Tile International 2/2019 by Kairos Media Group (div. ceramics)

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ISSN2039-8301

cersaie

2019

Für innovative Gestaltung, hohe Flexibilität und ein Plus an Funktionalität im Badezimmer steht Schlüter-ARCLINE – das neuartige Profilsystem zur Aufnahme von hochwertigen Accessoires. Nach dem Motto „Klicken statt Bohren“ bleiben dank der ARCLINE-Profile die Fliesen und die dahinterliegende Abdichtung unbeschädigt. Hochwertige KEUCO-Accessoires erlauben in Kombination mit den praktischen Schlüter-Profilen eine neuartige, flexible und individuelle Badgestaltung. Sie entscheiden, ob Sie Fliesen, Profile und Glasträgerplatten Ton in Ton oder kontrastierend aufeinander abstimmen. Schlüter-ARCLINE – the innovative profile system for attaching high-quality accessories – stands for creative design, adaptable for greater bathroom functionality. Due to their special “No drill” design, ARCLINE profiles keep tiles and the underlying waterproofing assembly permanently protected. The elegant KEUCO accessories, in combination with practical Schlüter profiles, enable a new approach to adaptive bathroom design. The design of tiles, profiles and glass support panels can be combined for decorative contrasts or blended aesthetic.

19 ologna 20 B IE A S R CE 19 – 27 / 09 / 9 1 / 9 0 / 3 2 . A 25 Stand-No , A 1 3 a Are

Schlüter®-ARCLINE Neu – flexibel – individuell New – adaptable – individual

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Maximum flexibility, protection, safety, indoors and outdoors. NEW DESI BRE VETT GN ATO

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PRODESO® MEMBRANE SYSTEM PRODESO® MEMBRANE SYSTEM is an uncoupling and waterproofing system for problematic substrates, balconies, terraces and horizontal surfaces of any dimension. Thanks PRODESO® MEMBRANE SYSTEM is possible not to make fractional/expansion joints in the screed before the laying of tiles and natural stones, if the screed has already been cut it is possible to lay the tiles on the existing joints. There are many advantages to use the system of Progress Profiles, which gives the utmost laying flexibility, floor protection and long-time guarantee indoors and outdoors. Time saving: installation time are drastically reduced. Membrane, tile installation and grouting can be completed in the same day. Versatile: it can be used on any supports, both indoor and outdoor. Waterproofing: it guarantees the laying of any floor and the waterproofing of the substrate in overlapping too, or for cracked and not perfectly cured supports with possible vapour pressure.

PRO FILES & SYS TEMS

Progress Profiles SpA

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PP Level Duo, fixed or self-levelling head, in a while.

With the new supports for raised floors PP Level Duo by Profilpas, there is the possibility to choose between fixed and self-levelling head in a while, directly during the installation, thanks to the special converter Perfect Ring. If you insert the ring, the support becomes fixed; on the contrary, it will be sufficient not to insert it to obtain a self-levelling system. PP Level Duo is ready in maximum 5 seconds for an immediate installation and a considerable time saving.

Cersaie: hall 31/A - stand A5 www.profilpas.com

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ABOUT US

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PUBLISHER: Tile Edizioni S.r.l. Capitale Sociale: Euro 51.400,00 R.E.A. 329775 Periodico bimestrale registrato presso il Tribunale di Reggio Emilia al n. 751 in data 20/10/89 Iscrizione al ROC n. 9673 OFFICE: 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.MaterialiCasa.com EDITOR AND PUBLISHING COORDINATION: CHIARA BRUZZICHELLI - c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it © 1989 Tile Italia

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Federica Andreini Milena Bernardi Salvatore Curatolo Sara Falsetti Paola Giacomini Sabino Menduni Sabrina Tassini

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.com Tutti i diritti di riproduzione e traduzione degli articoli pubblicati sono riservati. E’ vietata la riproduzione anche parziale senza l’autorizzazione dell’Editore. Manoscritti, disegni, fotografie e altro materiale inviato in redazione, anche se non pubblicato, non verrà restituito. L’Editore non accetta alcuna pubblicità in sede redazionale. I nomi, le aziende e i prezzi eventualmente pubblicati sono citati senza responsabilità a puro titolo informativo per rendere un servizio ai lettori. La Direzione non assume responsabilità per opinioni espresse dagli autori dei testi redazionali e pubblicitari. Entire contents Copyright Tile Edizioni srl All right reserved. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those held by the publisher who is not held responsible.

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kaamosoutdoor

CONTENTS 11

EDITORIAL

Welcome to the 37th Cersaie!

TILENEWS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Chiara Bruzzichelli

22 26 30 34 38

Increasingly international role for Ceramiche Piemme

ECONOMICS

A new pact between man and nature Innovation, passion and more innovation We are the hare of the ceramic industry FILA: surface care excellence, worldwide

44 46 50 54 56

Italian tile industry sees slowdown in 2018 Italy and Spain: a European duopoly in the ceramic tile industry Africa’s development drives the ceramic market

FOCUS:

62 63

European civil engineering taking the lead The European Parquet Market slightly contracted in 2018

87th EUROCONSTRUCT Conference Courtesy of: FEP, Brussels, June 2019 Paola Giacomini MECS, Acimac Rersearch Department Milena Bernardi and Salvatore Curatolo

OTHER COVERINGS

“Plural” covering solutions The gallery - products showcased

TECHNICAL PROJECTS Laticrete for a historic City Hall’s roof

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CONTENTS

PROJECTS

FOCUS:

78 A trip to the Maldives with Litokol 80 Edge Finishing for residential development

LARGE FORMATS CERAMIC TILES

86 But what exactly does the term “large format” mean? 87 The gallery - products showcased FOCUS:

CERSAIE 2019

109 Ceramic Tiles & more 116 The gallery - products showcased

Federica Andreini

174 PHOTONEWS

Outdoor kitchen? Lapitec® is the answer

Cover picture by: Rondine Group • www.ceramicarondine.it • Photographer: Giancarlo Pradelli @ Cersaie 2018 Advertiser’s list: pag. 77

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THE MOST COMPLETE RANGE OF TOOLS FOR LARGE FORMAT TILES

HALL 31A bOOTH A17

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SCORE CUTTING

HANDLING

LEVELING SYSTEMS

WET AND DRY 45° bEVEL CUT

WET AND DRY 90° AND 45° bEVEL CUT

CIRCULAR CUTS

CORNERS PROTECTION

VIbRATION (AIR REMOVAL)

Welcome to the 37 th Cersaie!

The definitive data for the last edition again confirmed Cersaie’s status as the world’s leading trade show for the ceramic coverings and bathroom furnishings industry. The event saw high levels of attendance both from Italian visitors (who totalled 58,079, down 0.6% on the previous year) and foreign visitors, whose numbers rose 1.6% to 54,025. The latter originated from 180 countries, in other words pretty much every nation in the world. Exhibitor numbers were also high in 2018, totalling 840, of which 314 were from outside Italy, representing well over a third of the total and 40 different countries of origin. The best-represented sector was ceramic tiles, with 452 companies, followed by bathroom furnishings with 181 exhibitors, publishing and services with 76, equipment and materials for the installation and display of tiles with 56, raw materials and equipment for ceramic products with 39 and floor and wall coverings in other materials with 36.

After five consecutive years of growth, Italy’s ceramic industry saw a downturn in 2018, as illustrated in further detail by the data presented by Confindustria Ceramica (page …..). The total output of ceramic companies that manufacture their goods in Italy stopped at 415 million square metres (-1.6%) and their revenues fell by 3% to 5.381 billion euros, of which 4.547 billion were generated by exports (-3.3%) and 834 million by domestic sales (-1%). The factors adversely affecting the industry undoubtedly include the slowdown in building investments in various parts of the world and increasing competition, not only from other ceramic manufacturers, which now operate all over the world, but also from alternative materials to ceramic. ✕

TILE INTERNATIONAL, which has had a direct line of contact with specialised coverings and finishings dealers for over 25 years, is now remodelling its graphic styling and extending its content, with a view to supporting readers and advertisers in one of the biggest challenges facing them today: the growing influence of the internet on purchasing decisions, and the power of major retail chains. Graphic design also follows the latest trends, and these are putting more and more emphasis on images and colour. So everything we do in this direction will be done in close synergy with MaterialiCasa.com (Tile International’s e-magazine), because our industry is now a fully fledged system that forms an inextricable link between dealers, designers and final customers. 11

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Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

CERSAIE 2018

840

EXHIBITORS, FROM

COUNTRIES

452

TILES PRODUCERS

<112k VISITORS

EDITORIAL

The 37th edition of Cersaie is due to take place in Bologna from 23 to 28 September, and for the sixth year running, will not only be exhibiting ceramic tiles, but also an array of products from top manufacturers of wood flooring, marble and natural stone. The 2018 edition hosted 36 exhibitors from the “other coverings” segment, alongside manufacturers of ceramic tiles and other products closely linked with the ceramic supply chain.

TILENEWS

Iris Ceramica Group opens In London In the wake of its opening of a showroom in New York, Iris Ceramica Group, a leading manufacturer of top-end porcelain tile, has now decided to extend its international coverage by opening a new showroom in Clerkenwell, in the heart of London’s creative district. Officially inaugurated on 20 June, Iris Ceramica Group London, at 61-67 Old Street, showcases the versatility of ceramic with a wide range of interior design solutions. Designed by Area 17, an architecture firm based in Florence, the new showroom is a three-storey unit with total floorspace of almost 600 sq.m, which, for the first time under one roof, brings together products from all of the Group’s brands: Ariostea, FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, Fiandre Architectural Surfaces, Iris Ceramica, SapienStone and Porcelaingres. This is more than just a simple showroom, however. It’s an exclusive but welcoming place, where the Group’s best-selling collections are deployed in a series of contract and residential show-installations of inspiringly high impact. The interior space has been designed with fluidity in mind, and shifts its shape seamlessly between co-working spaces, conference rooms and lounges for hosting events.

To celebrate the opening to best effect, Iris Ceramica Group was ably assisted by Henrietta Thompson, the creative firm Blanch & Shock and high-profile figures from the world of international design and architecture, such as Mamou-Mani, Jump Studios, Brodie Neill, Marléne Huissoud and Paul Cocksedge Studio. The inaugural event, designed by Henrietta Thompson, was called Common Ground and involved a team of designers, who created a personal moodboard based on quintessential imagery representing London’s creative scene, which was then translated by Blanch & Shock into refined gourmet dishes for the inauguration’s guests.

Glimpse The Future of showrooms with Maticad at Cersaie Given the fast pace of technological change, we need to react quickly to the shifting dynamics of product design, sales and marketing, in order to engage potential customers in innovative, surprising and persuasive ways, which require good timing as well as quality and efficiency. The first players to catch and ride the waves of new developments reap the benefits of their competitive advantage and boost their progress towards ever

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newer frontiers. The first rule of the game is that you can never stop, so Maticad is bringing its long experience to Cersaie to give ceramic and bathroom furnishing manufacturers and their showrooms a helping hand with its state-of-the-art technology and consultancy. This covers the new frontiers of “immersive reality” as expressed by DomuS3D, which transforms the purchasing process into a unique, personalised experience, and “augmented reality”, which makes breathtakingly effective use of artificial intelligence to automatically recognise how and where best to replace existing materials with new ones. It also covers our new online configurator for interiors and modular furniture, which gives designers the utmost flexibility combined with extreme ease of use. Maticad will be unveiling a wide range of prestigious new developments at Cersaie: don’t miss the future, drop in and see us at Stand H16, Hall 15/A!

ADVERTISING

Progress Profiles’ Made in Italy products on show in temporary showroom in Paris Paris is the latest setting in which Progress Profiles, a worldclass manufacturer of technical and decorative finishing profiles and covering installation systems, has decided to display its wide range of innovative products and solutions to design professionals and final customers, by opening a 200 sq.m temporary showroom at LAB Paris, a stone’s throw from the Opera Garnier in Paris. The choice of Paris was dictated by the fact that France is now one of the Italian company’s most important markets, which saw a 15% growth in turnover in the first 6 months of 2019, thanks in part to the consolidated network of agents and distributors. So in June, Progress Profiles opened the doors of its temporary showroom in LAB Paris. Characterised by a sober, understated style, the showroom has provided an ideal showcase for the wide range of solutions produced by the company. The large number of visitors have shown keen interest in the extensive range, the high quality of the materials and the rigorously Italian design. The showroom has also hosted training and refresher courses aimed at customers and professionals, on subjects ranging from latest-generation electric heating systems to simplified approaches to perfect tile-setting, high-performance membranes, bathroom systems and the company’s latest series of decorative and technical profiles. “I’m proud of the work our team in France is doing. The initiative that has just come to an end has been an important experience, which has enabled us to bring the excellence of Italian manufacturing to the heart of a great European capital, thereby consolidating our positioning in the territory and our relationships with customers in the French-speaking and Benelux countries,” commented Dennis Bordin, CEO of Progress Profiles. “France is a significant market for us and the results for the first six months of the year confirm that we’re heading in the right direction, by focusing on high-quality materials and innovation.” Headquartered in Asolo in the Italian province of Treviso, Progress Profiles has three foreign subsidiaries in Randolph (New Jersey, USA), Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Melbourne (Australia), and exports its products to over 70 countries.

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TILENEWS

Tarkett presents “Cementi Click” The Tarkett Group, which has 24 research laboratories, 4 design centres, 34 production sites, 7 disposal and recycling centres and a worldwide distribution network, manufactures sustainable products that are ideal for re-use and recycling and have minimum environmental impact. The Group has one of the widest product ranges in the floor coverings and sports flooring industry, and supplies integrated, coordinated solutions that are suitable for both residential and professional applications. One of Tarkett’s latest creations is Cementi Click, a collection of floor coverings that evokes the full authenticity of a mineral material combined with the simplicity of floating installation based on a snap-together system. The rigidity of the structure yields high levels of strength and stability, making the collection ideal for use in high footfall environments such as hotels, shops, restaurants and other commercial ven-

ues. Cementi Click is available in classic wood effects and a range of modern, contemporary designs developed around four warm shades of grey that evoke the true essence of concrete.

Blu Ponti by Ceramica Francesco De Maio at MOMA New York “Blu Ponti”, the historic 20x20cm majolica created in the 1960s by Gio Ponti, the father of Italian industrial design, and re-released by Francesco De Maio, has been selected as one of the historical icons of Italian design and put on display in the first pop-up fashion store in New York’s MoMa from 7 August to 29 September. The store (which also operates online atstore.moma.org), is the outcome of the Fattobene project, a platform designed by Anna Lagorio and Alex Carnevali, to celebrate the wide range of everyday objects spawned by the creative flair of Italian designers, which still stand as timeless milestones of the country’s history. 150 iconic objects have been selected for the Fattobene Pop-Up, ranging from a jar of morello cherries by Fabbri, to notebooks by Paolo Pigna, the spaghetti armchair by Fiam and playing cards by Modiano. 18 companies have been invited to represent historic Italian design in the United States, with products which, according to the merchandising curators at the Museum of Modern Art, “have been around for generations with their time-

less design.” The majolica on display in the special store at the New York museum is accompanied by the first book on Blu Ponti majolica, “Gio Ponti: L’infinito blu”, edited by Aldo Colonetti and Patrizia Famiglietti, with texts by Gillo Dorfles, Fulvio Irace, Lisa Ponti and Salvatore Licitra, dedicated entirely to the multi-faceted Milanese designer and the creation of Blu Ponti majolica. “Being selected by New York’s MoMA is an important mark of recognition for us,” explains Patrizia Famiglietti, Art Director of Ceramica Francesco De Maio, “which adds even more value to this designer majolica. We are proud to be able to faithfully reproduce works of majolica that have become a historic icon of Italian design.”

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TILENEWS

Marazzi opens new showroom in Lyon

Panariagroup earns epd certification.

Marazzi, a leading international designer and manufacturer of ceramic tiles, has inaugurated a new showroom at 117 Avenue Jean Jaurès, in one of the most dynamic, fashionable and culturally vibrant districts of Lyon. Offering floorspace of over 400 sq.m, the showroom was designed to display Marazzi’s extensive range of solutions and creative possibilities to architects, designers, retailers and private customers in search of inspiration, while also accommodating the company’s operational offices. Lyon has been the home of Marazzi’s French headquarters for many years. This latest showroom, plus the company’s recently opened sites in Paris and Le Cannet, gives Marazzi a total of three showrooms in France, which is historically one of the Group’s most important markets.

An EPD is an independently verified Environmental Product Declaration that sets out the environmental performance of a product. The fact that Panariagroup has obtained this important certification emphasises the high degree of sustainability of its products and production processes, as well as being a strategically valuable distinction that gives it a competitive edge at international level. The EPD is an effective means of providing technical information about the Group’s sustainability, which enables building industry profes-

sionals to choose products with sound eco-compatibility credentials for smart and green building projects. The EPD integrates perfectly with the major sustainability rating schemes designed to assess buildings on the basis of a range of qualitative and quantitative criteria. Obtaining EPD certification is the latest step in a long process for Panariagroup, which has resulted in the Group’s companies achieving the highest levels of quality, safety and environmental integrity, from rigorous procedures for monitoring every step of their production processes, to the architectural design of their production plants, in harmony with the local environment. Over the years, the Panariagroup has continuously improved its products and processes by means of a large number of certification schemes that bear witness to its outstandingly high standards.

New websites for EDILCUOGHIedilgres and Kale Italia Following the presentation of the new brand EdilcuoghiEdilgres, which brings

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the range and values of the two historic brands under a single banner, the Kale Group’s Italian companies have also announced the updating of their communication 2.0. The new EdilcuoghiEdilgres.com website makes it easy to search through different collections and find all the details you need. Whether you’re looking for a specific material or just looking for inspiration, you can search the virtual catalogue on the basis of environment, material, colour or size, guided by key photos of the collections and an extensive gallery of environments. The way the collections are presented has also been completely revised. A technical data sheet detailing product features, and a filter for selecting by colour, are followed by a more emotive look through a range of inspirations linked with the product. Kale Italia’s website has also been totally restyled and now takes the form of a concise, practical, one-page site that includes information about the company and brand, an extensive product gallery and the latest company news. The company’s upgrading of its web communication is being completed with some work its social media channels, aimed at building a coordinated corporate image within the framework of a new branding strategy.

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TILENEWS

Gruppo Gresmalt: 50 years of history Over the past few months, Gruppo Gresmalt, which recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its foundation, has undertaken a comprehensive restyling of its brands’ logos, to give each brand a more contemporary image. Founded in 1968, Gruppo Ceramiche Gresmalt has become one of Italy’s largest ceramic manufacturers. The Group now has 5 sites, revenues of over 130 million euros, state-of-the-art technology and an all-Italian heart. Over the past few months Gruppo Gresmalt has been busy with an image makeover aimed at enhancing its graphics and product communication. The work has involved restyling all the brands’ logos to give them a more modern look, while still retaining certain graphic elements that mark a line of continuity with their previous image. The Group stepped up its online presence in May 2019 by launching a new website for Ceramiche di Frassinoro and opening Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest accounts for Sintesi and Abitare, which enable the brands to communicate directly with their sales network and end-users.

has a unique look defined and framed by chrome profiles in the shape of a quarter circle. The same chrome profile also adorns the sides of the XSquare mirrors, which are extremely practical because they have a built-in anti-fogging function and a touchless system for gradually switching the quality of light between cold and warm. Warm light enhances the feel of the environment, while cold light is ideal for practical tasks like applying make-up. Available in 28 matt bi-laminate or satin and gloss lacquered finishes, the XSquare collection of vanity units offers countless individual interior design options, is equipped with push-to-open handle-free doors and drawers that slide fluidly on guides. XSquare lends itself to multiple combinations and pairs perfectly with the DuraSquare, Vero Air, ME by Starck and P3 Comforts series of ceramics.

Duravit wins Red Dot Award 2019 Having won the iF Design Award 2019, Duravit’s XSquare collection has now also won a Red Dot Award. The elegantly modern XSquare series of vanity units was developed in collaboration with Kurt Merki Jr. and stands out for its strong identity. Incorporating a combination of different materials, it

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VitrA opens in Italy The new Italian subsidiary of Eczacıbaşı Building Products, the division of the Turkish group that manufactures ceramic tiles, sanitaryware and bathroom furnishings, is now up and running in Sassuolo. The aim of the initiative is to implement a new strategy to enhance the VitrA brand, which is one of the best-known brands of sanitaryware and bathroom furnishing accessories in the world. The new subsidiary, which also has a large warehouse, is headed by Giliano Cava, a manager with many years’ experience in the industry, who has been appointed as VitrA’s new country manager for Italy. Eczacıbaşı Building Products operates worldwide and has 13 production sites, including 5 in Turkey and a further 8 spread between Germany, Russia and France. The company manufactures an annual total of 5 million pieces of ceramic sanitaryware, 30 million square metres of tile, 400,000 vanity unit modules, 3 million taps and 350,000 bathtubs. Eczacıbaşı Building Products is a globally recognised name and exports to over 75 countries through an extensive distribution network. In addition to VitrA, the division has three international brands: the premium Burgbad brand of bathroom furnishings, and the Villeroy & Boch and Engers brands of tiles.

TILENEWS

Spanish ceramic industry adopts environmental product declaration Like Italy, North America and Germany before it, the Spanish ceramic industry has now adopted sectoral Environmental Product Declaration certification, within the framework of the AENOR GlobalEPD system. The move was promoted and developed by ASCER (the Spanish ceramic tile manufacturers’ association), with the collaboration of the Castellòn Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC) on the technical side. In the preparatory phase, ASCER and the ITC contacted manufacturers to obtain a full set of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) data for their products, according to the “cradle to grave” approach, in other words for the entire life cycle of the materials. Manufacturers accounting for 40% of total Spanish tile production took part in the study. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are designed to show the environmental impact of products, according to an internationally comparable, harmonised structure. In addition to the sectoral EPD, ASCER has also encouraged individual ceramic manufacturers to obtain individual EPDs, in the knowledge that a growing number of specifiers in the major public and private works segment are introducing this certification as a requirement for ceramic coverings. About 40 Spanish ceramic manufacturers currently have their own EPD, which puts Spain at the top of the European ceramic industry for this type of certification. More specifically, the Environmental Product Declaration promoted by ASCER is already applicable in other countries, including Norway, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France, and will shortly be applicable in Denmark and Italy too. Like the LCA study, the project is part of a series of initiatives that the Spanish

ceramic industry has launched in the field of environmental sustainability and which include, for example, a benchmark study on energy consumption, ASCER’s participation in the FOUNDRYTILE project on the circular economy, and its participation in the development of a Sustainability Standard for tiles within the framework of the ISO committee.

Cevisama 2020: 85% of stand space already booked By late June, seven months before Cevisama 2020 opens its doors to visitors, the trade show has already allocated 85% of its available stand space. The Spanish trade show will take place in Valencia from 3 to 7 February next year and will showcase the latest products from manufacturers of ceramic tiles, bathroom furnishings, ceramic frit, glaze and colour systems, plus accessories, natural stone and ceramic machinery. 91% of the stand space earmarked for tile manufacturers is already booked, mainly by Spanish companies, although the trade show is becoming increasingly attractive for foreign manufacturers, especially Italian ones. 85% of the space available for colour manufacturers is also booked, along with 66% of the space for bathroom furnishings, which is a lower level than for the other sectors but remains in line with previous years.

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According to the organisers’ forecasts, there is a strong possibility that Cevisama 2020 will see further growth, in terms of both exhibitors and visitors: the 2019 edition was attended by 91,000 professionals, 20,000 of whom came from outside Spain. Cevisama 2020 will occupy a total of 11 halls at the Valencia trade fair complex and Hall 7 will be dedicated to the ceramic machinery sector, which only takes part every two years.

34th CeramBath in October CeramBath, the most important Chinese and Asian exhibition for the ceramic tile and bathroom furniture sectors, will be back for its 34th edition from 18 to 21 October in Foshan. The event, which has been held for the last 17 years with two annual appointments in April and October, attracts around 200,000 visitors from across China and abroad. The show hosts 800 exhibitors in a total space of 470,000 sq.m in three different locations: China Ceramics City (55,000 sq.m), which is home to more than 200 permanent showrooms of well-known local brands, China Ceramics Industry Headquarters (400,000 sq.m) and the Foshan International Conference & Exhibition Center (15,000 sq.m). CeramBath is an important international showcase organised by the industrial service platform China Ceramics City. Its initiatives include B2B meetings with delegations of international buyers held monthly throughout the year and during the exhibition itself.

Mittel acquires Galassia Group and Disegno Ceramica in the sanitaryware sector Following the 2017 acquisition of Ceramica Cielo, Mittel S.p.A. is continuing its growth in the designer bathroom furnishings sector. On 28 June, the Milan-based investment group finalised the purchase of a majority share in Galassia Group and an 80% interest in Disegno Ceramica, both historic companies located in the ceramic sanitaryware cluster of Civita Castellana (Viterbo). The investment, carried out through the subholding Mittel Design, totalled 11.4 million euros, financed entirely by equity. Both companies will continue to be led by current managing directors and minority shareholders Dimitri Mei, who has maintained a 10% stake in Galassia, and Marco Carabelli, who holds 20% of Disegno Ceramica. Aimed at establishing Ceramica Cielo as a centre of excellence in the sector, the operation has created a group with over 350 employees, a total turnover of more than 65 million euros, an EBITDA of around 13 million euros and an export share of 40% and constantly expanding. The three companies are highly complementary in terms of their competitive positioning. Under the leadership of Alessio Coramusi (shareholder and CEO), Ceramica Cielo is registering high growth rates and establishing the brand internationally as one of the leading players in the bathroom furnishing sector. Following the acquisition of Mittel, turnover grew from 19 million euros in 2016 to 28 million euros in 2018, a double-digit growth trend that has continued during the first few months of 2019. Founded in 1980 in Corchiano (Viterbo), Galassia posted revenues of 25 million euros in 2018, of which 40% was generated from exports. Disegno Ceramica, founded in 1993 in Gallese (Viterbo), is a niche producer of washbasins and

ceramic sanitaryware for the bathroom and kitchen furnishing industry and in 2018 posted a turnover of 12 million euros, more than half of which was generated from exports. Marco Colacicco, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Mittel, commented: “This acquisition will bring significant industrial, commercial and organisational synergies while maintaining the individual corporate entities. With its larger size, the Group will be better equipped to address the challenges of a globalised and increasingly competitive market.” Mittel has also announced that it intends to make further investments in the future as part of plans to create a centre of excellence in Italian design, including segments that complement its bathroom furnishing operations.

Laticrete expands in Europe LATICRETE® International, a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has acquired Benfer Schomburg of Castelnuovo Rangone (Modena). Benfer produces adhesives and sealants for ceramic and natural stone floor and wall coverings with an impressive track record in terms of growth and customer base. The general management of the company will continue under the direction of Giorgio Cocchi, owner of Benfer, with support from Edmondo Bonucelli, Laticrete Regional Director of Europe. Laticrete and Benfer are complementary in terms of their product offerings and market penetration.

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“This acquisition is an important step forward for us as part of our strategic plan for continued international expansion, through the introduction of new production and business support in Europe,” said Erno de Bruijn, President & COO Laticrete International Division (pictured). New products developed recently by Laticrete Europe include a new range of seamless indoor and outdoor flooring systems that combine extraordinary aesthetic results with unrivalled technical performance, as well as unlimited dimensions and choice of colours (polyaspartic, epoxy and polyurethane coatings, a Green Flooring system and a Roofing Waterproofing range). In other commercial news, Laticrete Europe has announced new success in the UK where in June the tile retailer Topps Tiles launched the Hydro Ban® insulating shower membrane across its 370 stores. The product is manufactured and supplied by Laticrete UK together with the its UK partner Palace Chemicals Ltd in 5 litre size pails.

A NEW PACT BETWEEN MAN AND NATURE The Iris Ceramica Group Museum is located in Fiorano Modenese, in the original headquarters of the company, founded by Romano Minozzi in 1961, which has always

stood out for its ability to keep ahead of the times. Romano Minozzi used to say “il futuro è di chi innova” (the future belongs to innovators) and these words, which

are on display in the museum, perhaps best sum up the history and achievements of a Group that has always stood out for its often bold and single-handed forays into the

Tile International: What are

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

the latest developments in the production process research that has always been one of the hallmarks of Iris Ceramica Group? Federica Minozzi: “The latest outcomes of our constant commitment to research and innovation include our new manufacturing waste recycling process, our campaign to raise awareness of environmental issues by means of high-profile artistic events such as Pollution and MateriAttiva, the development of ACTIVE Clean Air and Antibacterial CeramicTM technology, which makes our large-format panels eco-active, and, last but not least, our achievement of Zero Emissions in our production plants for large-format panels.” Tile International: Starting with this last achievement, could you talk us through the plan that enabled you to attain the target of 0 emissions in the production your large-format porcelain panels? F. Minozzi: “Zero Emissions is a goal that Iris Ceramica Group decided to work towards with a view to reconciling our manufacturing work with the well-being of the people who live in the vicinity of our production plants.

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future, spanning product and process innovation, corporate culture and environmental responsibility. These topics provide the starting point for our interview with

Federica Minozzi, the founder’s daughter and currently CEO of a Group that has 1,500 employees, revenues of almost 500 million euros and a stable of brands such

as Iris Ceramica, Fiandre Architectural Surfaces, FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, SapienStone, Ariostea, Eiffelgres, Porcelaingres and Stonepeak.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

Zero Emissions started life as a challenge that our company’s President, Romano Minozzi, issued to his closest work partners, in order to prompt them to go beyond the requirements of regulations and eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the flue gases coming out of the Castellarano plant’s chimney.” Tile International: How did you go about overcoming this challenge? F. Minozzi: “The first step was to conduct a precise and thorough analysis of existing emissions treatment technologies, to identify the best match for our chimneys, which operate with high air flows and already have very low emissions. Some of our efforts ended in failure and we had to change course a few times, but in the end, having assessed numerous solutions, we opted for a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser, which

works specifically on the exhaust gases emitted by the kiln at temperatures of around 900°C. The system eliminates residual molecules of volatile organic compounds, and the odours that go with them, with an outstanding degree of efficiency. This major investment enabled us to equip the Castellarano site with three oxidisers, the first of which has been in operation since September 2018. Let me just quote a couple of figures to give you a better idea of exactly what we have achieved: Italian legislative decree 152/2006 sets a limit of 50 mg/Nm3 on VOC emissions from ceramic kiln flues. The VOC emission levels we have achieved are now less than 2 mg/Nm3, so way below the upper limit. We have also made a lot of progress with aldehydes: legislative decree 152/2006 sets a limit of 20 mg/Nm3 on alde-

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

At the end of May, Iris Ceramica

Group

inaugurated

its

own

hyde emissions, but these emissions company museum, which takes visi- This was a conscious decision aimed from our plants remain firmly below tors through the key stages of the at protecting the well-being of local residents by ensuring that our facto0.5 mg/Nm3.” history of this major manufacturer Tile International: What about of porcelain tile and technical ries have zero impact on the air quality of the surrounding environment.” odours? ceramic, starting in 1961 Tile International: What results F. Minozzi: “Once again, we’ve have you achieved in terms of enerachieved great results: measurements prove that we have reduced our emissions of gy saving? odorous substances by over 99% for each flue. Olfac- F. Minozzi: “The Zero Emissions project is part of a tory analysis revealed values of about 100 OUE/m3 at broader set of commitments aimed at reducing the the flue and then almost 0 at the most sensitive re- environmental footprint of our manufacturing operaceptors (using a mathematical model to determine the tions by lowering the consumption of both energy (and consequently greenhouse gas emissions) and water, odour impact on the nearest neighbour).” Tile International: What was the total cost of the in- which is treated, recovered and reused in the body grinding stage. As for CO2 emissions, the advent of vestment for the Zero Emissions project? F. Minozzi: “Around 2 million euros. The size of the in- large-format panel production has allowed us to drasvestment was largely due to the fact that the Group tically reduce electricity consumption by using PCR+, a decided to adopt a consolidated technology that in re- continuous roller press that shapes the green body beality had never been used before in the ceramic sec- fore it enters the kiln. Compared to a traditional press, tor, but has the versatility to cope with higher pollut- the PCR+ avoids emissions of more than 480 tonnes of ant concentrations in the future, while maintaining CO2 into the atmosphere per year for each production complete efficiency and consequently zero emissions. line. We have also purchased mills that operate with

24 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

an efficiency of over 70%, lower electricity consumption and consequently a reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 1,100 tonnes per year.” Tile International: So in other words, you’re increasingly driven by the search for “a new pact between man and nature”… F. Minozzi: “That’s right. And at last, attention to the environment appears to be extending to more and more areas of the production process. We will never tire of promoting sustainable production and care for the environment and we reiterated this message at the latest edition of the Saloni in Milan, with MateriAttiva, an installation developed in collaboration with SOS - School of Sustainability and Mario Cucinella Architects that featured the use of ACTIVE technology and explored the theme of the cave as a place of primordial purity, in which life takes shape thanks to the action of light, air and water.” Tile International: Dr. Minozzi was already attuned to these environmental issues at a time when nobody else was giving them any thought at all... F. Minozzi: “Yes, it has been a very long journey, and

one of the reasons we set up the Iris Ceramica Group Museum was to document the various stages of the journey. So visitors proceed from the early 1960s to the present day along a chronological thread made up of about 600 exhibits - in the form of tiles, large-format panels, trim pieces, catalogues and other publications - that illustrate the technical evolution of Italy’s ceramic cluster and the Group’s products. But it’s also a significant industrial story, written by an entrepreneur with an unquenchable thirst for innovation, that has become one of the industrial stories that bring so much prestige to the Made in Italy label worldwide.” Tile International: So is this museum dedicated to your father? F. Minozzi: “The Iris Ceramica Group Museum is dedicated to everyone who has served the Group, past and present, and helped us uphold our values and develop our products throughout our history. We are doubly proud because our museum has now become a member of Museimpresa, the Italian association of company museums and archives promoted by Assolombarda and Confindustria.” ✕

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I N N O VAT I O N , PA S S I O N A N D M O R E I N N O VAT I O N Profilpas was founded in 1976 in Vigodarzere, in the Italian province of Padua, and throughout its 43-year history has always maintained its status as an innovator in the world of skirting boards and trim profiles

for floor and wall coverings, by continually adding new functions, forms, colours, decorations and materials to its product range. Similarly, the company has always been committed to redesigning the

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tile International: How big is this facility and what

concept of skirting boards and trim profiles, and turning them into fully fledged furnishing complements, as witness its incubator for young talent established in collaboration with the Italian School of Design.

of installing and using large-format panels that makes them the focal point of the interior finishings. These are innovative profiles in both form and finish: they feature built-in LED lighting, new shapes for corners and skirting boards, new satin and gloss finishes and new colours that draw inspiration from the effects of stone and concrete.” Tile International: So the XL DESIGN line goes way beyond the original function of protecting tiles… M. Pasquali: “Absolutely, but it still fulfils that basic function too! In addition to that, however, it enhances the details of the surface of the covering by creating distinctive effects of light and shade. In fact, because of their shape, these profiles create an original “floating” effect.” Tile International: What is the second new development you are presenting in Bologna? M. Pasquali: “The second new development consists of 100 new decorations - in addition to the existing ones - for Unisystem Plus, our professional system of profiles for the installation of wood and laminate flooring, and PVC Line, our line of PVC skirting boards. These are all-new decorations that replicate the latest trends in wood and laminate flooring from top manufacturers. Our range of colours is now wider than anyone has ever achieved before. What’s more, we can always provide customers with bespoke finishes made to order for them thanks to PDS, the Profilpas Digital System. The third new development we’ll be presenting at Cersaie is a major technical innovation, which we’ve already patented and which heralds the arrival of an entirely new category of Profilpas products.” Tile International: What is it? M. Pasquali: “It’s called PP Level DUO, and it’s a new system of supports for raised flooring that enables you to choose between a fixed head or a tilting head by simply inserting a converter ring, known as Perfect Ring, between the head and the screw to convert a tilting support into a fixed support. If you need a tilting head, to compensate a gradient of up to 6%, you

type of production does it handle? Marco Pasquali: “This facility has been set up to manufacture metal profiles - in aluminium, brass and steel - and to contain the Profilpas Digital System department dedicated to digital printing. It has total floorspace of 12,500 sq.m and is built next to the plant where we’ve been manufacturing extruded PVC products since 2004. This is our “new home” and we’ve equipped it with latest-generation production technologies and workspaces designed to enhance the communication that we’ve established with the world of architects and designers. In fact, we’re in constant contact with over 4,000 designers via the web and social media. Over the past few months alone, we’ve held 10 meetings with design professionals.” Tile International: How about your third production plant? M. Pasquali: “Our third plant is in Kutno, Poland. We opted for this industrial area, which is located pretty much in the middle of the country, about 80km from Warsaw, because it’s in an optimum position for distribution not only throughout Poland but also Russia and the rest of Eastern Europe. We built this plant in 2012, on a 50,000 sq.m site, in response to sharply rising demand in Northern and Eastern Europe. It makes the same product lines that we make in Italy, which follow the stylistic trends of their target markets, while maintaining the innovative character, attention to detail and typically Italian design that make our products stand out.” Tile International: Let’s talk about products then: what new products are you presenting at Cersaie? M. Pasquali: “We’ll be presenting three major new products at Cersaie 2019. The flagship of these is XL DESIGN, a line of profiles for large formats, designed in collaboration with the architect Dal Regno and aimed specifically at designers, with a view to stimulating and supporting their creative flair and enabling them to turn large-format panels into fully fledged interior design complements. XL DESIGN represents a new way

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Profilpas is now a multinational company with eight subsidiaries operating in 70 countries worldwide, which reported double-digit revenue growth in 2018. Our conversation with CEO Marco

Pasquali took place at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cadoneghe site, also in the province of Padua, which recently underwent a major remodelling programme that has transformed it into an innovative production facility.

DESIGN IS OUR BEST PROFILE

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

100 new decorations - in addition to the existing ones

for

Unisystem

Plus, our professional system of profiles for the installation of wood and laminate flooring, and PVC Line, our line of PVC skirting boards

27 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

just don’t insert the ring. This is a real innovation, which we’ve patented and which simplifies the task of installation, as well as eliminating the need to keep a stock of both fixed and tilting heads, which was always necessary until now.” Tile International: With all these new products to present, have you had to change the layout of your stand? M. Pasquali: “We’ll be occupying the same amount of space at Cersaie this year as we did last year. We decided to make just a few changes to showcase our

new products to best effect, so we’ve designed a dedicated area for PP Level DUO and another dedicated area for our wide new range of colours, to highlight the colour research we’ve done. This area focuses on the “rediscovery of colour”, to complement the refined tones of grey expressed by the Black&White philosophy that we presented last year.” Tile International: What are your forecasts for the market? M. Pasquali: “We handle our entire production cycle ourselves and we make continuous investments

XL DESIGN , a line of profiles for large formats, designed in collaboration with the architect Dal Regno and aimed specifically at designers, with a view to stimulating

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

and supporting their creative flair and enabling them to turn large-format panels into fully fledged interior design complements

28 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

PP Level DUO, it’s a new system

supports

raised

flooring

enables

you

for that

choose

between a fixed head or a tilting head by simply inserting a converter ring, known

Perfect

Ring,

between the head and the screw to convert a tilting support into a fixed support

in state-of-the-art technologies that enable us to programme our work quickly and flexibly and control every stage of production directly, so as to uphold the high quality standards that we’re renowned for, so we’re confident that this way of working will continue to yield good results. Exports, which have grown in recent years, now account for 65% of our revenues, but Profilpas Italia is also generating higher revenues: in July this year, we beat our previous record set in July 2018 and achieved our highest monthly sales in the entire history of Profilpas Italia.” Tile International: How about exports? M. Pasquali: “While Profilpas Italia has increased its revenues by 10% in the first part of this year, our export results have been even better: as well as operating in 70 countries worldwide, we have eight direct subsidiaries - in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, United Ar-

ab Emirates, Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic - which clearly still have good margins for growth. That’s why, at least in the short term, we plan to focus all our attention on consolidating the brand in these areas. Then, in the longer term, we have other plans... but we’ll talk about those another time.” Tile International: What’s your “secret”? M. Pasquali: “Innovation, innovation, innovation. But the formula for Profilpas’s success consists of various ingredients: innovation in the field of profiles, both for ceramic and warm coverings; design effort, to give profiles an ever more important role in interior design; and investment, both in communication and in our Italian and international sales and manufacturing operations. But our biggest secret is the passion we bring to our work and the fact that we belong to a big team, made up of staff and agents of over 20 different nationalities.” ✕

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WE ARE THE HARE O F T H E C E R A M I C I N D U S T RY In 1961, Franco Manfredini became Casalgrande Padana’s first employee. Two years later, he became a partner in the business and went on to dedicate his entire professional life to the company, taking up the office of President in 1974.

Since 2007, he has also served as President and CEO of the Riwal group. In 2009, Manfredini was elected as President of Confindustria Ceramica for the first time and was then re-elected for a second term in

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tile International: Since being elected as President

2011, with 100% of the votes. Since December 2009, furthermore, he has served as President of Confindustria Ceramica e Laterizio (the ceramic and heavy clay section of the Italian confederation of industry) and as a member of Confindustria’s

because they’re slower than the others, but because the others are faster than they are…” Tile International: So your commitment to the industry and to the industrial cluster around Sassuolo is still important to you? F. Manfredini: “Even if you no longer hold institutional office - and at Confindustria, institutional office has the virtue of being time-limited - it’s in the interest and power of everyone in the industry to make a positive contribution to everything the association does. We must never forget that the Sassuolo cluster is the strength of the entire industry, as the last recession demonstrated, despite the fact that it has to compete with the whole world, because ceramic production centres have now sprung up everywhere, as a result of Italian technology. If we are still the world’s top

of Confindustria Ceramica, you have continued to play a range of institutional roles… Franco Manfredini: “I had some really significant experiences in my years at Confindustria Ceramica, so I’ve carried on working on behalf of the entire industry since stepping down after two terms as President. There are numerous important things that need to be established both at home and internationally, and they need experience, time and dedication. Our latest success is the permanent inclusion of the heavy clay association (formerly ANDIL) within the framework of Confindustria Ceramica. Their accession to the federation further strengthens Italian representation at European level, enabling us to do more and do it better. I often remind myself that if Ferrari doesn’t win, it’s not

30 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

board of directors. Casalgrande Padana, which generated revenues of some 265 million euros in 2018 and has 1,050 employees spread across six plants, all located in the heart of Italy’s ceramic valley, is a frequent topic of conver-

sation at the moment, as a result of persistent rumours suggesting that negotiations for its sale are under way. Franco Manfredini confirms that there has been no shortage of inquiries, both from major manufacturers and investment funds,

but although he’s flattered by their interest, his final response is: “We’re not for sale. In fact, we’re on the lookout for acquisitions.” So let’s turn out attention to other matters.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

exporters by value, it’s because ceramic valley has made us the best innovators. The history of ceramic for the building industry is made up major technological milestones: these days, we no longer just make tiles, we make ceramic panels measuring 1.5x3 metres, and we’re extending the reach of ceramic to more and more applications. We are the hare in the world of innovation, and as long as we manage to set the pace and stay ahead of our competitors, we’ll always succeed.” Tile International: What other benefits does the Sassuolo cluster bring? F. Manfredini: The cluster also brings major logistical benefits, because you can dispatch exports all over the world quickly from Sassuolo. Our customers all over Europe, including Eastern Europe all the way to

the Urals, can collect goods easily and directly within a few days of ordering: basically, we let them make their purchases on the basis of what they have sold, so they don’t need to keep large quantities of stock. This is a huge strength and a brilliant service for our customers, and it acts as a kind of barrier to the entry of competitors in this large market area that we now rightly see as an extension of our domestic market. Tile International: As a sector that exports over 80% of its output, what kind of government action would the ceramic industry currently like to see? F. Manfredini: As you say, we export over 80% of our output and we account for a substantial slice of our country’s manufacturing industry, so we’re strongly in favour of the widest possible openness of markets, with no tariffs and no other limitations.

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Casalgrande Padana has been manufacturing advanced ceramic materials for almost 60 years. The company manufactures its products entirely in Italy and has a close focus on tech-

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

nological innovation and care for the

We’ve lobbied for import control counted for by exports come from environment, with constant monitomeasures only in relation to coun- ring of every stage of the process. countries outside Europe, where it’s tries such as China, which don’t getting harder and harder to comabide by market rules, and the Eupete, partly because of the growropean Union has duly established tariffs on such im- ing number of local manufacturers and partly because ports. But given mutual compliance with the applica- exporting goods is becoming so costly. It’s worth reble rules, ever wider access to markets remains one of membering that the final selling price is made up of the most heart-felt wishes of all countries with manu- many component parts: as well as energy and labour facturing sectors as large as Italy’s. So we would like costs, one of the factors that puts us at a big disadthe government to show the utmost openness to- vantage in overseas exports is the shortage of infrawards the outside world and a greater willingness structure. Spain’s ceramic cluster benefits from a port, to listen: we requested the removal of undue charg- in Castellon, which generates major savings on the enes on important production factors such as electricity tire process, from the cost of raw materials to the cost and gas, but whereas we obtained some relief on the of transporting goods to their embarkation point. Here, undue burden borne by electricity - although not as we’re still waiting for the ring-road. much as our competitors in other European countries Tile International: Going back to Casalgrande Pada- we still haven’t received any government response na, what product innovations you are working on? on gas, which is our biggest energy cost. As Presi- F. Manfredini: Large-format ceramic panels without dent of Confindustria Ceramica, I repeatedly stressed a doubt, but at Casalgrande Padana we don’t stop at that undue charges added to the production costs of format. We provide design consulting and other decompanies such as ceramic manufacturers, which ex- sign services. In fact, we were the first company to atport the vast majority of their output, are nothing short tribute real importance to architects and their needs. of an own-goal for the country’s economy, because The awards ceremony for the 11th edition of the Granthey compromise employment levels by reducing our Prix Casalgrande Padana was held on 24 May. This is a competitiveness.” biennial competition that provides a broad overview of Tile International: What about overseas markets? developments in international architecture and gives F. Manfredini: “20 of the 80% of our revenues ac- awards to significant works that have made the most effective use of large-format porcelain panels and the special characteristics they offer. On the same occasion, we also inaugurated our new Creative Centre in Rome, in Casa Baldi, which Paolo Portoghesi built between 1959 and 1961 and later restored and converted into the new Creative Centre, while preserving its key features and original approach to space.” Tile International: How about environmental considerations and alternative applications for ceramic? F. Manfredini: “At Casalgrande Padana, we give top priority to ensuring occupational safety, making the work environment as comfortable as possible and safeguarding the external environment. In fact, we see these items as production investments rather than costs on which to make savings.

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ADVERTISING

We’ve also created bio-active ceramics, in the form of Bios Selfcleaning, a collection of self-cleaning tiles that also reduce pollutants; and Bios Antibacterial, which eliminates 99.9% of the four main strains of bacteria found in confined environments. To meet the needs of people with vision impairments, we’ve produced the Tactile collection, which is embossed with a special tactile language to help people find their way around. We’ve made substantial investments in technological and product innovation in recent years, which have slowed our growth slightly, but we’re confident that this work has laid the foundations for a new period of expansion of our production volumes and for achieving new goals in terms of our positioning on the global market.” Tile International: Which markets are the weakest at the moment? F. Manfredini: “Demand from the entire domestic market, in other words Europe, has fallen significantly. Demand for tiles in France and Germany, our two key markets, has halved since 2009. This isn’t because we’ve lost share to competitors in these markets, it’s just that consumption has fallen. It’s important not to underestimate the impact that demographic trends in the most developed countries have on these figures. Having said that, Poland, Hungary and the whole of Eastern Europe have helped offset shrinkage elsewhere. And ceramic still has scope for gaining market share, thanks to the innovative products that are gradually reaching the market.” Tile International: What about competition from other materials, such as LVT? F. Manfredini: “The current success of LVT is attributable to its ease of installation and, it has to be said, to the fact that the LVT sector has been more effective than we have at presenting itself cohesively to end-users and highlighting its strengths. Rather than presenting a united front, we’ve often competed with each other, when what we should be doing is joining forces to highlight the benefits of ceramic and, above all, to solve the problems of installation… I’m sure we can do it, it’s just a question of equipment, and with the new extra-large formats and low thicknesses, installing ceramic flooring will get easier and easier, until one day it’ll be like assembling a piece of flat-pack furniture.” ✕

F I L A : S U R FA C E C A R E E XC E LLE NC E , WOR LDW I DE The origins of FILA - Fabbrica Italiana Lucidi ed Affini - date back to 1943, when the twin brothers Guido and Pietro Pettenon started manufacturing waxes, domestic detergents and boot polish, which was even used by the Italian Army. At the end of the Second World War in 1945, the nationwide drive

for change and rebirth prompted FILA to make changes too, and the company soon became a household name in Italy for the production of high-quality shoe polish. Thanks to the far-sightedness of Beniamino Pettenon - the company’s current President - and the support

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tile International: How is the US market shaping up

of his sister Adriana, the company took another decisive step forward in the 1970s, when it refined its production of domestic detergents and started specialising in professional surface care products. Prompted by the need to simplify the treatment of terracotta and make it more durable - which involved a landmark

process. As well as being fast-acting, thanks to Rapid Dry Technology, Instant Remover is ready to use, doesn’t generate foam and requires no rinsing. It also has high coverage, is compatible with a wide range of materials and joints and is safe for operators and the environment alike, so can be used indoors without any worries.” Tile International: So it’s a big help in the installation of large-format tiles and panels… F. Pettenon: Yes, absolutely, and that’s why Instant Remover - which we developed in close collaboration with the technical committee of Assoposa, of which FILA is a technical partner - is generating so much interest, all around the world, not just here at Coverings. One of the things that helps FILA earn the respect of professional tilers and porcelain tile manufacturers, is the

at the moment and which FILA products are most in demand there? Francesco Pettenon: “Demand has been growing consistently for four years now, and even in the United States, FILA is recognised as a market-leader in the care and treatment of natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tile. At the moment, our Instant Remover, an innovative instant cleaner for removing residues of fresh, cement-based grout with or without additives, is generating a lot of interest. There is no other product like it on the market, and it’s also ideal for cleaning the back of large-format panels before installing them, to enhance the grip of the adhesive, and for cleaning grouting tools after use. It’s a patented product that solves numerous problems and speeds up the installation

34 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

collaboration with Sannini - FILA soon extended its business to the care and protection of all floor and wall coverings on the market, both natural and ceramic, in close collaboration with their manufacturers. FILA is now a family-run, inter-

national group that has become a beacon of excellence in surface care and protection systems, with subsidiaries in Germany, France, Spain, Great Britain, the USA and the United Arab Emirates, and operations in over 60 countries. Based in San Martino Lupari, in the Italian province of Padua, the

company has now passed into the hands of the third generation of the Pettenon family and is managed by Beniamino’s children, Francesco and Alessandra, who are joint CEOs. We met Francesco Pettenon in Orlando, Florida, at the last edition of Coverings, and took the opportunity to interview him. Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

F. Pettenon: “We have a warehouse and a laboratory

fact that its strategic values include a commitment to constant investment in Research & Development. After all, R&D plays a key role in supporting technological innovation across the ceramic industry. In the United States alone, there are over 20 brands of surface care and treatment products, but only a couple of them are actual manufacturers. And believe me, you would be hard put to find any equipped with a research laboratory like the one we have in Fiorano, where our FILATech Department is based. This keeps us constantly in the loop with the ceramic cluster based around Sassuolo, which is the world’s prime generator of new ceramic technologies and is home to some of the most important ceramic manufacturers in the world.” Tile International: How is your distribution organised in the United States?

at our commercial headquarters in Miami. The whole complex is headed by a Sales Director, who is also responsible for coordinating the technical and sales force that covers the entire territory to manage the distribution network. These same people also manage and organise the weekly technical courses that we hold at distributors’ sites to make sure they get the ongoing training they need.” Tile International: Training must take up a lot of resources across your company and worldwide… F. Pettenon: “Training is vital in our business, in every part of the world: first and foremost, FILA is a centre of know-how. The significance of this is highlighted by the fact that Cosentino (one of the world’s largest distributors of innovative coverings and premium natural

35 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

stone, ed.) recently started recommending the use of FILA products in all its export markets, from the United States to the Middle East and Dubai. What’s more, it’s essential to keep up to date with correct application procedures in an industry, particularly the ceramic industry, which is subject to constant technological evolution. Our relationship with the major Italian and therefore worldwide manufacturers, is long-established. Over 200 companies now recommend the use of FILA products for the care and treatment of the coverings they manufacture, because they know they can rely on us to rise to every challenge in terms of resources and investment in research. They also know that our solutions form an integral part of a complex, end-of-line process and that we not only meet the applicable standards, but that we play an active role in setting those standards, because of our constant involvement with the technical committees of UNI, the Italian standards institute.” Tile International: So would you describe FILA as a key partner for ceramic manufacturers? F. Pettenon: “Let’s not forget that FILA also operates in the B2C market: in Italy alone, there are over 2,000 stores selling our products, and worldwide that figure

rises to over 6,000. This gives us a unique vantage point from which to find out what everyday end-users of ceramic products want and therefore take a predictive approach towards ceramic manufacturers. We value this input highly and pass it on to our FILATech laboratory in Fiorano, where we develop technical products that can also be used in production, on finishing lines. End-ofline solutions like this offer numerous advantages: they don’t generate films, they resist UV radiation and yellowing, they don’t affect the original friction-coefficient of materials (UNI EN ISO 10545-17) and they’re resistant to chemical aggression (UNI EN ISO 10545-13). What’s more, they’re eco-label marked, food-grade, eco-sustainable, VOC-free and free from heavy metals and nanoparticles, so they’re totally safe for operators.” Tile International: So attention to sustainable production and environmental integrity are key factors too… F. Pettenon: “Without a doubt. Sustainable production, environmental integrity and respect for the people who use our products are top priorities for us. In 2012, we installed an 80 megawatt photovoltaic system that makes us self-sufficient in terms of our energy needs. But we also pay close attention to our formulations: since 2009, we’ve been members of the Green Build-

36 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

FILA is now a family-run, international group that has become a beacon of excellence in surface care and protection systems, with subsidiaries in Germany, France, Spain, Great Britain, the USA and the United Arab Emirates, and operations in over 60 countries

ing Council Italia, a non-profit association that supports the dissemination of LEED certification, and there are already more than a dozen products in the FILA Green Line that have VOC emission values of almost zero and therefore help developers obtain LEED certification. These fall within the scope of “low-emitting materials - paints and coatings” (credit EQ 4.2 and EQ 4.1), whose aim is to reduce the presence of substances that contaminate the air in buildings. Some of our Green Action protective products are also certified to GEV EMICODE EC1 PLUS, the highest class of EMICODE certification, which identifies products with extremely low VOC emissions, that do not release harmful substances in enclosed environments and are therefore highly compatible with human health and the environment. It’s also worth remembering that FILA has held ISO 14001 certification for many years, which is a particular-

ly complex and challenging achievement for a chemicals company.” Tile International: What can you tell us about the domestic market? What’s in the pipeline for the current year? F. Pettenon: “In a distinctly stable market with fading signs of expansion, process innovation is the only lever we can pull to differentiate ourselves. Our products are essential for large formats, and the entire supply chain of our customers - manufacturers, installers, developers and end-users - recognize our products’ outstanding ability to meet the needs of constantly evolving ceramic materials. FILA’s strength lies in its extremely high degree of specialisation: we are the ceramic industry’s most reliable partner and we have the ability to provide support at every stage of the production and supply chain, from product development to end-of-line treatment, installation, care and restoration.” ✕

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I NC R E A SI NGLY I N T E R NAT IONAL ROLE FOR C E R A M IC H E PI E M M E Ceramiche Piemme closed 2018 with revenues of 98.1 million euros, reflecting the general trend in Italy’s ceramic tile market as a whole,

which saw a marked slowdown after five years of continuous growth. Ceramiche Piemme’s exports held up well, and accounted for 87%

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tile International: What were the reasons behind

of the company’s total revenues, thanks to a constant increase in sales under its own brand, which not only yield higher profit margins

Clerkenwell Design Week 2019 was the perfect showcase for confirming our company’s growth on the British market and we also took the opportunity to officially announce the news of our collaboration with Benoy for a line of tiles that we’ll be unveiling at this year’s Cersaie.” Tile International: How important is your collaboration with an international player such as Benoy? D. Colli: “These days it’s essential to give your design input a cultural upgrade, in line with the updating of your technological input and your product range. Hence the importance of our collaboration with a major international player such as Benoy, which designs buildings all over the world.” Tile International: So your reasons are very similar to the ones that prompted you to establish the new Ce-

your decision to open a branch in London, called Piemme 40, and inaugurating it during Clerkenwell Design Week in May? Davide Colli: “The opening of our London branch, Piemme 40, is a direct result of the increasingly international character of our company, which is an exemplary exponent of Italy’s ceramic manufacturing prowess. We decided to make the official inauguration coincide with Clerkenwell Design Week because the event, which is now in its tenth edition, has established itself as one of the most important in the British design calendar and therefore provided the ideal opportunity to give visitors a first-hand view of the quality of the Piemme and Valentino porcelain tile collections and the latest products from Ceramiche Piemme Contract.

38 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

but also help establish the brand’s image. Our conversation with Davide Colli, who became Chief Operating Officer in July last year,

with specific responsibility for new sales and marketing strategies, kicked off with a question about the recent opening of a branch in

London dedicated to the world of design and aimed at highlighting the growing international character of the brand.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

ramiche Piemme Contract brand? D. Colli: “By establishing Ceramiche Piemme Contract, we created a brand dedicated to ceramic collections designed to support designers in their choice of finishings for public and private spaces. Staying competitive in today’s market means knowing how to interpret your customers’ needs in every sector. It’s no longer enough to be at the forefront of technology and far-sighted in the way you renew your range, unless you also offer a truly dedicated service, tailored to each type of clientèle. That’s why it’s so important to provide a space where professionals can find technical and style solutions for their projects: Ceramiche Piemme Contract aims to act as a bridge between clients and developers in the construction supply chain. We’ve created two porcelain tile collections for this

new brand: Ageless and Venetian marble, which were previewed on the American market at Coverings 2019. Venetian Marble combines the technical performance of latest-generation porcelain tile with the aesthetics of Venetian Terrazzo. Ageless draws inspiration from industrial resin and concrete finishings: using the latest digital technologies, we perfectly replicated the typical movement of the directional streaks caused by the manual or mechanised spreading of mortar.” Tile International: Would you say that’s a good example of the customer-focus and product-focus that earned you an award for Best Hard Flooring Product? D. Colli: “The fact that Gordon Guillaumier’s Shades collection won the Best Hard Flooring Product award at NYCxDESIGN, the New York design week, is certainly a ringing endorsement, because the NYCxDESIGN

39 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

Clerkenwell Design Week 2019 was the perfect showcase for confirming our company’s growth on the British market and we also took the opportunity to officially

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

announce the news of our collaboration

Awards celebrate the best talent tract brands differ? with Benoy for a line of tiles that we’ll be and products in the worlds of ar- unveiling at this year’s Cersaie D. Colli: “As regards Piemme, we chitecture, interior design, furwant to strengthen and consolnishing, lighting and technology. idate our positioning on the reWe’re very proud of this international award for our retail channel, aimed at the middle-to-top segments of search and our stimulating collaboration with Gordon the residential and commercial market. Piemme ConGuillaumier. At the launch of our Piemme 40 branch in tract was conceived as a prime source for specifiers London, the design historian Alice Rawsthorn empha- and designers for major international architecture prosised the importance of production technology that is jects, and is intended to place a strong emphasis on capable of making end-users feel the emotions that this channel, which still represents an entirely new oponly unique craftsmanship can generate. portunity for Piemme. The Shades collection, in particular, was widely ac- The Valentino brand, as everyone knows, is dedicated claimed for its ability to interpret the sensual, tactile to the luxury segment, which is always counter-cycliand visual dimension of an artistic approach to surfac- cal and tends to perform best at times of mass market es. And this is the aspect that the New York jury picked stagnation. It’s one of the best-known and most presup on, thus confirming that we made the right choic- tigious designer names in the world, and our aim is to es and are making the right investments in develop- leverage its full potential, especially in markets where ing our ability to set trends and be cultural leaders in Italian luxury brands exert particularly strong appeal.” the industry.” Tile International: Is this the message you intend to Tile International: How do the sales and marketing reiterate at the forthcoming edition of Cersaie? strategies of the Piemme, Valentino and Piemme Con- D. Colli: “At Cersaie 2019 we’ll certainly be re-assert-

40 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

ing the very clear distinction between the brands and their values, by keeping the respective exhibition areas separate and emphasising the individual expressive power of each brand. Piemme and Valentino draw inspiration from vanity and naturalness respectively: two opposites with high added value that cohabit under the aegis of a company that is continuing to expand its range of services. To further strengthen the message that we’re committed to supporting designers, as well as launching a new line of Piemme Contract products at Cersaie, we’ll also be launching two new services: Project Solutions, dedicated to extra-thick indoor and outdoor floating floors, and Taylor Made dedicated to the supply of countertops, washbasins and shower trays made with our materials.” Tile International: How is the market performing? Which are the most interesting areas at the moment? D. Colli: “As we all know, there’s a general slowdown across the sector, and after five years of continuous growth, revenues have seen a marked fall, which was borne out by the data for the first half of 2019. As regards Ceramiche Piemme, we managed to close 2018 with a smaller downturn than the national aver-

age, despite the fact that things got off to a bad start for us in the first half of 2018. As for 2019, we’re seeing slight growth, so our performance is against the run of play in the industry as a whole. The key markets for Ceramiche Piemme are the historic markets in which the company has always been present, such as North America, Central and Northern Europe, the former USSR and the Middle & Far East, but the increase we’re seeing at the moment is due to the efforts we’re making to move into new channels and segments on these markets, which we had barely explored before. The best performance is coming from areas in which we have invested in this direction, and this is encouraging us keep the momentum going and step up our efforts with full determination. I can also confirm that the recent diversification of our brands on the sales and distribution front, in addition to the company’s new, more technical focus, all combined with our closer attention to markets in which we were not previously well established, is strengthening and consolidating the results we’ve achieved so far, giving us solid grounds for confidence in the future.” ✕

41 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

QUADRASTUDIO

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I T A L Y

23/27 SEPTEMBER HALL 22 - STAND B50

EUROPEAN CIVIL ENGINEERING TA K I N G T H E L E A D 87th EUROCONSTRUCT Conference

Total construction output in the Euroconstruct area grew by 3.1% in 2018, and so slightly better than

expected six months ago. On the other hand, the outlook for the forecast period up to 2021 shows

an even slower development, in a context of a weakening economic expansion. New construction

2017 was the year with the best construction development in the EC-19 region during this recent economic recovery. At that time the strongest annual increase for more than 20 years (+4.2%) could be observed. In 2018 the first signals of a new slowdown appeared in some regions (like in UK and several Nordic countries) where production growth in some areas stopped. TAB. 1

ECONOMICS

COUNTRY

Nevertheless, total construction output in 2018 increased and summed up to a total volume of 1,610 billion Euro in the Euroconstruct region. After five years of continuous growth it is still far below peak level, with significant different regional dynamics. Seven countries already exceeded pre-crisis levels, six others had in 2018 the same market capacity as in 2007, while the remaining six, including three of the five major countries, still have a negative gap of - TOTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT (% change in real terms) more than 10% that has YEAR 2015

2016

FORECASTS

2017

2018

2019

2020

OUTLOOK 2021

Austria

0.1

0.4

3.5

2.8

1.8

1.2

1.1

Belgium

1.8

2.7

3.0

3.3

2.6

2.3

4.7

Denmark

5.7

5.4

5.7

4.3

1.9

1.6

Finland

0.4

7.1

2.7

2.0

-1.9

-2.6

-1.6

France

-2.0

2.6

3.9

3.1

0.8

1.2

-0.5

Germany

0.0

2.6

1.9

0.2

-0.7

-0.8

lreland

6.8

15.8

16.3

8.7

8.0

6.0

2.5

ltaly

0.9

1.0

0.5

2.2

1.9

2.0

1.7

Netherlands

8.2

6.9

4.3

6.4

4.9

4.3

2.6

Norway

-0.1

2.9

5.7

-0.2

4.7

1.9

3.2

Portugal

3.4

-1.6

9.0

7.3

4.8

3.6

2.6

Spain

2.9

1.8

4.7

6.3

5.0

4.0

2.5

sweden

5.8

5.9

7.2

-0.7

-3.2

-2.9

1.2

Switzerland

1.7

0.2

1.2

1.3

0.4

1.1

1.4

United Kingdom

4.0

4.2

6.9

0.2

0.7

2.2

2.6

WESTERN EUROPE (EC-15)

1.5

3.0

4.0

2.5

1.5

1.4

1.1

Czech Republic

8.0

-3.7

2.7

13.2

4.1

3.1

6.0

Hungary

1.8

-18.3

27.0

22.4

9.2

5.4

3.5

Poland

4.1

-5.0

8.6

12.9

8.9

4.2

5.4

18.7

-11.4

3.8

8.0

0.7

-0.7

-0.9

EASTERN EUROPE (EC-4)

5.6

-6.9

9.0

14.0

7.4

3.9

4.9

EUROCONSTRUCT COUNTRIES (EC-19)

1.7

2.4

4.2

3.1

1.9

1.5

1.4

Slovak Republic

Source: 87 Euroconstruct Conference, June 2019 th

44 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

to be filled. The new short term outlook defines a slowing and more moderate growth path: European construction output is forecasted to increase by less than 2% in 2019, and by less than 1.5 percentage points within the next two-year period. Some of the downward risks already materialised since the autumn conference, adding elements of concerns and uncertainty to an overall scenario characterised by structural factors, like demographic pressure, market saturation, a slow realisation process among other bottlenecks. The leading market in the next three year period will be infrastructure. It is expected to

continues to be the leading force of the expansionary cycle (+4.3% in 2018, resulting in an overall cumu-

lated increase by 17.5% compared to 2014), with new civil engineering approaching a 6% annual growth.

New residential construction is estimated to pass a 5% increase in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

sustain the European construction market with an average annual growth of more than 3%, compared to weaker performing building sector (+1%). At country level, the positive development will be sustained by strong growth of about +6% in Eastern European countries, except in Slovakia. A similar strong increase is forecasted for Ireland, even if the trend is decelerating within the forecast period.

A more moderate progress is forecasted in countries like Netherlands, Portugal and Spain with growth rates close to 4%. The latter is the best performing one among the big five countries. Germany and France face in opposite to that a stagnating construction market, while in UK and Italy an increase in output by less than 2% on average is likely. â&#x153;&#x2022;

FIG. 3 - CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT BY SECTOR (EC-19 - Index at constant price) Source: 87th Euroconstruct Conference, June 2019

FIG. 2 - GDP AND TOTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT (EC-19 - year to year change in %)

45 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

T H E E U R O P E A N PA R Q U E T M A R K E T S L I G H T LY C O N T R A C T E D I N 2 0 1 8 Courtesy of: FEP, Brussels, June 2019

After three years of moderate growth or stabilisation, and despite a generally good start of the year, the overall

consumption figures of parquet in Europe downturned for 2018. The consolidated data provided

by the FEP - European Federation of the Parquet industry - member companies and affiliated national

ECONOMICS

It must be noted that, due to the presence of some discrepancies between the official German data, which are collected by the German Federal Statistical Office, and the internal data recently collected by the German federation of parquet (VdP), the production and consumption figures presented below will be revised upward in the coming weeks.

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007*** 2008

As was witnessed in the past, the results show some variation from country to country. The market contraction is mainly due to decreases of parquet consumption observed in Germany and Switzerland, and, to a lesser extent, in the Nordic Cluster and the Benelux. The production in FEP territory declined moderately by 1,3% but exceeds significantly the 75 million square meter threshold. It is TAB. 1 - PARQUET PRODUCTION IN EUROPE important to note that, as of 2007, production Non-FEP and consumption figFEP Countries countries in TOTAL Europe** ures for Italy have been revised according to 000 sq.m + /-% 000 sq.m 000 sq.m + /-% the new method used 58,308 8.31% 58,308 by the Italian nation64,774 11.09% 64,774 al federation – Feder69,812 7.78% 69,812 legno Arredo. The European production out75,621 8.32% 75,621 side FEP countries is at 76,741 1.48% 76,741 an estimated 14,8 mil81,039 5.60% 81,039 lion square meters – 91,453 12.85% 91,453 9,2 million square me93,977 2.76% 93 ,977 ters produced in EU countries and 5,6 mil95,911 2.06% 95 ,911 lion square meters 98,634 2.84% 98,634 in European non-EU 83,024 -15.83% 83 ,024 countries.

2009

66,522

-19.88%

66 ,522

2010

69,000

3.73%

69 ,000

2011

69,654

0.95%

2012

66,570

-4.43%

7,000

69 ,654 73,570

2013

66,077

-0.74%

10,000

76,077

3.41%

2014

64,407

-2.53%

13,500

77,907

2.41%

2015

65,842

2.23%

14,600

80,442

3.25%

2016*

72,458

10.05%

14,500

86,958

8.10%

2017

76,339

5.36%

14 ,500

90,839

4.46%

2018

75,336

-1.31%

14,800

90,136

-0.77%

(*) As of 2016, figures are covering al/ European FEP countries - data far Croatia, Estonia, Portugal & Slovenia have been added - (**) Best estimates according to information received from FEP affiliates - (* **) ltalian figures of production and consumption have been revised as of 2007.

46 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

The total production in FEP territory slightly declined by 1,3% to a volume of 75.335.600 m². Taking into account the total production in Europe (FEP countries + non-FEP countries in Europe) implies that production in 2018 fell moderately by 0,8% and exceeded 90 million m².

associations are now pointing to a slight contraction of the global European market by 2,3% in 2018 compared to 2017.

TAB. 3 - CONSUMPTION IN THE FEP Chiara Bruzzichelli AREA DECLINED

FIG. 2 - TOTAL PRODUCTION 1988-2018

c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

â&#x2013; FEP Countries

Production development 18/17

Consumption development 18/17

2,0%

1,0%

-10,0%

-4,0%

-9,0%

-7,2%

-0,5%

-2,4%

-5,2%

-10,8%

-29,6%

10,0%

-3,8%

0,5%

-2,9%

1,6%

5,3%

0,0%

The 2018 total parquet production per type remains similar to the picture already presented from 2010 onwards, whereby multilayer comes in first with 82% (compared to 81% in 2017), being followed by solid (including lamparquet) with a stable 17% and mosaic at 1% of the total cake (compared to 2%).

-7,0%

10,9%

9,6%

2,0%

-8,1%

-14,6%

-5,3%

3,0%

2,1%

4,0%

9,5%

3,5%

In absolute production figures by country, Poland maintains its top position at 17,37%. Sweden keeps its second place on the podium with 15,22%. It is followed by Austria at 12,76%, while Germany comes in as fourth (9,51%).

Scandinavia

0,1%

-0,1%

DK/FIN/NO

-10,4%

-6,3%

2,5%

5,2%

0,0%

10,0%

-1,3%

-2,3%

FEP

Consumption in the FEP area declined by 2,3% to reach 79.854.300 mÂ˛ compared to 81.732.014 m2 the year before.

FIG. 4 - PRODUCTION PER TYPE

In terms of consumption per country, Germany remains in first position, despite its sill declining market, with 18,78% and is followed by Italy at 11,56%. France completes the podium with 10,59%. Sweden at 10,42% gets the fourth seat. Austria with 8,15% keeps its fifth position while the Nordic Cluster (7,81%) and Switzerland (7,25%) come in sixth and seventh position respectively.

47 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

As regards the per capita parquet consumption, Sweden keeps the first seat (0,81 m2) before Austria (0,74 m²) and Switzerland (0,67 m2). In the total FEP area, the consumption per inhabitant remains stable at 0,19 m² in 2018.

FIG. 5 - TOTAL FEP PRODUCTION, PERCENTAGES FOR 2018

The usage of wood species in 2018 as shown on the above graph indicates that the share of oak remains stable and reaches 80,3% compared to 80,6% in 2017. Tropical wood species use represents 3,7% of used wood. Ash and beech remain the two other most common chosen species with 6,8% and 2,1%

FIG. 6 - PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

ECONOMICS

■ Production European Non FEP Countries ■ Production European FEP Countries ■ Consumption FEP Countries

FIG. 7 - CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA 2018

48 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

(compared to 6,2% and 2,4% in 2017) respectively.

other hand, the competition from “wood like” flooring solutions, especially from LVT, remains harsh. As regards raw material, there is no shortage of wood for the time being, but affordability is decreasing also for layers (HDF, plywood) other than the top one. At European level, FEP welcomes the increasing recognition by the EU authorities of the positive contribution of wood products, including parquet, to fight climate change and to support Circular Economy, Circular Bioeconomy & sustainability. This recognition should be now translated into supportive policies for our industry and used to convince the end-consumer: Parquet is and remains the only Real Wood flooring which allows bringing nature in home and building a better future! ✕

OUTLOOK FOR 2019 & 2020 After three years of moderate growth or stabilisation, the overall consumption figures of parquet in Europe slightly downturned for 2018. While the market is still lacking visibility for the coming months, the European parquet markets are generally showing stable to slightly positive trends for the three first months of 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018, pointing to stable or moderately increasing parquet consumption. Furthermore, parquet consumption restarted to grow in Germany, the main European parquet market. On the

FIG. 8 - TOTAL FEP CONSUMPTION, PERCENTAGES FOR 2018

FIG. 9 - USE OF WOOD SPECIES

49 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

I TA L I A N T I L E I N D U ST RY SEES SLOWDOWN IN 2018 Paola Giacomini

Confirming the preliminary end-ofyear results, the Italian ceramic tile industry experienced a downturn in 2018 for the first time after five years of uninterrupted growth.

The result was revealed by the national statistical survey presented by the Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica Giovanni Savorani at the annual members’ meeting held on 11 June.

“The global scenario remains highly complex and it’s still too early to talk of a turnaround in 2019 despite the positive figure (+1.4%) for our exports in the first quarter of this year,” explained Savorani. “More than anything else we’re looking to consolidate our 2018 results.”

THE TOUGH CHALLENGES IN EXPORT MARKETS

ECONOMICS

The 137 companies making up the Italian tile industry reported a 1.6% year-on-year decline in output to 415 million sq.m (a fall of 7 million sq.m), while total sales dropped by 2.8%

As Mr Savorani explained, the increasingly fierce rivalry from other ceramic producing countries (Spain, China and in some markets now also India), the growing competition from alternative materials (particularly LVT) and the uncertainty caused by protectionist trade policies and the tariffs war between USA and China are some of the main causes of the slowdown in Italian tile exports. In 2018 Italy succeeded in holding its ground in European markets, where it sold 222 million sq.m with a small fall in Western Europe and strong results in the Balkans. Sales declined in other geographical areas: -5.4% in North America (46 million sq.m), -4.3% in the Far East (20 million sq.m), -21% in the Gulf states (9 million sq.m), -10% in North Africa and other Middle Eastern countries (10 million sq.m) and -6.8% in South America (4 million sq.m).

MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONALISATION OF THE ITALIAN CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY The Italian ceramic industry is the world leader in terms of internationalisation of its manufacturing operations with no fewer than 16 foreign companies controlled by 9 Italian ceramic groups (Concorde, Dado, Del Conca, Florim, Gambini Group, Granitifiandre, Laminam, Panaria and Ricchetti), which produce tiles in production plants located mainly in the United States (30% of production outside Italy), Europe and Russia. Adding together production in Italy and abroad, the sector’s total output volumes amount to more than

50 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

million sq.m) and 3.3% in value (to 4.547 billion euros) due to the difficulty in raising average price (stable at 13.9 €/sq.m) despite a higher value-added production mix. Domestic sales con-

500 million sq.m and exports to 414 million sq.m. In 2018, Italian-owned companies operating outside Italy had a total workforce of 3,151 people and produced 85.8 million sq.m of tiles, in line with the levels of 2017. The total sales volumes of 86.5 million sq.m generated a turnover of 858.91 mil-

tinued to stagnate, dropping 1.6% to 82.4 million sq.m (less than half of the pre-crisis figure) and generating revenues of 834 million euros (-1%) thanks to an average price of 10.1 €/sq.m.

lion euros (-0.4%), 80% of which consisted of sales in the same country where the factory is located. European sales rose to 483.2 million euros (+2.8%), while sales in North America fell by around 4% to 375.7 million euros. The US producers (including many owned by Italian groups) are increasingly concerned about the unfair

TAB. 1 - THE ITALIAN CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY 2015

2016

2017

2018

Var. % 2018/17

Companies

150

147

145

137

-8 units

Employees

19,143

18,956

19,515

19,692

+177 units

Production (mill. sq.m)

394,8

415,9

422,5

415,5

-1.6%

Investments (mill. €)

351,3

400,4

514,9

508,2

-1.3%

Total sales (mill. sq.m)

396,9

414,6

421,9

410,1

-2.8%

80,3

82,9

83,7

82,4

-1.6%

• Exports (mill. sq.m)

316,6

331,7

338,2

327,7

-3.1%

Total Turnover (mill. €)

5,117.0

5,417.1

5,546.5

5,380.9

-3.0%

• Domestic sales (mill. sq.m)

• Domestic sales (mill. €) • Exports (mill. €)

799,0

828.8

842,4

834,0

-1.0%

4,318.0

4,588.3

4,704.1

4,546.9

-3.3%

Source: Confindustria Ceramica

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

415 MILL. SQ.M

PRODUCTION

410.1 MILL. SQ.M

TOTAL SALES

TAB. 2 - ITALIAN CERAMIC TILE EXPORTS DESTINATION

2018 - mil sq.m

2016 - var %

2017 - var %

2018 - var %

169

4.9

3.1

-1.7

Central-Eastern Europe

1.9

6.1

+0.9

Balkans

5.4

4.9

+7.3

5.4

Nafta area

8.7

-1.3

-5.4

BN. €

Latin America

-21.0

7.2

-6.8

TOTAL TURNOVER

Gulf countries

8.6

-8.5

-21.0

North Africa & other Middle East

2.2

-2.7

-10.1

Far East

5.3

8.1

-4.3

5.0

-6.7

-9.1

328

4.8

2.0

-3.1

Western Europe

Rest of the World TOTAL Export Source: Confindustria Ceramica

51 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

FOCUS

to 410.1 million sq.m and total sales revenue fell by 3% to 5.4 billion euros. Exports suffered the most from the weakness of demand, falling by 3% in terms of volumes (from 338 to 327.7

trade practices adopted by the Chinese ceramic industry, leading to the presentation on 10 April of a petition to the US Dept of Commerce calling for the introduction of antidumping duties.

tableware and refractory materials industries were also unveiled during the Confindustria Ceramica Annual Members’ Meeting. The sanitaryware sector (30 companies, including 27 located in the Civita Castellana cluster in the province of Viterbo) experienced a contraction, producing 3.9 million pieces compared to the 4.27 million of 2017 and generating revenue of 336.4 million euros (-4.8%), including 45% from exports (151 million euros). Employment also dropped to 2,743 people (375 fewer than in 2017). The ceramic tableware sector, consisting of 10 companies with 668 employees, posted stronger results. Production rose to 13,200 tons (+3.3%), while total sales remained essentially stable at 12,800 tons, a combined result of a small contraction in the domestic market (9,500 tons, -5%) and an improvement in export markets (3,300 tons, +13.8%). Total turnover also increased (up 7.6% to 54.9 million euros), of which 67% was generated from Italian domestic sales and 33% from exports. The refractory materials sector also performed strongly in 2018, making up for the previous year’s losses. Production increased by 5.1% while sales grew by 4.6% by volume (57% in Italy). Exports rose significantly (+6.7%). Total turnover grew by 14% to more than 400 million euros as a result of a 6.7% increase in domestic sales and an impressive 26% growth in exports. There are a total of 34 refractory materials producers in Italy with 1,800 employees. ✕

EMPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENTS While the market results were below the ceramic industry’s expectations, especially abroad, Mr Savorani pointed to two positive figures that give grounds for optimism regarding the sector’s prospects. The first is employment, which at the end of 2018 totalled 19,692 people (+0.9%, 177 more than the previous year). The second concerns investments, which outstripped the preliminary estimates and remained above the 500 million euro mark. Following the record sums of 400 million euros in 2016 and 515 million euros in 2017, investments in 2018 totalled 508.2 million euros, 9.4% of the sector’s turnover. This brought the figure for the industry’s total investments over the last five years to more than 2 billion euros. These investments were largely driven by the Industry 4.0 tax incentives aimed at modernising factories, a benefit that the tile sector has leveraged more effectively than other Italian industries for the purposes of improving competitiveness through the use of cutting-edge technologies.

ECONOMICS

THE ITALIAN SANITARYWARE, TABLEWARE AND REFRACTORY MATERIALS INDUSTRIES The 2018 figures for the Italian ceramic sanitaryware, TAB. 3 - THE ITALIAN SANITARYWARE INDUSTRY 2017

TAB. 4 - THE ITALIAN TABLEWARE INDUSTRY

2018

2017

2018

Companies

Employees

3,118

2,743

Employees

705

668

4.3

3.9

Production

12.8

13.2

Production (mill. pieces)

4.3

4.0

Total sales

12.9

12.8

Domestic sales

2.4*

2.2*

Domestic sales

10.0

9.5

Exports

1.9*

1.8*

Exports

2.9

3.3

353.3

336.4

Total Turnover (mill./€)

50.9

54.9

Domestic sales

194.3*

185.0*

Domestic sales

36.6

36.7

Exports

159.0*

151.4*

Exports

14.3

18.2

Total sales (mill. pieces)

Total Turnover (mill./€)

Source: Confindustria Ceramica. (*estimates)

Source Confindustria Ceramica. (*estimates)

Confindustria Ceramica merges with ANDIL The 2019 Confindustria Ceramica Members’ Meeting held on 11 June also approved the merger by incorporation of ANDIL, the association representing the Italian brick and roof tile manufacturers, a sector consisting of 76 companies with 94 factories (of which 62 are owned by member companies) and 3,500 employees. In 2018 the sector produced 4.5 million tons of clay products (including masonry bricks, facing bricks, roof tiles, terracotta, floor blocks and ceiling tiles), which are mainly sold in the Italian market, and generated a turnover of 380 million euros. The partnership between the two associations began in 2010 with

the Federazione Confindustria Ceramica e Laterizi, which coordinates activities and certain specific functions such as energy, sustainability and communication. Following the merger with Andil, Confindustria Ceramica now represents all Italian industrial sectors involved in clay working: ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, tableware, refractories and bricks and roof tiles. These five sectors boast a total of 303 companies, 31,553 employees and a turnover of more than 7.4 billion euros. Italy is the only country within the European federation Cerame-Unie with such a far-reaching level of representation.

52 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

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I T A LY A N D S P A I N : A E U R O P E A N D U O P O LY I N THE CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY Luca Baraldi • Acimac Research Dept • studi@acimac.it Salvatore Curatolo • University of Parma (Italy)

ECONOMICS

The MECS (Acimac Research Department - www.mec-studies. com) has published its latest

Financial statement analysis of world ceramic tile producers examining the 2015-2017 economic

The 2017 financial statement analysis provided extensive information about the companies’ performance, structure and financial strength. A comparison between companies based in Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe and Rest of World shows that the profitability of Italian companies was very similar to that of their Spanish counterparts over the three-year period 2015-2017 (ROI Italy: 5.3 and growing; ROI Spain: 5.1 and stable or slightly falling). However, companies in Italy and Spain reported inferior results in terms of gross and net profitability compared to the average performance of companies in other countries in Europe and the rest of the world. But despite their similarities, Italian and Spanish companies also display some significant differences. Starting out from a comparable added value margin, the Italian companies achieve a similar level of EBIT-

and financial data for a significant sample of 345 companies: 75 operating in Italy, 72 in Spain, 43

DA to their Spanish counterparts but with a business model that uses a smaller number of more productive and better paid workers. In other words, the Italian companies compensate for their smaller average size through the use of a more productive workforce. This is demonstrated by the level of added value per employee, which for Italian companies is more than 20,000 euros higher than the Spanish average.

It is worth noting that in order to be able to interpret the ratio between labour costs and turnover as unit labour costs (ULC), the companies need to have similar price levels. This condition, which applies to markets with fairly homogeneous goods in terms of price, cannot be taken entirely for granted in the case of the Italian and Spanish tile manufacturers because of their generally different segmentation and positioning. In other words, it is not possible to compare the ULC of companies TAB. 1 - WORLD CERAMIC TILE MANUFACTURERS: FINANCIAL STATEMENT INDICATORS BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA with very different average prices because those with higher OTHER OTHER MAIN RATIOS 2017 ITALY SPAIN EUROPE COUNTRIES average prices (in this case the ROI 5.30 5.13 7.38 6.11 Italian companies) would have a lower ULC and theoretically apROS 6.60 6.55 9.00 7.45 pear more competitive, all other Leverage 3.17 2.46 2.30 2.59 conditions being equal. HowevAdded Value / Sales margin % 31.71 32.10 35.10 29.90 er, as regards profitability, comAdded Value per employee (TH. Euro) 93.06 72.16 35.18 20.30 panies with a lower labour cost Costs of employees / Turnover % 19.06 20.18 18.56 14.97 to turnover ratio are more efficient (as in the case of Italian EBITDA margin % 10.98 10.75 13.65 12.76 companies). EBIT margin % 6.27 6.50 9.61 7.37 Having said this, it should be notProfit / Loss margin % 4.55 5.87 7.08 5.14 ed that the higher productivity Cash flow / Operating revenue % 7.76 9.17 11.40 8.72 of Italian workers goes hand in Interest cover % 10.84 12.26 8.08 6.78 hand with a significantly higher level of labour costs per emCollection period (days) 96.02 103.22 83.78 67.40 ployee: 56,000 euros/year in Credit period (days) 97.87 55.69 59.30 49.25 Italy compared to 43,000 euAverage cost of employee (TH. Euro) 55.95 43.12 18.06 9.48 ros/year in Spain. However, this Total assets per employee (TH. Euro) 425.97 334.71 121.35 167.02 difference does not mean that

Source: Acimac Research Department - MECS based on data from ORBIS, Bureau Van Dijk

54 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

in other EU countries, 93 in Asia and 62 in other countries worldwide.

Italian companies are any less profitable.

the rest of Europe (and even more so in the rest of Chiara Bruzzichelli the world) adopt rather different business models c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it based on large company dimensions in order to exploit economies of scale in medium and medium-low product segments, high labour intensity and low labour productivity. More intense use of cheaper and more abundant labour (the average labour cost per employee is less than half of that of Spain and just over one third of that of Italy) makes the companies highly profitable and gives them an advantage of between one and a half and two percentage points in terms of net profit. Although they operate in different average price segments, companies outside Italy and Spain have a very high level of economic and management efficiency, so there is a significant risk of them diversifying their production towards higher end segments and thereby increasing the competitive pressure on the European duopoly of Italy and Spain. â&#x153;&#x2022;

Italian ceramic companies have a higher level of invested capital per employee, with total assets per employee more than 90,000 euros higher than the corresponding figure for their Spanish counterparts. This is consistent with the Italian companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; higher labour productivity. Along with higher total assets per employee, Italian companies also have a lower level of capitalisation and consequently greater financial leverage through third party capital. Both Italian and Spanish companies display good levels of liquidity and high financial strength. However, in terms of cash flow the Spanish companies have to deal with long trade receivables collection times but much shorter trade payables payment times. This means that they contribute significantly to financing their own suppliers, and although they are able to exploit a highFIG. 2 - WORLD CERAMIC TILE MANUFACTURERS: er cash-flow FINANCIAL STATEMENT INDICATORS BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA margin they n o n et h e l e s s bear the corresponding financial costs. In Italy, the average collection times are similarly lengthy (more than 3 months, as in Spain), but they coincide with payment times so company finances are not affected. Companies in

55 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

A F R I CA’ S D EVE LO PM E N T DRIVES THE CERAMIC MARKET Milena Bernardi • Salvatore Curatolo

ECONOMICS

Amid unrest, conflicts and crises but at the same time enormous economic potential, the new Africa is marching towards urbanisation and new technolo-

gy, with many of its governments working hard to achieve political stability. Driven by strong demographic pressure (half of all Africans

Despite variations between different areas, the continent’s GDP growth is positive overall (+3.6% in 2017 with +4.1% forecast for the two-year period 2018-2019), as is disposable income, two indices that together create the conditions for exponential growth. While risks remain, there are also countries that are relatively stable and growing rapidly. A study conducted by AfrAsia Bank showed that total private wealth in Africa grew on average by 13% between 2007 and 2017 and by 3% in 2018. A further 34% increase is expected over the next 10 years to reach $3,100 billion by the end of 2027. Mauritius, Ghana, Rwanda and Uganda will be the strongest performing markets with private wealth growth rates of between 90% and 150%. The projections for Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia are also relatively strong (between +50% and +80%), while positive albeit less exceptional growth is forecast in South Africa, Ango-

are under 19 years of age!), the current population of 1.28 billion people is expected to grow by a further billion over the next 20-30 years.

la, Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tanzania and Nigeria. Due to the growth in disposable income and consequently consumption, there is an urgent need to develop a local manufacturing industry capable of meeting domestic demand. Industrial output is currently estimated at around $500 billion (12% produced by Chinese companies), a potential that could double over the next decade. CERAMIC TILE CONSUMPTION AND IMPORTS In 2017, total tile consumption in Africa reached 920 million sq.m (tab. 3) following uninterrupted growth with volumes more than doubling over the previous nine years (CAGR +8.9% 2017/2008). While local production followed a similar trend, increasing from 308 million sq.m in 2008 to 700 million sq.m in 2017 (CAGR +9.5%), it was still insufficient to fully meet demand. As a result, the African continent continues to be the third largest macro-region for world ceramic tile imports. The 305 million sq.m of tiles imported by Africa in 2017 represented 11% of total world imports. The percentage of consumption met by imports rose to 55% in the period 2013-2014, then declined gradually over the following years to reach 33% in 2017. In the period 2015-2018, imports to Africa fell by more than 120 million sq.m, dropping below 300 million sq.m last year. Around 77% of total 2018 imports were met by the top three supplier countries, namely China, Spain and India, which together exported a total of 230.9 million sq.m to Africa. Spain has a stronger presence in North Africa, whereas China and India are more focused on Sub-Saharan Africa with several shared markets (including South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania and Angola). However, these three countries have seen rather different and even contrasting growth trends. Whereas India and Spain (tab. 5-6) maintained positive growth in 2018 (respectively +48% and +13% compared to 2017), China (tab. 4 )– by far the largest exporter to Africa – suffered a sharp slowdown (-20.8%). In some markets the Chinese downturn can

FIG. 1 - AFRICAN CITIES BY POPULATION IN 2030

56 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

This enormous expansion will lead to rapid growth in urbanisation. A new book entitled Africa’s Business Revolution by Acha Leke and Georges Desvaux (McKinsey)

and Mutsa Chironga documents the growth of the continent, noting that in 2015 Africa had just six cities with more than 5 million inhabitants whereas in 2030 it will

partly be explained by competition from India, while in others it is clearly attributable to the greater manufacturing autonomy achieved by local industry. A case in point is Nigeria, which imported 74 million sq.m from China in 2014 but just 5 million sq.m in 2018, while domestic production has expanded rapidly to reach 100

have 17, including 5 with a population of more than 10 million. The process is already under way with 24 million Africans moving to the cities each year.

million sq.m/year. Kenya, Angola, Ghana, Tanzania Chiara10 Bruzzichelli and Uganda have all reached outputs of between c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it and 30 million sq.m/year as a result of direct and indirect Chinese investments, part of a strategy of offshoring production to the African countries with strongest commercial and investment ties with China.

FIG. 2 - REAL GDP GROWTH IN AFRICA, 2009-19

FIGURE 1.7 Real GDP growth in selected subregions of Africa, 2009–19 Percent

Central Africa

East Africa

North Africa

Southern Africa

West Africa

Africa

0 2009–13

2014

2015

2016

2017 (estimated)

2018 (projected)

2019 (projected)

Source: AfDB statistics.

in oil prices. Output contracted sharply in the Growth is forecast to increase to 2.0 percent Lingering TAB. 3 - AFRICAN TILEofINDUSTRY & MARKET (MILLION SQ.M) Republic Congo (-4.0 percent) and Equatorial in 2018 and 2.4 percent in 2019, underpinned by CERAMIC vulnerabilities from Guinea (-7.3 percent), weighing down the region’s expansion in agriculture, mining, and services. Var% CAGR 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 overall growth to 0.9 percent in 2017. Moderate 17/16of sources 17/08 These figures are lower than the African avera variety recovery374 in the Republic of Congo age, mainly because of slow Production 308 growth 350 in South 377 345 393 442 498 will bolster 571 696 21.9% call for cautious9.5% growth in the region, which is expected to pick up Africa, which has strong neighborhood spillover Consumption 428 476 528 540 637 726 792 816 858 920 7.2% in the8.9% optimism to 2.6 percent in 2018 and 3.4 percent in 2019, effects (through trade and revenues sharing) on 186 Policy 199uncertainty 232 260 332 400 422 399 359 305 -5.6% respectively. theImports subregion’s customs union. medium term 5.6% 55 54 39Macroeconomic 62 52conditions 45 have35deteriorated 30 37 23.3% -2.9% in Exports South Africa could delay48 much needed fiscal sharply, stoked largely by the fall in oil revenues. adjustments, especially support toof state Source: World Production andofConsumption CeramicenterTiles - Acimac 2018 The subregion’s deep-seated dependence on oil, prises. Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, and Mozamtogether with the fixed exchange rate and lack of bique are expected to grow about 4 percent or independent monetary policy levers to adjust to more, but their contribution to the subregion’s 57 changing economic conditions (because of all five GDP is small. T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9 countries’ membership in the Central African Eco-

TAB. 4 - THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA FOR CHINESE EXPORTS Destination

Exports 2018 (Mln sq.m)

TAB. 5 - THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA FOR SPANISH EXPORTS

% Var. 18/17

Exports 2018 (Mln sq.m)

Destination

TAB. 6 - THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES IN AFRICA FOR INDIAN EXPORTS

% Var. 18/17

Destination

Exports 2018 (Mln sq.m)

% Var. 18/17

South Africa

23.7

-6.1

Morocco

20.5

+14.3

South Africa

4.2

+233.8

Ivory Coast

13.3

+2.8

Algeria

13.1

+30.8

Gambia

3.4

+244.9

Senegal

12.2

-6.7

Nigeria

6.3

+6.6

Kenya

3.2

+9.3

Ghana

9.4

-33.2

Libya

4.7

+40.5

Angola

3.2

+103.2

Cameroon

9.3

-21.8

Ghana

4.5

+18.1

Somalia

3.0

+65.7

Kenya

5.0

-61.9

Senegal

3.7

-1.7

Senegal

2.8

+68.7

Nigeria

4.9

-6.1

Mauritania

2.8

-11.8

Tanzania

1.7

+46.5

Tanzania

4.4

-62.7

Tunisia

2.4

-4.1

Mozambique

1.5

+83.6

Guinea

3.4

-23.5

Ivory Coast

2.3

-6.6

Liberia

1.4

+37.7

Angola

South Africa

Uganda

Other countries Total CHINESE exports to Africa Source: Acimac survey dept.

3.1

-6.2

1.4

+45.6

31.3

-14.0

Other countries

9.6

+5.0

120.2

-20.8

Total SPANISH exports to Africa

71.3

+13.2

Source: Acimac survey dept.

ECONOMICS

CONSTRUCTION DRIVEN BY MEGAPROJECTS AND SOCIAL HOUSING

1.4

-6.0

Other countries

13.6

+15.2

Total INDIAN exports to Africa

39.5

+48.2

Source: Acimac survey dept.

estimated cost of 786 million euros and will create almost 10,000 jobs. Kenya and Nigeria are both involved in major social housing projects. The Kenyan government has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to build 100,000 low-cost housing units as part of a broader plan to build 500,000 new homes by 2022 for an investment of around $13 billion. In Nigeria, the federal government has planned investments worth around 1.2 billion euros with the aim of reducing the country’s housing deficit for the less affluent segments of the population. Moreover, the governor of the state of Lagos has announced a project to build a new city in the north west The number of projects qualifying for The 2018 edition Deloitte’s quadrant of the of Lekki Free Trade Zone, adjacent to inclusion increased by 59.1%, while the Africa Construction Trendsairport Report andtotal the future international the region’s largvalue of projects increased by 53.3% est deep-sea port. includes 482 projects valued year-on-year. As a region, and for the first time since inception of this report, East planned million investment will the involve the atThe US$50m or $249 above, that had Africa has the largest number construction ofby housing 150,000 people, commer- of recorded broken ground 1 Junefor 2018. projects with 139 projects. North Africa buildings, offices, schools, healthcare facilities and Incial total, these projects are accounts for the largest share of projects in hotels and an industrial and logistics park. ✕ US$148.3bn). terms of value at 31.5% (or Africa Construction Trends Report 2018 | Africa Construction in Focus

According to the Africa Construction Trends 2018 analysis by Deloitte, the African construction industry saw a real boom in 2018 with respect to the previous year, with the number of projects increasing by 60% from 303 to 482 and reaching a total value of $471 billion (+53%). The countries topping the rankings in terms of number and value of projects were Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Algeria. Egypt stands out in particular for its New Capital, a city in the desert to the east of Cairo which is planned to be opened in mid-2020. The authorities intend to transfer all the offices and buildings used by the government, central administration and parliament to the pharaonic new town (700 sq. km and 6.5 million inhabitants) within three years. The masterplan also includes an international airport, a technology and innovation park, healthcare facilities and 40,000 hotel rooms. The other megaproject under construction in Egypt worth US$471bn. is the New Al-Alamein City located on the country’s northwest coast. With an investment of $337 bilFIG. 7 - AFRICA: NUMBER AND VALUE OF PROJECTS IN THE lion, including $59.6 billion financed by the governContinental statistics CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ment, the new “multi-million-dollar eco-city” will be482 come Egypt’s new riviera with extensive tourism, res500 482 471 500 471 idential, agricultural and industrial areas. In Moroc400 375 400 375 co, the second stage of a major infrastructure project 326 324 303 307 326 324 301 286 303 307 was launched in June 2018. Called Wessal Bouregreg, 301 300 286 300 257 257 it will extend along the river Bouregreg between the 200 200 capital Rabat and the neighbouring city of Salé and will cover a total built area of around 875,000 sq.m. The 100 100 development will include residential buildings (4,200 0 0 housing units), commercial areas, offices, sociocultur2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 al and leisure centres, healthcare facilities, car parks Number of projects Value (US$bn) Number of projects Value (US$bn) Source: Deloitte analysis, 2018 and hotels. It is due to be completed in 2024 at a total

Africa Construction i

100

Top 5 countries by number of projects

T I L E I N T E R N AT I O100 N A L 2 /2 0 1 9

79.2 79.2

Th 43 si w co va va re

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ViSoft products for room planning and visualization support users and customers in each step of the customer journey on the construction site, in the showroom and in the web. The ViSoft product family supports bath planners in room planning as well as in customer consultation and in sales. It offers a strong and efficient software infrastructure with solutions for mobile devices, showrooms and the web. The latest technologies and smart solutions make a seamless planning, editing and presenting of new bathroom projects possible. Inspiration via web Using ViSoft’s online planning tool a craftsman or a customer can sketch first ideas of the new bath in 2D

or 3D and send them to the showroom for detailed planning. Bath planners can present their portfolio of tiles and sanitary on their website with ViSoft’s online configurator by designing rooms in different colours and combinations. Looking for inspiration and design ideas the customer should visit ViSoft’s virtual gallery ViSoft 360 Cloud. Interior designers and bath planners from all over the world share their projects and images on this cloud platform. Construction site Taking measurement, first ide-

as and software-based consultation - this is all made possible with an app developed for tablets and smart phones. It can also be connected by Bluetooth to measurement devices in order to provide exact data. The project’s first plan can be imported easily to ViSoft Premium for further editing. The latest app is a mixture of virtual and augmented reality. Moving around on the construction site it recognizes walls and dimensions and projects the new bath on the tablet’s display or the VR-goggles.

ADVERTORIAL

Showroom offers In showrooms equipped with web terminals customers can find inspiration with the present portfolio of tiles and sanitary or try out first ideas on ViSoft’s online planner. Thus they get a first impression of the possible styles and varieties. Then bath planners can proceed to the professional planning and consultation with ViSoft Premium. ViSoft’s all-round software solution contains everything for the designing of individual rooms: the largest tile data base of the world, the latest sanitary of all leading producers, a variety of materials and a huge number of 3D decoration objects. Apart from that,

ViSoft Premium is really easy to use due to numerous tools and automatic functions, intelligent assistants and efficient side browsers. Emotional presentation The perfect plan of the new project is brought to life with ViSoft Photo Tuning. Pinsharp, 3-dimensional pictures show the new bathroom in different lighting and on different daytimes. ViSoft provides several possibilities for digital presentation on screens and walls. But it is also possible to enter the new project via virtual reality to experience dimensions and atmosphere. This is often the ultimate step in decision making.

ViSoft - Founded in 1995, we develop and sell specialized software tools for the tile and sanitary industry. Companies of every size work with our software to plan, visualize and sell. 5.000 users in 87 countries - manufacturers, retailers and small family businesses - rely on us and our software. ViSoft GmbH Mercedesstraße 1 D-71063 Sindelfingen Tel: +49 7031 49165-70 info@visoft.de www.visoft.de

FREE APPS (Android / iOS): ViSoft Smart - measurement ViSoft 360 - panoramas ViSoft VR - virtual reality

OT H E R C OV E R I NG S

OTHER COVERINGS

“Plural” covering solutions

Natural stone, parquet, carpet,

experimenting with the most diverse

LVT, concrete, Venetian terrazzo,

interior and exterior finishes, giving

laminate, glass mosaic, “cementine”

free rein to our creativity, imagining

cement-based tiles….

and “surprising”, as Italo Calvino

We have an endless variety of

does so effectively in his novel

coverings at our disposal, for

“Invisible Cities”.

THIN CITIES 4. “The city of Sophronia is made up of two half-cities. In one there is a great roller coaster with its steep humps, the carousel with its chain spokes, the Ferris wheel of spinning cages, the death-ride with the crouching motorcyclists, the big top with the clump of trapezes hanging in the middle. The other half-city is of stone and marble and cement, with the bank, the factories, the palaces, the slaughterhouse, the school, and all the rest. One of the half-cities is permanent, the other is temporary, and when the period of its sojourn is over, they uproot it, dismantle it, and take it off, transplanting it to the vacant lots of another half-city. And so every year the day comes when the workmen remove the marble pediments, lower the stone walls, the cement pylons, take down the Ministry, the monument, the docks, the petroleum refinery, the hospital, load them on trailers, to follow from stand to stand their annual itinerary. Here remains the half-Sophronia of the shooting-galleries and the carousels, the shout suspended from the cart of the headlong roller coaster, and it begins to count the months, the days it must wait before the caravan returns and a complete life can begin once again.” Italo Calvino (Italy, 1972)

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KRION® BY PORCELANOSA Krion® K·Life (EAST) is a latest-generation Active Solid Surface that reduces environmental impact. Its photocatalytic properties have been verified by internationally accredited laboratories and audited prior to publication of the respective environmental product declaration (EPD). Air purification, easy cleaning, antibacterial properties and elimination of chemicals are some of product’s key features. Others include high resistance to UV radiation, material integrity and unlimited scope for thermoforming, all of which contribute to the four fundamental pillars of Krion® K·Life: aesthetic appeal, durability, safety and sustainability

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GERFLOR Creation is available in three versions - 30, 55 and 70 which take their name from the thickness of their wear layer (0.30, 0.55 and 0.70mm respectively). The new Creation collection uses patented “duo core” technology to increase its strength without affecting its resilience or rigidity. There are three different, easy techniques for laying Creation, so you can fix it with adhesive, lay it floating or snap it together (thanks to Gerflor’s patented Vertical Clic system). Lastly, CREATION comes in a range of 35 colours, 10 floorboard and tile formats and a choice of new finishes

OTHER COVERINGS

that innovate while remaining faithful to the three main decorative trends that are the hallmark of the collection: wood effect, mineral effect and textile effect.

BESANA

1. Yoko, the all-new textile floor-covering from Besana, stands out for its harmonious, fully fireproof blend of cut and loop pile. (Composition: polyamide 6.6 Antron, thickness 8.2mm). 2. Snow is a dense, hard-wearing, textile, floor covering that is ideal for residential and contract applications. (Composition: polyamide, thickness 10mm. Fully fireproof.) 3. Launched in 2017, Sand now comes in a new, more extensive range of colours.

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TARKETT Tarkett LVT floor coverings provide interior designers with the material they need to develop infinite combinations and unprecedented design ideas. Available in floorboard and tile formats, they come in a wide range of colours and textures and can be laid in three different ways: floating, fixed with adhesive and using the snap-together system. The special TopClean surface treatment protects the surface, provides maximum wear-resistance and scratch-resistance and makes the floor covering easier to clean and maintain. Tarkett floor coverings also provide excellent indoor air quality, thanks to their extremely low VOC emissions and phthalate-free technology, thus contributing to the health and well-being of people and the environment.

Flowers

LITHOS MOSAICO ITALIA “Lithos Mosaico Italia now has 25 years of experience in the field, having started selling the marble mosaic it makes exclusively in its workshops in Martina Franca, in the Southern Italian province of Taranto, in 1994. Over the years, Lithos Mosaico Italia has consolidated its leadership thanks to the quality and refined Italian style of its products. The Acquaforte collection warrants particular attention as it derives from a special technique for etching marble surfaces. The resulting effect can be further embellished with the application of copper, silver or gold leaf. As well as our standard products, we produce bespoke items to our customers’ specifications.”

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ITALFLOORING GS_Origin is a 14mm laminate that offers eight reproductions of the most elegant shades of oak. Manufactured in Switzerland, the collection has six undisputed qualities. • Innovation: the look and feel are the same as those of a solid hardwood floor. • Environmental well-being: manufactured in accordance with the most stringent European standards, Origin is made from 100% natural raw materials, and its complete compatibility with human health is documented in a study by the Fraunhofer Institute. • Ecology: the wood used in its production comes from eco-sustainably managed forests and has FSC® certification. • As well as offering maximum abrasionresistance, scratch-resistance and impactresistance, the product is colour-fast and anti-static.

OTHER COVERINGS

• Cost-effectiveness: the product requires

LAMITEX

minimal maintenance and is easy to clean. • Ease of installation: the 5G snap-together

“To develop innovative materials with high emotional

system is the quickest and easiest way of

impact and special care for the environment: this is the

installing laminated flooring.

mission that Lamitex has adhered to from the origins of its work in the field of decorative laminates. CLPL® (Continuous Low-Pressure Laminate) is an exclusive Lamitex technology that gives our decorative laminates a natural, hyper-realistic appearance. Lamitex decorative laminates stand out for their unrivalled style and technological features and are the best choice for indoor vertical surfaces and all project requirement in the field of architecture, furnishing and interior design.”

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SAXA GRES Saxa Gres porcelain Sampietrini are made from a patented body, 25-30% of which consists of inert materials originating from household waste. Saxa Gres Sampietrini faithfully replicate the appearance of natural stone, have a thickness of 2 to 7cm, withstand the passage of vehicular traffic and are ideal for urban furnishing.

OTHER COVERINGS

This is a uniquely innovative form of eco-

MAP SLATE

ceramic for the production of green porcelain stoneware for urban furnishing.

Map Slate upholds the centuries-old tradition of slate coverings, while technologically updating their production process without compromising their core values. Black Slate, Marine Slate, Purple Slate, Green Slate, Multi-colour Slate, Cardosia and Quartzite are just some of the natural stones that Map Slate offers. In the bathroom photo you can see the precision of the cutting and the distinctive, slightly brushed finishes. The shower tray and washstand are one-off, made-tomeasure pieces. The various colours of the stones and the nine different models in the range make it possible to create bathrooms with a personal, classic and timeless style. Design: naturArdesiaÂŽ

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CP PARQUET “We ask the forests for their permission to use the precious wood they generate. We then return nature’s favour by planting new trees to safeguard the balance of the ecosystem and the future of generations to come. For the same reason, we work with respect for the environment, and use only water-based varnishes and natural oils. We believe in the beauty of natural things like wood, because of their simple perfection and perfect simplicity. Then we put our faith in the hands of our master craftsmen, because they are the only people who can truly understand the essence of wood and bring out the best in it with the most premium finishes. We care about our territory and our community. We certify the quality of our work because we have no interest in keeping secrets, we just want to communicate our love for nature - our real Made in Italy - clearly and passionately.”

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STILE RAW UV is a new finish for natural wood, developed and tested by Bona Industriale on Stileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production line in the Italian region of Umbria, thanks to the collaboration of technicians from both companies. RAW, which represents the height of naturalness and brings out the beauty of wood to unrivalled effect, still has all the high performance characteristics of Bona finishes. Available in the Stilnovo collection, Raw UV takes us back to a proper appreciation of the

OTHER COVERINGS

natural colour variations of the various species of wood, which Stile carefully selects from certified forests around the world to bring its customers the highest quality. The product shown in the photos is American walnut, with its unmistakable grain patterns, showcased in all its glory in the area designed by the architect Simone Micheli for the Hotel Regeneration event held during the Fuorisalone 2019.

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FLOOR ITALIA CERAMICHE Stone Polymer Composite - SPC consists of a central core of limestone combined with PVC powder and a stabilizer, and then heat-pressed to produce long wood-effect or stone-effect floorboards. Although it falls into the category of floating vinyl floor coverings, SPC differs from other products in the class because it is eco-compatible; and because it is anti-bacterial and emits no formaldehyde or other toxic substances. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, SPC is 100% waterproof; highly fire-resistant; highly stable and not subject to deformation by water, humidity or heat. The surface of SPC products is abrasionresistant, scratch-resistant and wear-resistant, while the UV treatment protects its colour.

OTHER COVERINGS

MAPEI In the field of jointless decorative floor and wall coverings, Mapei puts the emphasis on Ultratop Loft, a jointless cement-based covering for designer interiors, the restoration of existing surfaces and the creation of new decorative coverings. Ultratop Loft is designed for use in conjunction with Ultratop EasycoloR, a new colouring system that uses the ColorMapÂŽ colour grading system to provide over 200 tones for use in the creation of jointless surfaces in which tone, texture and colour become imperative aesthetic choices for contemporary interior design. With Ultratop Loft, the concept of freedom has progressed decisively into the realm of coverings, which now offer an increasing degree of textural impact.

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ORIGINAL PARQUET Heat-treated Oak belongs to the Oliati Naturali collection and stands out for the fact that, prior to oil-finishing, the wood undergoes treatment in a drying chamber. Unlike conventional heat-treatments, however, the process uses heat only and no ammonia vapour. This special process makes it completely ecological, eco-friendly and 100% FSC. The finished product comprises a top layer of selected oak on a base of lamellar birch wood. Available in a range of formats, it is a topquality product that is suitable for use with underfloor heating.

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SPAZIOCONTINUO BY LITOKOL The key benefits of Spaziocontinuo (www.spaziocontinuo. it) include wear-resistance, low maintenance and minimal thickness, which facilitates renovation work without the need for costly, radical building operations. The thickness is just 2mm for overlaid applications and the resin-coated surface is uniform and homogeneous. The resin is water-repellent, compatible with underfloor heating and offers unlimited scope for customisation thanks to the availability of over 2000 RAL and NCS colours. There are benefits for applicators too, because the product is easy to use and application cycles are very short. Spaziocontinuo offers two flooring lines (which can also be used on walls) - SpazioCemento and SpazioResina - plus two lines specifically for walls - SpazioChiaroscuro and SpazioMetallo - so as to give users complete freedom to express their creative flair.

â&#x17E;&#x153; A hotel near Merano opted to use SpazioCemento threecomponent decorative finish for its flooring. High abrasioncommercial applications subject to intensive traffic. â&#x17E;&#x153;

OTHER COVERINGS

resistance makes this product ideal for residential and

Senigallia: for the finishings of this bathroom, the designers opted for a very light colour made with SpazioChiaroscuro as a wall covering around the washbasin, to contrast with the intense sky-blue of the shower. Unlike SpazioCemento, SpazioChiaroscuro is a single-component decorative system for decorative and protective wall coverings with an appealing matt, brushed appearance.

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L AT I C R E T E F O R A H I S T O R I C C I T Y H A L L’ S R O O F

TECHNICAL PROJECTS

Situated to the south of the city of Cagliari, on the charming Italian island of Sardinia, lies the communal town of Capoterra, and within the town is the notable public city hall now acts as a municipal archive for historic documents. Over the years, the 1,200 square-meter roof, which was also a parking area, had become in serious disrepair. The time had come

to restore the roof, but also to provide a durable coating for the area that would last for years without the need for on-going work. The general contractor, Sardinian based Effe.Esse Costruzioni SRL was asked to find a quick solution, but a suitable product that could help protect the roof, but be durable enough to cope with vehicle traffic over the coming decades.

coating was applied to protect the system, and to cope with heavy motor vehicles. A Laticrete solution After the task of removing the existing, inadequate substrate was completed, the system could be applied. First, the cracks on the substrate were opened, treated and cleaned. They were then repaired so that they were once again part of the substrate. They were then sealed. The metal structural supports also had to be opened, repaired and sealed during this process. Chosen for its vapor reduction protection and waterproofing qualities, three coats of a Vapor Reduction Coating, together with fiberglass net was used to protect the structural supports and to stop vapor emission. This product is perfect where there is an elevated slab involved. It’s also quick drying and low in emissions. Ideal as a waterproofing product, it can cope with both negative and positive thrust. WTP Tape was applied over the metal supports using the two-part epoxy-polyurethane Latastik adhesive, which is designed and perfect for adhesion to metal surfaces. WTP TAPE and Latalastik were also applied on and around the metal drains, which were on one side of the roof where the water drained away. Finally, to complete the preparation of the substrate, the vapor reduction coating was made perfectly

Having previously worked with LATICRETE, the contractor knew whom to turn to for the solution. “For such a prestigious project like the Capoterra City Hall, it was important that the right material was chosen for this work. The experience and expertise of the LATICRETE team was also vital.” said local agent, Antonello Mura. The Challenges • Location: City Hall is located within the busy streets of Capoterra. The brief was to maintain a parking area, and to preserve the buildings roof for future generations. There was also the work required to remove the existing material from the roof that had failed. This could potentially put days on the project. A quick solution was required. • Industrial System: Once the existing material was removed, the roof would need a full repair of the cracks and joints, sealing, then a vapor barrier and waterproofing before a protective hard wearing

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smooth with a 150-grit sandpaper disc. Next, to protect the roof and provide a durable surface for motor vehicles, two coats of the polyaspartic resin coating Guard PA SB, together with the Guard PA SB Pigment Base and a tile red Polyaspartic Pigment were applied. Guard Pa Sb is a clear, fast-curing two-part polyaspartic aliphatic polyurea sealer/finish coating used for both decorative and protective applications. It is an ideal choice as a protective coating - durable, and long lasting. Finally a single final clear coat of Guard Pa Sb was applied to complete the system. This part of the system will also be UV-resistant and will maintain the desired appearance for future generations. Outcome The Capoterra City Hall roof repair was completed within one week in March 2019, and the car parking area re-opened immediately. Effe.Esse Costruzioni together with the help of the experience of LATICRETE Europe, were able to preserve the historic building roof for future generations and to keep the roof functioning as a parking area using a quality system. ✕

ADVERTISER’S LIST

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

Abk....................................................................................................................................................................119 Ariana................................................................................................................................................................91 Ava................................................................................................................................................................... 137 Bora Celik.................................................................................................................................................... 125 Cerambath..................................................................................................................................................141 Cevisama..................................................................................................................................................... 161 Del Conca..................................................................................................................................................... 53 Devon&Devon......................................................................................................................................... 127 Dr Tecnica.................................................................................................................................................... 75 Dural...................................................................................................................................................................33 Eco Design................................................................................................................................................. 135 Ege Seramik.............................................................................................................................................. 157 Eliane.............................................................................................................................................................. 145 Elios..................................................................................................................................................................121 Eterno Ivica.................................................................................................................................................. 97 Ferrari&Cigarini....................................................................................................................................... 133 Fila....................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Fustecma.................................................................................................................................................... 143 Gruppo Romani.......................................................................................................................................115 Impertek.........................................................................................................................................................17 Insca................................................................................................................................................................107 Intono.............................................................................................................................................................165 Italgraniti.........................................................................................................................................................19 Kajaria............................................................................................................................................................ 153 La Fabbrica................................................................................................................................................103 Lasselsberger Rako................................................................................................................................. 7 Laticrete Int........................................................................................................................... Back Cover Marocchi......................................................................................................................................................105 Mat Inter.............................................................................................................................................................1 Materialicasa.com.................................................................................................................................108 Maticad............................................................................................................................................................71 Montolit.........................................................................................................................................................129 Ng Kutahya.................................................................................................................................................2-3 Original Parquet................................................................................................................................42-43 Piemme...........................................................................................................................................................15 Profilpas.......................................................................................................Inside Back Cover / 4-5 Progress Profiles................................................................................................Inside Front Cover Raimondi.........................................................................................................................................................10 Rak Ceramica........................................................................................................................................... 101 Revestir.........................................................................................................................................................169 Rondine.............................................................................................................................................................6 Saxa Gres...................................................................................................................................................... 67 Scg Group...................................................................................................................................................149 Schlüter-Systems...........................................................................................................................Cover Self Style...............................................................................................................................................84-85 Tecnargilla.................................................................................................................................................176 Top Cer...........................................................................................................................................................151 Turkish Ceramic Federation..........................................................................................................159 Unicera.......................................................................................................................................................... 173 Visoft............................................................................................................................................ 37 / 60-61 Vitra................................................................................................................................................................... 59

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A TRIP TO THE MALDIVES WITH LITOKOL

PROJECTS

In late 2017, a 5-star luxury resort opened on the island of Fushifaru, north of Malé, in the Maldives. Known simply as Fushifaru Maldives (https://fushifaru.com), it is a luxury resort built on the wide strip of sand that borders the island, between the two channels that connect the inner lagoon to the open sea. Built in a modern architectural style, the resort consists of 49 villas – made up of 44 beach bungalows and 5 water bungalows – located either on the beach or directly on the water, and is complete with three restaurants and a wellness centre. It also has a wellequipped gym with ocean view and offers a wide range of watersports.

they use natural materials, in keeping with local culture. What’s more, they are situated on both sides of the island, so guests can choose whether they want a sunset view or a sunrise view. Project type: Muni Enterprise, Litokol srl’s local dealer and a leading designer and supplier of installation products in the Maldives, was involved in the formation of Fushifaru Investments, a joint venture with the Maldivian Government put together for the construction of this magnificent resort. Prior to its inauguration on 1 October 2017, construction work on the Fushifaru Maldives lasted two and a half years and involved the use of a wide range of Litokol products, which were chosen for the construction of the main swimming pool and the floor coverings of the Spa, the bedrooms of various villas and the

Fushifaru Maldives is located on Lhaviyani atoll, which can be reached by seaplane from Malé in about 40 minutes. The 49 bungalows, which are available with or without private pool, are built to the latest standards, but

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The name of the island of “Fushifaru” is formed from the words fushi, meaning “island”, and faru, meaning “barrier reef”, and Fushifaru Kan’du is a national marine protected area.

• The gym and the Spa’s massage cabins were tiled with wood-effect ceramic, installed with K18 cement adhesive formulated for indoor installation of ceramic floor and wall tiles. Litochrom high-perChiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it formance cement grout was then used for the grouting. • The floors of the bedrooms and outdoor bathrooms of the bungalows, meanwhile, were tiled with various materials (natural stone, marble, mosaic and ceramic), using K18 and Litochrom 1-6 grout. K18 cement adhesive was also used to install the outdoor floor coverings in ceramic and natural stone. ✕

extensive outdoor areas. • The large infinity pool was waterproofed with Aquamaster by Litokol, the ready-to-use liquid membrane in aqueous dispersion, which is chlorine-resistant, retains its elasticity to -5°C, and is ideal for waterproofing humid environments, both indoors and out. Litoplus K55 super-white cement adhesive was used to install the light blue glass mosaic, which was then grouted with Starlike® two-component epoxy mortar, which has excellent chemical-resistance. The outdoor Jacuzzi was tiled and grouted with the same products as used for the main pool.

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PROJECTS

EDGE FINISHING FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

The 26030 sq.m Barratt Homes development has an enviable position on the north bank of the River Thames, near the iconic Tower Bridge, and boasts 165 one-bed suites, one, two and three bed apartments and penthouses across 10 levels. It replaces Sugar Quay, the office building built for Tate and Lyle during the seventies, which was purchased by CPC Group back in 2012. The restoration was a Foster + Partners design delivered by Broadway Malyan. It took six years to give birth to these stunning surroundings, that became an iconic intervention within the City of London, where owners can also find exceptional facilities as 24-hour concierge, 20 m pool, a spa and a fitness suite, residents’ lounge, cinema and business suite. Sketching this frame, we have to insert Schlüter-Systems’ products that provide subtle and stylish support throughout various formats of matte and polished porcelain and marble. In order to understand the complexity of the technical intervention, we should begin to start analysing the kitchen and the living space, observing the prevention in the build-up of tension and resultant cracks within tiled coverings. It was provided 7550 sq.m of its uncoupling membrane Schlüter®-DITRA 25, in addition to over 400 metres’ combined length of the 10 mm-wide PVC movement joint Schlüter®-DILEX-BWB and the 5 mm-wide equivalent Schlüter®-DILEX-BWS, both in brilliant white. The combination of these two products forms a complete system to guard an installation against damage from movement. Installed between the tile and the substrate to accommodate the differentials of movement in the tile and substrate, DITRA 25 has become a tile installation staple, having amassed decades of proven use across the world. DILEX-BWS and -BWB divide a tile covering into appropriately sized fields for the relief of tension and are available in a variety of popular tones, making them as inconspicuous as possible within an installation. Regarding flooring thresholds, the clear choice

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SchlĂźter-Systems provided a variety of trims and movement joints to ensure a damage-free finish for the tiled walls and floors of high-end residential project, Landmark Place.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

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completes and enhances the safety of the marble-effect porcelain tiled stairs core. The white insert selected not only provides slip resistance, but also creates a good contrast with the dark tile for enhanced user comfort. “We find that Schlüter offers a great range of profile depths, so you can always find the right sized trim for job”, says Joshua Gallagher, Project Manager at Marmi Limited, “This was of huge benefit at Landmark Place, as there were so many different expanses of tile and material transitions to handle”. “Whenever we order Schlüter products, we always find them to be of the highest quality”, continues Joshua, “Our teams enjoy installing them and never have any problems doing so”. Alexander James Interiors has designed the whole concept for the internal context summing up the different parts of the project, committed to the respect of the genius loci of an historical London area, insert-

PROJECTS

was for transition profiles Schlüter®-SCHIENE and Schlüter®-RENO-T in brushed stainless steel to handle changes in the covering material as neatly as possible. SCHIENE finished areas where tiles abutted carpet and the T-shaped RENO-T provided a bridge between adjacent tiled areas: a perfect solution to handle transitions between different materials. Bathroom niches and external corners areas were managed in order to protect wall edges providing feature finishing. The solutions adopted were Schlüter®-JOLLY-MC on the niches and external wall corners within the sanitary ware following the interior design code. Consisting of brass with a plating of chrome, this remarkable finishing trim combines premium durability with a particularly high-shine finish. Last but not least it is the stairs area where Schlüter®-TREP-G, a brushed stainless steel stair nosing with an adhered non-slip insert,

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The summary of this intervention is the perfect matching between architecture, craft and interior design. â&#x153;&#x2022;

ing materials with an artisanal taste that can dialogue with the fabulous view from the living units towards The Shard.

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ADVERTORIAL

SELF STYLE ACQUIRES AREZIA THE SMALL-FORMAT SPECIALISTS

Maddalena and Raffaele Ruini

Self Style, a ceramic business founded in 1999 in Sassuolo and taken over in 2007 by the Ruini family, who burnished its worldwide reputation as a small-format specialist, recently acquired Arezia, a historic manufacturer of small-format tiles with high added value. Raffaele Ruini and Maddalena Ruini tell us about the strategies that led to the acquisition and invite everyone to visit their stand at Cersaie 2019: Hall 25, Stand B243

SelfStyle: Terrazzo Superwithe & Decor What were the reasons behind your decision to acquire Arezia? Raffaele Ruini: Over the 12 years that have elapsed since our acquisition of Self Style, we have kept our faith in small-format products and carried on tenaciously investing in them, against the market trends of recent years and almost as a tribute to Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage in ceramic floor and wall tiles. This approach has brought Self Style a string of gratifying results in Northern Europe, especially the UK and Scandinavia, but also in Japan, Australia and Canada. Our success first prompted us to move our Sassuolo headquarters to 83 Via Emilia Romagna, where we have a large warehouse, and then to acquire Arezia, an established brand that is well known for its wide range of top-end, small-format products. In view of the refined character and high added value of our products, we intend to target the world of designers more closely, and offer them the option of fully bespoke, made-to-order products.â&#x20AC;? Do you plan to keep the two brands - Self Style and Arezia - separate from each other? Maddalena Ruini: Yes, because they complement each other: the Self Style collections are better suited to traditional distribution, whereas the Arezia range is more refined and the ideal medium for creative designers. But the two brands will support

ADVERTORIAL

each other in terms of market penetration too, because Arezia is very well known in Italy and other European countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany, where it will facilitate the launch of the Self Style brand. The opposite will apply in northern Europe, where Self Style will introduce the Arezia brand. And let’s not forget that Arezia also has a key sales partner in Dubai, who is also responsible for covering the neighbouring markets of the United Arab Emirates. Had you already taken action to break into the closest European markets? Raffaele Ruini: The UK and Scandinavia are Self Style’s historic markets, but we have also taken initiatives to raise our profile in the European markets closest to Italy: we have a native German speaker covering Germany, Austria and Switzerland for us; in France, we have signed an agreement with De-

Arezia:Hermitage

coceram, a distribution chain specialising in ceramic coverings, with 60 stores; and in Italy we are strengthening our sales network and we believe that the Arezia brand will be very useful to us in this respect. At present, exports account for 85% of our turnover and domestic sales for 15%, but we believe that if we raise our profile, we will be able to expand in that segment of the market that loves small formats and knows how to employ them in refined interior design settings, perhaps in conjunction with large-format panels. So your acquisition of Arezia completes an expansion plan that you have already put in place… Maddalena Ruini: Since my father’s acquisition of the company 12 years ago, his dynamic thinking has been the driving force behind the company. His ability to interpret the signals of the market, while at the same time seeing beyond the

Arezia: E-Motion

immediate future, have enabled the company to make successful strategic changes regarding products and markets. Our acquisition of Arezia is just one of the first more explicit steps towards high-quality growth, which we invite you to come and see first-hand at Cersaie. How have you set up your stand? Raffaele Ruini: We have the same amount of stand space as we had last year, but we have designed a layout that enables us to dedicate an exclusive area to the Arezia collections. Our aim is to show how the creative power of small formats provides the perfect medium to develop truly unique interior design ideas and let designers to put our motto into practice: Your Style, Self made - in other words, build their own style by combining tradition with modernity, and refined craftsmanship with technology.

SELF STYLE SRL Via Emilia Romagna, 83 41049 Sassuolo (Mo) Tel. 0536 259210 Fax 0536 807449 www.selfitaly.it info@selfitaly.it

L A R G E - F O R M AT C E R A M I C T I L E S A N D PA N E L S

But what exactly does the term “l arge format ” mean? UNI 11493-1 2016 establishes the rules for the correct installation of large-format tiles, which are increasingly available in slim versions and are earning wide acclai from the market, thereby stimulating the

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

creativity of clients and architects alike

The best answer to that question can be found in UNI 11493.1, which says: “Tiles having one side exceeding a length of 60cm are defined as large-format tiles.” We also know that extremely large ceramic formats - defined as “large-format panels” - measure up to and in some cases exceed 3 metres in length, with thicknesses ranging from 3 to 6mm.

est panels to the highest professional standards. 1.

These innovative materials are highly acclaimed across the market and have brought new stimulus to the creative flair of clients and designers alike, but they give rise to a lot of technical requirements that have to be met in order to ensure perfect installation. These technical requirements involve the various stages of installing the covering, from preparing the substrate to handling and cutting the panels, choosing an appropriate adhesive system, back-buttering the panels, dealing with the joints and carrying out the necessary cleaning after installation. Let’s take a quick look at the key factors to consider in order to install even the larg-

Handling: very large formats are generally handled on the construction site using trolleys, suction cups and fixed structures. This prevents excessive bending and possible breakage or cracking of the panels as a result of their length. As well as the right equipment, you also need enough people to handle large-format panels.

2. Substrate: large-format panels, especially thinner ones, need to be installed on a totally flat substrate. Although this requirement applies to ceramic floor and wall tiles in general, it is even more critical when working with thin, large-format tiles and panels. Any marked irregularity in the substrate can cause cosmetic or technical damage to the overlying tiles (cracking/breakage). UNI11493 sets even lower tolerances for substrate planarity when working with “thin tiles”.

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MARAZZI Extra-large dimensions - 60x180cm - are among the key features of the Alchemy collection of slimline, whitebody wall tile, which is full of textural character and understated elegance. Drawing inspiration from microcement, a fine-grained material with sandy inclusions that generate an evocatively lustrous micro-pixel effect, Alchemy comes in four neutral tones: Fango, Grey, White and Greige. The collection is available in two different 3D textures in the same colours and same 60x180cm format. These are “Raw”, inspired by the characteristic skimming of micro-cement, and “Wabi”, featuring the effect typically associated with formwork. Alchemy also offers three different decorative options and three different mosaics.

CASALGRANDE PADANA Planks is a versatile new collection of wood-effect porcelain tile from Casalgrande Padana that is ideal for renovating the floor and wall coverings of any environment, from kitchens to bathrooms, bedrooms and living-rooms. Dynamic and modern, the new Planks collection comes in five different colours, ranging from white and beige at the light end of the scale, to moss, brown and grey at the dark end. The Planks collection is available in four different floorboard formats, measuring 20x120, 30x120, 20x240 and 30x240cm, with a thickness of 6.5mm.

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FLAVIKER Supreme Evo is a luxury interpretation of stone coverings: the most traditional items in the collection are Grey Amani, White Statuario Superior and Black Classic Marquinia. The other options are less conventional. Invisible Select is a white marble featuring branched vein patterns and warm tones; Antique White has an ivory background offset by a varied range of vein colours that pair perfectly with many different materials, while the elegantly eclectic Noir Laurent draws inspiration from the fine North-African marble of the same name. The Supreme EVO range includes 60x120 and 120x120cm tiles with a thickness of 9mm, plus 160x320 and 120x270cm large-format panels with a thickness of 6mm, for an endless range of creative

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

options.

ABK Ghost is a porcelain tile collection that reconciles memories of the past with the latest style trends: it revisits the visual effect of peeling painted walls with an elegantly balanced graphic pattern. Ghost’s latest evocation of a material is underpinned by a slightly textured background, embellished with contrasting gloss highlights. The collection comes in three neutral colours - Ivory, Rope and Grey - which evoke worn stone and concrete; two pastels (Sage and Clay) and two bolder colours (Jade and Taupe). The designers’ decision to offer this texture in multiple colours opens up an immense range of compositional options involving pairings with ABK’s main series of products. The concept of worn wood panelling with a three-dimensional effect is deployed in both the 120x270cm large-format panels and the 60x120cm tiles. In the same format, the evanescent Oasis motif takes on the appearance of an original wallpaper in a shabby-green style.

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L arge formats: which are the best adhesives? Before discussing specific adhesives for the installation of large-format coverings, it is worth emphasising that it is not advisable to use adhesive as the only means of levelling the screed on which you intend to lay your ceramic covering: Mapei has a range of specific products for levelling, such as Ultraplan, Nivorapid and Planitop Fast 330, each of which has its own specific characteristics

Regarding adhesives for the installation of large-format tiles

provide very high adhesion. Obviously, the adhesive system

and panels, their special characteristics include improved

is not the only factor you need to consider: joints between

adhesion and deformability. Both of these characteristics are

tiles, expansion joints, double application of adhesive and the

necessary because the larger the surface area of the tile, the

characteristics of the installation site are just as important to

higher the stresses on the floor system as a

the successful setting of large-format coverings.

whole, comprising substrate, adhesive and

Within Mapei’s wide range of adhesives, three products

tile. These stresses can originate from both

are especially suited to large-format products:

natural deformation and external factors,

•

Elastorapid:

two-component,

highly-deformable,

to crack or come unstuck. For these reasons, for the majority

adhesive with no vertical slip (class C2E FTE S2) and long open

of applications, UNI11493.1 recommends adhesive systems

time, for ceramic and stone coverings (adhesive thickness up

with improved adhesion (class 2, adhesion ≥ 1 N/mm2) and

quick-setting,

high-performance,

such as sudden temperature changes, which can cause tiles

quick-drying

cement

to 10 mm).

deformability (class S1 or S2) for tiles with any side exceeding

• Ultralite S2: one-component, high-performance, highly-

90 or 120 cm in length. Deformable adhesives have a lower

deformable, lightweight cement adhesive with long open

elastic modulus, which means they are better at absorbing the

time, very high coverage, good spreadability (class C2E S2)

tensions that arise from differences in behaviour between the

and good buttering capacity, for ceramic and stone tiles, ideal

various materials that make up the tiling system. Furthermore,

for slim porcelain tiles.

slim porcelain panels, which already have low absorption in

• Kerabond: cement adhesive for ceramic tiles (adhesive

their own right, but are also sometimes reinforced with mesh

thickness up to 5 mm). Mixed with ISOLASTIC elasticising

with similarly low absorption, require class S1 or S2 adhesives,

latex, it becomes highly deformable, while offering high

because these adhesives are not only deformable but also

performance and long open time (C2E/S2).

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PORCELANOSA The XTONE porcelain tile collections are “Designed to apply

the concept of bespoke tailoring to every architectural environment, from façades to floor coverings, wall coverings and countertops. We want it to be a benchmark for creativity in the industry, because it puts an end to the concept of rigidity, to which technical porcelain coverings have accustomed us,” explains Pablo Ruiz, Director of Urbatek. “From a design point of view,” he continues, “as from the 328x154cm large-format panel with a thickness of 12mm or the 150x300cm panel with a thickness of 6mm, we can start playing with forms and adapting ourselves to the available space. We use space as a blank canvas that we decorate with custom designs, which take their inspiration from art. This enables both architects and interior designers to create the

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

ideal space.”

FONDOVALLE The Infinito 2.0 collection is a refined selection of different types of natural marble, transformed into porcelain tile with enhanced technical and aesthetic qualities. Tonal continuity, calibrated veining and gloss and matt finishes turn “marble” into a versatile product capable of meeting all the needs of contemporary design. The faithful reproduction of the most sought-after types of marble boosts the appeal of every environment, on walls and interior design objects alike. From total black, via shades of grey and brown, to every nuance of white, the marble varieties in the Infinito 2.0 collection offer a range of different textures, shot through with vein patterns of varying breadth, which accentuate the precious, natural beauty of the original material. Available in gloss, honed and natural finishes, they bring out the best in any environment, from traditional to minimalist, while the 160x320cm large-format panel showcases the aesthetic perfection of natural stone.

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CERSAIE 2019 23-27 SEPTEMBER PAV. 18 STAND A20-B19

DEL CONCA Del Conca has ventured beyond standard sizes and launched a new 120x260cm format. These outsize panels include the marble-effect Boutique collection. They bring continuity to the surfaces of domestic and other environments, and can also be used for kitchen worktops, bathroom countertops, tables and more, to create a total look involving floor coverings, wall coverings and furniture. They make ideal wall coverings, but smaller sizes with higher thicknesses (10mm) are also available and are

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

perfect for floor applications.

LAMINAM A specialist manufacturer of largeformat panels for architectural, interior and furnishing applications, LAMINAM has a track-record of high-profile projects and major international references. Pictured: • Commercial and residential building (façade) • Cagliari / Italy • Design: Studio Fadda • Construction company: Ing. Raffaello Pellegrini srl • Façade: Collection, Bianco Assoluto Various sizes – Laminam 5

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Tile levelling to the highest professional standards Proleveling System is a new levelling system designed for the installation of floor and wall coverings to the highest professional standards. Suitable for any type of tile format, the new Proleveling System is ideal for the installation of large-format panels, including thin ones. The Proleveling System pommel cap, now available in an innovative transparent version with alignment holes in it, controls the alignment of the joints between tiles, to ensure complete precision.

Proleveling System consists of just two practical, easy-to-use

makes them easy to recognise, to make installation quicker and

elements, and does not require the use of pliers or other tools.

simpler.

A levelling base enables you to separate and abut ceramic,

The system also includes a transparent, perforated pommel cap

marble and natural stone tiles or slim covering materials, to

which, when screwed onto the threaded stem of the levelling

obtain totally even floor and/or wall surfaces. Adaptable to any

base, enables you to adjust the pressure on the surface and

medium or large format, the levellers have a thickness ranging

align the joints between tiles precisely, for perfect results.

from 1 to 5 mm to suit the desired width of the joint: the full-

Once the tiles are in place, remove the pommel cap by simply

cross and linear levellers are for in-line installation, while the

exerting slight pressure on it or kicking it in the direction of the

half-cross and linear levellers are for staggered installation.

joint. The pommel caps can be reused again and again without

The new light blue colour of the linear levellers, furthermore,

limit, and come in a single form for all heights and models.

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Handling, cut ting and install ation The history of Raimondi S.p.A. dates back to the early 1900s, when the Raimondi family entered the world of tile installation thanks to the founder’s father, who was a master tiler. Mirco Raimondi, the company’s founder, learned the art and practice of tile installation from his father on an ongoing basis all the way up to the early 1960s. That was when Mirco gave up his job on a building site to put some of his ideas into practice, by embarking on the production of machines designed to improve the quality and productivity of tile installation processes and reduce the physical demands that tilers had to cope with.

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

Raimondi Mirco S.n.c. was formed in 1974, before becoming Raimondi S.r.l. in 1984 and Raimondi S.p.A. in 2003. From the outset, Raimondi has always stood out from other

for themselves: 160 meetings were held in 2018, reaching an

manufacturers of tile installation equipment because of its

audience of over 2,500 people, made up of tilers, specifiers and

marked aptitude for innovation, which keeps the company in

sales personnel from Italy and worldwide.

step with developments in the tile world at all times.

From the start of 2019 to the present, Raimondi has already

On the strength of this characteristic, and by working in

held 130 meetings, involving 2,300 people, and the total number

conjunction with the leading manufacturers of large-format

of meetings is expected to rise to 190 by the end of the year,

panels, in the early 2000s the company responded rapidly to

reaching an overall audience of 3,000 people.

the problems generated by the advent of large-format porcelain

The meetings focus on the latest theoretical and practical

panels, by developing a line of products specifically dedicated

solutions in accordance with UNI11493-1, which sets down

to them. Raimondi now has the most comprehensive range of

guidelines for the design, installation and maintenance of

equipment for handling, machining and installing large-format

large-format tiles.

ceramic panels, and keeps constantly up to date with product

The products involved can be divided on the basis of the various

innovations and the needs of tilers, thanks to its direct contact

work phases, namely:

with Assoposa, the Italian tilers’ association, of which it is a

HANDLING: EASY-MOVE MkIII is the fourth generation of

technical partner, and with the leading ceramic manufacturers,

Raimondi’s renowned system for the safe handling of panels

with which it collaborates on the preparation of technical

measuring up to 360 cm in length, and incorporates all the

manuals, videos and meetings.

necessary technical features for tackling the most complex

“PARLIAMO DI POSA” (Let’s talk about tile-setting) is the name

installation jobs. For example, it is equipped with non-

given to the meetings held by Raimondi, which include theory

marking, tilting suction cups with a vacuum meter, and the

courses and practical demonstrations. The numbers speak

crossbars and suction cups are easy to position wherever

94 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

you want them and can be removed. EASY-MOVE MkIII is complemented by CAM ADV, a trolley specifically designed for carrying and handling large-format panels and spreading adhesive on the back of them (to obtain full coverage by means of back-buttering as per UNI 11493-1). Raimondi also pays close attention to detail and recently designed the new SALVASPIGOLI, a device for protecting the corners of large-format panels with a thickness of 3-12 mm

with the water-cooling kit to reduce dust dispersal, improve

against impacts during handling.

cutting quality and speed up the work process.

CUTTING & CORE-DRILLING: 5 years after the introduction of

As for core drilling, Raimondi offers a series of diamond

FREE CUT, Raimondi’s first cutting guide for large-format

core-drills with diameters of 6 to 100mm, which can be used

panels, the company has launched RAIZOR, which is setting

with a nut runner and water, and the KOMPASS device for

new standards in the industry: lightweight, compact and

circular cuts of up to 1200mm.

easy to transport, it offers a series of technical features that

INSTALLATION. Raimondi offers a vast range of installation

combine to deliver unique performance for professional

products, ranging from adhesive spreaders (36x13cm) with

tilers. RAIZOR offers a cutting length of 332 cm. POWER

inclined 10mm notches that increase coverage per pass by

RAIZOR is a device for angle grinders, for use in conjunction

30% compared with the traditional format (28x13cm) and the

with RAIZOR: it is an effective tool for 90° cuts, 45° mitre cuts,

VOLPINO vibrator, designed to compact the adhesive and

half bullnose edge profiling and square and rectangular cut-

expel air from beneath the panel. Both these products help

outs in the middle of panels. POWER RAIZOR can be used

achieve full coverage (as per UNI 11493-1) between panel and substrate, with no air pockets (which are the main cause of post-installation panel breakage). Then there is CLOSER, the device that moves panels closer to or away from each other after they have been laid. And lastly, there is R.L.S., Raimondi’s levelling spacers, which are now world-renowned. The system made up of bases, wedges and a pair of special pliers is now complemented by a new model, R.L.S. VITE, consisting of just two elements: a threaded base and a ring-nut that can be quickly screwed onto the base until it reaches the panel, thus exerting the necessary pressure for levelling. Both R.L.S. and R.L.S. VITE meet the requirements of UNI 11493-1 on the planarity of tiling.

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GRANITIFIANDRE Drawing inspiration from Italian marble, Arabescato Orobico is the latest colour to join the Marmi Maximum collection by Fiandre Architectural Surfaces, which is available in sizes up to 300x150cm with a thickness of 6mm. The striations and layered florescences that are typical of this material juxtapose variants of white with different shades of grey and brown, alternating with scattered splashes of yellow ochre. The opulence of the design is accentuated by the polished finish and makes this texture ideal for exclusive architectural and interior applications, whether residential, commercial or public. The ornamental character of Arabescato Orobico is perfect for floor and wall coverings, but its thickness of just 6mm makes it equally suitable for furnishings

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

and architectural details.

EMILCERAMICA Level is a line of 160x320 large-format panels designed by Emilgroup to open up new horizons in architectural and interior design, for both residential and public applications. The 6.5mm thick, edge-ground version in size 160x320cm and the 12mm thick version in size 162x324 without edge-grinding are ideal for use as countertops and backsplashes for kitchens and bathrooms, worktops, tables and storage unit doors, because of the unprecedented aesthetic coherence they afford. Level has high resistance to scratching by blades or other objects, is not subject to fading or structural damage as a result of exposure to heat, suffers no adverse effects from exposure to chemicals or high-acidity foods and, because it is non-porous, does not trap bacteria, mould or other harmful agents, thus ensuring first-class hygiene.

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www.eternoivica.com

Clock Tower â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Benâ&#x20AC;? U.K.

100

Tiger Hill Pagoda

St. Martin Church

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Bad Frankenhausen

Nevyansk Tower

China

France

Italy

Germany

Russia

meter

Italian quality at the service of the world. Throughout the world Eterno Ivica, thanks to its supports of the Pedestal line, ensures flat and stable raised floors over time. CERSAIE 2019 | Bologna - Italy | 23 - 27 September 2019 | External area 45 - Stand 15

Decoupling holds the key Large-format panels now account for a significant share of the revenues of the leading ceramic manufacturers. Both the size and number of formats on sale are continuously growing. Today’s market offers products of such impressive dimensions that you can tile a surface area of over 4 sq.m with a single ceramic panel. The range of thicknesses is equally varied. While the majority of products are in the region of 5 to 6 mm thick, there are also products ranging from the ultra-slim 3 mm, all the way up to over 10 mm. The slimmest products bring several benefits: they are easier to handle on site because they weigh less, they are easier to work with and they are ideal for use in restoration projects where traditional products would be too thick. The thickest products, by contrast, offer higher mechanical strength and can therefore be used in a wider range of applications. The subfloor beneath large-format panels

all subfloors inevitably suffer from the fact that they shrink

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

and expand to different degrees compared with the ceramic Regardless of size and thickness, the common denominator of

laid on top of them, which is inherently more rigid and stable.

all large-format panels is that they need a “flat, stable and load-

The most common types of subfloor, furthermore, are screeds

bearing subfloor”, as all the installation manuals say. You would

and mid-layers of wood, both of which are subject to significant

be forgiven for thinking that subfloors were never anything

expansion and cracking.

other than flat, but in reality, it is virtually impossible to find

Since wood is a “living” material, you can imagine how much

a subfloor that is so flat and above all so stable that it poses no

stress a wooden subfloor can transmit to the large-format

risk to the integrity of the panel to be laid on top of it.

panels laid on top of it with adhesive. But even screeds, which

UNI11493-1:2016 on ceramic tiles states that,

might appear to be more stable, are subject

when installing tiles with a thickness > 5 mm,

to shrinkage of >/= 0.6 mm per linear metre

the planarity of the subfloor must not deviate

during curing.

by more than 3 mm over a distance of 2 metres.

Now, if a value of “just” 0.6 mm per linear metre

When installing tiles with a thickness of ≤5

might seem like an insignificant dimensional

mm, by contrast, the planarity of the subfloor

change that would easily be absorbed by the

must not deviate by more than 1.5 mm.

numerous joints (which tilers used to refer to as

Essentially, the standard requires the subfloor to be as flat as

“sacrificial” because of the function they fulfilled) between the

a billiard table. But however carefully they are laid, practically

small-format tiles of years gone by, what happens with a large-

98 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

format panel measuring 3 metres in length, laid with a joint of

ceramic coverings, and its DITRA range provides various

maybe just 2 mm?

solutions to the question of how to fix ceramic coverings with

Over a length of 3 metres, this expansion becomes 1.8 mm, so

adhesive in a way that decouples them from the different rate

since modern adhesives literally weld tiles to the subfloor, if

of expansion of the subfloor.

there are no joints nearby to come to the rescue, the panel is

Schlüter-DITRA membranes not only fulfil the function of

almost bound to crack!

“crack-bridging”, but also compensate for cracks of up to 2 mm

And if it does crack, imagine changing a 4 sq.m panel that

that appear in the subfloor after installation and during use,

has already been installed, perhaps in a house that is already

and prevent them from damaging the ceramic covering.

inhabited and finely furnished…

The Schlüter-DITRA membrane also ensures that the weight of and on the ceramic covering is evenly distributed to the

The solution: separation at the time of adhesion

subfloor. This neutralises any adverse effects of the small irregularities

The only way of safeguarding large-format panels against these

that are inevitably present in the screed.

risks is to insert a decoupling layer between the panel and the

Schlüter-DITRA decoupling membrane for installation under

subfloor. The decoupling membrane also helps compensate for

ceramic coverings: a solution with a track-record of over 30

the slight differences in planarity of the subfloor.

years, which is also expressly recommended in standards and

For decades, Schlüter-Systems, a multinational, has been

best practices for the installation of large-format panels.

a world-class manufacturer of decoupling membranes for

Long live large formats!

Photos: Site: Pescara Dental Surgery - Photo courtesy of Alfonso Casale, Tiler and Member of ASSOPOSA

99 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

COOP. IMOLA Tube is a new product with an evocative metallic flavour. Offering ample scope for different combinations of formats, colours, finishes and trim pieces, it draws inspiration from iconic elements of contemporary cityscapes. The result is a project that combines underground sensitivity with metropolitan elegance; a lived-in feel with impeccable style; and a passion for time-worn materials with a taste for high-class reclamation. Tubeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s texture and surface comes in three finishes: smooth, natural and matt. The collection enriches the range with a latest-generation large-format panel, measuring 120x260cm with a thickness of just 6.5mm. Tube is also available in sizes 120x120,

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

60x120 and 60x60cm.

ITALGRANITI Mega large-format panels, in the majestic size of 160x320cm with a thickness of 6mm, serve as a skin for indoor and outdoor floors, walls and furnishing surfaces. Mega is a safe, compact material with high resistance to stress, wear, footfall, chemicals, mould, frost and fire. Their thickness of just 6mm, makes these panels flexible and easy to cut, drill and handle. Mega porcelain tile is easy to sanitise and totally immune to UV radiation. The Mega collection includes the Marble Experience series, which reproduces a selection of the most sought-after types of marble, in a thickness of 6mm and with a wide range of 9.5mm modules. Marble Experience is the ideal medium for creating opulent, unmistakable environments.

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Floor: VERSILIA MARBLE SUGI BAN WOOD

CERSAIE BOLOGNA, ITALY 23-27 SEPTEMBER 2019

RAKCERAMICS.COM

TILES AND SLABS: HALL 14, STAND B31-C32 SANITARYWARE: HALL 30, STAND B52-C51

Raised install ation: pedestals

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

The Antony Hotel, a 4-star establishment with over 100 rooms, is strategically located a few minutes from Venice, between the airport and the historic centre. Recently remodelled, the hotel now features a substantial panoramic terrace with a magnificent view over the Venetian lagoon and skyline. For the floor covering of the terrace, the designer opted for porcelain tiles that replicate wooden floorboards, measuring 40x120 cm, with a thickness of 2 cm. For the installation of these tiles, using a raised flooring system, the designer contacted Impertek srl, a Venice-based company specialising in the production â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exclusively in Italy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of adjustable pedestals for outdoor flooring, made of recycled and repeatedly recyclable material.

Quick, top-quality raised installation

1,020 mm and a load capacity of up to 1,000 kg per pedestal. Specific levelling devices, a structure designed for precision

Pedestal Line is a range of pedestals and accessories designed

adjustment even when the installation process is already under

by Impertek for quick, top-quality installation of raised outdoor

way, and the Balance heads with self-levelling adjustability

flooring: the degree of adjustability of the pedestals, the

of up to 5% of the gradient of the installation surface, ensure

specific heads for stone, ceramic and decking respectively, and

perfect levelling of the floor covering, whether in stone,

the wide range of accessories, make the collection one of the

ceramic or wood. Furthermore, the anti-shock rubber, with

most complete systems currently on the market.

its characteristic orange colour, absorbs noise and provides

Using different combinations of bodies, extensions and heads,

excellent acoustic insulation against footfall, while basic

Pedestal Line can be assembled in over 50 configurations,

accessories, such as the clips, make it possible to integrate

with heights ranging from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of

steps and vertical borders into the flooring.

102 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 1 9

RA-KU collection

La Fabbrica S.p.A. - Via Emilia Ponente, 925 - 48014 Castel Bolognese (RA) Italy - Tel. +39 0546 - 659911 - Fax +39 0546 - 656223 - www.lafabbrica.it - info@lafabbrica.it

La Fabbrica / Hall 20 Stand A64-B63 Ava / Hall 20 Stand B68-C67

S E P T

2 3 - 2 7 ,

2 0 1 9

ENERGIEKER City Plaster multicolour finish (four colours: white, beige, grey, multi-colour) EkXtreme formats: 120x270 (6mm) – 121x121 (9mm) – 121x270 (6mm) also with Graffiti accent Traditional formats, all with thickness of 9mm: 60x120 – 30.4x61 – 61x61 – 61x121 also with

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

Graffiti accent.

AVA-ITALCER The world’s rarest types of marble and onyx were the inspiration for the Preziosi collection of drypressed, large-format porcelain panels available in size 320x160cm and a wide range of other formats, and thicknesses of 6 and 10mm. Preziosi - available in two finishes: natural edge-ground and polished edge-ground - is ideal for residential and commercial environments and a host of other conventional and unconventional applications, including interior doors, storage unit doors, shipbuilding, furnishing, design, ventilated façades, countertops and coordinated coverings. The Preziosi collection comes in three premium colours: Nautilus, Portoro and Emerald Onyx.

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Essential design to exhibit high range products

QUBIK Registered Community Model Number 001928490-0001 / 0004 DISPLAYS & SHOWROOMS - CONCEPT, DESIGN & MANUFACTURING 23 - 27 September Area 44 - Stand 29

Marocchi s.r.l. Via G. Di Vittorio, 3 40020 Casalfiumanese (Bologna) Italy

Tel. +39 0542 666136 Fax +39 0542 666762

marocchi@marocchi.com www.marocchi.com

Perfect mitre cuts and no air gaps Ever since the market acquired a taste for large-format porcelain panels (125 to 360cm), Brevetti Montolit has been working with the most prestigious ceramic manufacturers to develop specific ideas and equipment to help handle, machine and install them, in keeping with Montolit’s long-standing commitment to finding solutions and building rugged tools that make even the most professionally complex jobs simpler. Two of the key products that Brevetti Montolit will be presenting at this year’s Cersaie are specifically designed for the installation of large-format tiles and panels. These are the all-new Battile vibrating suction cup, which offers totally unrivalled performance and manoeuvrability, and the Toprofile profiling machine. • Battile’s light weight and compact size make it the ideal tool for the correct installation of ceramic panels on both walls and floors. Because of their size, these panels tend to trap air bubbles, giving

L A R G E F O R M AT S C E R A M I C T I L E S

rise to gaps between the adhesive and the ceramic that threaten the integrity of the covering. Powered by long-life rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, Battile sticks to your ceramic panel by means of a suction cup and then uses vibration to push out any air pockets from underneath the panel. You can set the vibration intensity from 5,000 to 18,000 vibrations per minute by means of an easy-to-use potentiometer located near the handle. The structure of the new vibrating suction cup is made of rugged impact-resistant material with non-slip rubber inserts on the handle, and comes supplied with a battery charger in a carrying case. • The Toprofile profiling machine forms part of Project 300 - consisting of a continuously developing range of machines and equipment to meet the constantly evolving sizes and thicknesses of ceramic sheets and is designed to perform perfect mitre cuts in a simple, professional manner. All you need to do is place the sliding plate on the panel, start the motor and slide the machine along the edge. The diamond wheel does the rest, and delivers perfect results every time. The key features of Toprofile are: 1. Die-cast aluminium structure, providing light weight, rigidity and a large, secure contact surface to ensure extreme precision 2. Size and position of the handles, designed for maximum ergonomic comfort

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3. Debris suction system that adapts to all types

available with fine or medium diamond grit to suit

of vacuum units and keeps the work area completely dust-

the material you are working with; wheels for chamfers

free

(3 and 5mm) and wheels for creating radiused edges (3-5-

4. Large, easy-to-change sliding plate made of non-scratch material There is also a comprehensive range of diamond wheels, including wheels for bevels/mitre cuts (up to 15mm thick),

10mm). This machine is totally plug and play: supplied in a special protective bag, it comes fully assembled, adjusted and ready to use. And in the best Montolit tradition, it is covered by an international patent.

ADVERTISING

http://www. .com INTERIOR DESIGN

S U R FAC E S ARCHITECTURE

M AT E R I A L S TECHNOLOGIES NOW ALSO ON

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focus on

Italy, September â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;19 CERAMIC TILES & MORE CERSAIE 2019

picture: Rondine Group @ Cersaie 2018 - photo by: Giancarlo Pradelli

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CERAMIC TILES & MORE DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE , CERAMIC TILES AND EVENTS, FROM 23 SEPTEMBER TO 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 .

CERSAIE 2019

B O L O G N Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S C I T Y C E N T R E A N D T R A D E FA I R C O M P L E X .

Cersaie, one of the most important international trade fairs for ceramics, architectural surfaces and bathroom furnishings, will open on 23 September with a competitive calendar of events, conferences, B2B theme exhibits and guided tours. Whether you are an architect, a designer, a retailer, an installer or a visitor, you will find plenty of solutions, ideas and products at Cersaie that will enhance your competence in this market field. This year will see the debut of Open Cersaie, a new exhibition concept focusing on diversity and reaching out to new target audiences. The aim is to create a deep synergy between different fields of the architectural market, with a view to transforming Cersaie from a traditional exhibition into a relational exhibition, starting with the new logo and striving to integrate the digital and analogue worlds, to generate dialogue.

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CONFERENCES CALENDAR

9 Settembre 2017

ologici

menti di ceramica - Bicottura - Clinker - Cotto Gres rosso - Monocottura chiara - Monocottura attiscopa, listelli, tozzetti, altri pezzi speciali in ceramica - Pezzi speciali per piscine - Tegole entilate - Pavimenti sopraelevati

menti in materiali non ceramici* - Marmo tra Ricostruita - Legno - Parquet - Laminati in Fibre Naturali - Compositi - Vetro - Rivestimenti

ingresso CALZONI

15 A

Caminetti - Caminetti per arredo - Stufe in iastrellate

Mostra: MILLELUCI Italian Style Concept

Gall. 21/22 Galleria dell’Architettura

42 ingresso COSTITUZIONE

Città della posa: ampia area riservata alla dimostrazione delle nuove tecniche di installazione e posa in opera di pavimenti e rivestimenti.

CENTRO SERVIZI

• Pad. 26, Press Gallery

ingresso MICHELINO

Gall. 21-22

ezzature per prodotti ceramici - Supporto , smalti e fondenti - Prodotti per serigrafia,

eriali per la posa e l’esposizione di prodotti e ed attrezzi - Adesivi, impermeabilizzanti e er finiture e per il trattamento delle superfici positori per campionari, arredi per sale mostra

ingresso NORD

Gall. 25-26

mbiente bagno - Complementi ed oggettistica per bagno - Specchi e specchiere - Tende, n genere - Lavelli - Piani d’appoggio - Elementi disabili

• Main Entrance, service centre

LIAN STYLE CONCEPT ITA

rietà con BolognaFiere

ienico-sanitarie - Apparecchi igienico-sanitari sche da bagno e idromassaggio - Rubinetteria do - Saune

TILE EDIZIONI

Gall. 15-18

30 45 26

ingresso ALDO MORO

ssociazioni, centri di ricerca e di informazione -

Emilio Ambasz What: Conference When: Thursday 26 September, 4.00 pm Where: Bologna Trade Fair Complex, Architecture Gallery - Gall. 21/22 About: Emilio Ambasz (born in Argentina on 13 June 1943, Resistencia, Chaco)

is an architect and award-winning industrial designer, who combines buildings with gardens, which he describes as ‘green over grey’, hiding buildings under grass or putting them on boats, trying to integrate nature and construction into architectural design. During his long and brilliant carrier, he won many awards, such as the Grand Prize (1987) International Interior Design Award of the United Kingdom. Ambasz is the author of several books on architecture and design and in 2017, Lars Mueller Publishers issued a much-improved version of Emerging Nature: Precursor of Architecture and Design, the book that documents the work of the Argentinian architect.

www: www.cersaie.it/event/Emilio-Ambazs/665225/2019

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CONFERENCES CALENDAR

Jakob & Macfarl ane What: Conference When: Thursday 26 September, 10:30 am. Where: Bologna Trade Fair Complex, Architecture Gallery - Gall. 21/22 About: Dominique Jakob and Brendan MacFarlane founded their firm in

CERSAIE 2019

Paris in 1992 with a view to exploring the use of digital technology as a conceptual tool and a means of fabrication, exploiting new materials to create more flexible architectural environments. Their firm’s best known projects include the Restaurant Georges in the Pompidou Centre in Paris (2000), reconstruction of the Pont-Audemer theatre in Normandy (2001), the Florence Loewy Books by Artists bookstore in Paris (2001), the Paris Docks (2008), the Orange Cube (2010) and the Euronews headquarters in Lyon (2014).

www: www.cersaie.it/event/Jakob-Macfarlane/665223/2019

Anupama Kundoo What: Conference When: Thursday 25 September, 4.00 pm. Where: Bologna Trade Fair Complex, Architecture Gallery - Gall. 21/22 About: Anupama Kundoo was born in Pune, India in 1967, and she is

renowned for her research and experimentation of materials, focusing on their low environmental impact and pertinence to the socio-economic context in which they stand. Her work also extends to urban design, thanks to her experience in rapid development-related urbanisation, of which she has extensively written in her recently published essays as “Rethinking Accessibility in Economic and Environmental Terms” in Routledge’s book “Inclusive Urbanization: Rethinking Politics, Practice, and Research in the Age of Climate Change” in 2015.

www: www.cersaie.it/event/Anupama-Kundoo/665221/2019

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CONFERENCES CALENDAR

Felipe Assadi What: Conference When: Thursday 25 September, 10.30 am. Where: Bologna Trade Fair Complex, Architecture Gallery - Gall. 21/22 About: The Chilean architect Felipe Assadi was born in Santiago in 1971. Project by project, his work brought him to different countries, such as Chile, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, USA, Ecuador and Colombia, where he could shape the underlying theme of his work: the use of low-cost materials that are easy to find and transport and can be assembled and disassembled rapidly. Two of his most innovative projects are the “Remote House” in Chile, an 80-square-metre house that can be assembled and disassembled in just 6 hours, and the “20x20 House”, built in Chile, based on a 20x20 cm ceramic tile module.

www: www.cersaie.it/event/Felipe-Assadi/665216/2019

Francesca Molteni What: Lesson in reverse When: Friday 26 September, 10.00 am. Where: Bologna Trade Fair Complex, Europauditorium About: After a long series of designers and artists such as Enzo Mari, El-

io Caccavale, Alessandro Mendini, Riccardo Dalisi, Riccardo Blumer, Massimo Giacon, Ugo La Pietra, Fabio Novembre and Silvia Camporesi, the 2019 Lesson in Reverse will be held by Francesca Molteni, the director known for the production of videos, documentaries and films dedicated to architecture and design. Francesca Molteni will talk about the relationship between cinema, video production and design. This year’s Lesson will also include the direct involvement of a group of students, who will participate directly on the stage, talk with the teacher and participate in a workshop focused on film and video techniques.

www: www.cersaie.it/event/Lesson-in-reverse/665226/2019

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EXHIBITS

The Famous Bathrooms What: Exhibit When: Opening • Monday 23 September • 2.30 p.m. Where: Bologna Trade Fair Complex, Hall 30 stand A80 - E77 About: Following the success of the five previous events, this year Cer-

CERSAIE 2019

saie will present a free interpretation of bathrooms inspired by personalities who have shaped history, from The Beatles to Sigmund Freud, from Coco Chanel to Piet Mondrian and from Le Corbusier to Maria Callas. Based on the concept that the bathroom is the place of well-being, a room to be furnished and customised according to the user’s own personal needs and tastes and the part of the home closest to the product sectors of Cersaie.

www: www.cersaie.it/event/Opening-of-Famous-Bathrooms-exhibit/665112/2019

Archincont(r)act What: Exhibit When: Opening • Monday 23 September • 3.30 p.m. Where: Bologna Trade Fair Complex, Hall 29-30 About: Archincont(r)act is the new event hosted in Mall 29-30 conceived by Cersaie where manufacturers, designers, retailers and clients can meet the professionals who create the world’s trend-setting architecture. It will be a unique opportunity to gather the world of architectural design with leading manufacturers, international industry professionals and the world’s top contractors.

www: w w w . c e r s a i e . i t / e v e n t / - A r c h i n c o n t r - r - a c t - o p e n ing/665287/2019

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QUARZI elegant

timeless surfaces

www.cercomceramiche.it

CERSAIE2019 Pad 16 - Stand B1 B4 B5 B8

CERSAIE 2019

RAK CERAMICS The Maximus collection of large-format panels has received a complete makeover, with new textures, new formats (135x305 - 120x260 - 120x240 - 120x120 - 80x240 - 60x120cm) and new thicknesses (6 - 9 - 14.5mm). There are also plenty of solutions specifically designed for ventilated faรงades, which have already been installed in numerous international architectural projects thanks to the high flexibility and performance of the material, along with several alternative ceramic applications involving doors, countertops and furnishing complements. In addition, there are twelve new collections of porcelain floor and wall coverings, including the sophisticated Statuario and Calacatta marble effects, some with continuous graphics spread over four panels, in an increasingly faithful replication of the vein patterns of natural stone.

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FIANDRE Atlantic Gray extends the range of textures offered by the bestselling Marmi Maximum collection. Neutral without being prosaic, the new series is ideal for timeless environments. The delicate colours and shades of grey and cream bring a warm, soft touch to the surface. The excellent technical performance in terms of strength and quality join forces with countless oppor-tunities for integration and application. The thickness of just 6mm and the compactness of technical ceramic maximise the potential of the material, making it perfect for both public and private environ-ments. Formats and finishes Polished: 300x150 - 250x100 - 150x150 - 150x75 - 100x100 - 75x75 75x37.5cm Semi-polished: 250x100 - 100x100cm Satin: 300x150 - 150x150 - 150x75 - 75x75 - 75x37.5cm

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CERSAIE 2019

DURAL Dural focuses on the wide range of profiles as well as systems using LED technology with a completely new concept, to simplify installation and offer the user even more individuality and creative variety. Ready-to-plugin connector sets form the basis, with components such as transformer, wireless remote control and wireless receiver tailored to each other. LED strips are available to go with them in warm white, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Emotionâ&#x20AC;? (alternating function between warm and cold white) and in RGB colours. The combination options that result from the new colour variety of profiles and covers are unique. Instead of a uniform silver with white cover, profiles in gold, titanium, champagne, black, white and silver can be combined with covers in anthracite, grey and white. If desired, the system can also be integrated into smart home systems with the supplied module. Dural is also showing a staircase profile with a square, visible surface for tiled stairs. Squarestep is a resilient, robust aluminium profile that provides lasting edge protection. The clear, functional design suits a modern, minimalist design idiom. Find the new entries at Stand B48 in Hall 31.

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CERSAIE 2019 23-27 SEPTEMBER PAV. 16 STAND B34-C31

FMG The new MaxFine CLUSTER collection of large-format panels combines the aesthetics of concrete with a finely flecked effect. Available in two finishes, Natural or the new soft-touch Silky version, the collection comes in 5 neu-tral earth tones: White, Brown, Iron, Grey and Dark. CLUSTER is available in an innovative 100x100cm format with a thickness of 6mm, designed to meet the needs of more compact environments

CERSAIE 2019

with a high degree of design input.

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LAMINA Metal Creativity

Via Giardini, 58 41042 Fiorano Modenese (Modena) Italy www.eliosceramica.com

SEPTEMBER 23-27, 2019 HALL 26 / STAND A74-B75

CERSAIE 2019

Saloon

RAKO Rako presents several new tile collections for indoor and outdoor applications. The Rebel series shows greatness and (industrial) character: with measurements of up to 120x60cm, with a very narrow joint pattern and an especially homogeneous surface, the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new floor ceramics make a grand appearance in private as well as public areas, both indoors and out. With fine structures and timeworn effects on the surface, this new tile provides an authentic picture. Matching this highly popular interior trend, there is a great selection of large formats and reserved colours with different grey nuances, anthracite and light beige. The slip resistance ensures safety for almost all formats. The Saloon series introduces a modern wooden design offering warm optics, fine structures and classic plank formats. Matching versions for outdoor areas and steps offer a totally homogeneous Rebel

solution from inside to outside.

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ITALPROFILI The latest addition to the Italprofili range is STRONG 61.1S, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongest fixed flooring support because it is the first support on the market with a load capacity of 10 tonnes. STRONG 61.1S is produced with a special raw material, which is recyclable, non-polluting, long-lasting and resistant to UV radiation. Designed to be laid directly on the waterproofing membrane or any other substrate, it is the perfect solution for flooring that requires minimal elevation above the subfloor. STRONG 61.1S is easy to install and adjust because the supports can be stacked on top of each other to increase height where required. The spacer tabs prevent movement of the flooring, while at the same time absorbing thermal expansion. The effectively shaped base allows easy drainage of water, which can thus flow directly through to the waterproof membrane, thus preventing the formation of standing water.

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CERSAIE 2019

KAJARIA The Ultima collection by Kajaria comprises large-format panels in sizes up to 100x200cm, which offer indisputable quality and meet the toughest global standards at every stage of manufacturing and use. Available in 6 different sizes (1000x2000mm | 1200x1800mm | 290x1800mm | 195x1800mm | 800x1600mm | 1200x1200mm) the ULTIMA range embraces over 250 design variants.

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CERSAIE 2019

FUSTECMA Fustecma, the Spanish company specialising in showroom and booth design and manufacture, and custom-made displays systems, has created 9 booths for Cersaie - Ape, Grespania, Coverlam, Bellacasa, Oneker, Gres Aragon, Colorker, Durstone, VernĂs and Ceramica Mayor - which feature displays like the TEHNIK series. These are fully adaptable, suitable for any size of tile - from skirting boards, accents, strips and mosaics to the largest sizes available on the market - and enhance the presentation of the full ranges of tiles. Fustecma also supplies CUBE minimalist display systems, designed to showcase only the product, without distracting attention from it. All the solutions are manufactured with the best raw materials.

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CERSAIE 2019 23-27 September | Hall 29 Stand B34

CERSAIE 2019

ITALGRANITI Silver Grain is a new collection that faithfully reinterprets the elegance of natural stone. The soft, velvety Natural finish comes in 5 colours - White, Beige, Grey, Taupe and Dark - which evoke the natural authenticity and sharply defined detail of stone. In addition to the formats with a conventional thickness of 9.5mm, the collection includes Mega large-format panels with a thickness of 6mm in a maximum size of 160x320cm. Two Mix floorboard-type formats, in sizes 20x120 and 10x30cm, round off the range and bring a unique touch to walls and floors, thanks in part to the three-dimensionally textured character of the 3 different surface finishes: natural, bush-hammered and grooved.

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23/27 SEPTEMBER Hall 31/Stand B37

montolit.com

BATTILE

LIFTERS

DIAMOND KITS

TOPROFILE

MOTO FLASH LINE

TABLE-ONE

SUPERLIFT

LARGE SIZE TILES SYSTEM

LIFTILE

Schlüter-ARCLINE

SCHLÜTER-SYSTEMS CERSAIE 2019

Schlüter-Systems presents a range of innovative profiles and elegant bathroom accessories at Stand A25 in Hall 31A. Schlüter-ARCLINE combines high-quality Schlüter profiles with the awardwinning, elegant bathroom accessories of KEUCO. Thanks to the special “No drill” feature, the tiles and the underlying waterproofing assembly remain permanently protected because the accessories are inserted into the profiles. Two profile variants can be fitted in tile joints of walls and corners, for example in the case of on-wall installations. They are available in various finishes and form a narrow shadow joint. It can securely accommodate various accessories from the EDITION 400, EDITION 11 and PLAN series by KEUCO, which are permanently mounted on satin-finished glass support panels. In addition, the Schlüter-VINPRO series offers five different profile solutions for elastic floor and wall coverings. The profiles are quick and easy to install and protect the edges of coverings on floors, walls and steps. Moreover, they eliminate raised edges that could constitute a trip hazard at transitions to different floor coverings and heights. Based on the company’s well-known tile profiles, VINPRO is specifically designed for the requirements of elastic coverings and stands out for its delicate design.

Schlüter-VINPRO

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MARAZZI Colorplay: this collection adorns residential and commercial environments with highly colourful brush-strokes, in which calm, neutral tones come alive when juxtaposed with elegant, saturated col-ours. A single, edge-ground format measuring 30x90 cm is available in 6 colours, and the palette is enriched with mosaics, watercolour-effect accents, and three-dimensional textures that create infinitely characterful visual effects, in line with contemporary interior design trends.

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EGE SERAMIK At hall 16, stand A56 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B51, Ege Seramik is launching its newly released Autumn â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19 ceramics, through three trendy new tile lines. With Ground, the appearance of natural stone in ceramics gains a whole new meaning, thanks to its special texture and 6 colour options. The entire surface of the series, which is reinforced with the application of granilla, brings ceramic the natural stone experience in its most realistic form. With its rust-effect design and the application of granilla over the entire surface, Colombia is an appealing industrial-looking ceramic product, available in 2 colour options in size 60x60cm. Moreover, the brand presents a new Vintage (pictured) series designed in size 20x20cm and various colour alternatives

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to change the mood in your living places.

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CERSAIE 2019

SCG CERAMICS The Mossa series presented by SCG Ceramics is a combination of dynamic geometric patterns which generates vibrant rhythms and energetic movements. The blending of each distinctive graphic creates a new sense of space and redefines the idea of living.

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A R E A

S T A N D

D I S P L A Y - S T A N D - S H O W R O O M

ECODESIGN srl VIA FERRARI, 25/B 41043 CORLO DI FORMIGINE (MO) - ITALY - TEL. +39 059 7470235 - INFO@ECODESIGNSRL.IT - WWW.ECODESIGNSRL.IT

CERSAIE 2019

TOPCER Topcer is launching new Victorian Patterns for a trendy but retro-inspired ceramic tile. BERGEN GREEN, BERGEN PINK, GOTHENBURG, MELBOURNE and TURIN are based on pressed components supplied pre-mounted on fibreglass mesh in modular sheets. Where to discover them: Stand C-66 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hall 36.

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SCRATCH

designers Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas

La Fabbrica S.p.A. - Via Emilia Ponente, 925 - 48014 Castel Bolognese (RA) Italy - Tel. +39 0546 - 659911 - Fax +39 0546 - 656223 - www.lafabbrica.it - info@lafabbrica.it

La Fabbrica / Hall 20 Stand A64-B63 Ava / Hall 20 Stand B68-C67

S E P T

2 3 - 2 7 ,

2 0 1 9

CERSAIE 2019

Superlift

Battile-Pro

Flash-Line Goal-Evo

FSS-Slim

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MONTOLIT Ever since the advent of XXL-format porcelain panels (measuring 300cm and more), Brevetti Montolit has worked with the most prestigious ceramic manufacturers to design specific machines and equipment for cutting, handling and installing these outsize products. As technology continuously develops, large-format panels are being used for an everincreasing range of applications, so Cersaie provides the ideal opportunity for the company to present its latest products and full programme for large-format tile installation. On the materials-handling front, there is: Superlift, a strong, rigid, nickel-plated steel frame designed for lifting and positioning largeformat panels by means of large-diameter suction cups (200mm) fitted with a safety vacuum gauge and clamping system for fixing the suction cups together with joints, for faster, safer adjustment. The existing model is now available in a new MOB version fitted with a set of 4 rubber wheels that make it easy to move the load without having to lift it. Goal Evo, a steel trolley for transporting large-format panels, has grown in size and been strengthened to increase its load capacity to 250kg. It now also has larger wheels, making it easier still to “drive”, even on bumpy surfaces. Usable in conjunction with Superlift, by means of the support hooks, Goal Evo is an essential aid to adhesive spreading and the positioning of large-format panels. Lifters

Another new product is Lifters, whose high lifting capacity facilitates wall tiling by making it possible to lift large-format panels with micrometric precision by means of a ratchet lever, to ensure perfect, level positioning. Made of steel and aluminium, Lifters are sold in pairs. Large-format panels often require a range of machining operations, such as cutting, chamfering, drilling etc. To help carry out these operations safely and ergonomically, Brevetti Montolit has developed Table-One, an ingenious modular table with composite aluminium/steel structure that can be adjusted to provide full support for tiles and largeformat panels in all configurations. The support bars with scratch-resistant rubber inserts can be moved sideways and/or backwards and forwards, and the height is adjustable to three positions to suit the operator’s preferred working height. Table-One can be completely disassembled and is easy to handle and transport. There are new developments on the machining front too. In addition to the company’s bestselling Flash-Line manual cutting system and Moto Flash-Line electric tile saw, the range

Moto-Flash-Line

now includes Toprofile (the successor of SuperProfile), a profiling machine for creating bevelled and radiused edges on large-format panels. The die-cast aluminium structure

Table One

provides a broad supporting surface, which helps increase precision. The position of the handles has been changed to improve ergonomics, and the dust-suction system now offers higher performance and can be adapted to fit all types of vacuum cleaner. The sliding pad is made of scratch-resistant material and is easy to replace when worn. The motor has 800W of power and the range of diamond wheels includes versions for mitre cuts (up to a thickness of 15mm) with both fine and medium diamond grit, and versions for chamfers, bevels and radiused edges. Supplied in its own professional, protective bag, the machine comes fully assembled, adjusted and ready to use. The range of diamond tools now includes the new Slim Cut cutting discs and the FSS KIT and 300 VAS core drilling kit specifically designed for large-format panels. The first models ever made in diameters of 100 and 150mm are for use with TUTOR CUT (100mm), the exclusive, patented guide system for obtaining perfect cuts without damaging the discs. The

Toprofile

extremely low thickness of this product ensures fast, high-precision, chip-free cutting of thin panels. Alternatively, they can be used with MOTO FLASH-LINE (150mm). The same concept underpins the FSS diamond core-drills for grinders, which are sold in a complete kit consisting of the three most widely used diameters (27, 35 and 50mm). Following up on the success of the BATTILE vibrating suction cup system, Battile-Pro is a more powerful version, powered by a 16V lithium-ion battery, but which is still compact and lightweight. The system uses suction cups to help position the tile and then uses vibration to release any air bubbles, which can give rise to breakages if they remain trapped between the adhesive and the tile. Vibration intensity can be set to three different frequencies.

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CERSAIE 2019

INSCA Insca is attending Cersaie 2019 to show its ceramic tile display systems and solutions for showrooms and exhibitions. Inscaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest projects include one commissioned by Discesur, a Madrid-based interior design company and supplier of kitchen and bathroom equipment and solutions. Insca has supplied this Spanish customer with a Maxi Tiles Composition 122 display unit, which can be adapted to ceramic tiles and large-format panels in different sizes and thicknesses. The composition is made up of 2 double modules containing 20 ceramic panels and is available with LED lighting on request. The sliding panels facilitate the work of sales personnel showing products to customers.

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PIEMME The Materia collection features a totally original effect, achieved by mixing the aesthetics of metal, corten steel, stone and ceramic. By combining the textural effects of different metals, both shiny and rusty, with the natural feel of stone and the versatility of ceramic, Piemmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s researchers have created a new material - Materia. Thanks to sophisticated production technologies, the collection combines the ground effect typical of handpolished metal with the small imperfections associated with hand-craftsmanship. The collection comes in six colours, ranging from OPAL (white) to DEEP (anthracite), via NACRE light grey, SHIMMER turtledove, REFLEX dark grey and RUST. There are five formats with two three-dimensional textures

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and two triple-fired accents.

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DISPLAYS&SHOWROOMS CONCEPT · DESIGN · MANUFACTURING

Photo by Jennifer Burk on Unsplash

...tailored for you.

export@fustecma.com

PROGRESS PROFILES Prodeso Drain waterproofs, drains and decouples: from the world-class, Italian manufacturer of technical and decorative profiles and installation systems, this versatile, multi-functional membrane helps produce perfect floors, with long-lasting results, in shorter times and with lower labour costs. Moisture, water infiltration and inadequate drainage can cause major damage to outdoor floor coverings, which are constantly exposed to rain and weather. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why the job needs to be done to proper professional standards that ensure the integrity of the structure. On the basis of thorough materials research and the experience of professional technicians, Progress Profiles has developed Prodeso Drain, a drainage membrane made of blue high-density polyethylene sheet (HDPE) with raised, 4.5mm truncated cones fashioned into its surface. A grey, water-permeable polypropylene non-woven fabric is welded to the top of the sheet, while the polypropylene spunbond underside ensures good adhesion of the membrane to the substrate. The new membrane is doubly effective because it channels out any water that may have penetrated through the grouting into the adhesive layer, while

CERSAIE 2019

also preventing the formation of salt marks and the emergence of triacetates from the adhesives. After installation, the membrane facilitates drying of the adhesive, even when working with large-format ceramic or marble panels, and solves adhesive-related problems caused by freeze/thaw cycles. With its high elasticity, the new membrane decouples the tiles from the substrate, thus significantly reducing cracking and breakage, and vents out vapour pressure even when floor coverings are laid over cracked, imperfectly cured screeds. One membrane, multiple functions: Prodeso Drain significantly reduces construction time, makes it unnecessary to delay membrane installation until the time of tile installation, and can be laid over existing flooring, including damaged flooring, without removing it. Once again, Progress Profiles presents an innovative product that combines high levels of functionality and versatility, thus facilitating the work of tile-setters and ensuring perfect, longlasting results at all times. All of Progress Profilesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; latest products will be on display at Cersaie 2019 in Hall 31 - Stand A11.

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Ônix Preto PO 23"x47", Ônix Mel PO 23"x47"

23 to 27 / SEPT / 2019

Eliane Ceramic Tiles has the perfect place waiting for you at Cersaie. Come visit us at Hall 32, booth A28 to see our latest product introductions.

Bologna Exhibition Centre Bologna • Italy

ELIANE.COM

CERSAIE 2019

PROVENZA – EMILGROUP Alter draws inspiration from certain aesthetic features of historic wood, while highlighting crossovers between different eras and evocations derived from rigorous research and the observation of nature. The essence of Alter is a special, premium variety of reclaimed oak, which is then machined and treated with the introduction of coloured resin that generates a uniquely powerful creative short circuit. Alter comes in four colours - bleached, honey, walnut and burnt - and two formats - 20x120cm, which accentuates the modularity of Alter and accommodates the requirements of widely varying environments - and 6.5x60cm, which is specially designed to extend the range of floor and wall applications for which Alter can be used. The 60x60cm format opens up new avenues of design, with the aesthetic effect of cross-sawn wood immersed in resin, to generate a compelling image that blends the power of oak with the sheen of resin. The nuances of Alter’s resins were selected to pair perfectly with the collection’s new stone-inspired colours, to suggest a natural union between the two and multiply the innovative aesthetic opportunities that arise in the sweet-spot between reclamation and state-of-the-art technology.

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MLT SYSTEM™ MLT System™ (Mechanical Lippage Tuning System) is a simple, patented, revolutionary floor and wall installation system, integrating 100% Italian technology and quality, as a result of an Italian-American partnership that has strengthened the company’s presence on foreign markets, particularly in the USA. In this respect, the system fully complies with the new installation standards for thin materials as required by the new ANSI 108.19 regulation issued by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). MLT System™ is simple, fast to use and reliable, and enables both professionals and non-professionals to tile floors, walls and ceilings quickly and impeccably. The most successful products in recent years have been the Slim and Ready lines of straps. The increasingly widespread use of ultra-slim tiles (3-5mm) and large formats has prompted the development of special technical solutions that meet the needs of working with minimal joints. One such solution is the Slim line, whose reusable T1 straps enable tilers to create joints as narrow as 0.5mm, which is impossible with any other system currently on the market. The Ready strap T2 line, by contrast, meets the needs of large-scale commercial installations. Because they are already connected to the plate, they require no pre-assembly, so reduce installation times. Furthermore, two Starter KITS (Ready and Slim series) have been put together to enable users to test the quality of the products at minimum outlay. Sold in handy containers, they include everything you need for tile setting (photo).

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SARTORIA BY TERRATINTA GROUP Terratinta Group will be at Cersaie 2019 with a selection of ceramic coverings designed around colour, material and decoration, in a lively, original dialogue between innovation and tradition. The company will be previewing some of the decorative effects of the new Scenari collection by Sartoria, a brand used by the Modena-based group to accentuate its unique ability to fashion distinctive, boldly styled products. The chosen effect for Scenari is that of wallpaper, featuring designs and graphics created using cold digital technology to add strength

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and intensity to the colours.

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IMPERTEK Pedestal Line is a range of pedestals and accessories for the installation of raised outdoor flooring. The degree of adjustability of the pedestals, the specific heads for stone, ceramic and decking respectively, and the wide range of accessories, make this collection one of the most complete systems on the market. Designed and manufactured entirely in Italy by Impertek Srl, every Pedestal Line product is made of controlled, recycled and repeatedly recyclable industrial plastics. Using different combinations of bodies, extensions and heads, they can be assembled in over 50 possible configurations, with heights ranging from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 1,020mm and a load capacity of up to 1,000kg per pedestal. This configurable system eliminates all risk of having unused material left in stock and facilitates use on construction sites with widely varying needs. Terraces, pool surrounds, walkways, hanging gardens and urban furnishing applications: the scope for use of Pedestal Line is immense and the final finishes take account of the majority of materials on the market, with specific heads for ceramic tiles, natural stone, marble, granite, decking and solid and composite wood floorboards. Pedestal Line is the product range used by Crown Resorts of Perth (Australia) in its construction of a magnificent lounge-bar on the main terrace of the “Grand Casino”, which affords a view over the entire city skyline (image above).

CERSAIE 2019

Patricia Urquiola did choose Pedestal Line for the renovation of the extra luxury hotel “Il Sereno” overlooking Como Lake

(image below). Pedestal Line had already been used in the imposing, hyper-luxury “Torre Aquileia” project in Jesolo Venezia, for the construction of the outdoor flooring of the 84 luxury apartments and for the double terrace that forms the commercial heart of the project. Projects incorporating this range of pedestals can now be found all over the world, from Austria to Switzerland, Slovenia, France, Greece, the Middle East, Korea and Australia. For Milan Design Week 2019, furthermore, Pedestal Line was chosen by the architect Simone Micheli for the construction of the entire floor area of “Hotel Regeneration”, the Fuorisalone’s most important exhibition for the contract furnishing sector.

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ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 CERTIFIED

www.topcer.com

Visit us at CERSAIE Stand C-66 â&#x20AC;¢ Pav 36

BORA CELIK BR012E is a display unit designed to accommodate large-format panels and submultiples with a base of 100 and 120cm by a maximum height of 320cm, using easy-to-slide panels for 6, 8 and 10 double-face carriages. The display units are supplied complete with all accessories. BX Series is a complete range of metal display units for displaying tiles measuring 75x75 - 80x80 - 90x90 - 100x100 - 60x120 - 120x120 - 75x150 90x180 - 80x160cm and with 5/6/8/10 double-face carriages that pull out and pivot on a vertical or horizontal axis, with a metal or MDF border. Ideal for the North American market. In partnership with ceramic manufacturers, Bora Celik designs and manufactures wood and metal dis-play units that meet a comprehensive range of

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production requirements.

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RONDINE Oxid is a rusty-metal-effect porcelain tile with an original, trend-setting texture and high visual impact. The rusted, time-worn effects create imperfections that form defining characteristics for a blend of modern and vintage that makes a room look unique without being eccentric. Available in 6 colours and 5 formats, the collection also includes a new 6.1x37cm format that is ideal for powerful but graceful wall coverings.

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Easy-Move Mkiv

RAIMONDI. EASY-MOVE MkIV – the innovative new frame for handling largeformat panels EASY-move MkIV is the fourth generation of Raimondi frames for handling large-format tiles. Redesigned from scratch, the product offers more features and higher performance than ever before, while also weighing over 25% less than the previous version. Its 8 suction cups are easy to place in any position along the aluminium profiles. Its length is adjustable so as to adapt to any size of panel. The crossbars are width-adjustable so that you can pack the equipment away in any type of crate and adapt it to any type of large-format panel. As well as being able to slide the crossbars into any position you like, you can also position them diagonally so that you can locate the suction cups wherever you want, to suit the shape of the panel (see photos). All the movements are exceptionally fluid, which makes the frame really easy to position in the configuration you want. EASY-move MkIV is equipped with an all-new vacuum suction cup (RV175), which has also been completely redesigned to deliver perfect performance and reliability. Both the vacuum gauge (supplied as standard with this series) and the rubber element are extremely easy to replace. This means that in the event of damage, you only need to replace the damaged component and not the entire suction cup. This is obviously

RLS Vite

a huge advantage. It goes without saying that the suction cups are designed to work perfectly even on textured tiles and do not leave any stains. Lastly, the high-performance valve enables the suction cup to work perfectly in any position. EASY-move MkIV is available both with and without crossbars, and with vacuum suction cups or standard suction cups. RLS VITE: new 1.5 and 3mm bases The RLS VITE levelling system has been enhanced with the addition of 7 new products: 6 bases and VITEXPRESS. The new bases create a nominal joint of 1.5 and 3mm (and complement the existing 1mm base). The 1.5 and 3mm bases are both available in 3 versions: standard (for use along the sides of tiles), T-shaped (for use in the intersection between tiles in stretcher bond patterns) and +-shaped (for use in the intersection between tiles in stack bond patterns). The T-shaped and +-shaped models reduce consumption significantly and are especially easy and effective to use in conjunction the RLS VITE system ringnut, which is designed to ensure full visibility of the joint at all times (even when used in conjunction with the innovative non-scratch washer with rubber ring). Lastly, for people who want to maximise productivity while making the RLS VITE system even easier to use, there is the new VITEXPRESS, a device for use in conjunction with a battery-powered nutrunner. VITEXPRESS fulfils four functions that speed up the use of the system at every stage: it tightens the ringnut to obtain perfect levelling, unscrews the ringnut when you set the nutrunner to “unscrew”, removes the RLS VITE system when you set the nutrunner torque to maximum in “tighten” mode, which exerts a sharp vertical pull on the base, thus breaking it at the desired point, and lastly removes the ringnut quickly from the base after you take out the base at the end of the job. VITEXPRESS is equipped with an 8mm hex stem that makes it suitable for use with the most widely used battery-powered nutrunners. VITEXPRESS can be used either with the ringnut on its own or with the ringnut in conjunction with the non-scratch washer.

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ABK Wide&Style Brera: in step with the fashion for decorated flooring, including in commercial contexts, ABK presents Brera, the new Capsule collection Wide & Style, which metamorphoses from wallpaper into â&#x20AC;&#x153;ceramic carpetâ&#x20AC;?. Originating from a collaboration with the Milan-based firm Azzolini Tinuper, Brera draws inspiration from the Venetian terrazzo flooring of historic mansions, reformulated in outstandingly vivacious, contemporary colours and textures. Research into hot digital decoration now enables ABK to produce bright, lively colours even on porcelain tile, thus ensuring high resistance to pedestrian traffic in addition to the hygiene and ease of cleaning that are the hallmark of ceramic. By combining unique, exclusive design with high technical performance, Brera is the ideal floor and wall covering for

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opening up new creative possibilities in interior design.

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CERSAIE 2019

AVA Scratch, designed by the architects Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas, originates from a collabora-tion between Studio Fuksas, one of the world’s most prestigious architecture firms, and Ava, the luxury brand of La Fabbrica, an Italcer Group company. Scratch is a contemporary product with a metropolitan spirit and a strong, original, highly recog-nisable identity. It’s a new collection from the AVA brand, available in sizes up to 320x160cm with a thickness of 6mm. The six colours range from Milky Way at the light end of the scale to Moonlight at the dark end, via the distinctive intermediate variants Eclipse and Superluna, before aiming for maximum impact with the two special colours, Light and Dark Graffiti. The product’s large size and low thickness - 6mm - make it totally versatile and therefore suitable not only for floor and wall coverings but also for design and furnishing creations, including work-tops, counters, ventilated walls and bonded walls.

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CIR Original textural effects, trend-setting colours and distinctive formats form the essence of the new Key West collection by Cir Ceramiche. The softness and irregularity of the surface blend with the intensity of the glazed colours in this new collection of glazed porcelain floor and wall tiles, which is available in a wide range of pastel tones that evoke the warm, maritime atmosphere and sunny landscapes of the Florida Keys. Key West derives from painstaking stylistic research aimed at rediscovering craft ceramic production techniques, improving them, adapting them to the most innovative production technologies and embellishing them with the latest colour trends. The collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three small, modular formats are ideal for creating original compositions. Key West is available in 10 colours, which can be used to create gradual transitions or stark contrasts. They range from shades of grey (Rock, Oyster, Pearl and Wave, in descending order of darkness), to shades of beige (from Shell to Sand), to Seafoam and Aqua green and Sky and Ocean blue. The versatility of Cir Ceramicheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10x20, 10x30 and 20x20cm formats is emphasised by the exclusive decorative accents, which enable designers to

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create unprecedented compositions on both floors and walls.

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3 - 7 FEB 2020 ValĂ¨ncia (Spain)

#cevisama20 www.cevisama.com cevisama@feriavalencia.com

LA FABBRICA RA-KU is a new collection of through-body porcelain tile featuring aesthetic effects in which thin filaments intertwine to create textural juxtapositions that combine the ancient art of Japanese ceram-ic with fabric, to bring light and character to your interior designs. Two finishes combine with the colour to give rise to different personalities. Produced in a thickness of 10mm, the collection is available in 5 colours - Light, Beige, Petrol, Sky and Dark - in natural and lapped finishes.

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The formats are â&#x20AC;Ś

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LITOKOL The latest range of epoxy grouts to join the Starlike® EVO family is the result of the Zherorisk®* project. The word EVO highlights the eco-sustainable evolution that is under way at Litokol and which is benefiting the entire product range, starting with Starlike epoxy grout. Unlike similar products on the market, Starlike® EVO grout is formulated with fine-grain quartz microspheres, coated with a uniform layer of ceramic colour. The fine grain size of the quartz makes the product beautifully fluid to apply, for better, easier filling of the joints between tiles. Since the grout is coloured with ceramic-coated quartz micro-granules rather than pigments, it is quick and easy to clean up, even from the most textured floor coverings, thus saving time and effort for the tile-setter. On the aesthetic front, the joints look smoother and more compact, while the colours are more vibrant and blend perfectly with the surface of the tiles, making the joint practically invisible when using ton-sur-ton colour schemes. The fine particle size of the coloured quartz helps keep the joints looking perfect over time, by making them easy to clean due to their water-repellence and their immunity to the absorption of any type of stain, including from aggressive industrial products. The coloured quartz used in Starlike® EVO is produced in Litokol’s new colouring plant at its Rubiera headquarters in the Italian province of Reggio Emilia, using a totally unique, high-tech, highly innovative process. *Zherorisk® is a research project undertaken by Litokol’s R&D division in collaboration with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering of the University of Bologna and a number of external research bodies. The Zherorisk® platform is a future-oriented technology aimed at developing an innovative generation of ecocompatible, zero-risk construction products. All the characteristics of Zherorisk® products are certified by third-party research bodies.

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FERRARI E CIGARINI The new MVB AMINEUS is an automated machine capable of both cutting and profiling in a single pass, and thus with a single movement of the piece, to create skirting boards, plinths, thresholds, window-sills, bullnose edges and half bullnose edges. Alternatively, it can make 45Â° mitre cuts for the creation of kitchen worktops, bathroom counters and steps. MVB AMINEUS enables you to perform high-quality machining operations quickly, simply and with a single machine, on ceramic, porcelain tile, marble, granite and

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agglomerates.

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CONSULTANTS IN ENTERPRISES COMMUNICATION

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION PRESS OFFICE & PR SOCIAL & WEB MARKETING

EVENTS

INtono Srl MODENA - MILAN - TURIN ph: +39 059 7400579/80 ufficiostampa@intono.it eventi@intono.it

www.intono.it

ELIOS Lamina is characterised by a refined metallic effect, which enriches the character of the four fresh, contemporary colours in the range. Its elegant look is perfect for enhancing the appearance of public environments and bringing character to residential interiors. The two large formats, 100x100 and 50x100cm, are perfect for a clean, refined installation pattern. They are paired with a 20x20cm accent for wall applications, in a choice of two motifs, one floral and one geometric, which can be combined with richly textured field tiles, for an effect that draws inspiration from terracotta. Its glossy surface, produced in 12 different colours, imbues the Victory collection with a rich array of light and colour effects. Available in size 6.1x37cm with a thickness of 8mm, the series encourages creative solutions in ton-sur-ton and contrasting combinations, or simply adds a splash of colour to residential and commercial environments. It is also comes in the more traditional black and white, for environments better suited to more traditionally elegant solutions. The collection is embellished by two metallic accents with a mix of textures, which can be paired with all the colours in the range, to give the tiles even more prominence, through the effective use of Victory

light, while retaining the inherent durability and strength of porcelain tile.

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Lamina

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ECO DESIGN At ECO DESIGN services and products are conceived and produced for the tile and stone industry; our customers are manufacturers, wholesalers and retailes to whom we guarantee a fonctional and impressive presentation for shops, showrooms and fair booths. From single display-units to turnkey services and complete installations, we satisfy any request making our knowledge and expertise available to them. We are at Coverings with our customers for the construction and installation of the booths and our team offers a complete support. In these pictures you can see the new showroom of Cotto Tuscania designed with metal structures for an industrial mood (1), two examples of booths designed and installed for Coverings and Cersaie fairs (2-3), a new display-unit for big slabs up to 3,5 metres (4).

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DR TECNICA To accommodate the growing trend for large-format panels and the display requirements they generate, Dr Tecnica has developed and extended its range of metal display units with a number of systems designed to offer maximum visibility with total safety. Display unit ML.XL006/10 LARGE-FORMAT PANELS: a traditional system with single-face sliding frames on an ultra-slim stainless steel base, for the display of formats measuring 120x240 - 100x300 - 120x278 - 160x320cm. Display unit ML.002/5 LARGE-FORMAT PANELS: a traditional system with double-face frames, in pull-out only or pull-out and rotating versions, for the display of formats measuring 120x240 100x300 - 120x278cm. Display unit ML.XL007: display system incorporating a fixed single-face or double-face frame, for the display of formats measuring 120x240 - 100x300 - 120x278 - 160x320cm, with optional

CERSAIE 2019

side communication panel.

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EXPO REVESTIR 2020 MARCH SP

10,11 BUSINESS DAYS BUSINESS AND NETWORKING

12,13 CREATIVE DAYS TRENDS AND CONTENTS

Visiting Expo Revestir is always a unique experience. Special days focus in different interests.

Promotion

EXPOREVESTIR.COM.BR

Organization

Joint event

MarquiĂąa

ENERGIEKER Agata is a ceramic project that combines elegance, style and a wealth of colour. Its bookmatched variant (shown in Agata Blue in the photo) is designed to bring a discerning aesthetic and a strong sense of harmony to its setting. Agata is available in a lapped finish in traditional formats (60x120cm) and in the EKXtreme for-mat (120x270 with a thickness of 6mm) A deeply intense black and gossamer-thin white vein patterns leave MarquiĂąa steeped in so-phistication, but for maximum versatility, the series is made with three different finishes in stand-ard and EKXtreme formats, with thicknesses of 9, 6 and 12mm, which are ideal for floor cover-ings, wall coverings and countertops and furnishing elements respectively (the photo shows a kitchen worktop with a thickness of 12mm).

CERSAIE 2019

Agata

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ETERNO IVICA Raised outdoor flooring: Eterno Ivica pedestals deliver results with high visual impact, and enable designers to give free rein to their creativity. The outdoor installation of large-format ceramic panels is an attractive solution and thanks to the ver-satility of Pedestal line pedestals, it can be done without any trouble by means of raised installation on a substructure with aluminium joists. Thanks to the special head that accommodates the alumini-um joist, you can achieve excellent results in terms of safety, speed of installation and stability of the floor covering. The head of the pedestals accommodates the aluminium joists naturally thanks to the fins that stand parallel to the joists and enable them to be anchored easily and reliably. As well as using aluminium joists, you need plastic spacers for the plates and noise-damping rub-ber pads, two essential accessories for this type of installation. Different solutions are available for countless needs: the Pedestal line adapts easily to any situation and fulfils the requirements of the most complicated applications. The system is always up to date and in step with the latest formats (e.g. 20x120, 60x120, 60x60 and 40x80) which often require higher-performance raised systems with a high degree of versatility. But the Eterno Ivica range is not confined to this and the company also aims to meet the most creative needs. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it developed special clips for the installation of hexagonal tiles. By quickly and simply fitting a small polypropylene clip to the heads of SE and NM pedestals, you can give free rein to your creativity by installing hexagonal tiles for an elegant result showing close attention to detail.

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DEVON&DEVON Zelda is a vanity table that puts a contemporary spin on the classic bedroom dresser and pays homage to Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, the wife of the author of The Great Gatsby, while enriching Devon&Devonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of home and personal grooming collections. The dresser frame is defined by the sinuous lines of the countertops and side doors, the rounded shapes of the semi-circular handles that mirror each other to form a full circle, and the round cir-cumference of the large, central mirror, which measures 1m in diameter. The slender, streamlined table-legs are made of natural brass, like the similarly curved profiles that gently accompany the curves of the countertops and doors, and frame the diamond-cut mirror and the base of the velvet ottoman. The countertop is made of lustrous Cremo-Extra marble, streaked with delicate, pale-yellow vein patterns. Between the two drawers under the main countertop (one of which is a ring-drawer), there is a pull-out tray clad in pink velvet. The doors and drawers are made of lacquered wood and are available in three versions: - the first is an intense powder-pink with mallow hints, a shade that Zelda Fitzgerald loved and re-peatedly described in her writings;

CERSAIE 2019

- the second is a cream white, which underscores the formal purity of the vanity table, by empha-sising the stark contrast with the golden light of the brass elements; - the third features a subtle, two-tone, zig-zag weave of Art Deco inspiration, with irregular, frag-mented lines that are reminiscent of the texture of twill fabrics. All the colours can be customised to order.

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PHOTONEWS

OUTDOOR KITCHEN? LAPITEC速 IS THE ANSWER

When Sfera Otto Project, a Rome-based interior design firm, was given the task of creating an outdoor kitchen in the garden of a coastal villa near Praia a Mare in the Italian region of Calabria, it picked Lapitec速 through-body sintered stone as the ideal material with which to produce a stylistically and structurally harmonious design. The architects used 速 Lapitec for all the kitchen furnishings, including the worktop, the storage unit doors and the dining table - which measures 9 metres in length. As for colour, they opted for Bianco Polare with Lux finish, because it marks a clear contrast with the green of the lawn, while also reprising the tones of the villa itself. The kitchen has an integrated sink, a cooktop flush-mounted on the worktop and a series of drawers and refrigerated compartments, all carved out of the Lapitec速. The material is particularly well suited to this outdoor application, because it is easy to clean and highly resistant to salt air, salt spray and acidity.

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PHOTONEWS

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

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THE FUTURE OF CERAMICS

28.9.2020 - 2.10.2020 Rimini Exhibition Centre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Italy

tecnargilla.it ORGANIZED BY

IN COLLABORATION WITH

WITH THE SUPPORT OF

aplusbcomunicazione.com

XL DESIGN, the line of profiles for large-size slabs. concrete white

concrete smoke

metal dark

concrete crete

concrete mud

metal light

concrete graphite

concrete sand

solid white

The new decorative listellos, external corner profiles and skirting boards of XL Design line add value to large-size slabs, enhancing the surfaces and creating special effects of light and shade. Thanks to their shape, these profiles create original plays of suspension, thus becoming real decorative elements.

Cersaie: hall 31/A - stand A5 www.profilpas.com

Create a

Masterpiece

Unleash your imagination, design floors using LATICRETE

Come visit us! Area 31, Stand A61-B56 LATICRETE Flooring Systems ®

Customisable colours, textures and finishes

Fast return to service

Durable, low maintenance