Antibacterial effect without chemical agents: microorganisms such

long-term guarantee: instead of being repelled, the water spreads

as e.g. bacteria, fungi, algae or moss are decomposed and their

to form a thin film which washes down the dirt.

renewed formation is prevented.

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ACTIVE Clean Air & Antibacterial CeramicTM is obtained through the application at a high temperature of micrometric particles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) which, by exploiting the photocatalysis process, allows the creation of superior porcelain slabs for floors and walls, anti-pollution and antibacterial which effectively help to improve the quality of life. The reduction of atmospheric pollution and the bactericidal action of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are largely documented and unanimously recognised by the scientific community, as stated by Jennifer Ariss, scientific researcher for the TCNA. With ACTIVE, Fiandre and Iris Ceramica have transferred the properties of TiO2 to its anti-pollution and antibacterial porcelain slabs for floor and wall coatings, boosting the effects with an innovative production method. These results were certified by the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) and the Centro Ceramico Bologna (Italian Ceramic Center). www.active-ceramic.com, www.floornature.com

GranitiFiandre spa via Radici Nord, 112 42014 Castellarano (RE) Italy www.granitiﬁandre.com

Iris Ceramica spa via Ghiarola Nuova, 119 41042 Fiorano Modenese (MO) Italy www.irisceramica.com

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In this page: CUBE

Kalebodur’s Cube & Dot Collections bring a new interpretation to today’s understanding of form. Both designed by Tamer Nakışçı, they create a brand new expression style that calls attention to digitalization and individualization. With their gorgeous ceramics, these collections reflect Kale’s holistic outlook for the bathroom. Cube & Dot are a departure from common designs in every aspect. Neither limits the individual to what is presented, and both

allow for total freedom of expression. They are the union of interactivity, brought to us by the digital age, and an innovative understanding of space. They are the richness created by forms found in the very foundation of the universe. They are a bridge that is built between the present and the future. Cube transforms color and form into an instrument that the designer can use to freely shape and recreate a space.

Informations: kaleseramik@kale.com.tr www.kale.com.tr www.cubeanddot.com

It is positive, simple and mature. Like a spotless, brand new, and snow white page, Cube is stripped of momentary pleasures and thoughts. Everything is harmonious and balancedthe image of our life in a parallel universe. An instant frame from the future. Color and form have never been so inspiring in ceramics. Dot keeps a silent space and a digital touch at its very core. In this series, decal print

decors enhance the simplicity of black and white. The decorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; metallic colors offer a glitter that complements the circular form of the tile. They allow for designs that reflect the gleam of purity and the charm of the night. The Cube & Dot Collections offer holistic concepts that transform bathrooms with striking washbasins and cabinets. This harmony creates bathrooms of the future...

In this page: DOT

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100% Recyclable Plastic Packaging* LEED MR Credit 2.1, 2.2 Recycled Product Content LEED MR Credit 4.1, 4.2 Regional Manufacturing Locations LEED MR Credit 5.1, 5.2 Low VOC Products Certified by LEED EQ Credit 4.1, 4.3 Acoustical Performance and Mold Prevention for LEED Schools EQ Credit 9, 10 snAP IT

To Access the LEED Project Certification Tool For additional product information snap the image with your phone. Get the free app for your phone at http://gettag.mobi

Trust LATICRETE, the True Leader in Green. Only LATICRETE offers third party certification for low VOC products and meets the stringent GREENGUARD Children & Schools standard. Combined with regional manufacturing locations, the use of post-consumer recycled materials and recyclable packaging, LATICRETE offers the most comprehensive array of products and services for your LEED requirements. Visit www.laticrete.com for more information on low VOC GREENGUARD certified products. +1.203.393.0010 * 100% Recyclable plastic packaging is applicable in North America. A-2164-0810

ÂŠ2010 LATICRETE International, Inc. LATICRETE, LATAPOXY, SPECTRALOCK and the

logo are Registered Trademarks of LATICRETE International, Inc.

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The LEED-ER in GREEn

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This is not an A SistemA is the new Marazzi Tecnicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crystallised porcelain, a new-generation material, ideal for wall and floor installations both in and outdoors. This superior

18 colors + 1 on demand

www.marazzitecnica.com

product, backed by Ecolabel and LEED certification, combines technical and aesthetic aspects with the core principles of ethics and ecosustainability.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UaE

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atlantis, the palm, palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UaE

the Water Cube, national aquatics Centre, Beijing, China

snap it

For additional product information snap the image with your phone. Get the free app for your phone at http://gettag.mobi

LATICRETE is a family owned worldwide manufacturer of products used for the installation of tile and stone applications. Based in Bethany for over 50 years, LATICRETE is known for high performance installation materials for both residential and commercial tile and stone installations. From underlayments, waterproofing, sound and crack isolation, floor warming, tile adhesives, and grouts, LATICRETE offers the products, warranty and technical support to help your project become a success. Visit www.laticrete.com for more information. +1.203.393.0010 a-2165-0810

ÂŠ2010 LATICRETE International, Inc. LATICRETE, LATAPOXY, SPECTRALOCK and the

logo are Registered Trademarks of LATICRETE International, Inc.

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Advertiser's list

April/June 2010 - N. 3

Publisher: Tile Edizioni S.r.l. Via Fossa Buracchione 84 • 41126 Baggiovara (Modena) • Italy Tel. +39 059 512 103 • Fax +39 059 512 157 info@tiledizioni.it • www.ceramicworldweb.it Codice Fiscale / P. IVA: IT02778050365 - Capitale Sociale: 51.400,00 € R.E.A. 329775 - Iscr. al Registro delle Imprese di Modena Periodico trimestrale registrato presso il Tribunale di Modena al n. 1828 in data 21/02/2007 - Iscrizione ROC n. 9673 Editor and Publishing coordination: Chiara Bruzzichelli • Contributing editors:

- Silvia Bertolani - Mara Corradi - Gian Paolo Crasta - Sara Falsetti - Paola Giacomini

• Secretariat: info@tiledizioni.it

• Translation: - Geoff Day - John Freeman • www.tiledizioni.it/subscription • Each copy: Euro 4 • Subscription: - Italy, 1 year: Euro 50 - Abroad, 1 year: Euro 70 - Italy, 2 years: Euro 70 - Abroad, 2 years: Euro 90 Spedizione in a.p. presso la Filiale di Modena. L’IVA sugli abbonamenti, nonché sulla vendita dei fascicoli separati, è assolta dall’Editore ai sensi dell’art 74 primo comma lettera C del DPR 26.10.72 N. 633 e successive modificazioni. © 1989 Tile Italia

Alborz

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• Tile Edizioni ms. Paola Giacomini ms. Elisa Verzelloni Tel. +39 059 822 337 Fax +39 059 826 803 p.giacomini@tiledizioni.it e.verzelloni@tiledizioni.it • mr. Alberto Tolomelli Tel/Fax: +39 051 381 939 Mobile: +39 335 594 8681 a.tolomelli@tiledizioni.it • Studio Mitos mr. Michele Tosato (Triveneto) Tel. +39 0422 892 368 Fax +39 0422 891 055 Mobile: +39 348 8732626 michele@studiomitos.it • mrs. Marina Morandi Tel. +39 0536 806 725 Fax +39 0536 184 6795 Mobile: +39 335 314 531 effeemmeadvertising@libero.it

Ascer

85-92

Louis Valentino Ceramic 130 Marazzi

MML

Benfer

Montolit

Bien Seramik

Phorma

III cop

103

Polcart

125

Profilpas

117 123

Cecrisa

18-19

121

Colorker

Progress Plast

Comedil

Raimondi

Rak Ceramics

Rubi

Cotto Tiles Thailand Dar Ceramics

66-67 83

Del Conca

Deutsche Steinzeug

• Print: Arbe Industrie Grafiche S.p.A. Via Emilia Ovest, 1014 41100 Modena - Italy • Photoliphie: Vaccari Zincografica Via E. Salgari, 61 41100 Modena - Italy

12/14

Azulev

Ceramara

• Graphic Layout: Sara Falsetti

Litokol

II cop

Divina

33/44-45

Dural

21/23

Saudi Ceramics Schlueter Systems

Self

Sigma

65 13

Ege Seramik

Steuler

Eliane

Stile

Everstone Gail GranitiFiandre

36-37 48

129

Tabriz Tile Tagina

143 84 8/109

Tecnografica

I Bizantini

Technokolla

Ideal Legno

Tek Arredamenti

International Slate

TopCer

113

Iris

Turkish Association

144

Italian Pall-ex

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TILE EDIZIONI ALSO PUBLISHES:

ITC

Vietri Ceramic Group

Tile Edizioni srl, in conformità al “testo unico sulla privacy”, garantisce la riservatezza dei dati usati per gli abbonamenti e per gli scopi tipici della stampa specializzata e la possibilità di modificarli o cancellarli (art. 7 del D.L. 196/2003) a mezzo richiesta scritta. Tutti i diritti di riproduzione e traduzione degli articoli pubblicati sono riservati. E’ vietata la riproduzione anche parziale senza l’autorizzazione dell’Editore. L’Editore non assume responsabilità per opinioni espresse dagli autori dei testi redazionali e pubblicitari.

Entire contents Copyright Tile Edizioni srl

Kale Laticrete Int.

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Tile Edizioni, keeping abreast of the times Where did you read it? Where did you see it? Until a couple of years ago, the only possible answers to those questions were: “in a magazine” or “on television”. But the pervasion of the internet into our lives, and the multimedia approach it has brought with it, has profoundly changed all that. So the world of information is adapting to developments and expanding into the virtual world. This publishing house is no exception. Online since 2002

with a web magazine (www. ceramicworldweb.it), which is updated daily, we are now stepping up our multimedia presence. A few months ago we opened a Tile Edizioni profile on Facebook and Twitter, so as to keep social network users up to date with developments in the world of ceramic. As of this issue, Tile International will include Quark Codes. If you scan these new interactive codes with the camera of a smart phone or

computer, the device’s browser will launch and redirect you to the relevant multimedia content published on the internet. Also with effect from this month, we are offering readers the chance to browse and download the electronic version of all our magazines free of charge until the end of the year. And we are preparing a specific application for l-Pads and E-readers, which will give our readers access to our content

at any time, from anywhere. In the meantime, we have already optimised the graphics of www. ceramicworldweb.it for perfect navigation with an I-pad. What drives us is the desire to keep providing readers with quality content in step with the times. As Apple founder Steve Jobs said at the recent D8 (a major American digital technologies conference): “The world will always need highquality, professionally reported information”. Happy reading!

QR Code

... great communication opportunities

How to use QR codes To read the QR (Quick Response) code, simply open the QR code-reading programme on your computer or smart phone and scan the code with the device’s camera. If you don’t have the programme, you can download it free of charge by typing one of the following links into your phone’s browser: http://reader.kaywa.com or http://get.beetagg.com/en/qr-reader/download

How to browse and download the magazines free of charge To subscribe free of charge to the online version of our magazines, simply go to www.tiledizioni.it/freesubscription, select the titles you are interested in and enter the promotional code TILE0610

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Decor

Contents

The grout becomes a decorative Wall Finish.

11 - Editorial

Cersaie 2010 fully booked

by Chiara Bruzzichelli

20 - Tilefax 38 - In the spotlight

Interview with Filippo Marazzi

46 - Economics&Markets Construction in Europe: recovery expected in 2011

by Chiara Bruzzichelli

by Gian Paolo Crasta

52 - Distribution

Distribution in Europe: 3 success stories

by Silvia Bertolani

68 - Innovation

It is possible to create several finishes using different trowels: TRANSLUCENT, SMOOTH, SPATULA and DECORATIVE finish.

System Photonics: photovoltaic architecture

Project 72 - Laticrete Innovation for Singapore Lifestyle Destination 74 - Lines, colours and curtain walls by Marazzi Group 76 - Touches of colour on ventilated facades 78 - A testament to contemporary architecture

by Sara Falsetti

by Silvia Bertolani continued » »

Cover picture by: unicer (www.unicer.com), Cersaie 2009 Photo by: Giancarlo Pradelli (www.giancarlopradelli.com) Advertiser’s list: page 9

www.starlike.it

Subscription order form: www.tiledizioni.it/subscription Translations: Geoff Day / John Freeman

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inimitable

Enjoy something special: steuler l design has the colours, materials and tile designs that give you the ability to transform your dream home into reality. The new tile lines of steuler l design: Everyday Comfort â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fashionable Style.

Decor

Contents

3 uses in one unique product

Wall Finish 94 - Art & Culture Don’t panic… they’re just Urban Ghosts

100 - 106 - Grout

 CERSAIE 2010  The First Apple

by Chiara Bruzzichelli

The gallery

126 - Art & Culture Cuba ceramic’s man

Adhesive

The additive DECOR, when added to the Starlike grout, creates a mortar that is easily applied as a wall finish. It allows to cover the walls with the same material and the same colour of the grout; it is therefore possible to create colour combinations between the coverings where Starlike has been applied and the surrounding walls.

by Silvia Bertolani

In his own words: Franco Manfredini, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica

110 -

by Silvia Bertolani

by Gian Paolo Crasta

Bathroom&Surfaces 132 - Beauty, but with an eye on resources 136 - Interpreting wellness

14,000 people do it better!

They read daily www.CeramicWorldWeb.it

www.starlike.it

*Absolute Unique Visitors from Google Analytics Reports

by Mara Corradi

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Visit our website www.schlueter-systems.com

Editorial

by Chiara Bruzzichelli

Cersaie 2010 fully booked Again this year, the exhibition space at Cersaie was fully booked months in advance. The 176,000 square metres of exhibition space in the Bologna trade fair complex will be occupied by over 800 companies from 29 countries spread across five continents, representing five different sectors. The international character of Cersaie 2010 is again in evidence, with international exhibitors now accounting for almost a quarter of the total. The event’s comprehensive coverage of the five product areas, meanwhile, is evident from the breakdown of how the exhibition space has been divided up: the tile sector accounts for 49.2%; bathroom furnishing for 38.8%; raw materials for 2.7%, and installation products and machinery and display systems (both accommodated in external areas) for 6.2%. Service activities, lastly, account for 3.1%

of total space. The “Building, Dwelling, Thinking” series features a full schedule of events for architects, engineers, designers and students, which you can consult on page 102 together with the products gallery “Cersaie 2010 Preview” (page 110). The knowledge that the Bologna-based trade fair is still the leading international showcase for the sectors it represents, however, is obviously not enough to calm the nerves of people working in and around the construction industry. We are all concerned by the protracted nature of this recession at an international level, and by the absence of stable signs of recovery in the housing market. But what do the figures tell us about the situation? In the United States, the Department of Trade announced that in June, sales of new houses in-

creased by 23.6% to 330,000 units. The rise was higher than expected, but not enough to offset the 36.7% fall in sales (to 267,000 units) recorded in May, which marked an all-time low, probably caused by the end of the government incentive scheme for first-time home-buyers. The Department of Trade also announced that the average selling price fell by 0.6% in June on a year-on-year basis. (Last-minute update: news has just come in that house sales in the USA in July suffered their worst fall in 15 years, with a drop of 27% on the previous month). Eurostat figures published in July for the Eurozone (16 countries) show that output in the construction industry remained on a downward trend, with a fall of 1% in May. The situation is broadly the same in the Europe of 27, which welcomed a rise of 0.5% in April, only to see it followed by a fall of 0.6% in May.

On an annual basis, compared with May 2009, construction output fell by 6.3% in the Eurozone and 2.4% in the EU 27. The biggest falls were in Romania (-6.6%) and Slovakia (-5.6%). One significant positive figure emerges from the scenario: GDP in Germany rose by 2.2% in the second quarter, which was well above forecasts and confirms Germany’s status as the locomotive of Europe. According to analysts at CNN, meanwhile, China could become the next bubble to burst, as a result of excessive private indebtedness, which recently reached 29% of GDP, and a building boom which is seeing continuously rising house prices, despite the fact that 65 million homes are empty. In the meantime, news broke just a couple of weeks ago that China has overtaken Japan in terms of GDP. 5

How to browse and download the magazines free of charge To subscribe free of charge to the online version of our magazines, simply go to www.tiledizioni.it/freesubscription select the titles you are interested in and enter the promotional code TILE0610 In order to read the QR Code with your mobile phone you need to download the correct software. Please connect to the following web addresse with your mobile phone broswer to download it: http://www.i-nigma.mobi For more information on QR code visit: http://tinyurl.com/help4qrcode

mm 235 64

...bigger better!!!

Tile International 1/2010

mm 297

New 2010 edition

Tilefax

Companies, News & Markets Panariagroup: financial statements 1st quarter 2010

the Group will direct substantial resources to-

orously selects the quarries from which it sources

wards technological research and innovation,

its raw materials - is thus sending out a clear mes-

while remaining committed to making further

sage of confidence in its experience and ability

In the first quarter of 2010, Panariagroupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earn-

efficiency gains and cost reductions.

to innovate, by making such a substantial investment at a time of worldwide economic crisis.

ings showed a marked improvement on 2009, thus confirming the validity of the action taken by the Group over the past year aimed at reducing operating costs. Net earnings from sales amounted to 147.61 million euro, representing a fall of 1.14% on the

Ecological lines for Cotto

same period the previous year, which was shared unequally between the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three

Thai Ceramic Co. Ltd., a leading Thai ceramic

main markets. Europe (which accounts for 42%

manufacturer and subsidiary of Siam Cement

of total turnover) is still feeling the burden of the

Group (SCG) operating under the Cotto brand,

international crisis, and this was borne out by a

pays close attention to environmental issues

fall in turnover of some 4 million euro (-6.27%) in

and has consequently made substantial invest-

western Europe. Eastern Europe, by contrast, saw

ments in a Research & Development pro-

growth of 26%, bringing the overall contraction

gramme. The programme has borne fruit in the

on the European market down to about 3.2 mil-

form of the Eco Touch and Eco Rockrete series,

lion (-4.8%). Earnings in Italy (which accounts for

two collections which offer an attractive ap-

Last March Litokol Russia completed the start-up

30% of turnover), fell by about 2.4 million euro

pearance combined with high quality. The se-

of a production plant for ready-mixed products,

(down 5% on 2009) as a result of continuing

ries are made with 60% recycled materials, and

alongside the existing production unit: the initia-

stagnation on the construction market, whereas

adhere to the principles of sustainable develop-

tive involves the doubling up of plant in order to

in the United States, whose performance in the

ment and local sourcing.

maximise the exploitation of production synergy

Litokol Russia doubles its production capacity

first quarter of 2010 ran counter to that of the

and flexibility of work shifts in relation to different

other areas, the Group reported an increase in

product types, and will increase current produc-

turnover of 4.6 million USD (+13%).

tion on the basis of 300 tonnes for each shift.

Earnings saw marked growth thanks to an effec-

After eight years of activity in the country, Litokol

tive cost-cutting programme and the streamlin-

is consolidating its production resources in or-

ing of operating facilities, with particular refer-

der to support the massive expansion of sales

ence to the American subsidiary Florida Tile.

that has led to the opening of 14 branches pro-

EBITDA reached 15.6 million euro (up 5.7 million

viding nationwide coverage in Russia.

on the first quarter of 2009), while EBIT rose to 5.6

The new plant was created and installed with

million euro (up 6.2 million). The Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial position and net equity

New HQ for I Bizantini

the aid of LB Officine Meccaniche Spa of Sassuolo in Italy for the design and production unit, while structural steelwork, the storage structures

also improved on 2009. The result was a consolidated net profit for the period of 3.6 million euro,

I Bizantini, based in the Marche region of Italy, re-

and the building foundations were handled by

representing a rise of 8 million on the consoli-

cently moved its registered office and operating

a local contractor.

dated net loss of approximately 4.4 million euro

facilities (offices, showroom, warehouses and

The storage structure consists of 15 new silos to

in the first quarter of 2009.

production centre) to a new site in Jesi (in the

be added to the existing 12, with a new 3000-li-

Despite uncertainty about developments on in-

province of Ancona) at Via Piandelmedico,

tre mixer, new packaging lines for powder prod-

ternational markets, the forecasts for the sec-

91bis. The company - which specialises in the

ucts, and the provision for mechanical unload-

ond half of 2010 are also positive. On the

processing of natural stone, has always given

ing directly to road trucks and railway cars,

strength of its economic and capital position,

high priority to the quality of its products and rig-

making use of the internal railway siding at the

Tile International 3/2010

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Litokol plant in Noginsk. The plant is designed to produce adhesives, cement grouts and ready-mixes in general, and it can be integrated with an additional finished products packaging system and pallets transport line based on an automated system of recessed roller conveyors, designed to ensure a continuous and efficient storage flow up to the shipping bay and picking department. Litokol’s plant is completed with an Italian technology palletisation unit that further enhances the efficiency of the two lines, guaranteeing high speed and total control at the end of the production cycle. After a 2009 in which Litokol OOO confirmed 2008 values in terms of quantities, dedicating efforts in the second half to the completion of this doubling of production capacity, initial 2010 economic data in Russia point to a healthy recovery of the building construction and ceramic market, focused primarily in areas subject to rapid development and provinces that are more distant from the capital: with an organisation that employs a workforce of more than 100 and enjoys significant sales penetration, the company is looking forward to a further increase in its competitive position in Russia and surrounding markets for the entire product range.

Creativity and innovation for Tagina

available in the colours blanc-gris, blanc-rose and crème, with an optional high-polished finish. It includes

Tagina Ceramiche d’Arte will be ex-

a wide range of field tiles, accents

hibiting a new collection at Cersaie

and trim pieces, in formats ranging

2010 called Nuage, aimed at en-

from 1.5x1.5 cm to 30.5x92 cm.

hancing

classic, elegant

bath-

rooms with the latest technological innovations. The collection includes an all-new product called “Bordo Cavo”, which measures 5.5x92 cm and breaks new ground in terms of versatility, format, design and technical execution. This trim piece can be installed either vertically or horizontally, as a covering piece, plinth or frame, and is accompanied by a varied range of joints, corners and edge trims for producing any type of composition. Nuage is a white-body collection

Tilefax

☞

Also read on www.CeramicWorldWeb.it

Announcing the birth of TLS- EUROPA

cal Jasba module format of 31.6x31.6 cm, these

calating growth, bringing improvements to a

motifs can be laid infinitely and combined exact-

country that consumes ceramic and porcelain

ly with other components of the extensive range

tile at a blistering pace on a par with the United

The Tuscan Levelling System (TLS), used to ob-

offered by this brand. Giving rise to practically un-

States.

tain fast and level installation of ceramic, mar-

limited variety of design which can be further de-

“Vietnam continues to grow and advance in its

ble, granite and composite tiles, patented in the

veloped by another special variant: the equally

role as a member of the World community,” said

US and distributed in Italy by the Carrara based

new Jasba-HOMING range includes an orna-

Laticrete co-owner Henry Rothberg. “The entire

Bis-Gra srl, is now distributed throughout Europe

ment version with non-slip “Secura” surface ena-

country has welcomed foreign investors and re-

and Mediterranean countries by TLS-Europe.

bling showers and similar wet areas to be attrib-

mained open to new technology that can help

This represents a further confirmation of the

uted a very personal signature in future.

them sustain growth, the same way they have

quality and efficacy of the Tuscan Levelling Sys-

supported Laticrete in this opportunity. Laticrete,

tem for installing medium and large size tiles,

with global technology, is committed to helping

also for reduced thickness material (4 / 5 mm),

change the way Vietnam installs tile and stone,

which is more difficult to level. The impact on the

from the thick layer of mortar used for centuries

European market confirms the value of a simple

to a lightweight, thin layer of adhesive.”

and innovative product, in addition to the success already obtained in Italy.

Laticrete lands in Vietnam Laticrete, a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative systems for the installation of tile and stone, has made another strategic move targeted to increase its presence in Southeast

Jasba-ORNAMENTS: ceramic gems for unusual walls

Asia with the July opening of the Laticrete Vietnam Company. Laticrete celebrated the official

ITC Ceramiche: Italian tiles at Cersaie

launch of the new entity in the Tay Ho district of Jasba will be exhibiting its new collection Jas-

Hanoi, but has its sights set on completing infra-

Putting in an appearance at Cersaie in Bolo-

ba-ORNAMENTS at Cersaie (Hall 36, stand A10).

structure to supply the entire country of Vietnam

gna again this year, ITC Ceramiche is stepping

Thanks to this brand-new development, creative

with Laticrete materials and methods.

up the focus on its Made in Italy pedigree and

minds can send individual ideas literally climb-

The Laticrete Vietnam Company will expand

on the quality of its products and decorations.

ing up the walls. This is made possible by some

production, research and training locations to

The ITC stand (Hall 18, stand A10), which ex-

elegant patterns and up to 5,760 coloured mo-

Da Nang and further south to Ho Chi Minh City,

tends over an area of 144 square metres, was

saics per square metre. Another particular fea-

improving access to all markets near or on the

ture is represented by the up to five glaze layers

Indochinese Peninsula, namely Cambodia,Thai-

tasio, who created an island featuring minimal-

offering an especially bright and distinguished

land and the Philippines.

ist design and imposing totem display units to

effect. Jasba-ORNAMENTS are based on 1x1 cm

The Laticrete Vietnam Company will supply ar-

show the products to best effect, in real-world in-

mosaics and are supplied in an installation-

chitects, designers and contractors with the

stallations.

friendly way: ready-glued on sheets in the typi-

tools they need to keep pace with Vietnam’s es-

The project gives the highest possible profile to

Tile International 3/2010

Advertising

ITC Ceramiche’s all-Italian production of precious, refined collections, embellished with mosaics and new

Profilpas focuses on design

pure-colour accents, with a unique,

Profilpas, a leader in the research

ton-sur-ton damask effect. The com-

and development of metal and

pany’s large formats for the high-

PVC profiles, is launching an ex-

gloss polished lines and several sat-

tremely fashionable range of skirt-

in-finish lines, also come under the

ing boards for mounting flush with

spotlight.

the wall. Modular, suitable for use with plaster, and featuring a natural aluminium

base

with

fastening

holes, they can be fitted directly to the wall before plastering and floor laying. The line is composed of several profiles with a wide range of finishes, including either solid wood inserts, such as oak, walnut, mahogany, cherry, wenge, beech and lacquered white (88/6 and 87/9), or interchangeable inserts coated with Alcrom plus film or real leather (99/C). They stand out because,

Colour and design for ArtCasa showroom by Comedil On an 800-square-metre site in Vignola (in the province of Mode-

from an aesthetic point of view, they can be combined with every type of floor. They thus create a visual continuum in a perfect integration of style, expressing the spirit of modern living with elegance and sobriety.

na, Italy), ArtCasa by Comedil has set up a new showroom that features a series of innovative display solutions. It’s a rational and practical showroom, where colour and design are the hallmark of the range of products on display, all of which are aimed at providing tailormade solutions for all types of floor and wall coverings.

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Innovation and design for RAK Ceramics at Cersaie

Zahna: new planning folder for architects

Rather than putting the brakes on its rate of de-

From its new 400-square-metre stand, RAK Ce-

Zahna Fliesen GmbH of Zahna near Wittenberg

in 2009 for the first time Duravit presented the

ramics will be exhibiting a new selection of inno-

(Germany) is introducing a new folder aimed

market with a sauna, two pools and a kitchen

vative products at Cersaie 2010.

exclusively at architects and relating to the

sink. In addition, the company retained its entire

RAK Ceramics started operations in 1991 with a

product segments High Traffic, Safety, Resistant,

worldwide workforce, totalling around 5,200.

daily capacity of 5,000 square metres from a

Architecture 11 and Facades. The samples in-

The principal markets were confirmed as central

single production plant in Ras Al Khaimah.

cluded in the folder, which features 15 plain and

European countries, notably Germany, Italy,

Nearly 20 years later, the company has grown

13 mixed colours, as well as a variety of surfaces,

Spain, the UK and France; the Duravit Group’s in-

into a one-billion-USD global conglomerate with

are of high visual impact. The folder also con-

ternational sales accounted for 75.1% of the to-

total production output of 115 million square

tains the current brochures Architecture, Design,

tal. Duravit works through a total of 27 subsidiar-

metres from 15 manufacturing facilities in the

Facades, Industry and Historical, as well as Old

ies and associates, and is present in more than

UAE, Bangladesh, Sudan, China, India and Iran.

Zahna, the range of tiles specially produced for

90 countries. Production is carried out in several

The success of RAK Ceramics has been largely

restoration applications.

plants in Germany and in other parts of the

velopment, Duravit created several new products to gain access to new areas of operations:

credited to the leadership of Sheikh Saud Bin

world: Hornberg, Schenkenzell and Meißen (Ger-

Saqr Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy

many), Bischwiller (France), Cairo (Egypt), Istan-

Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who founded RAK Ce-

bul (Turkey), Chongqing (China) and Biserta

ramics on principles of quality, efficiency and in-

(Tunisia).

ternationalisation. The company’s commitment to worldwide expansion finds expression in its export coverage, which extends to 150 countries, and in its new

Francis Montesinos for Emac

slogan “Close to you worldwide”, which sums up its drive to meet the varying requirements of all its customers worldwide, with high-quality, inno-

Duravit: accounting time

vative products. The company’s performance over the past two years has been particularly

After doubling sales from 2003 to 2008, the eco-

impressive: in the midst of the global crisis, RAK

nomic recession in 2009 meant that Duravit re-

assessed its growth prospects and decided to

corded a downturn for the first time: 2009 sales

increase production capacity from 106 to 117

totalled 292.7 million euro, reflecting a 12.6% fall

million square metres, extend its product portfo-

on the figure for 2008. Duravit AG recorded a

lio with formats ranging from 10x10 to 125x185

slight decline in sales in Germany too. Despite

cm, and

Tile International 3/2010

intro-

this background, the top German manufacturer

duce RAK Slim,

of bathroom furniture embarked on an ambi-

eco-friendly

tious spending programme in 2009: a new pro-

tile with a thick-

duction plant in India and new showrooms in

ness of 4.5 mm,

Egypt and Tunisia, plus expansion and automa-

which marks a

tion of the central warehouse in Achern, Germa-

new

departure

ny. In addition, with the creation of a new com-

in terms of for-

mercial concern in Australia, Duravit chose to

mat,

strength,

allocate funds to secure a direct presence in

costs and ease

Oceania. At the same time, a new commercial

of use.

concern was set up in South Africa.

Emac®, a major Spanish manufacturer of profiles and trims for wall and floor tiles, structural joints and expansion joints for large projects, will be exhibiting a wide range of new products at Cersaie 2010 (outdoor area 44, stand 40). The most outstanding of these is the collection of decorative listels made by the famous Spanish designer, Francis Montesinos. It is an innovative collection featuring textile motifs and Swarovski crystals, which give aesthetic distinction to designer finishings.

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Coem Spa debuts in Shanghai

Last June 11, the Presi-

makes of ceramic tiles, kitchens and bathroom

dent of the Italian For-

furniture, was created because of the growing

eign

Institute

interest in and popularity of Italian Living also in

(I.C.E.) and the Italian

the People's Republic of China. The goal is to

consul participated in

provide a close-up look at the typical “Made in

the inauguration of the

Italy” approach to style.

Trade

innovative Shanghai “Interni” showroom, where Italian ceramic architectural surfaces play a star role. A warm welcome was extended to Daniela Selmi and Corrado Basso, who participated in the delegation to represent Coem SpA, a ceramic group making its showroom debut in the Chinese megalopolis.

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Leading role for Italian tiles in Shanghai

production in front of vast numbers of interna-

the Expo and with which Italian production is

tional visitors.

fully aligned. The topic came up for further dis-

The event included an exhibition entitled “Land

cussion at a seminar held on 9 September in

“Better City, Better Life.” This is the slogan chosen

with a soul”, held in the Italy Pavilion by the Emil-

the Faculty of Architecture of the University of

for the Shanghai Universal Expo, which opened

ia-Romagna Regional Council, for which Con-

Tongij. The meeting was entitled “Ceramic Tiles

in May.The topic of designing the cities of the fu-

findustria Ceramica, acting under the Ceramic

of Italy: the green way” and provided a platform

ture to respond to new and better lifestyles, at-

Tiles of Italy mark, produced an access route

for presenting the innovations proposed by Ital-

tracted the participation of Confindustria Ce-

tiled entirely in ceramic, using the flagship rang-

ian companies in terms of quality, design and

ramica, whose representatives visited Shanghai

es of eight member-companies: Casalgrande

production technology.

from 1 to 15 September as part of the Emilia-Ro-

Padana, Floor Gres, Lord, Marazzi, Mirage,

magna-based delegation to promote the excel-

Piemme, Ragno and Sichenia. The common de-

lence of the Italian ceramic industry.

nominator of the area was not just the beauty

Confindustria Ceramica organised a wide

and design for which Italian tiles are universally

range of initiatives for the occasion, all aimed at

acclaimed, but also the theme of sustainability,

highlighting the excellence of Italian ceramic

in line with the slogan chosen for this edition of

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2010 Design Award goes to Grohe Blue

associated transport, storage and disposal.

taminants; finally, a micro particle filter captures

The Grohe Blue mixer tap has two separate wa-

particles as small as 10 microns. A bypass facili-

terways: the first delivers and mixes hot and cold

ty is provided to allow users to adjust the hard-

Grohe Blue, winner of the

water like a conventional mixer tap, while the

ness level to obtain the filtered water taste that

IF Product Design Award

second filters and dispenses drinking water from

they prefer. The filter is easy to change and re-

2010, is a revolutionary

the mains supply, removing substances and

placement intervals are clearly signalled: a LED

kitchen mixer tap with a

contaminants that can affect taste and odour.

on the filtered water dispensing knob emits

replaceable filter that im-

This solution ensures that the filtered water never

flashing signals to show when filter capacity is

proves the taste and pu-

comes into contact with the normal mixed hot

almost terminated and when the filter must be

rity of tap water in a prac-

and cold water. Grohe Blue’s multilevel filter

changed. The Grohe Blue filter, lasting approxi-

tical and eco-friendly manner. Thanks to the low

treats the water in four stages: a fabric filter inter-

mately 6 months

oxide content in the filtered water, Grohe Blue

cepts particulate; an ion exchanger reduces

also ensures lasting protection of coffee-makers

water hardness and filters out heavy metals

classified as cat-

and kettles. This system is highly cost-effective:

such as lead and copper; an activated carbon

egory 2 accord-

the purchase cost is soon offset by savings in

filter removes substances that can impair taste

ing to UNI EN

bottled mineral water and the elimination of the

and odour, such as chlorine and organic con-

1717.

average, is

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Architecture: the new publications from Ascer

rounding Mediterranean landscape - for the til-

Schomburg products, adding the waterproofing

ing of the floors, walkways and terraces that sur-

and restoration products made by the German

round

group.

“Rhythms, cycles, performances. Ceramics in ar-

pools.

Work has also been started on the construction

chitecture” is the title of the third monograph

The Le Pietre floor tiles, chosen in white, in the

of a new plant in Maranello in the adjoining

published by ASCER in partnership with the pub-

modular version consisting of four different sizes,

province of Modena, on a 25,000-sq.m site,

lishing house Actar, which covers 31 national

are the perfect match for the architectural con-

which will accommodate an ultra-modern pro-

and international projects centred around the

cept of the complex, which also makes exten-

duction line, a large warehouse, laboratories

use of ceramic. The works include the sea-front

sive use of natural stone. Located in the vicinity

and offices. The new plant is scheduled for com-

along the Poniente beach in Benidorm (Carlos

of Dubrovnik, which is a UNESCO World Heritage

pletion in 2011.

Ferrater and Xavier Martí), the Expo Aragona

Site, the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Dubrovnik

conference centre (Nieto Sobejano), an office

Sun Gardens combines modern architecture

complex in Valencia (Ruiz-Larrea & Associates),

with top-flight services.The Le Pietre collection of

Central Saint Giles (Renzo Piano) and the Brand-

through-body porcelain tile is available in white,

horst Museum (Sauerbruch Hutton).

clay, grey and beige/pink. As well as the 45x45

In addition to the 31 projects, the book contains

cm size, it also comes in a composition of four

a number of in-depth articles such as those

modular formats.

the

luxurious

fresh-water

swimming

contributed by the architects Hans Drexler, Vicente Sarrablo and Victor Echarri, which offer a vision of ceramic in sustainable building and the

Porcelanosa gets into photovoltaic technology

current and future potential of the material, as well as a series of articles by the Ceramic Technology Institute and a selection of interior design projects, including the work “CuldeSac o

The revolutionary idea of creating an exterior

LaGranja”. The book is published in an edition

photovoltaic floor surface was the result of col-

of 10,000 copies, in Spanish and English, and is available in all good book shops. The aim of the publication is to promote ceramic among ar-

laboration between the Porcelanosa group’s

Benfer and Schomburg join forces for tile laying

chitects and building professionals.

Butech division and Onyx Solar, a specialist in the development of intelligent solutions for sustainable integration of solar energy. The original

The design and publication of this book was

Since 5 November 2009 Aquafin International

project, which is an expression of the increas-

made possible thanks to the support of IMPIVA,

GmbH - a German member of the Schomburg

ingly strong volition of the Porcelanosa group to

the European Regional Development Fund,

Group, specialised in products and systems for

focus on eco-compatibility and reduced ener-

and IVEX. The first volume was published in

the building construction industry - has held a

gy usage, will become a viable marketable

2006, since which time a new volume has been

50% stake in Benfer Srl, an historic company

product by the end of 2010. The photovoltaic ex-

published every two years.

based in Bazzano, near Bologna in northern Ita-

terior flooring system, composed of a photo-

ly, with a 25-strong workforce and annual pro-

voltaic glass incorporated in the ceramic tile,

duction of more than 25 thousand tonnes of

will feature the same properties of trafficability

adhesives and grouts for ceramic and natural

and durability of a conventional floor surface so

On the strength of its natural appearance and

stone floor and wall surfaces, marketed through

that it can be incorporated in any project with-

outstanding anti-slip performance, NovaBell’s Le

a dynamic network of sales agents in Italy and

out requiring any compromise in terms of de-

Pietre collection was chosen by the Radisson

the South of France.

sign constraints.

Blu Resort & Spa Dubrovnik Sun Gardens - an el-

Under its new name of Benfer Schomburg Srl,

egant new five-star complex on the Dalmatian

the Italian company faces the market with its

coast with a breathtaking view over the sur-

range of floor tile adhesives extended to include

NovaBell in Croatia

Tile International 3/2010

inventivastudio.com

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Winners of the Fincibec Quinquennial Tile Award

Custom Blends option, which makes it possible

and specialisation in emerging application sec-

to create products to customer specification, in

tors (energy, the environment, and telecommu-

unique tones obtained by mixing several differ-

nications) on the other. ”

The first edition of the Quinquennial Tile Award

ent colours from a total range of 60.

Confindustria Ceramica president Franco Man-

reaches the closing act: the presentation of the

From the United Arab Emirates to the United

fredini closed the forum with a talk that touched

international award for the creators of living

States, and from Japan to Northern Europe,

on the personal life of Cirillo Mussini and a de-

spaces, assigned by the Fincibec Group.

Sant’Anselmo operates as a partner of the top

scription of his contribution to the industry, at

The panel of judges, composed of 5 experts

architecture firms, due to the breadth of its

three years from his passing.

from the ceramics industry and the worlds of

range, the exclusivity of its products and the first-

design and architecture, assessed the projects

rate consulting it provides. Designers can dis-

submitted, all of which were created between

cuss ideas with qualified personnel, with a view

2005 and 2009 and all utilising materials from

to making technical and product choices, draw-

the Group’s three brands: Monocibec, Century

ing up specifications and methods of statement

and Naxos (as required by the contest rules).

and supplying site-assistance and customised

The outright winner was a project for the spa

products manufactured to the standards in

area of the Kempinsky Hotel - West Bay of Doha

force in the country of installation.

(Qatar): the prize consists of a 10,000-euro trip to one of the world’s architecture capitals (Berlin, Dubai or New York). The official ceremony will take place during an event planned for the forthcoming 28 September in Bologna, when the city will again be decked out in its role as the world ceramics capital for Cersaie 2010. The event will also provide the ideal opportunity to

The 3rd Edition of the “Prof. Cirillo Mussini” Forum

Florim Ceramiche is continuing its progress in

announce the second edition of the Quinquennial Tile Award.

Sant’Anselmo Custom Blends

The Concorde Group conference room provid-

the field of multimedia communication with the

ed the backdrop for the scholarship presenta-

launch of www.florimsolutions.com, a new work-

tion ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the Prof. Ciril-

ing tool devoted exclusively to technical appli-

lo Mussini Forum, which this year addresses the

cations for architecture and building.

topic of “The changing job market”. The scholar-

Florim Solutions is the corporate division of Florim

ships were awarded to four young graduates

Ceramiche that offers comprehensive and ded-

from the University of Modena and Reggio Emil-

icated support to professionals in all stages:

ia: Francesca Borelli, Riccardo Cantiello, Elena

from development through to the creation of

Colombini and Mirco Franchini.

swimming pools, ventilated facades, raised and

The presentation committee was composed of

industrial floors, and light prefabricated street

the University dean Aldo Tomasi, Confindustria

furniture and bathrooms.

Ceramica association president Franco Man-

Florimsolutions.com aims to become an on-line

fredini, Atlas Concorde executive Carlo Cottica,

point of reference for the world of building de-

and Luca Mussini, son of the late Cirillo Mussini.

sign, focusing on the key strengths of content

The theme of the associated forum “The chang-

and completeness of information.

The vast range of facing bricks manufactured

ing job market” was addressed by sociologist-

by Sant’Anselmo, which already includes over

economist Aldo Bonomi. “The economic system

100 types of product, has now been enhanced

rewards initiative, the willingness to take risks

with an infinite variety of colours, thanks to the

and geographical mobility, on the one hand,

Tile International 3/2010

Florimsolutions.com, the new website for architects and designers

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In the spotlight by Chiara Bruzzichelli

Interview with Filippo Marazzi

ď &#x2018;

A new latest-generation Marazzi Group facility was opened in April this year at Casiglie di Sassuolo (province of Modena, Italy). This world-leading plant is equipped with two production lines based on continuous stream technology which, when fully operational, will be capable of producing up to 4 million square metres per year of extremely high quality large-format tiles with the greatest flexibility in terms of product range.The investment totalled 35 million euro, about a third of the

total of 90 million euro that the Group has earmarked for investment in Italy in response to the crisis. This large-scale investment programme is complemented by a reorganisation of the manufacturing workforce in response to changes in the economic situation. We requested an interview with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chairman Filippo Marazzi in order to discuss the investments, the general market situation and the 2010 forecasts in the various segments and business units. Tile International: What kind of manufacturing activity will be performed at the new Casiglie factory, the first step in the programme of investments earmarked for Italy? Filippo Marazzi: At Casiglie we have assembled the highest concentration of ceramic tile production technologies any-

where in the world. We installed two continuous technology lines, which perform a seamless, uninterrupted process while maintaining the highest flexibility in terms of changing sizes (up to a maximum of 150x150 cm), thicknesses, colours and decorations according to requests. The plant is equipped with a centralised management system that allows the most delicate stages in the process to be viewed remotely by means of a video camera and enables management data to be monitored. Tile International: The innovative technologies adopted in the Casiglie plant also make the facility very environmentally friendly. F. Marazzi: To achieve eco-friendly operation and energy savings, the facility is equipped with a cogeneration plant capable of producing around 75% of electrical energy requirements and

Casiglie plant inauguration ceremony

Tile International 3/2010

Casiglie plant

feeding the raw materials preparation stage. Innovative heat recovery systems allow the hot air originating from the kilns to be reused for feeding dryers and burners. This reflects the fact that improving the environmental friendliness of the production process has been a mainstay of all the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations for many years now. Tile International: The Casiglie factory represents around a third of the total investments of 90 million euro that the Group is making within the Sassuolo manufacturing district. Do you still believe in the importance of the Italian district from the standpoint of production? F. Marazzi: I certainly believe in the key role of Italian product quality. Italy has always been in the forefront of ceramic and porcelain tile production and must make every effort to maintain and if possible increase its lead

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BENFER SCHOMBURG SRL • Via Provinciale Est 6 • 40053 Bazzano (BO) • phone +39-51-831273 • fax +39-51-831584 • info@benfer.it • www.benfer.it

In the spotlight

Marlit plant

Atoriv plant

Casiglie plant: Linea Continua over competitors. This is a far from simple task given that there are no barriers to technological expertise or experience, which can be exported with relatively little difficulty. However, the Italian ceramic district is still home to producers of ceramic tiles, machinery, glazes and decorations and therefore brings together skills and expertise that can make a real difference. This is the rationale behind the investments that we have made. Tile International: Does the investment in the new technological towers at Marlit reflect the same criteria? F. Marazzi: The true challenge continues to be that of product innovation, which is the reason

Tile International 3/2010

for the Marlit investment.The new plant has started up and is now fully operational. As a result, we can offer a range of technical products that combine greater aesthetic appeal with improved performance characteristics, allowing them to be used on floors and walls in high-traffic and highstress situations. We intend to maintain a strong presence in the curtain wall sector, a field where Marazzi is the market leader, with products and solutions that meet architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements. In the same factory we also produce thin, large-format tiles that are easier to handle and lighter to install. These products are ideal for remodelling work, especially for renovating

the building stock of European historic city centres dating from the fifties and sixties, where the problem of cutting down site waste is solved by installing thin tiles over existing floors and walls. Tile International: Could you briefly outline the Atoriv project for new wall tiles? F. Marazzi: Atoriv is the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third major investment in the ceramic district. It is a highly flexible plant that allows us to produce various types of extremely high quality wall tiles. Available in large rectangular sizes, the new products cater for consumer trends. They are reassuring, coloured and in many cases inspired by natural materials such

as marble and stone, which continue to be strongly in demand because they are now not only indistinguishable from the original materials but indeed are even more attractive given that mother nature distributes beauty, harmony and strength randomly whereas programs and machines can be more generous. At Cersaie we are presenting several new collections that we hope will become Marazzi long-sellers. Tile International: The new sanitaryware plant installed at Hatriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian factory started up at the beginning of this year. F. Marazzi: The new Hatria facility is equipped with all the most innovative technologies for sani-

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ITALIAN PALLET NETWORK

In the spotlight

taryware production in order to achieve efficient operation and produce more uniform and higher quality pieces with clearly defined, sculptured surfaces. The main modifications to the factory, carried through in cooperation with Sacmi, involved firstly introducing an innovative resin mould high-pressure casting system to complement the conventional low-pressure plaster casting system, and secondly improving and automating of various operations and areas of the production process, including piece handling with laserguided vehicles (LGVs), robotisation of the glazing line, and the changeover from conventional milling to the raw material blunging technique. Tile International: What are the main objectives of this new investment at Hatria? F. Marazzi: The principal aim of the new investment is to improve

sanitaryware production and if possible increase output. This is a substantial investment which, together with the investments made by the company in product research (in terms of quality and design, as well as product range rationalisation) and in communication and marketing (by renewing the product catalogue), will enable Hatria to exploit the opportunities that the recovery of the market will offer to companies that are ready and have made the necessary investments to adapt their organisations to the new global competitive scenario. Tile International: Which new products from Hatria are being showcased at Cersaie? F. Marazzi: At Cersaie we are launching a collection that has the key characteristic of being potentially unlimited and is based on cooperation with Nilo Gioacchini.

The collection consists of a number of individual elements such as washbasins, benches and furnishing elements that can be used to create a set of integrated solutions for customising the bathroom. The stand is also showcasing the innovative shower trays from the Leaf.st collection presented at the Milan Furniture Show. Tile International: How are the foreign business units performing? F. Marazzi: Our business units abroad are continuing to do well in the United States and Russia, where we have opened new stores. Coverings and Mosbuild were both very successful exhibitions and the markets in those areas are recovering significantly in spite of the fact that all forecasting indicators point to continued instability in global market conditions. In China we are continuing with our outsourcing ac-

Hatria: G-Full (open)

Tile International 3/2010

Hatria: G-Full (closed)

tivities in order to serve the Far East and the Chinese domestic market, where we are opening showrooms in cooperation with local clients. Tile International: The international production scenario is evolving rapidly and, after losing its leadership in terms of volumes, the Italian industry is increasingly under attack in terms of value, a segment where Marazzi Group is one of the leaders. What is your view of the changes in the world production scenario? F. Marazzi: The world production scenario has of course changed dramatically. Moreover this is not a recent change, although the sharp downturn in the economy and the building sector since 2008 has certainly speeded up the process. This has led to an increase in local production of basic functional products, while emerging countries such as Chi-

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na, India and Brazil are winning shares of the international market. There is no reason to believe that this process is concluded. For this reason, we adopted an active response to this new world scenario right from the outset, starting up production activities in the most interesting markets where there was a strong likelihood of success. Last year we tackled the crisis in good time, implementing a workforce reorganisation programme in Europe to respond to the changed economic and market scenarios and adopting a consistent investment programme in new technologies and new products. We considered it essential to concentrate most of our investments in the local manufacturing district so as to generate positive effects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both directly and indirectly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on the local area. We strongly believe that at a difficult time like the present, the best

way of making innovation the main growth driver is to exploit expertise present in our district. The efforts made by the Marazzi Group are necessary to maintain and further improve the excellent quality of Italian ceramic tiles. Tile International: How do you believe the crisis will evolve and what are your forecasts for 2010 in the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various segments and business units? F. Marazzi: It is very difficult to make forecasts, although the European markets clearly remain in a poor state of health and will recover more slowly than emerging countries. The general conditions for recovery of the building sector are quite fragile. An active rather than passive response to the crisis continues to be an essential approach in order to maintain share and to get ready to exploit opportunities that arise. 5

Marazzi: Treverk

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Divina Ceramiche, the new all-Italian brand of ITC Ceramiche, was officially presented on 11 June 2010 in the splendid setting of the twentieth-century villa of Corte Spalletti in San Donnino di Liguria (Casalgrande, province of Reggio Emilia). The event provided an opportunity for the management and entire sales network to meet to discuss the new sales strategies and to view all the Divina collections. Along with the Fusion collection which was featured in the brand launch campaign and the Dune and Marble&Stone series that were unveiled at the last edition of Cersaie, two new lines were presented, Terre di Luna and Slate.

Terre di Luna is a versatile collection with a luminous sheen surface, while the Slate series emulates the appeal of natural elements and ancient stone and is available in three colours reminiscent of slate. All collections consist of rectified porcelain and come in various sizes, while some are also available in lapped or natural versions. Much attention has been given to design and to the accents and trim pieces that complement the collections. New merchandising tools have also been created for the sales network for the specific purpose of promoting the new Divina Ceramiche brand.

Economics&Markets by Gian Paolo Crasta

Construction in Europe: recovery expected in 2011



The 53rd annual report of FIEC, the European Construction Industry Federation, for 2009 reveals an industry-wide turnover of 1,173 billion euro, 9.9% of the gross domestic product of EU-27, generated by 3 million companies that employ 44.6 million people. The difficult economic situation in 2009 led to a further fall in the European construction sector’s turnover (2008 closed with a downturn of 0.4%), resulting in a contraction by the end of the year of 7.5% to around 1,200 billion euro. In 2010 FIEC is predicting a further 3.7% fall in the industry’s turnover. The forecasts in the study are based on the projections published by the European Commission and Eurostat in February 2010, which estimated a 4.1% fall in gross domestic product in the EU and a 4.0% fall in the Euro zone in 2009. At the time the study went to print (May 2010), the forecasts for GDP growth in 2010 were just 0.7%, both in the EU and in the Euro zone.

Building the worst affected industry Within the general context of this study, which covers not just building but also public works and civil engineering, the worst affected segment is that of private and public residential and commercial building, which following a 1% fall at the

Tile International 3/2010

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Economics&Markets

CONSTRUCTION / GDP RATIO - Current prices in billions of Euro Country

end of 2008 is estimated to have suffered a further 9% fall in 2009 and an anticipated 5% decline in the current year. The downturn is a result of the fall in private consumption and investments in commercial buildings. Last year the majority of EU countries suffered a fall in turnover in the building sector, albeit with different intensities. According to currently available forecasts, this scenario will continue during the current year with the following exceptions: Poland has reported 4% growth in 2009 and expects to see a further 8% increase in the current year due to investments for the European football championships in 2012; Romania is expected to achieve a significant trend reversal in 2010 (FIEC estimates 13.2% growth in building activity); the fall in Germany will bottom out, maintaining the levels reached at the end of 2009 when the downturn was already limited to -0.8%. In 2009 the number of building

permits issued in the majority of European countries fell dramatically. In Belgium the number dropped by 15%; in Sweden just 16,000 permits were issued; and in Italy they fell by 19%. In the UK the 80,000 building permits issued was the lowest number since 1924, while in the Republic of Ireland the number of permits fell in the space of three years from 88,000 to just 10,000. In Finland the number of unsold new houses reached 4,000. Romania, Poland and Portugal reported falls of respectively -21.2%, -22.3% and -45%. Bulgaria likewise suffered a doublefigure downturn while Hungary reported the worst fall in the last 11 years.

Remodelling The remodelling sector performed more strongly than the sector average due to government incentives for energy efficiency implemented in many countries.

(1) GDP

(2) Constr.

(2)/(1) %

Germany

2,407

245

10.2

Spain

1,051

163

15.5

France

1,909

161

8.4

Italy

1,535

144

9.4

United Kingdom

1,570

120

7.6

Netherlands

579

10.4

Belgium

340

10.3

Austria

275

10.9

Denmark

224

12.5

Finland

174

14.4

Sweden

293

7.8

Czech Rep.

145

14.5

Ireland

165

12.2

Poland

310

6.1

Portugal

163

11.0

Greece

240

5.4

Romania

127

9.4

Bulgaria

20.7

Slovakia

9.1

Hungary

5.4

Luxembourg

10.5

Slovenia

9.1

Cyprus

17.6

Latvia

16.7

Lithuania

7.7

Estonia

14.3

Malta

0,4

8.8

EU27

18,850

1,175

9.9

Switzerland

359

10.3

Norway

290

11.0

Turkey

435

13.7

Source: FIEC

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Economics&Markets

the European building industry is also increasing, up from 28% in 2008 to 29% last year.

Falls of 4.1% in 2009 and 1.5% in 2010 are expected. Its share of the total turnover of

Public non-residential Whereas the sectors worst affec-

ted by the international crisis are new residential (-15.6% in 2009 and -8.3% in 2010) and private

The construction sector in Europe 2009/2010 (% var. on previous year) TOTAL CONSTRUCTION*

BUILDING*

HOUSEBUILDING*

NEW HOUSEBUILDING*

REHABILITATION AND MAINTENANCE*

Estimates 2009

Forecast 2010

Estimates 2009

Forecast 2010

Estimates 2009

Forecast 2010

Estimates 2009

Forecast 2010

Estimates 2009

Forecast 2010

Austria

-3.3

1.6

-4.9

-3.8

-1.3

-2.5

-3.3

-4.6

2.7

1.4

Belgium

-2.2

-3.1

-2.8

-4.6

-2.9

-2.7

-8.9

-8.6

2.1

1.6

Bulgaria

-36.9

-44.7

Cyprus

9.5

-8.4

-14.5

-14.7

-16.6

-17.2

-20.0

-19.8

4.9

-4.2

Czech Rep.

-3.2

0.3

-5.5

-0.9

-2.7

0.0

-1.9

-10.0

5.6

Germany

-0.8

0.7

-0.8

0.0

-0.8

1.1

-4.1

1.8

0.3

0.9

Denmark

-10.1

-8.0

-12.5

-11.4

-11.5

-33.7

-27.3

-2.5

-7.1

Estonia

-30.5

-38.2

Spain

-11.4

-7.0

-18.0

-8.2

-21.7

-10.8

-25.0

-12.0

-14.9

-8.6

Finland

-12.3

-3.4

-15.3

-4.9

-9.5

3.2

-21.0

5.0

0.0

2.0

France

-6.8

-2.5

-7.0

-3.2

-7.2

-3.6

-13.1

-8.6

-1.5

0.7

Ireland

-23.5

-33.0

-28.3

-44.0

-37.7

-58.0

-27.9

-63.0

-44.9

-50.0

Italy

-9.4

-7.1

-9.5

-7.5

-9.5

-4.7

-19.0

-12.4

-1.0

1.0

Lithuania

-46.1

-51.4

-57.5

-67.4

24.2

Netherlands

-4.8

-7.1

-6.4

-9.2

-6.4

-10.0

-10.2

-15.6

-2.3

-4.6

Portugal

-9.0

-6.0

-17.4

-12.9

-22.0

-17.0

-22.0

-17.0

-22.0

-17.0

Romania

-14.2

9.1

-12.9

-13.2

-11.3

-10.0

-9.3

9.0

-18.1

13.7

Sweden

-6.6

3.0

12.4

-0.2

-21.5

-1.1

-40.0

-6.4

2.3

2.9

Slovenia

-20.6

-14.9

-23.2

-15.3

-20.0

-12.8

-23.3

-16.7

3.9

7.6

-14.2

-3.3

-15.8

-4.2

-14.1

-2.2

-23.9

-7.4

-8.6

0.2

-7.5

-3.7

-9.0

-5.0

-9.4

-4.5

-15.6

-8.8

-4.1

-1.5

Switzerland

3.1

-0.2

1.2

-0.2

2.8

2.5

2.8

2.5

2.8

2.5

Norway

-2.7

-3.9

-6.0

-4.6

-8.7

4.9

12.8

6.5

-0.6

2.0

Turkey

-25.5

-31.9

-28.2

Country

Source: FIEC *Per cent variation of production in real terms on previous year

Tile International 3/2010

*Per cent varia

Economics&Markets

non-residential (-10.8% in 2009 and -7.4% in 2010), the public non-residential sector has shown

NON RESIDENTIAL*

Civil engineering

the opposite trend, up by 1.1% in 2009 and expected to grow by a further 1.5% in 2010.

NON RESIDENTIAL PRIVATE*

gineering was the sector with the second-best performance With a fall of just 2.8%, civil en- in 2009 after public non-residential, while slight growth is anticipated in 2010 NON RESIDENTIAL CIVIL ENGINEERING* (+0.4%). Its PUBLIC* performance Estimates Forecast Estimates Forecast in the various 2009 2010 2009 2010 countries is NA NA 1.5 4.4 directly linked to go0.9 3.7 0.9 3.7 vernment NA NA 20.6 NA incentives supporting NA NA 13.2 13.2 the sector, -0.8 -0.8 0.3 1.9 which in 10.8 10.8 -0.9 4.5 some countries have -15.0 -7.2 -1.3 3.5 partially sucNA NA -15.7 NA ceeded in -1.4 -2.8 2.5 -4.9 compensating for the 10.0 -10.0 -2.0 1.0 falls in other -4.1 -1.4 -6.3 -0.5 areas of the construction -26.9 -43.0 -20.7 -2.0 sector. -8.1 -3.9 -8.1 -3.9 5

Estimates 2009

Forecast 2010

Estimates 2009

Forecast 2010

-11.2

-6.2

-2.7

-6.5

-4.1

-10.9

-10.0

-6.1

-1.1

-8.7

-1.3

-0.9

-2.2

-3.1

-5.0

-14.7

-11.9

-14.8

-13.3

-10.7

-3.7

-135

-4.0

-21.2

-14.2

-25.0

-15.0

-6.7

-2.8

-8.3

3.6

-12.5

-20.0

-6.5

-7.0

-9.6

-12.2

-10.0

-14.4

-49.0

-49.1

7.7

-38.1

-6.4

-8.1

0.4

-0.7

-10.5

-7.5

-17.0

-14.0

5.5

5.0

3.0

-14.2

16.0

-14.2

15.0

-14.3

54.5

-15.3

6.0

-3.3

0.6

-9.5

-2.9

8.4

6.0

9.4

10.1

24.8

-16.6

-17.8

-14.5

-15.5

-5.7

-25.4

-9.4

11.5

0.9

-4.3

0.0

-7.9

-5.6

-10.8

-7.4

1.1

1.5

-2.8

0.4

-1.3

-4.5

-1.3

-4.5

-1.3

-4.5

8.4

-0.3

-4.4

-9.9

-4.4

-9.9

-4.4

-9.9

8.4

-2.1

-41.4

-44.3

-33.0

-9.4

ation of production in real terms on previous year

Tile International 3/2010

Distribution by Silvia Bertolani

Distribution in Europe: 3 success stories MINOLI, Oxford - UK

ď &#x2018;

Founded in London in the late 1940s as a manufacturer and installer of terrazzo, Minoli relocated to Oxford in the late 1950s. Minoli started its business as a distributor of ceramic tiles and mosaics around 1960. The decision to add the distribution activity to that of manufacturing was due to the foresight of Peter Minoli, who realised that the Terrazzo business had a degree of limitation within the marketplace in which Minoli operated, and since its start-up Minoli has been supplying mainly Italian products, with some English and Spanish ones. The year 2010 marks a milestone for Minoli, as

Tile International 3/2010

it celebrates its 50th year in the tile business. In May this year the company was also awarded the prestigious TTA award for Excellence in Tile Industry Marketing at the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th anniversary ceremony, confirming the value of the ongoing marketing activities which have enabled Minoli Tile to completely reposition itself. Minoli was also first runner-up in the TTA Excellence in Distribution award, acknowledging the commitment to service Minoli has to its clients. We met Managing Director Mr. Jonathon Minoli, grandson of Luigi Minoli, the original founder of Minoli, and son of Peter Minoli, who was responsible for the founding of the tile business. Tile International: Could you briefly describe the main steps in the evolution of Minoli Tile during these 50 years of activity? Jonathon Minoli: My grandfather Luigi was responsible for founding the company, but it was Peter, my father, who took the brave step to work with tile rather than terrazzo. It was very

much his idea to begin tile distribution at a time when there were few if any companies operating a similar business. Peter always worked with high-level producers in Italy and Spain, often making the first export sale from an emerging industry. Minoli has worked with surprisingly few manufacturers over the years, and we still enjoy excellent trading relationships with companies that were set up by Peter. Our client base is fairly diverse with wholesale, development and architectural contracts being the main areas of operation. Our unique point is stock and service. I came into the business when I was 19, around 25 years ago, and started in the stores, merchandising and then on sales: this has given me a tremendous knowledge of the company and a good insight into the industry. Sadly Peter passed away in 1994, leaving myself and my mother Kate to run the business, and we did this for many years exactly in the fashion Peter would have wanted. Kate concentrated on the

ranges, especially buying and factory negotiation, I concentrated on the sales and administration side. Kate retired in 1997. Tile International: Could you give us a picture of Minoli Tile today? J. Minoli: Minoli operate what could be called a traditional distribution company: we have extensive warehouses and showrooms centrally located in Oxford, southern England. We have two main fields of operation - servicing independent retailers and the housebuilding industry - although our work in the contracts sector is fairly strong, especially in Automotive. We have three main showrooms, all located in Oxford, the newest of which was just opened and is dedicated to our development and designer clients. It is the fourth collaboration with Carmalasa, the showroom designers. I have an excellent team of managers who look after the daily running of the company, three on sales, two for distribution and then two for administration, a small but very efficient team.

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Tile International: You deal exclusively with ceramic tiles. What is the product range you are marketing today? J. Minoli: The most obvious trend change is size.The largest tile we sold when I started was 15x20 cm. Now just a few years later we stock and regularly sell 120x60 cm porcelain. As for clients, my father’s very first distribution client was a builders merchant company in Northern

Tile International 3/2010

Oxfordshire called Harper. Since then we have grown, but still service many of the original clients from the early days, such as Reed Harris and Youens, who are amongst, if not the oldest, tile companies in London. Our supplier base has changed very little, with most of our stock ranges still coming from Italy. The names from the past are very much the names of now: we have been fortunate to find peo-

ple who have grown with similar ideas to our own, such as Atlas Concorde Group in Italy and Keraben in Spain. We have a core of suppliers and we really do try to be loyal to them wherever possible. Tile International: Could you describe your process for selecting suppliers and materials? J. Minoli: The selection process normally begins at Cersaie, looking for the next year’s ranges,

and it always starts at the doors of our current suppliers. We treat Cersaie very seriously and have never missed one since its inception. All of the items we promote are branded as Minoli,“the surface within”, our unique branding. We also produce our own brochures, literature and display units etc. The buying is split between the senior managers, to ensure we have a good selection for the markets we

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Distribution

serve. Luckily at the moment our core suppliers have excellent production to choose from. Tile International: What kind of services do you offer your different sector clients? J. Minoli: We have our own inhouse designer, working on brochures and web design, and we produce “bespoke” literature for certain clients, as well as for ourselves. But our main service is one of rapid delivery, from huge stocks, on our own fleet. Most orders are sent next day, so for clients at the beginning of a given delivery run, they make an order in the afternoon and then receive a delivery as soon as they open, or before. I’m very proud of our warehouse team: I think that they deserve the highest recognition; it is the heart of our company. Tile International: Minoli was awarded the TTA marketing award mainly for your capability to completely reposition the company. Could you explain this evolution? What communication and marketing measures do you carry out and how? J. Minoli: We discovered one day that the image we portrayed to the world simply did not reflect the company we were. Although we had built new state-of-the-art facilities throughout the late 1990s and into the new century, we had not changed our literature, advertising or truck livery, so clients who visited were expecting a company from the 1950s and were very surprised to see our showrooms and warehouse. We started the

Tile International 3/2010

process in 2005, looking towards our 50th anniversary as the point where we should be completely up to date, a reasonable target that was not unachievable. This five year strategy began by looking at ourselves very closely and then speaking to specialists in the field of Corporate Identity and Branding. After a few false starts we found an excellent agency, who we are still working with today, and between us we came up with a simplification of the “Minoli” brand, with the addition of a strong visual language: “the surface within”. It is truly unique and has been applied to all aspects of the company. We also have a special logo and identity for the staff at Minoli, as we realized during the exercise that the company was very much the “Team”. The Logo “MOne Team” was created and is only used for the team, on clothing and people-related items. It is for the staff as team members, not the company. I feel this is very important, the team is everything. Tile International: How has the building industry evolved in Great Britain in the last couple of years as a result of the world financial crisis? J. Minoli: We have always been strong with housebuilders and developers; this market was very strong from 1995 until 2008, almost without break.Then in June 2008 it came to almost a complete standstill. Some of our clients, who were well financed, have slowed production to a

trickle, others sadly have ceased to trade. Some sectors were less affected, such as government building, but now (summer 2010) this too is facing dramatic cuts, as is social housing. Tile International: How did imports of ceramic tiles change in this period? J. Minoli: During this period our imports increased in line with a very steep growth in sales. What we noticed was that competitors were increasingly seeking less expensive sources for product from the Far East. Although we have touched on this supply route, our concentration on Europe still seems to be the best policy for Minoli. Tile International: What are your expectations for the short to medium term? J. Minoli: Having taken very good advice and spoken to our clients at great length, we were hoping for an increase in demand in the second half of 2010 into 2011. However, the economy is simply not picking up as we would have hoped; the main growth we are experiencing is from gaining market share. In the medium term, the next 2-5 years, we would hope to gradually reach the levels of turnover we enjoyed in 2007-2008. We feel the general demand in the market for ceramic tiles will increase, but the size of the market is unknown. Tile International: More generally, what share of the total UK building industry is held by renovation and new buildings? And what

about commercial buildings? J. Minoli: Within Minoli the bulk of sales currently are related to renovation and home improvement, as the new building market has decreased considerably. Commercial building has been very buoyant in the past two years, but again I expect some further decline due to the lack of demand for commercial property. Tile International: How are trends of tile consumption changing among private consumers and professionals? J. Minoli: We have seen in the last two years that the higherend products are far more successful for ourselves than the lower-end “commodity” products. Our porcelain wall ranges have been successful as private buyers with money to spend appear to be at the upper end of the earning scale. Professional clients are generally opting for quality and of course service, two things we are very good at. Tile International: Now that the first 50 years have gone by, what are your goals for the future? Will you introduce other products to your showroom besides tiles? J. Minoli: At this time we have no plans to expand into other products as the possibilities with tiles are still not fully explored. We will expand where possible in the market and have some further capital expenditure planned in the next 12 months to further improve the company. I would hope that we will be able to take advantage of any oppor-

Distribution

tunity within the market, possibly through acquisition or calculated expansion. It is my hope that Minoli will be able to carry on for a further 50 years; it is my intention to work here and do so for many years to come. I have several members of the team who are enthusiastic and hard working and have the potential to take greater responsibilities. I also have two children, both still fairly young. I would be delighted if we could take Minoli to a fourth generation, but they would have to be willing and capable for me to consider “handing over” the company. If there is a better person within the com-

pany to take over from me, when the time comes then so be it. 5

Careso - france



With 190 sales outlets throughout France, 25 member companies and total display space of 50,000 square metres, Careso is a major consortium in the ceramic distribution sector. Founded in late 2005, Careso now constitutes a valid and competitive alternative to the big distribution chains, and of-

fers specific, specialised skills in the field of ceramic tiles (which accounted for 65% of its turnover in 2009), and adhesives, products and machines for tile installation. We talked to Arnaud Rouchy, Chairman of Careso and proprietor of ETS Rouchy (a company specialising in the distribution of tiles and sanitaryware) to

find out more about the French distribution group. Tile International: Early figures for 2010 suggest a slight upturn in the tile market: what developments do you expect in France in the wake of the sharp downturn in the construction industry in 2008? Arnaud Rouchy: It’s early days

Tile International 3/2010

Distribution

to be talking about a recovery. There’ve been a few tentative signs, of course, but it’s hard to imagine much major development in the newbuild segment, largely because of the fall in prices and the difficult cash-flow situation of construction companies. We need to shift our focus to the renovation segment, where customers have more purchasing power, and to specialist renovation companies. Tile International: Do you think France’s tile distribution system has changed at all as a result of the crisis? And who are the major importers on the French market? A. Rouchy: Our purchasing is oriented almost exclusively towards Italy. The Italians obviously didn’t escape the impact of the world economic crisis, but we think that their foundations are stronger and more solid than those of their competitors in other countries. As for France’s distribution system, basically I don’t think anything has changed. We need to keep an eye on the developments that have come with ecommerce and on the special offers made by certain categories of distributor. Manufacturers will have to decide which path to take: whether to remain faithful to the traditional sales channel, with all its advantages and disadvantages, or to embrace the cut-price approach adopted by on-line retailers. Tile International: What new trends are emerging on the French market in terms of types

Tile International 3/2010

of materials, design, formats and finishes? And how has the local market reacted to the new developments introduced by new technologies, such as slimgauge tile and digital decoration? A. Rouchy: What we’re seeing is a trend towards large formats and a return to colour, as well as increasing demand for materials in glass and for mosaics. Careso’s showrooms make every effort to respond to the varying needs of their customers. Needs are constantly changing, however, customers want advice and reassurance, and are often unduly influenced by on-line sources of information that may or may not be reliable. As for archi-

tects, they have difficulty in ensuring that the conditions they establish in the design phase are adhered to, because installers often propose money-saving variants. The new technologies dedicated to slim-gauge tile production are definitely arousing interest, but they don’t yet meet all application requirements. Each product has different specifications, however, so you need to take the utmost care when choosing a slim-gauge product, especially with regard to installation. Tile International: You are Chairman of Careso, a consortium that’s now one of France’s biggest tile distributors. When and how was your organisation

founded? A. Rouchy: Careso was founded in December 2005 at my instigation - backed by my company, ETS Rouchy - and that of several of my colleagues in the business, who saw the formation of a consortium as a way of becoming much more competitive compared with large retail chains, while still offering genuine specialisation in the ceramic tile sector. Careso currently has 25 consortium members, and together we have the leverage to negotiate on price. Tile International: What is Careso’s core business? What share of the business does the tile sector account for compared with other segments? And what are your annual sales volumes? A. Rouchy: Sales of ceramic tiles accounted for 65% of our turnover in 2009, equating to 14.5 million square metres. The remaining 35% came from the sale of adhesives, and products and machinery for installation. Overall, Careso’s turnover amounted to 145 million euro in 2009. Tile International: How far does Careso’s coverage extend and what type of sales outlets does it have? A. Rouchy: We cover the whole of France with 190 sales outlets and over 50,000 square metres of showroom space. The farreaching coverage provided by our independent members, each of which runs its own specific business, extends over the

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entire territory and is one of our main strengths. Obviously we are always aiming for further expansion by getting new independent members on board, expanding into new areas and stepping up our partnerships with the key players in the industry, always in the common interests of the consortium’s members. Tile International: How important is communication for Careso? And what strategies have you adopted? A. Rouchy: We’ve set up a web site. It’s not designed as an ecommerce tool but as an institutional organ for all consortium members. We don’t have a Careso sign to identify all members, because we feel it’s important that each member retains their own identity. Common strategies revolve around our Terrasse, MDD and PMO catalogues, and are managed by committees made up of consortium members. We develop our common product lines under

the Careso trademark and with Careso packaging. Tile International: What effects has the economic crisis had on the consortium? A. Rouchy: Fortunately, we were not badly affected by the crisis, largely thanks to the strength of our brands, such as Marazzi, Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola, Marca Corona, Ceramiche Piemme, Emilceramica, Cerim, Refin, Tagina, Fincibec, Sichenia, Serenissima Cir, Bati Orient Import, Aurelia Ceramiche, Roca, Villeroy & Boch, Viva, Carofrance, Grespania, Desvres, Mapei, Wedi, Fila, Dural, Profilpas, Raimondi, Rubi, Schlüter-System and a host of others. The common front put up by distributors and manufacturers to support and protect the distribution system against online competition and the risks it brings, combined with our growth in terms of a constant influx of new member-companies, continues to reinforce our position and increase our market

share. For the past two years, what’s more, we have been organising a two-day Open House for suppliers and consortium members, aimed at strengthening our commercial links and partnerships. Above all, it’s the presence and support of our partners that has enabled us to deal effectively with the current, rather complex scenario. Tile International: As you mentioned, you are the owner of ETS Rouchy. What is the history of this business’s development? A. Rouchy: ETS Rouchy was established in 1972 by Antoine and Monique Rouchy. The company’s development is closely connected with Villeroy & Boch, with whom we still enjoy excellent business relations and friendship, and has progressed over the years thanks to the combination of tiles and sanitaryware. The company currently has a team of about 200 professionals spread over nine sales outlets, with a total area of 8,000 square

metres, in which we can set up over 50 display units. These outlets offer services and know-how in the four departments of the Auvergne and Aveyron region. Tile International: What types of product does ETS Rouchy sell? And what percentage do tiles and sanitaryware account for? A. Rouchy: Sales of ceramic tiles account for 48% of our turnover, and the remaining 52% comes from plumbing and heating supplies. We currently supply the full range of ceramic products for floor and wall tiling made by leading manufacturers from Italy (Marazzi, Atlas Concorde, Piemme, Mapei, Sichenia, etc.), France (Desvres, Douzies, Villeroy & Boch, Cegecol, PRB, Weber, Schlüter-System France, Carat, etc.), Germany (Agrob-Buchtal), Spain (Roca) and many others, for a total of 65 commercial partners. The majority of our customers are trade professionals, but private customers also account for a small share. 5

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Raab Karcher - GERMANY

ď &#x2018; The history of Raab Karcher began in 1848, when Carl Friedrich Raab (1777-1854) and Heinrich Karcher (1808-1875) founded a Saar coal purchasing group in Kaiserslautern. Thereafter, the company developed a vast range of commercial and service businesses, until the year 2000, when it joined Saint-Gobain Building Distribution as a company specialising in the building industry. Today, Raab Karcher is the Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful German brand, with over 160 branches and

Tile International 3/2010

3800 employees. We interviewed Peter Erfeling, Sales Director of the tile sector of Saint-Gobain Distribution, to find out more about the market dynamics of Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building industry. Tile International: German consumption of ceramic tiles has been decreasing in recent years (in 2008 it reached about 112 million sq.m). How has the situation evolved in 2009, the worst year of the crisis? Peter Erfeling: We are expecting consumption of approximately 114 million square metres of tiles in 2008 and approximately 108 million square metres in 2009, so there will be a year-on-year decline of approximately 5.5%. In 2010, we are expecting the situation to stagnate, but not to decline further. Our company succeeded in improving its tile business last year compared to the previous one,

and as a result, we grew once again. Tile International: And what about this year? Can we talk about the first signs of recovery? P. Erfeling: We expect further growth in imports from low-cost countries, but only to a limited extent. In this context, the trends in freight costs (logistics) and exchange rates play an important part. A further important aspect is the replacement time because of the considerable distances involved. By the way, the outlook for this year is good. After a weak start because of the extremely cold and long winter, business is picking up very well. We are certain that business in the second six months of the year will more than compensate for the slow months at the beginning. Tile International: What roles do the various segments of the building industry play in the total (home renovation vs. new resi-

dential building and home building vs. commercial/non-residential buildings)? P. Erfeling: The market in Germany has changed quite significantly in recent years. The driver for this has been modernisation and renovation, which now makes up more than 60%. New building is still at a disappointing level in 2010 and we expect the same story in 2011. Commercial investments in 2010 are down 5% on the previous year. Tile International: How are trends developing among consumers, as far as design, surfaces, formats or type of materials are concerned? P. Erfeling: The trend towards large-format tiles is still growing. And customers also increasingly prefer these tiles. A further trend is the combination of various formats, e.g. smaller formats in shower areas to provide visual focal points. This trend has been at the expense of patterns and borders.

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GERMANS BOADA S.A. PO Box, 14 • 08191 RUBI • SPAIN Tel: 34 936 806 500 • E-mail: gboada@rubi.com LUSARUBI Lda. - PORTUGAL • Tel: 351 231 947 550 • E-mail: lusarubi@rubi.com RUBI ITALIA S.rl. - ITALIA • Tel: 39 0536 81 09 84 • E-mail: rubitalia@rubi.com RUBI FRANCE S.A.R.L. - FRANCE • Tel: 33 1 69 18 17 85 • E-mail: rubifrance@rubi.com RUBI TOOLS USA Inc. - U.S.A • Tel: 1305 715 9892 • E-mail: rubitools.usa@rubi.com RUBI DEUTSCHLAND GmbH. - DEUTSCHLAND • Tel: 49 (0) 5136 97 6180 • E-mail: rubideutschland@rubi.com RUBI BENELUX BV. - NEDERLAND • Tel: 31 (0) 76 57 29 200 • E-mail: rubinederland@rubi.com RUBI UK LTD. - UNITED KINGDOM • Tel: 44 (0) 1708 559609 • E-mail: rubiuk@rubi.com SUZHOU RUBI TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. - CHINA • Tel: 86 (0) 512 6662 6100 • E-mail: rubitechnologies@rubi.com RUBI POLSKA, Sp. z o.o. - POLAND • Tel: 48 22 644 51 61 • E-mail: rubipolska@rubi.com RUBI BRASOV SRL. - ROMANIA • Tel: + 40 74 010 74 01 • E-mail: rubibrasov@rubi.com RUBI DO BRASIL LTDA. - BRASIL • Tel: +55.11.2847-45 53/54/55 • E-mail: rubidobrasil@rubi.com

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The new technology of thin tiles is currently still a niche market, but it is one that will grow in our opinion. There are still questions here regarding applications for floor coverings and the industry itself is still divided about this. Nevertheless, there are opportunities here in the renovation field. Tile International: A part of the Saint Gobain Building Distribution Group since 2000, Raab Karcher remains the most successful trademark - with more than 160 branches and 3,800 staff. As for the tile business, what is your share of the German market today? P. Erfeling: We have a good share of the market, more than 12%. Tile International: How did Raab Karcher react to the general decrease in demand for tiles in the last year? P. Erfeling: Our aim is to diversify into other segments. An example here is floor coverings. We want to achieve this through a campaign entitled "Healthy Living with Ceramics", which is an area that some industry insiders are already exploiting. Similarly, we are paying careful attention to opportunities to guide customers. In this area, we recently redesigned our showroom concept to offer end customers an appealing environment in which to look at our displays. An additional component is our

Tile International 3/2010

"Marketing plus" concept, by means of which we offer our professional customers an integrated marketing service. To improve availability, we have a central warehouse in which we also stock product ranges according to design. Our branches can call on this central warehouse at very short notice - we are talking here about a 48-hour logistics service, which is unusual in this segment. A further important component is our own attractive KERMOS brand; with this, we are able to offer great designs and quality at a price that provides good value for money.

Tile International: How much was the company affected by the slowdown? P. Erfeling: The economic crisis has hit our industry hard. Investment in new building was postponed or cancelled, which has led to falling sales in recent years. By cutting costs promptly, it was possible to keep the company's results relatively stable. Tile International: With your activity spread throughout the country, are there particular differences in the various Laender as far as the volume of demand is concerned? P. Erfeling: It is only to be expected that some of the federal

states are struggling to grow. This is particularly true of rural areas. We have generally noted a trend for moving back into the cities. Tile International: Raab Karcher owns 160 point of sales throughout Germany. Has this number increased since 2000, when Raab Karcher entered the SGBD Group? P. Erfeling: The number of outlets has remained constant over recent years. In areas of strategic importance to us, new outlets will also be established in the future. In the Cologne area, for example, a very innovative Raab Karcher building materials outlet is being set up at the moment. Tile International: On average, what is the surface area covered by a Raab Karcher shop? And what about the area dedicated to tiles & sanitaryware compared to other products? P. Erfeling: We want to position ourselves even more clearly in the future through a good marketing strategy. It must be clear to both the end customer and the professional customer which product range he or she can get from which outlet. Our specialist organisation in the area of tiles is characterised by the breadth and depth of its range. Tile International: After 10 years in the SGBD Group, which points of strength of Raab Karcher were further enhanced thanks to synergies or other factors? P. Erfeling: Specialisation in the

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individual business areas (product ranges, customer orientation, HR, etc.), extension of the branch network and the logistics network: those are our points of strength. Tile International: Among the Raab Karcher total of 160 shops, 110 offer ceramic tiles. What is the range of your products? P. Erfeling: We work with about 25 well-known core suppliers of tiles. The brands GranitiFiandre and Ragno are very important for us in this context, since we work with them on an exclusive basis. But we have a very extensive product range that caters to every customer's requirements. We also always stand by our partner suppliers to support them with market launches of innovations and to drive these forward. An attractive product range has a very high priority for us. Tile International: You also market your own brand KERMOS: what can you tell us about it? P. Erfeling: We have been selling our own KERMOS brand with increasing success since 1997. It also appeals to customers who are aware of costs but who, at the same time, do not want to deprive themselves of living comfort and a style that will never date. KERMOS covers all types of product quality. The brand stands for timeless character and first-class value for money. Tile International: Does Raab Karcher supply a comprehen-

Tile International 3/2010

sive range of target customers? P. Erfeling: For end consumers, we offer modern displays that provide inspiration with examples of how tiles may be used in the home. For craftsmen we have contacts who speak the same language as they do, in the form of our specialist staff, so they enjoy first-class advice. We also support architects through our key account management, among other measures - property advice, innovations and advanced training events are the focal points here. Tile International: What kind of services do you offer to your clients?

P. Erfeling: For tilers we can offer: training events when new products are launched; exhibitions that can be attended together with customers; advice from trained specialist staff; a threeday event in advance of the Cersaie exhibition, at which the tile trends of the following year are unveiled. For end customers we can provide a 3D bathroom planning service, professional advice and modern displays. Overall, it is important to us that we provide customers with a service tailored to meet their needs, including reliability of supply, order processing and a

good advice service in particular. Tile International: How important is the training of your sales personnel? P. Erfeling: Comprehensive training is provided in our own (SGBDD) academy. This addresses both specialist and social skills. Every member of staff must undertake to complete a certain number of training courses that correspond to his or her needs. This is the only way to achieve continuous staff development to meet not only today's requirements, but also those of the future. Tile International: How important is marketing activity for RK? P. Erfeling: Marketing plays a special role in the business area of tiles. Direct marketing initiatives are particularly important. In addition to extensive documentation and catalogues, regular events are offered that provide information about trends and innovations. Furthermore, we regularly come up with initiatives and offers, and provide information about current developments and innovations. The dialogue with the customer is extremely important and is a permanent focus of our staff. Tile International: Do you have any projects for the future? P. Erfeling: Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning for some changes in brands and extending the network of outlets. 5

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Innovation by Sara Falsetti

System Photonics: photovoltaic architecture



High-efficiency photovoltaic surfaces on ceramic sheets that allow perfect architectural incorporation into roofs, façades, and street furniture. Such is the production range of System Photonics: the first photovoltaic system that is completely integrated in architectural structures because it combines the versatility of a ceramic sheet with the latest generation of photovoltaic technology, so that the end result reflects primarily its design contents. In the words of Franco Stefani, founder and president of System SpA, parent company of System Photonics (see graphic): “System Photonics is just another example of the group’s mission to respond proactively to the needs of the market. Environmental sustainability and redevelopment are extremely hot topics in today’s building industry, and the challenge we were facing was to create a new system capable of outperforming existing solutions while focusing on the need for architectural cohesion. And what material better than ceramics to provide an answer to these requirements? It’s also worth considering that the ceramics industry is currently striving to find new applications and functions for its products.” The result is a range of photovoltaic products available in 13 different colours (standard version) and three collections, able to meet an immense diversity of

Tile International 3/2010

installation requirements: roof claddings, building façades and street furniture. • ROOF Collection offers photovoltaic shingles to replace or integrate conventional shingles while retaining and even improving their performance in terms of insulation and protection. • SKIN Collection is designed for incorporation into curtain walls and/or ventilated facings: the use of top quality ceramic materials combined with the latest generation of photovoltaic technology leads to enormous flexibility in terms of design and architecture. • LIFE Collection, thanks to a

broad range of solutions able to respond to the needs of the most diverse structures, makes it possible to incorporate solar energy power sources into any street furniture project.

Minimal architectural impact Complete architectural integration, which is especially significant with regard to roof claddings and building façades, is guaranteed by various factors, including the facility to combine innovative photovoltaic sheets with “passive” Laminam ceramic sheets. Combining the two types of cladding (available in pre-

cisely the same colours and surface finishes) in a complementary manner makes it possible to comply with specific requirements deriving from the different solar exposure of each building while simultaneously obtaining architecturally complete and aesthetically harmonious cladding. Architectural integration of System Photonics PV sheets is guaranteed by their capacity to adapt to all the most common types of anchorage system available on the market, both exposed and concealed, and also by several specific features: • use of a 3 mm thick ceramic backsheet (a first-class build-

Innovation Façade, New Hitbau headquarters in Asten (Austria). The south façade of the building has been completely clad using 80 sq m of System Photonics photovoltaic sheets capable of producing around 7,000 kWh / year.

ing material) • wide range of backsheet colours, thanks to the characteristics of the ceramics • facility to use coloured PV cells that can produce chromatic effects in combination with the different backsheet colours • no need for the classic aluminium frames • thanks to the materials utilised, System Photonics PV sheets can be used to replace (rather than be simply overlaid on) traditional claddings • adaptable to match the most common commercial fixing structures for ventilated facings / curtain walls.

Tile International 3/2010

Innovation

Electricity production The power output of System Photonics sheets is between 135 and 140 W per square metre, which is perfectly in line with the more conventional polycrystalline silicon panels and offers higher performance than other "integrated" roof solutions available on the market, which involve the inclusion of PV cells in the shingles, although they are penalised by excessive quantities of electrical wiring and the micro-shade areas caused by the shingles themselves. The photovoltaic sheets made by System Photonics comply with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certification requirements, guarantee-

Tile International 3/2010

ing high reliability and providing access to the incentives available under feed-in tariff rules. System Photonics sheets are covered by a 25-year warranty against output power reduction (80% of rated power) compared to the 20 years required by law for normal PV panels. They are also covered by a 10-year workmanship warranty compared to the 2 years required by law.

Conclusions System Photonics PV ceramic sheets constitute a highly innovative product, which, in the words of CEO Gianluca Aiazzi, is the result of: “The union of the most advanced expertise in ce-

ramic materials and technology in the field of polymers and semiconductors. This innovative approach to the market has produced high-efficiency photovoltaic surfaces that can be seamlessly integrated architecturally, aesthetically, and environmentally”. “The core innovation - explains System Photonics engineering executive Attilio Russo - starts from the use of a 3 mm thick ceramic substrate in the form of a Laminam backsheet: this suitably treated sheet forms a support for lamination of the photovoltaic cells, involving the use of an innovative encapsulating agent made by DuPont that is five times harder and one hun-

dred times stronger than the products normally used in the sector, and that makes it possible to create a highly functional and aesthetically attractive product without requiring an aluminium frame (frameless solution). One of the distinguishing aspects of these photovoltaic sheets is their trafficability, ensuring easier installation and surface maintenance procedures. This characteristic must be considered with the features of modularity, impermeability and full recyclability of the materials that make our product the winning choice in terms of environmental sustainability and maintenance of the aesthetic properties of buildings.” 5

Innovation

Roofs of Pavullo, Casa Minelli agritourism in Monzone di Pavullo MO (Italy). Taking advantage of the south facing roof pitches, some 30 kW of PV systems have been installed to produce 32,000 kWh of electrical power, sufficient to make the holiday centre independent in terms of its electricity requirements

SYSTEM GROUP • Founded in 1970 in Fiorano Modenese by Franco Stefani, System Ceramics, the Group’s first division, rapidly rose to prominence as a world leader in ceramic tile decoration systems with products such as Rocket and subsequently Rotocolor, which can now be found in some 15,000 installations all over the world. System Ceramics also specialises in machinery for the automation of line-end and storage systems. • The 1970s were also the time of creation of the System Electronics division, which was set up to explore the skills acquired in the development of hardware and software for tile decoration systems and is active in the production of industrial controllers, industrial PCs, including wireless systems (Copilot, www.pcwireless.it), I/O modules and vision systems. • The Eighties saw the creation of System Logistics, with which System S.p.A. entered the integrated logistics arena, initially with the presentation of the Modula automatic vertical storage system that subsequently evolved into a range of vertical drawer-type storage solutions and large-scale automated warehouse systems (up to 100,000 pallet locations and 10,000 picking lines per day). • The Nineties saw the creation of Lamina. The fourth division of the company is the result of a revolutionary new idea: to produce a ceramic sheet of just 3 mm thickness, with a surface area in excess of 3 sq. m, characterised by perfect flatness and a significant level of flexibility. The “Lamina process” involves the use of a special compaction system called Compatter, capable of transforming the raw materials (clays and feldspars) into sheets that combine the best characteristics of laminates and ceramics. • In 2009 the System Group extended its activities with the new System Photonics business unit, creating product lines that extend well beyond the realm of traditional photovoltaics: the search for synthesis between the characteristics of the latest generation of photovoltaic modules and the extreme versatility of a thin ceramic sheet, produced solutions that made it possible, for the first time in history, to avoid having to make a trade-off between appearance and function. Over the years the System Group, headed by founder Franco Stefani in the role of president, has acquired several industrial concerns (FTP Automazioni Serigrafia Tosi - Nuova Era - Micromax) and extended its activities from the field of ceramics to embrace beverages, food, apparel, aerospace and mechanical engineering. Consolidated sales in 2009 touched 240 million euro, with EBIT of 41 million, generated by a workforce of 1000 (60% in Italy and 40% employed in other countries in 24 subsidiaries). 5% of sales revenues are continually ploughed back into the business to fund research activities.

Tile International 3/2010

Project

Laticrete Innovation for Singapore Lifestyle Destination Laticrete, a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative systems for the installation of tile and stone, recently completed another major project in Singapore as the supplier of choice for all the natural granite,marble and compressed marble tiles installed at the super-luxury ION Orchard and Orchard Residences in the citystate’s premier retail district. The ultra-modern, SGD$2 billion (USD$1.4 billion) lifestyle destination project features large-format granite outside and marble inside, with compressed marble tiles in each of the residences, all installed with premium Laticrete materials. The tile and stone installation at the new signature architectural element for the island-country’s famed Orchard District benefitted from local supply and technical expertise provided by Laticrete Southeast Asia. The futuristic architectural ION Orchard and Orchard Residences - developed in a joint venture between CapitaLand and Sun Hung Kai Properties - features 333 high-end retail shops and 175 luxury residential units housed in a 56-story tower. The lifestyle destination concept includes flexible exterior spaces using 61x61cm (24” x 24”) granite tiles installed with high-performance Laticrete mortar, grout and sealants. At ION Orchard,

Tile International 3/2010

3,000 square meters (32,291 square feet) of granite was installed in the public spaces with Laticrete ® 211 Crete Powder mixed with Laticrete 4237 Latex Additive. The globally-proven

Laticrete mortar combination provided the strength and durability required for the long-lasting beauty of the dark and lighter gray granite tiles set in a random, staggered pattern. The

exterior granite was fortified with Laticrete 1500 Sanded Grout and sealed with Laticrete 190 for extra protection from foot traffic and the climate extremes of East Asia. Inside the architectural

Project

stressed-skin structure on Orchard Road, Laticrete supplied the same mix of materials with a slight modification to the grout choice in recognition of the marble surface and smaller grout-joint widths. The common interior spaces that provide access to the eight levels of super high-end retail feature beautiful 1,200x900 mm (4’ x 3’) marble pavers installed in the same random pattern mix and colors with Laticrete ® products. In addition to selecting Laticrete 1600 Unsanded Grout, the interior wet areas in each restroom were protected with Laticrete Hydro Ban™, a revolutionary waterproofing and anti-fracture membrane. Laticrete Hydro Ban does not require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners, and bonds directly to metal and PVC plumbing fixtures for quick and easy applications at all pipe penetrations and other transitions. Laticrete Hydro Ban can be flood tested in just two-hours after final cure, another huge benefit on fast-paced projects like ION Orchard and the Orchard Residences in Singapore. Staggered behind and offset right, the Orchard Residences, now the tallest structure in the district, tower above ION Orchard and its 100 meter (328 feet) curvilinear glass digital media façade. Here, Laticrete materials were used for the com-

pressed marble tiles on the floors and porcelain tiles on the kitchen walls. In the wet areas, Laticrete Hydro Ban was also used to protect the installation against harmful moisture penetration and isolate existing or new

cracks in the substrate. The wall application introduced Laticrete polymer-cement technology to the project, with Laticrete 317 thin-set adhesive specified for its unmatched strength and nonsag performance. For the interi-

or wall application of marble and compressed marble tiles, Laticrete 1600 Unsanded Grout was used for the super-luxury condos at Singapore’s new lifestyle destination, ION Orchard and the Orchard Residences. 5

Tile International 3/2010

Project

Festland Hamburg, an aquatic landscape with dinosaurs

ď &#x2018;

Surprisingly, the water park which opened in February 2009 in the Altona district of Hamburg, is called "Festland", which is German for "dry land" presumably because of the 900 square metres of primeval adventure landscape it includes,

Tile International 3/2010

which provide a wet and dry paradise for young explorers. When, in 2005, the Bismarck baths near Altona station closed their doors for the last time, it was not just children who were saddened. Four years later, however, the first visitors entered Fes-

tland and were delighted with Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest water park, which, with 12,600 square metres of floor space, was three times as big as its predecessor. Children in particular love the primeval theme park on Holsten StraĂ&#x;e, which features a mini-

pool and adventure pool, called Dinoland, where life-size, watersquirting models of lizards, turtles and dinosaurs are to be found. The six-metre tall Tyrannosaurus Rex, the most imposing of all the dinosaurs, reaches almost to the roof. 5

Project

Construction data: Project: Bäderland, Hamburg Client: Bäderland Hamburg GmbH Architect: de witt janßen partner Architekten und Ingenieure, Bad Zwischenahn Tiling works: Fliesen Lepping, Vreden Total area: 8,000 sq.m

“Focal point: waterproofing” - Torsten Korthals, Managing Director and master tiler from Lepping Tiles GmbH & Co. KG, Vreden. The construction of a pool is of nationwide relevance and is also a great challenge for those carrying out the work. In the pool landscape and sauna areas at Festland, we used a wide variety of SCHOMBURG products. The training given by the construction chemicals manufacturer, together with the necessary application technologists, allowed us to complete this large contract with the maximum efficiency. A focal point of the work was the waterproofing. Among other products, we used AQUAFIN-2K/M (two-component, flexible, cementitious waterproofing slurry) and ASOFlexfuge (rapid-hardening cementitious grout). Our complete work contract at Festland included the installation of wall and floor tiles in various designs and patterns. Completing the entire newbuild on schedule was a logistical record for us, of which we are very proud.

“Highly technical security” - Christain Bär, project leader, de witt janßen partner Architects and Engineers, Bad Zwischenahn At Festland we tiled an area of around 8,000 square metres including wall and floor areas, the majority of which were waterproofed with a mineral-based waterproofing slurry, chiefly AQUAFIN-2K/M. The particular challenge consisted in creating more than 900 square metres of children’s adventure world, complete with amorphously formed, artificial cliffs. For these cliffs, the challenge was to find a secure and controllable waterproofing solution for the underlying wall-floor junction. Together with the Technical Department of SCHOMBURG, we decided on a glass-fibre reinforced bonded screed around the artistic cliff formations. This stopped 10 cm short of the edges, and in addition to the AQUAFIN waterproofing applied to the concrete slab, the gap created next to the cliffs was filled in with ASOFLEX-AKB, a high-quality epoxy resin. Since commissioning in February 2009, the waterproofing methods selected have proved to be more than a match for the wet conditions of the environment.

Tile International 3/2010

Project

Touches of colour on ventilated facades

ď &#x2018;

Can originality and sobriety go hand in hand? Do detail and uniformity mix? And can practicality and design appeal co-habit within the same project? The answer appears to be a definite yes. Advanced technological solutions combined with refined aesthetic taste found the perfect habitat in a construction project completed in the municipality

Tile International 3/2010

of Paderno Dugnano with the aid of Marazzi Group. The project in question is the multi-purpose Santagostino building, located in what is generally thought of as the second industrial belt around the city of Milan. In a decidedly mixed context, where industrial buildings rub shoulders with 1970s residential blocks, the design team made up of Giacomo Cavadini,

a Brescia-based civil engineer, and the architects Andrea Ludovico Borri and Chiara Patuzzo from the Milan-based firm Humusstudio - rose to the challenge of constructing a building of contemporary form, despite the significant constraints imposed by the size of the plot and nature of the surrounding architecture. The result is a monolith with simple, square-cut contours

but a dynamic faĂ§ade, in the form of a curtain wall made of multi-format ceramic, animated by irregular, staggered apertures. Created by Marazzi Engineering, the facade is made with porcelain tile from the Marazzi Monolith collection (30x60 cm - 60x60 cm - 60x120 cm), in black with a bush-hammered finish. The wide range of formats, installed both vertically and hor-

Project

izontally, generates an innovative design layout, which gets an extra boost of vivacity from the coloured window surrounds and the red roof over the entrance. A precise identity determined by the use of a small number of elements with great clarity, sober but high-impact geometries and touches of colour that trasform a basic architectural element into a design building. 5

Marazzi Engineering is the division of Marazzi Group dedicated to supporting architects and developers through the production of indoor and outdoor covering systems, with particular reference to raised floors and curtain walls, and providing specialists in the industry with turn-key solutions that include installation, customisation and the development and waterjet cutting of special materials. As such, Marazzi Engineering is not just a supplier but a pro-active participant and reliable partner, on hand to assist operators at every stage of the work. The heart of the company is a technical design and consulting department, structured in such a way as to offer construction solutions and information to designers. It also includes a team of technicians specifically tasked with visiting construction sites, surveying the situation on the ground and overseeing every stage of installation and commissioning. The technical department is backed up by a team of technical sales specialists who listen to the requirements of architects and their clients, identify appropriate materials, draw up quotes, liaise with purchasing departments and prepare technical specifications and bids for competitive tenders.

Tile International 3/2010

Project by Silvia Bertolani

A testament to contemporary architecture

ď &#x2018;

The construction of a religious building is a complex enterprise that requires not only attention to the architecture itself but also a certain sensibility to local spiritual attitudes. An example of this is the Church of St. John Evangelist and the

Parish Centre near Zagreb, Croatia. Construction of the complex spanned the two decades from 1990 to the present day, a period that marked the transition from socialist Yugoslavia to Croatian independence. The turbulent nature of the period is reflected

The interview was conducted by Robert Hofmann, state-certified construction engineer (FS) and technical adviser to the company Agrob Buchtal

We felt that ceramic tiles were the ideal solution to achieve this. After several years of planning and building, the parish felt the costs of a ceramic facade were too high. However, for conceptual architectural reasons we had no intention of compromising on our initial project. For this reason, we searched far and wide for a manufacturer capable of putting our ideas into practice at a manageable cost but without making any concessions in terms of design. We finally found what we were looking for with Agrob Buchtal. We had a clear vision of our colours in the form of three precisely defined blue shades. Agrob Buchtal presented us with a selection of five corresponding variants of blue, and we immediately found our three desired shades. We were won over by the quality of the product and the advice we were given, as well as the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logistic capabilities.

The facade of the Church of St. John Evangelist (Crkva sv. Ivana Evangjelista i pastoralni centar) uses ceramic tiles from Agrob Buchtal. What were the main reasons behind the choice of this building material and brand? The look of the facade was intended to be eye-catching, authentic, natural and at the same time dignified.

Tile International 3/2010

in the way the building developed, making it a fascinating architectural testament to recent history. St. John Evangelist is also one of the first churches to be commissioned through an architecture competition. The winners were Andrej Uchytil and Renata

photo: Domagoj Blazevic

Waldgoni, acclaimed Croatian designers who chose ceramic tiles from Agrob Buchtal for the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facade. To offer our readers further information on this project, we are publishing an interview with Andrej Uchytil and Renata Waldgoni.

Project

The parish building (on left in both photos) is characterised by straight lines just like the surrounding urban environment. The church (on right in both photos) intentionally differs and stands out as a solitary building, but without degenerating into cheap showmanship.

Why did it have to be blue? As a symbol for eternity and a metaphor for the universe, which always manifests itself as mystic dark blue. Moreover, it is possible to visually dematerialise a shell, in this case the facade of the

building, by using various nuances of blue. This would have been impossible with green, for example. Furthermore, different atmospheres were to be created in a natural way according to the time of day, the weather and the perspective of vision, without using any artificial means. An at-

tractive play of light and shadow was required (and is also found in the interior) in order to make the building stand out as a solitary presence while integrating harmoniously with the surrounding urban environment. This impression is intensified by a special effect: when viewed from a

great distance, the building appears to be monochrome. The closer one gets the more it is possible to discern the fine shimmer and changing composition of the three different shades of blue. When standing right in front of the building, the special texture and the colour spectrum of

photo: Andrej Uchytil

Tile International 3/2010

Project

From a distance the building appears to be monochrome. The closer one gets, the more it is possible to discern the fine shimmer and changing nuances of the three shades of blue.

the ceramic surface is clearly vis5 ible.

Why did the project take so long between the initial planning stage and completion? Let me tell you one thing first: the project is still not been completely finished, as in the case of the bell tower and the outdoor areas. This building was originally planned in the former Yugoslavia and was completed in the independent Croatia. The years in between were turbulent and brought dramatic social, political, economic and cultural changes. The architectural concept is therefore the result of numerous influences that have occurred over the course of time.

photo: Marko Kruzic

Were ecological aspects also taken into consideration at the planning stage? European building standards were of course taken into account. Incidentally, this aspect was also a factor that favoured ceramic tile, given that it is an extremely durable product made from natural raw materials which has proved itself excellently for thousands of years in both indoor and in outdoor areas. The tiles were installed using a modern composite heat insulation 1928 Vaso per farmacia. Ceramica dipinta, system that ensures significant photo: Marko Kruzic diametro 38x34,5 cm energy savings.

Tile International 3/2010

1953 Vassoio Frutta. Faenza, ceramica dipinta

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Project

The urban environment surrounding the church, as well as the neighbouring parish centre, have strictly geometric forms, whereas the church itself has a soft, almost flattened shape. What is the reason for this?

photo: Andrej Uchytil

Well, you have described the desired effect accurately. As already mentioned, the church was intended to stand out from the surrounding area. That is why two different types of forms were used: on the one hand, the parish centre with its straight lines, which almost acts as a point of reference and a transition to the clearly structured surrounding environment. On the other hand, the church itself with its organic, smooth shape which is intentionally different and in this way stands out for its independent character: self-assured but not obtrusive, striking but without degenerating into cheap showmanship.

How have people reacted to this unusual church building? Such an ambitious project could not of course appeal to everyone, but is intended to spark debate and prompt new ideas, to provide inspiration and offer incentives. Because of its special location, another goal was to make the ensemble stand out from the uniform surroundings in a harmonious manner, to experiment with free forms and to work with visually striking proportions. This objective has clearly been achieved, as the reactions from architects, clergymen and the general public go to show. 5

Tile International 3/2010

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Art & Culture by Silvia Bertolani

Don’t panic… they’re just Urban Ghosts!



Economic crisis, political crisis, social crisis… it’s enough to scare anyone. The markets have got hiccups, caution is the order of the day, the future looks bleak and fear lurks like a ghost against a back-

Tile International 3/2010

drop of global insecurity. The ceramic industry has obviously not been spared this scenario, and yet… And yet someone has managed to use ceramic in such a way as to take the fright out of fear.

He is Roberto Cambi, they are Fantasmi Urbani (urban ghosts) and the witch’s coven is the Lombardini22 architecture firm in Milan. These three protagonists have given rise to a friendly but shrewd-looking clan of ceramic-clad ghosts, capable of

raising smiles and provoking a few thoughts about the future. Their progenitor is Roberto Cambi, a Varese-born artist now established in Emilia-Romagna, who is well known for his irreverent and challenging installations.

Art & Culture

Scan with your smartphone to see Fantasmi Urbani inauguration ceremony

And these really are installations, here at Studio Lombardini22, a place as dynamic and eclectic as the sixty-odd people who run it, and which is located a stone’s throw from Milan’s Naviglio Grande. The studio liked Cambi’s idea and collaborated in

Tile International 3/2010

Art & Culture

the realisation of the project, which was inaugurated on 15 April during the 49th edition of the Salone del Mobile. Fantasmi Urbani is a large installation of approximately 150 square metres, consisting of 150 ceramic ghosts distributed and suspended randomly around the courtyard and balcony of a former printing works at 22 Via Lombardini (the cur-

Tile International 3/2010

rent headquarters of Lombardini22, an architecture and engineering firm). Made in four sizes (from 45 to 140 cm tall), the ghosts are each unique pieces hand-crafted by the artist, and have different shapes and expressions. The light fitted inside them also makes them autonomous, fluctuating light sources, giving rise to a highly evocative visual im-

pact, which changes with the conditions in the building (day or night) and the different intensity of light illuminating each ghost. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The intangible exerts a powerful hold over us, so the aim of this operation is to prompt the imagination and provoke an emotive response. Ghosts symbolise human fears, the unexplored, the supernatural and the

Art & Culture Roberto Cambi (born in 1960 in Cassano Magnano in the province of Varese, Italy) is a ceramic artist, painter and studio glass maker. He started showing his works at exhibitions in the late 1970s while still studying at the Faenza Institute of Ceramic Art. Showing a restless streak and a penchant for pop and humorous creations, he often designed his works as parts of an installation or setting. He has shown his work in various individual and collective exhibitions both in Italy and abroad, including Documenta 11, in Kassel, Germany (2002). He has also won a number of prestigious international awards, such as the 7th National Viaggio Attraverso la Ceramica (journey through the world of ceramics) Award held in Vietri sul Mare and the Award in Excellency, at the Mopko International Ceramics Competition in Korea, both in 2000.

Scan with your smartphone to see Roberto Cambi website

lombardini22

Scan with your smartphone to see Roberto Cambi making Fantasmi Urbani

uncertainty which is increasingly present in our societyâ&#x20AC;?: so said Roberto Cambi in his presentation of the work, which provided a starting point for a broader project that Lombardini22 is devoting to the theme of fear. Fantasmi Urbani is the first stage in a series of analyses and reflections which have taken tangible form in a cycle of three conferences open to the public, held at Lombardini22 every two months throughout 2010. Like every self-respecting fairy tale, however, this one about a friendly clan of cheeky ghosts would not be complete without a happy ending: so on 31 October, the night of Halloween, the Urban Ghosts will say goodbye to Lombardini22 and go and live happily ever after in another fairy tale somewhere else. 5

A stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the Naviglio Grande, in the heart of the Milan district of Mesopotamia (the area delimited by the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, between the Darsena, Viale Famagosta and Viale Cermenate), stands the home of Lombardini22, an architecture and engineering firm dedicated to the tertiary, retail and hospitality sectors. Like the area in which it is located - which is gaining a new lease of life thanks to the urban regeneration project promoted by the association Mesopotamia Milanese - Lombardini22 is an innovative workspace, development studio and production centre, established on principles of interpersonal relations and the search for excellence. Made up of an open-minded, international, multidisciplinary group of professionals, it is aimed at clients looking for a service which integrates the disciplines of design, architecture, engineering, urban planning, mobility and security. The firm occasionally opens its doors to the public for events connected with the world of design and culture.

From left: Cristian Catania architect from Lombardini22 with Roberto Cambi

Tile International 3/2010

Exhibition Calendar More exhibitions on www.CeramicWorldWeb.it ABITARE IL TEMPO Verona (Italy) - 16/20 September 2010

TECNARGILLA (Ceramic production machinery) Rimini (Italy) - 27 September /1 October 2010

CERSAIE (Ceramic floor and wall tile, bathroom furnishing) Bologna (Italy) - 28 September /2 October 2010 MARMOMACC (Marble, natural stone and processing machinery) Verona (Italy) - 29 September /2 October 2010 INTERBUILD (Building) Birmingham (UK) - 17/20 October 2010 SAIE (Building) Bologna (Italy)- 27/30 October 2010 ISH KITCHEN+BATH MIDDLE EAST (Bathroom and kitchen furnishing, renewable energy, air conditioning) Dubai (UAE) - 31 October /2 November 2010 THE BIG 5 SHOW Dubai (UAE) - 22/25 November 2010 BUDMA (Building) Poznan (Poland) - 11/14 January 2011

BAU (Building) Munich (Germany) - 17/22 January 2011 SURFACES (Wall and floor surfaces) Las Vegas (USA) - 25/27 January 2011

CEVISAMA (Ceramic floor and wall tile, bathroom furnishing) Valencia (Spain) - 8/11 February 2011 UNICERA (Ceramic floor and wall tile) Istanbul (Turkey) - 2/6 March 2011

COVERINGS (Ceramic floor and wall tile, natural stone) Las Vegas (USA) - 14/17 March 2011 ISH (Bathrooms, plumbing and heating, renewable energy) Frankfurt (Germany) - 15/19 March 2011 REVESTIR (Ceramic floor and wall tiles) Sao Paulo (Brazil) - 22/25 March 2011

MOSBUILD (Building) Moscow (Russia) - 5/8 April 2011 STONE+TEC (Marble and processing machinery) Nuremberg (Germany) - 22/25 June 2011

Tile International 3/2010

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Cersaie 2010 by Silvia Bertolani

Selma Broeder

ARMANDO TESTA

The first apple

Facoltà di Architettura di Genova, Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Design del Prodotto e degli Eventi Alessandra Parodi per Cersaie 2010

28 SETTEMBRE - 2 OTTOBRE 2010 w w w. c e r s a i e . i t

2010, Alessandra Parodi:“Ceramic Eden”. I have picked the first apple of this new challenge and, at the same time, of this major new economic and social transformation.



The 2010 edition of Cersaie is once again fully sold out: the entire exhibition space of 176,000 square metres has been fully booked by over 800 exhibitors, almost a fifth of whom are international companies from 29 countries worldwide. The show will also offer a packed programme of interesting events and many new features, not least of which is the poster.

Tile International 3/2010

Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

Promosso da ConfInDustRIa CERamICa

In collaborazione con

segreteria operativa: PROMOS srl - P.O. Box 37 - 40050 CENTERGROSS BOLOGNA - Tel. 051.6646000 - Fax 051.862514 ufficio stampa: EDI.CER. spa - Viale Monte Santo 40 - 41049 SASSUOLO (Modena) - Tel. 0536.804585 - Fax 0536.806510

Cersaie A4-2010-IT.indd 1

While the posters for the past 10 years have been commissioned from famous Italian and international architects and designers, this year it was the turn of Alessandra Parodi, a student in Product and Event Design at the Architecture Faculty of the University of Genoa, winner of the first edition of Beautiful Ideas, the competition launched at Cersaie 2009 for students at ten Italian university architecture

faculties and design institutes. The idea behind the competition was the concept of a “Ceramic Eden”. According to the competition regulations, it is “a theme that explores the changes currently underway in society as it tackles new global scenarios and challenges ceramic materials, design and sustainable development to offer a new way of living on our planet.

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In this new approach, design serves to foster intangible assets such as aesthetics, interpersonal relationships and the ability to enjoy a good standard of living and put one’s time to good use.” The new poster consists of 9 green tiles surmounted by a stylised stalk, a fresh and simple expression of the need for renovation without losing sight of the traditional value of ceramics. 5

Cersaie 2010

The Cersaie poster: a short historical background… ARMANDO TESTA

ARMANDO TESTA

Engaging and meaningful, metaphorical or purely technical, the images used for the Cersaie posters have always emphasised the changing times and trends with messages of great communicative impact.

Hani Rashid for Cersaie 2004

SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DELLA CERAMICA PER EDILIZIA E DELL'ARREDOBAGNO

www.cersaie.it

SA LONE I NT E RNA Z I ONA LE DELLA C ERA M I C A PE R E DI LI Z I A E DELL' A RRED O BAGN O

www.cersaie.it

B O L O G N A - I TA L Y O T T O B R E

www.cersaie.it

SETTORI ESPOSITIVI PIASTRELLE DI CERAMICA • APPARECCHIATURE IGIENICO-SANITARIE • ARREDAMENTI PER AMBIENTE BAGNO • ARREDOCERAMICA E CAMINETTI • ATTREZZATURE E MATERIALI PER LA POSA E L’ESPOSIZIONE DI PRODOTTI CERAMICI • MATERIE PRIME, SEMILAVORATI, ATTREZZATURE PER PRODOTTI CERAMICI

2 0 0 0

www.cersaie.it SETTORI ESPOSITIVI

Promosso da ASSOPIASTRELLE

in collaborazione con

Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

Segreteria Operativa: CERSAIE P.O.Box 103 - 40050 CENTERGROSS BOLOGNA - Tel 051-6646000 - Fax 051-862514 Ufficio Stampa: EDI.CER. spa - Viale Monte Santo 40 - 41049 SASSUOLO MODENA - Tel 0536-818111 - Fax 0536-807935

In a context devoid of time and points of reference,“five floating planes approach to create a dimension that includes the past and leads to the future”, a synthesis of form and colour typical of the late Italian designer.

Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

2002, Massimo Iosa Ghini: In a symmetrical, per-

2004, Hani Rashid: The

2009, Mario Botta: An illu-

sional sinusoid that traces out a grid reminiscent of a tiled surface, this eccentric architect demonstrates how architecture can combine rigour and sinuosity in the construction of ever more dynamic and variable buildings.

2006, Antonio Citterio:

2007, Toyo Ito: “Cities all

2008, Thom Mayne: The design for the Cersaie poster is refined into increasingly daring structures, becoming more detailed and fluid, but perhaps also less emotional. The two-dimensionality of the tile evolves and embraces curved spaces “which represent an immense creative potential for architecture and design”.

over the world have been covered by homogeneous grids. I have a feeling that in this century, grids will melt. Architecture is becoming closer to natural systems.” This was how Toyo Ito explained his design, a grid that in some spaces expands to become three-dimensional.

ARMANDO TESTA

Toy

o Ito

for

Ce rsa

In collaborazione con

2003, Denis Santachiara: By means of a three-dimen-

spectival urban landscape, straight lines are accompanied harmoniously by curves against the backdrop of a stylised cloudless sky.

He expresses the ancient concept of the golden section through an informal presentation that partly draws on the work of Mark Rothko: the symbol of perfect proportion is here depicted as a dark red figure with an out-of-focus contour.

Promosso da ASSOPIASTRELLE

Segreteria Operativa: PROMOS srl - P.O.Box 103 - 40050 CENTERGROSS BOLOGNA - Tel. 051.6646000 - Fax 051.862514 Ufficio Stampa: EDI.CER. spa - Viale Monte Santo 40 - 41049 SASSUOLO MODENA - Tel. 0536.818111 - Fax 0536.807935

in collaborazione con

taining triumphal arch made of ceramic tiles, resulting in a simple message of invitation to the masses rather than a restricted group of experts, a kind of welcome note to visitors to the fair.

ARMANDO TESTA

2005, David Palterer: He proposed a “constellation of abstract icons: a concise virtual treatise devoted to an evocation of the preliminary themes at the project planning stage”. Geometric shapes in bright colours serve as the backdrop for stylised representations of solid forms deriving from nature and from the work of man.

2001, Alessandro Mendini: A polychromatic and enter-

Promosso da ASSOPIASTRELLE

Segreteria Operativa: PROMOS srl - P.O.Box 103 - 40050 CENTERGROSS BOLOGNA - Tel 051.6646000 - Fax 051.862514 Ufficio Stampa: EDI.CER. spa - Viale Monte Santo 40 - 41049 SASSUOLO MODENA - Tel 0536.818111 - Fax 0536.807935

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2000, Ettore Sottsass:

SETTORI ESPOSITIVI PIASTRELLE DI CERAMICA • APPARECCHIATURE IGIENICO-SANITARIE • ARREDAMENTI PER AMBIENTE BAGNO • ARREDOCERAMICA E CAMINETTI • ATTREZZATURE E MATERIALI PER LA POS A E L’ESPOSIZIONE DI PRODOTTI CERAMICI • MATERIE PRIME, SEMILAVORATI, ATTREZZATURE PER PRODOTTI CERAMICI

Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

first non-Italian architect commissioned to design the poster for Cersaie, he used the suppleness of two structures to express his idea:“the ceramic tile is, in essence, a reconciliation between the works of man and the material perfection of nature”.

sionist work, a dizzying tunnel, a steep staircase. A human figure appears for the first time on a Cersaie poster.“Ceramic originates from Mother Earth. With this image I wanted to recall where we come from, what we are made of, where we live. And also where we are going: the future is already here.”

ARMANDO TESTA

3 - 8

PIASTRELLE DI CERAMICA • APPARECCHIATURE IGIENICO-SANITARIE • ARREDAMENTI PER AMBIENTE BAGNO • ARREDOCERAMICA E CAMINETTI • ATTREZZATURE E MATERIALI PER LA POSA E L'ESPOSIZIONE DI PRODOTTI CERAMICI • MATERIE PRIME - SEMILAVORATI - ATTREZZATURE PER PRODOTTI CERAMICI

07 ie 20

Thom Mayne for Cersaie 2008

Antonio Citterio for Cersaie 2006

David Palterer for Cersaie 2005

ARMANDO TESTA

Mario Botta for Cersaie 2009

www.cersaie.it SETTORI ESPOSITIVI PIASTRELLE DI CERAMICA • APPARECCHIATURE IGIENICO-SANITARIE • ARREDAMENTI PER AMBIENTE BAGNO • ARREDOCERAMICA E CAMINETTI • ATTREZZATURE E MATERIALI PER LA POSA E L’ESPOSIZIONE DI PRODOTTI CERAMICI • MATERIE PRIME, SEMILAVORATI, ATTREZZATURE PER PRODOTTI CERAMICI Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

Promosso da ASSOPIASTRELLE

In collaborazione con

Promosso da ASSOPIASTRELLE

In collaborazione con

30 SETTEMBRE - 4 OTTOBRE 2008 w w w. c e r s a i e . i t

2 - 6 OTTOBRE 2007 w w w. c e r s a i e . i t

26 - 30 SETTEMBRE 2006 w w w. c e r s a i e . i t Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

Promosso da CONFINDUSTRIA CERAMICA

Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

In collaborazione con

Segreteria Operativa: PROMOS srl - P.O. Box 103 - 40050 CENTERGROSS BOLOGNA - Tel. 051.6646000 - Fax 051.862514 Ufficio Stampa: EDI.CER. spa - Viale Monte Santo 40 - 41049 SASSUOLO (Modena) - Tel. 0536.804585 - Fax 0536.806510

Tile Italia 210x297.indd 1

10-04-2007 16:00:57

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Promosso da ConfInDustRIa CERamICa

29 SETTEMBRE - 3 OTTOBRE 2009 w w w. c e r s a i e . i t

In collaborazione con

Organizzato da EDI.CER. spa

segreteria operativa: PROMOS srl - P.O. Box 103 - 40050 CENTERGROSS BOLOGNA - Tel. 051.6646000 - Fax 051.862514 ufficio stampa: EDI.CER. spa - Viale Monte Santo 40 - 41049 SASSUOLO (Modena) - Tel. 0536.804585 - Fax 0536.806510

Cersaie TILE ITALIA 210x297.indd 1

26-03-2008 17:14:56

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In collaborazione con

Tile International Cersaie A4_2009_IT.indd 1

6-04-2009 15:33:13

Tile International 3/2010

Cersaie 2010

Building, dwelling, thinking… Following on from its extraordinary success last year, Cersaie 2010 is repeating “Building Dwelling Thinking”, the cultural event held in the Architecture Gallery that is both a meeting venue and an opportunity for debate on key issues of building and materials. This year the event will explore the issue of Climate Change, the general theme behind the entire conference programme which will investigate changes occurring both at a general level and in the specific areas of Environment, Society and Culture. The theme areas that will be addressed in 2010 concern architectural design, trends in interior design, and the use of materials, particularly ceramic tiles.

PROGRAMME Tuesday 28 September • 9.30 The future of tourist hospitality: questions and answers from buildings to the local area • 10.00 Architecture and narration: the city in words and images • 11.00 Economic conference • 14.00 Architecture and narration: meet the authors • 16.00 Shopping Landscape • 18.00 Ceramic Tiles of Italy International Press Conference Wednesday 29 September • 9.30 Urban spaces and migration • 11.00 Social Housing: Micro and Macro • 11.00 Best Showroom Award 2010 • 14.00 Leaving Traces • 15.00 ST - The missing standard. In search of a method for determining slip resistance

Thursday 30 September • 9.30 Lesson with Enzo Mari • 10.00 Press conference with David Childs • 11.00 David Childs Keynote Lecture: major urban transformations Friday 1 October • 11.00 RPBW Renzo Piano Building Workshop • 14.00 Ecological crisis and sustainability • 15.00 Beautiful Ideas • 15.00 ST - Research and training in the ceramic sector in Emilia Romagna • 16.00 The surface covering principle Saturday 2 October • 9.30 Hotels and energy efficiency • 11.00 Emilia Romagna, urban polis future

For the locations of the conferences along with the latest information visit the page http://www.cersaie.it/en/k_calendario_2010.php or scan the QRCODE on the right with your smartphone

Tile International 3/2010

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Cersaie 2010

CERSAIE: how to get there A major new feature of this 28th Cersaie is the fact that the high-speed rail line will enable visitors to organise day trips to the exhibition from eight regional capitals. Cersaie is the first Italian exhibition to have organised a service of this kind through an agreement with Trenitalia and Convention & Travel, reserving coaches at considerably below standard prices. A special shuttle bus service will also run from Bologna train station to the exhibition centre. The initiative will allow for savings of up to 70% for visitors travelling from the cities of Turin, Milan, Venice, Padua, Florence, Rome, Naples and Bari. In the case of the first five of these cities, the service offers outward and return trips on the same day (outbound journey departing after 7.00 a.m. and arriving in Bologna before 9.45 a.m. and the return journey leaving from the station of Bologna between 6.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.). The journeys from Naples and Bari involve spending a night in a 3-star hotel in Bologna at a price of under 200 euro for the entire package.

The exclusive booking agency is Convention & Travel which can be contacted at: Tel. +39 051 6375111 - Fax +39 051 6375149 - e-mail: info@hellobologna.it

Nico Cavallotto

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Cersaie 2010

KEYNOTE LECTURE: David M. Childs 30 September 2010

Tile International 3/2010

David M. Childs will be giving the keynote lecture at Cersaie on 30 September as part of the series of meetings entitled “Building, Dwelling, Thinking”. President emeritus and design partner of SOM - a leading architecture firm founded in Chicago in 1936 by Louis Skidmore and Nathaniel Owings, joined in 1939 by engineer John Merril he can boast major projects such as the Washington Mall, the National Geographic headquarters, Dulles Airport terminal in Washington, as well as numerous projects in New York such as the Worldwide Plaza, the New York Mercantile Exchange, the JFK International Arrivals Building, the JP Morgan headquarters and the complete urban planning project for Riverside South. During the lecture Childs will outline the key elements of his architectural vision, which include innovation, quality and management with a view to successfully implementing the grand ideas that are the lifeblood of modern architecture and which for more than half a century have been the distinctive characteristics of SOM. Honoured with the prestigious Architecture Firm Award by the American Institute of Architects first in 1962 and then again in

1996, in recent years David M. Childs has taught at the world’s foremost schools of architecture. He has also written numerous publications which have been translated into various languages and has been invited to speak at specialist conferences and leading exhibitions in the field of architecture and building materials.

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against the formation of bacterial micro-organisms.

Gli ioni d’argento “combattono” muffe e microbi, garantendo

The silver ions act against mould and microbes, thus guaranteeing

così elevatissimi standard igienici in ambienti come ospedali,

the very highest standards of hygiene in places like hospitals, swim-

piscine, aree comuni e bagni. Powercolor è dotato anche del-

ming pools, common areas and bathrooms. Powercolor grouting

la tecnologia Color Save System, per mantenere inalterata la

compound also features Color Save System technology, allowing its

stabilità cromatica nel tempo e Water Repellent System, per

colors to remain unchanged over time, and Water Repellent Sy-

garantire massima resistenza all’acqua.

stem, for the utmost water resistance.

Scelti per qualità Chosen for their quality sottofondi, impermeabilizzanti, adesivi, stucchi e prodotti speciali per l’edilizia substrates, waterproofers, adhesives, grouting and special products for the building sector

Cersaie 2010 by Chiara Bruzzichelli



Now in his second year as Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica, a post to which he was elected with 98.8% of members’ votes - in a resounding endorsement of the confidence he has inspired at the helm of Casalgrande Padana Franco Manfredini finds himself steering the Association through the most challenging economic conditions it has ever faced in its 40-year history. Manfredini is now also Chairman of Federazione Confindustria Ceramica e Laterizi, which was formed in July as a result of the merger of Confindustria Ceramica and ANDIL, the Italian brick and tile manufacturers’ as-

Tile International 3/2010

In his own words: Franco Manfredini, Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica sociation. The aim of the new federation is to achieve major synergies at zero cost in the many areas of shared interest (energy, environment, communication, studies centre, R&D, etc.), with a view to stepping up promotional efforts nationally and internationally, where the two associations belong to the same European Federation. As well as sharing his views on the latest state of the market, we asked Franco Manfredini to tell us what he sees as the Association’s priorities in its drive to assert and safeguard the interests, role and entrepreneurial image of Italy’s ceramic tile industry. Tile International: What is the export trend for Italian tiles? Franco Manfredini: Italian ceramic tile exports showed signs of improvement in the first half of the year, recovering by a few percentage points compared to the losses suffered in the same period last year. The recovery concerns both average euro prices and volumes,

although volumes increased most significantly. Tile International: Where are the most buoyant markets? F. Manfredini: Due to its commercial presence in all key markets worldwide, the Italian ceramic tile industry is able to exploit opportunities wherever they arise, regardless of the continent. The current year has seen a strong revival in the real estate market in areas outside the EU such as North America and Asia, and our exports are enjoying double-digit growth in those areas. Tile International: What is the trend in EU markets? F. Manfredini: The various EU markets are experiencing very different situations. Some have been hit badly by the property crisis while others have escaped unscathed. In general, sales in the first half of 2010 have dropped further by a few percentage points. As for the future, the outstanding performance of German GDP (+2.2% in the second quarter) offers hope of a

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more sustained recovery than in the past in our largest export market. Tile International: What are the prospects for the domestic market? F. Manfredini: The Italian property market is in very poor health following the 15% downturn last year and is continuing to perform badly in terms of both prices and quantities. The effects of the housing programme are still negligible and in spite of the low interest rates, the large stock of still unsold new properties and the low available income of families are the most critical factors. Tile International: How is the role of trade associations changing in a period of such severe recession? What specific requirements was Federazione Confindustria Ceramica e Laterizi set up to address? F. Manfredini: Industrial associations play an especially important role in times of crisis because companies need greater support, both in day-to-day management and in the medium to long term period. The Federazione Confindustria Cerami-

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Cersaie 2010

ca e Laterizi aims to promote relationships and synergies between the two associations so as to strengthen the action of external representation at a national and community level and to foster the improvement and efficiency of the services provided to companies through rationalisation and internal optimisation of services and resources. Tile International: What is the scope of the new Federazione Confindustria Ceramica e Laterizi? F. Manfredini: The Federation represents an important segment of the national economy, consisting of 445 companies and employing around 40,000 people. The sector generates a very significant turnover, in the region of 6.4 billion euro, and has an export share of almost

60%. Added to these figures is the activity of manufacturing internationalisation, concerning 19 Italian-owned companies abroad with a turnover of 875.5 million euro. Tile International: What is the new structure of the sector that is emerging from the current process of reorganisation? F. Manfredini: In a market economy it is the market and the rules of the market that dictate which players survive and which do not, thereby determining the overall physiognomy of the industry. To date we have seen a small number of companies forced out of the market, an intense activity of reorganisation that has led the companies to stabilise their production capacities at lower levels than in the past, and company restructure operations that have involved

extensive use of all forms of social shock-absorbers. It is impossible to predict the future, especially because a lot will depend on the level of sales, which I believe in the medium term may return to 450 million square metres. Tile International: The exhibition space at Cersaie was fully booked by April and although the total number of exhibitors is decreasing, a growing number of foreign firms are taking part. The exhibitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world leadership role is demonstrated by the growing efforts of the organisers to attract architects and designers. In the light of this, in order to offer architects and designers a truly comprehensive range of surface finishings, do you think Cersaie may change direction in the future and include exhibition spaces devoted to materi-

als other than ceramic? F. Manfredini: These exceptional results, which have been constantly maintained in recent years, further strengthen Cersaieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership role for the two sectors that it represents and increase its lead over other events at a world level. The showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to the world of architecture is confirmed again this year by an exceptional programme, including a keynote lecture by David Childs, a conference by Mario Botta and the presentation of the Central St. Giles project by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Nonetheless, Cersaie remains the most important international ceramic exhibition, justifying its continued specialisation in a sector that reflects the field of activities of our dealers worldwide. 5

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Introducing

Trend research An e-learning course of www.iiea-school.it

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Cersaie 2010

Companies showcased

Del Conca »» Name: Docet »» Material: through-body porcelain tile »» Colours: 3 colours »» Sizes: 15x15 cm, 15x60 cm, 30x30 cm, 30x60 cm, 60x60 cm

Fiandre »» Name: Serie 100 »» Material: “recycled” porcelain tile »» Colours: White 50, Grey 70, Anthracite 100, Black 100 »» Sizes: 75x75 cm

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Piemme Valentino

»» »» Name: Beauty »» Material: fine through-body porcelain tile, decorated with digital technology »» Sizes: 45x90 cm, 22.5x90 cm, 45x45 cm, 60x60 cm, 30x60 cm

Rondine »» Name: Crystal »» Material: through-body porcelain tile »» Colours: black »» Sizes: 12x24 cm

Ragno »» Name: Flirt »» Material: white body »» Colours: white, grey, red, beige, green, turtledove, blue »» Sizes: 10x30 cm

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Iris »» Name: Lignum »» Material: through-body porcelain tile »» Colours: 6 colours »» Sizes: 120x30 cm, 120x20 cm, 120x15 cm

Azulev »» Name: Tucson »» Material: wall tiles: porous white and red body - floor tiles: porcelain tile »» Colours: white, beige, mocha, anthracite, ash »» Sizes: wall tiles: 20x60 cm, 20x40 cm floor tiles: 33x33 cm, 45x45 cm

Phorma »» Name: I Legni »» Material: porcelain tile »» Colours: white, lead, honey, brown »» Sizes: 15x90 cm, 22.5x90 cm

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Cersaie 2010

MML »» Name: Arenito »» Material: porcelain tile »» Colours: beige, taupe, mahogany »» Sizes: 60x60 cm

ArtCasa by Comedil »» »» »» »»

Name: Natura Material: unglazed porcelain tile Colours: Sun, Moon Sizes: 120x120 cm, 60x120 cm, 40x120 cm, 30x120 cm, 20x120 cm, 60x60 cm, 40x60 cm, 30x60 cm, 20x60 cm

Hatria »» Name: G-Full »» Description: integrated monobloc sanitaryware system which combines the functions of toilet and bidet in a single ceramic piece. The large bench - available in solid wood strips or post-formed, highthickness white laminate - transforms G-Full into a designer storage surface.

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Arezia »» Name: Vogue »» Material: hand-decorated ceramic »» Colours: white raku, cream raku, turtledove raku, mocha raku, grey raku, anthracite raku »» Sizes: 7.5x15 cm, 15x15 cm

Imola Ceramica »» Name: Hall »» Material: wall tiles: double-fired - floor tiles: single-fired »» Colours: violet, beige, brown, red, white, black, light blue, orange, grey »» Sizes: wall tiles: 30x60 cm, 20x40 cm - floor tiles: 30x30 cm

Cercol »» Name: F.72 ELASTOMALTA »» Description: Highly flexible, breathable, two-component (powder and latex), fibre-reinforced, cement-based, waterproof final coating mortar, with excellent weatherresistance. Thanks to its high synthetic resin content, it offers high adhesion to concrete, masonry and existing ceramic coverings. Apply with a smooth spreader in a thickness of at least 2 mm, in two coats, inserting an alkali-resistant glass-fibre mesh between coats.

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Eliane »» Name: Oriental »» Material: glazed porcelain tile »» Colours: beige, gold, jade, black, topaz »» Sizes: 30x30 cm, 30x60 cm, 45x45 cm

Tek Arredamenti »» Name: Stark and Obliqua »» Description: a flexible, modular series of display units which offer a high degree of personalisation and versatility of use. Stark features modular walls with 5 horizontal slats and a series of accessories consisting of work benches, plain drawer units in sizes 60x60 and 60x120 cm and rack-type units, open-front storage units, folder cradles and wall-mounted display systems such as shelves, raked grids, baskets, Obliqua units (archives for the many formats), image panels and lighting solutions

Dural »» Name: Duralis Wood Listelli »» Description: real wooden profiles made of various woods and available in a variety of models can inspire creative ideas inside residences or outdoors, on floors, stairs or walls, in private or public premises. With their narrow aluminium-profile setting, they can help fashion a delightful mix of materials on tiled or natural stone floors These decorative strips are available in various widths (15, 25 and 40 mm) and various types of wood (wenge, mahogany, walnut and maple)

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Profiles for low thicknesses. News of high depth. An utmost attention to details is required for the laying of some floors or wall tiles on preexisting surfaces. Profilpas creates a complete line of profiles for small gaps of 3 and 4,5 mm height. You can choose between decorative, rounded and square listellos, separation joints, movement joints, and perimeter and cover steps to solve any flooring laying for mosaics, thin stoneware, resins and materials such as Kerlite®.

you build we proﬁle www.profilpas.com

Cersaie 2010

Colorker »» Name: Bianco »» Material: porcelain tile »» Colours: white »» Sizes: 20x60.5 cm

Area Franceram »» Name: Bijoux »» Material: glazed porcelain tile »» Colours: 6 modular natural stone colours produced with digital technology »» Sizes: wall tiles: 20x40 cm floor tiles: 40x40 cm

Litokol »» Name: Starlike Crystal »» Description: epoxy mortar for the grouting of transparent and artistic glass mosaic. The special formula comprising glass sphere aggregates enables the product, once applied to a joint, to “absorb” the colour of the transparent glass pieces and thus adapt to their colouring. On artistic mosaics its translucency leaves the colours of the original intact, thus constituting a neutral, colourless grouting system which does not compromise the image

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Gardenia Orchidea »» Name: Crete di Pian della Fornace, by Crystal Ker »» Material: extra fine porcelain tile »» Colours: beige, gold, green »» Sizes: 20x20 cm with a thickness of 2.5 mm for wall tiles and 4.5 mm for floor tiles

Sadon »» Name: Murales »» Material: glazed porcelain tile »» Colours: beige, ash, anthracite »» Sizes: 15x60.5 cm

Fila »» Name: Salvaterrazza

»» Description: a protective treatment which repairs and consolidates the surfaces of terraces. Penetrates into cracks (from 0.5 µm to 1 mm), and acts not just as a water-repellent but also as a consolidant on absorbent materials such as terracotta, clinker, porcelain tile, concrete, natural stone and agglomerate. Its effectiveness is proven even in the event of prolonged infiltration of water. It leaves no surface film and lets the material breathe

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Bien Seramik »» Name: Granada »» Material: glazed porcelain tile »» Colours: beige, brown, ivory, Indian blue »» Sizes: 40x60 cm

Globo »» Name: Relais »» Description: total bathroom collection featuring sober lines and square-cut shapes. The washbasins are available in various models countertop, wall-hung, self-bearing and pedestalmounted - while the sanitaryware comes in wall-hung, floor-mounted and monobloc toilet versions. The series is completed with a freestanding bath made of Pietraluce and a selection of free-standing and wall-mounted vanity units equipped with mirrors and towel rails. The collection comes in gloss white, gloss black, gold and platinum

Technokolla »» Name: Mycroshield System, Color Save System, Water Repellent System »» Description: technological systems applied to Technocolors, Technostuk 2-12, Technostuk G.F., Technostuk G.G. and Topstuk grouts. They enhance the performance of these products firstly by helping prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and fungus, secondly by keeping colours stable over time, and thirdly by acting as a water-repellent

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Cersaie 2010

Everstone »» Name: Bamboo Lux© »» Material: Crystal Clear Glass »» Description: the style and functionality of glass construction, combined with a stunning range of colours, now allows you to recreate a touch of “Asian forest” in your home. Bamboo Lux© is a new addition to the exciting range of Everstone 3D products

Artesia »» »» Name: Kacao »» Wall tile collection: Murales »» Sizes: 3/4.5/6x30/60 cm, thickness 9-14 mm »» Floor tile collection: Moduli Classici »» Size: 30x60 cm, thickness 12 mm

Montolit »» Name: Smart Line »» Description: a range of 4 models with different cutting lengths (33, 43, 53 and 63 cm), based on the simple operating principle of pullscoring. Special features include an adjustable geometric square and a splitting system. The die-cast aluminium frame has a special steel blade inserted in it, which enables you to split the tile at any point. What’s more, the scoring tool guide bar can be set to two alternative positions for cutting different thicknesses (from 3 to 20 mm)

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VISION 2000

Cersaie 2010

Cer. Vietri Antico »» Name: Giochi d’Acqua »» Description: new series of 20x60 cm decorated accessories which complement the same size tile in the Fondali collection. Produced using a special application technique, they create a pattern that accentuates the depth and glaze thickness of the decorative motif. The six new accents are available in all sixteen colours of the Fondali range.

Raimondi »» Name: RLS - Raimondi Levelling System »» Description: a patented system of levelling spacers designed for the installation of large formats and new slim-gauge tiles. The system consists of a base - transparent, 1.6 mm thick and equipped with a central bridge - and a wedge: the base is positioned under the tile; the wedge, meanwhile, is inserted under the bridge by means of a special gripper, which makes it possible to adjust the pressure exerted on the surface. This prevents the base from breaking and ensures a perfectly levelled surface

Sigma »» Name: Jolli Sigma art.10M9 »» Description: professional tile cutter with sliding carriage for cutting materials of up to 750x600x80 mm. Also designed to cope with materials exceeding the capacity of the carriage, the machine cuts and bevels any type of material, whether porcelain tile, marble, granite or brick. Available in 750, 550 and 400 mm sizes

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_foto Luigi Ottani

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il nostro lavoro, la nostra arte

our job, our art

www.polcart.com

Art & Culture by Gian Paolo Crasta

Cubaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ceramic man Strolling through the charmingly poetic backstreets of Habana Vieja, with their fragrance of tobacco, Creole cooking and tropical flowers, we stumble upon an exhibition of ceramic art, one of the many arts in

ď &#x2018;

Tile International 3/2010

which the colourful people of Cuba excel. It comes as no surprise that the theme of the exhibition is the human body. In Cuba, after all, the pace of daily life is still set by the most natural needs of living well in

mind and body. What does strike us, however, is the range of expression that we find in the works on display in the rooms and on the verandas of the magnificent colonial residence (one of many in Cuba) that hosts the exhibi-

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tion. The three generations of artists - all leading exponents of Cuban art - have different approaches to expressing their vision of the human body and its social and psychological extensions.

Osmany Betancourt

Art & Culture

Pedro Albuquerque

Tile International 3/2010

Teresa Sanchez Bravo Cactus Columna

Art & Culture The techniques adopted for shaping and using the clay are equally varied. The majority of the works undoubtedly express a sense of constriction: such as the group of busts enclosed in a vertical cell, or the disturbing work by Osmany Betancourt (born in 1975), featuring a mass of faces all pressed against each other.

Less troubling, but no less striking, is the suspended double group of hands, some palm up, as if requesting help, and some palm down (but reflected and hence carrying greater significance), as if to represent the solidarity that is an unwritten rule among the people of this unique Caribbean island. In Cuba, after all, the seeds of consumerism fall on barren

ground, except perhaps among the younger generations, born since Castro came to power. It is no coincidence that Pedro Albuquerque, the artist who created the work, does not fall into this category (he was born in 1940), unlike the majority of artists on display, who are more familiar with the economic wealth that prevails beyond their borders, and therefore aspire to a more globalised life. This is probably the theme of the work dated 2009 by Tomàs Johny Nunez, which consists of a man’s head with straw coming out of its neck, as if to suggest that without real, reciprocal knowledge, dialogue (represented by a giant speech bubble) can only ever be strictly limited. 5

Sergio Raffo - Malabarista

Ioán Carratalá - Temagia tou orgasmou

Thomás Jhony Núñez - Catarsis

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1953 Vassoio Frutta. Faenza, ceramica dipinta

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Bathroom&Surfaces

In this issue...

â&#x2013; Beauty, but with an eye on resources â&#x2013; Interpreting wellness

photo: Duravit at Cersaie 2009

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Bathroom&Surfaces by Mara Corradi

Beauty, but with an eye on resources The emancipation of the bathroom has prompted companies to make a quantum leap forward and embrace a new concept of the home in which doors are left open and guests are allowed to enter without shame or embarrassment. In this new vision of the home and the bathroom, which first emerged in the late 1980s and continued to develop through the following decades, the bathroom attracted growing attention not just from designers but also from end users, who now choose the furnishings with the same care that they devote to the living room. While the bathroom was previously closely associated with the sleeping area of the house, it has now become part of the living area and is consequently shedding its connotation of a private, almost shameful, place that must be hidden away from view. Axorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to expand its historic line of taps designed by Antonio Citterio and thus confirm the close link between bathroom and bedroom

Axor

might seem at odds with this trend. In reality, however, the innovations made by Citterio in the collection of taps and furnishings designed for Axor have given rise to a concept of a third filter space: a new room that opens up to the rest of the house (and even onto the garden, as shown in the photographs), expanding the bathroom space devoted to relaxation and care for the body and therefore closely linked with the bedroom. In this concept of the bathroom, which is clearly meant to be seen and lived-in and is a far cry from the concept of a showcase space, objects are required to have a beautiful design for the aesthetic pleasure of users. For this purpose, in the Axor line Citterio has introduced a new single-lever washbasin mixer tap that combines the squared arc styling with an ergonomic mixer lever that is extremely well integrated into the overall design. The elimination of the barriers that previously closed off the bathroom

Axor

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Bathroom&Surfaces

IB Rubinetterie Dornbracht

have helped drive a change in interior design, fuelling a desire amongst users to harmonise all elements in the home, from the most overtly aesthetic such as the washbasin to more technical components such as taps, which now make an essential contribution to defining the overall balance. An example of this is the Arco tap by Bonomi which features a flattened spout with a thickness of just 6 millimetres, allowing the unobstructed pathway followed by the water to be clearly visualised. The handle has been moved to the wall or the basin surface so that nothing interferes with the essential line of the single curved ribbon of brass. Available in chrome, satin nickel, Noir (satin black) and Gold (PVD gold) finishes and boasting a titanium and zirconium treatment that is tougher than chrome, this tap follows the trend of enhancing the bathroom with details that are associated with luxury in the popular imagination. This luxury-based product presenta-

Bonomi

tion philosophy probably originates from Dornbracht, as demonstrated by the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launch of the Supernova taps and the use of a lifestyle-oriented photo campaign to give the products great appeal. Well known for their use of bold language and the belief that cultural innovation is achieved through formal innovation, IB Rubinetterie and Maurizio Duranti have created the MyGod! line, a series of taps in which the sculptural appearance does not disturb the overall balance. The ergonomic control lever integrates perfectly with the main unit while the open cascade spout is well balanced in terms of size. Another form of equilibrium is that achieved by the Aboutwater tap designs, developed as a partnership between the two well-known bathroom brands Fantini and Boffi. The two projects commissioned from Piero Lissoni and Naoto Fukasawa appear to return to an archetypal tap concept. While the Italianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version is softer and more attentive to the

Fantini and Boffi

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Bathroom&Surfaces relationship between the object and the human hand and the Japanese designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation is based on the geometric figure of the circle and the use of seamless joints in the metal, each displays a distinctive vision and language. Furthermore, they both stand out for the rigorous perfection of their styling.

Water, a precious asset

Grohe Gessi

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Brem - Form

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Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taps however are going beyond the concept of mere aesthetic and functional beauty and are steering users towards the idea of ethical beauty. The issue of water scarcity is a problem that can no longer be neglected and, after adopting measures to reduce water wastage, many companies are succeeding in turning their environmental policies into

Teorema

Bathroom&Surfaces effective communication messages. The Axor Citterio series from Axor uses the Ecosmart system to limit flowrate to 5 litres/minute while increasing the delivery volume. Hansgrohe was one of the first companies to conduct research into ways of reducing water consumption without sacrificing the effectiveness of the jet. AirPower, a patent owned by the German company and used for all its hand showers and Raindance showerheads, produces a water jet that is enriched with particles of air. According to the company, this makes it softer and more effective while at the same time reducing the quantity of water used by 75%. The latest generation of Ideal Standard taps uses the Eko system, a resistance located in the mixer lever that cuts water consumption by up to 50%. This device also controls the water temperature so as to avoid energy wastage. Many other Italian companies are pursuing this policy of combining aesthetics with ethics. One of these, Teorema, is combining its focus on nature as a source of inspiration with its efforts to save resources. Tree, the tap designed by Sezgin Aksu and Silvia Suardi, is a phytomorphic object that emerges from the washbasin and controls the quantity of water consumed, allowing for savings of 55%. An innovative project in the sector, the now ten-year-old Isy by Zucchetti mixer tap with cartridge hidden under the vanity top was developed by Zucchetti in collaboration with Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez with the aim using smaller quantities of materials than standard taps and reducing water flowrate while maintaining an effective jet. Last but not least, Cea has succeeded in turning functionality into an aesthetic value with its Flex tap, a patented design in which the spout consists of a flexible pipe covered with soft-touch silicone rubber. No less importantly, it is equipped with aerators and a 5 litre/minute flow limiter. 5

Cea

Ideal Standard

Zucchetti

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Bathroom&Surfaces by Mara Corradi

Interpreting wellness Projects that focus on the concept of wellness have become increasingly popular in recent times: the stress of modern life has led to the need for a place devoted to physical and psychological relaxation, achieved through physical treatments and enhanced by sen-

sual stimuli from the surrounding environment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost as though it were the recovery of atavistic craft and knowledge that has led to the creation of numerous facilities all over the world. The architecture employed in the design of these healing envi-

ronments is highly specialised, because it calls for designers who are in touch with all the latest developments in fitness and wellness equipment and who understand the techniques that can be deployed to evoke beneficial visual and perceptual stimuli within a living space.

Two such projects are described below, the first highlighting the importance of wall and floor coverings interpreted as the architectural skin of the environment, and the second focusing more specifically on the wellness technology placed at the disposal of the client.

Gazzada Schianno Azzurro Club

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Bathroom&Surfaces

Marco Vismara and Andrea Viganò’s project for the Azzurro Club in Gazzada Schianno in the province of Varese in northern Italy, focuses on the interaction between people and their environment, examining the perceptual properties of surface finishes and their influence on the perception of well being. The project involved the redevelopment of a building erected at the end of the 1980s, when the world of fitness was relatively young, and fitness facilities - little more than a room containing gym equipment had no specific spatial connotations. In contrast, the new project reflects the latest international trends in the drive to identify the perfect environmental parameters to promote physical well being and relaxation. That’s why the original beauty centre, now demolished, was replaced with a wellness circuit comprising spa pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation area, and showers in just 90 square metres: a single large space in which all the so-called “soft” parameters were designed with painstaking care. The key factor defining the space is the wall and floor covering, which plays a critical role in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. The product of choice was Ariostea porcelain stoneware in the Black Ardesia (slate) line, celebrating the sensual connotations of the stone that inspired the veining and intense colours of the ceramic body. This surface, installed on the floor and also utilised to clad the chaise longues and for the pool cladding and wall tiles, in itself defines the

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Project: Studio D73, Marco Vismara & Andrea ViganĂ˛ Client: CSCA Azzurro Club Sports Centre Place: Gazzada Schianno, Varese (Italy) Ariostea Surface Area: 90 sq. m. Construction date: 2008 Spa area floor and wall covering: Ariostea, Black Ardesia hi-tech 60x30 structured stone slabs Furniture: Serralunga Spa technology: Happy Sauna

boundaries of the entire space dedicated to wellness technology, creating the sense of an integrated environment that invites users to pause, move and interact, while experiencing the healing and soothing power of water. The choice of the same wall and floor covering reflects the functions of this space: - the surface of Black Ardesia, a fine-grained material that is extremely smooth and uniform, is emphasised in the project by an array of wall spots that provide indirect lighting and emit attractive conical beams; - the steam room and sauna are fitted with a LED chromotherapy system whose light sparkles across porcelain stoneware cladding;

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- the showers are clad with a more intricate decoration in Bisazza mosaic that reflects the LED lighting with a variety of sensual and dynamic colours. Lighting cavities between the tiles mark the boundaries between the different spaces, from the pool to the relaxation area. A project that, rather than interpreting surfaces exclusively as an aesthetic envelope and protective covering, treats them as elements destined to come into contact with the body and interact directly with users on a psychological level to form an integral aspect of the comfort that is an essential goal in the design of this type of interior. 5

Bathroom&Surfaces

Wellnesslounge a Baden Baden

In Baden-Baden, the historic German spa town, the Caracalla Therme spa, named after the Roman emperor who once visited the town to soothe his arthritis in the local baths, provides a range of treatments for all types of wellness needs. At the end of the 19th century many areas of central Europe became renowned because of the beneficial properties of the local waters. This led to the construction of large number of spa facilities for the patronage of intellectuals, statesmen and prominent citizens, who would spend their vacations there. Still today Baden-Baden is a renowned resort thanks to its spa baths and range of comfortable accommodation options. In 2009 the famous Caracalla Therme spa baths were enlarged by adding a wellness centre, the interior design of which was undertaken by the local Kruse design studio.

The new “WellnessLounge” was developed in the historic dome-ceilinged pool room. One of the project’s aims was to celebrate tradition by emphasising visual relationships and references to the historic spa structures: for example, the floor was created with the same Turkish marble used in the original Spa baths, and the walls of the WellnessLounge were painted with a vibrant ferrous oxide red that is reminiscent of the red brick tiles of the roman baths. Beyond the visual and perceptual refinement, comfort in the spa area was promoted by a careful choice of furniture and wellness equipment. The bathroom furniture, selected from the Duravit catalogue, expresses a deliberately contemporary language that promotes the understanding of spa treatment as an evolving science capable of delivering empirical therapeutic benefits. The design of the objects – the

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Tile International 3/2010

Bathroom&Surfaces

large support surfaces offered by the Darling washbasin and the ergonomic lines of the 2nd Floor sanitary ware – maximises comfort and wellness, completing the effects of the advanced technological solutions offered by the Spa. The handsome red-veined cherry wood recesses, with wall shelves completing the interior decor, are designed to accommodate wall lighting that diffuses the warm tones of natural wood. Also the washbasins, notably the Starck 1 series models with their real wood console tables, were chosen to create an integrated effect. Special attention was devoted to the luxury bathrooms, designed to provide treatment for just two spa clients. These superb rooms feature a plinth in Turkish marble with two recessed Paiove corner tubs complete with neck rests, in which the recumbent bathers can admire the ceiling with large rooflights as they converse and enjoy a range of personalised treatment options. The natural light is enhanced by E-light luminaires equipped with a colour changing system: the multicoloured light emitted by ceiling-mounted fixtures is reflected in the rippling water of the baths, enhancing the sensual experience of the occupants. 5

Structural design: Karl-Heinz Leppert Design Office Interior design: Kruse Studio, Baden-Baden Client: BKV-Bäder- und Kurverwaltung Baden-Württemberg, Public services agency Place: Baden-Baden Construction date: 2009 Duravit Furniture: Darling furniture washbasin, cut to measure, white Starck 1 vanity washbasin, white, with console in Pear wood finish 2nd Floor model wall-mounted toilet, white Paiova model tubs with hydro massage system, white Duravit lighting: E-light ceiling fixtures

Tile International 3/2010

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Tile International 1/2010

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