Tile International 2/2021 by Kairos Media Group (div. ceramics)

Search ‘Tile Edizioni’ and ‘MaterialiCasa’

ISSN2039-8301

cersaie

2021

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PRODESO® DRAIN SYSTEM PRODESO® DRAIN SYSTEM is a new generation patented innovative membrane which waterproofs the support and drains the water in the adhesive under the tile. Thanks to the air chamber below the floor, a microventilation facilitates the drying of the adhesive, even in case of large size tiles, and reduces significantly efflorescence formation and triacetate rising in joints. The uncoupling and vapour management properties of PRODESO® DRAIN allow its laying even on non perfectly cured substrates. Easy and quick to install, it has an overall thickness of only 5 mm and its application does not require the use of special adhesives. Versatility is a fundamental quality of this product; thanks to its characteristics it is the right solution for installation in any environment, indoor and outdoor. PRODESO® DRAIN is a draining and waterproofing membrane composed of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheet, a non-woven water-permeable polypropylene fabric and a non-woven polypropylene fabric. The cyan-coloured polyethylene sheet consists of conical truncated studs each with a circular base of 4.5 mm height, on which a nonwoven polypropylene water-permeable grey fabric is thermo-welded. The membrane underside has a non-woven fabric in hydrophobic polypropylene glued to polyethylene, which extends on one side by about 7.5 cm; This fabric is waterproof for about 15 cm with a polypropylene film that ensures the gluing of the membrane to the support.

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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 Modena al n. 22/17 in data 10/08/2017 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: GIAN PAOLO CRASTA - g.crasta@tiledizioni.it © 1989 Tile Italia

parati, è assolta dall’Editore ai sensi dell’art 74 primo comma lettera C del DPR 26.10.72 N. 633 e successive modificazioni.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Sara Falsetti Paola Giacomini Sabino Menduni Chiara Poggi Sabrina Tassini SECRETARIAT: info@tiledizioni.it GRAPHIC LAYOUT: Sara Falsetti EACH COPY: Euro 4 SUBSCRIPTION: www.tiledizioni.it/subscription • Italy, 1 year: Euro 50 • Abroad, 1 year: Euro 70 • Italy, 2 years: Euro 70 • Abroad, 2 years: Euro 90 L’abbonamento decorre dal mese di distribuzione. Tariffe speciali per gli abbonamenti collettivi sono disponibili su richiesta Conto Corrente Postale 20026415 intestato a Tile Edizioni srl. Spedizione in abbonamento postale presso la Filiale di Modena. L’IVA sugli abbonamenti, nonché sulla vendita dei fascicoli se-

ADVERTISING: Tile Edizioni Tel. +39 059 512 103 Fax +39 059 512 157 • Paola Giacomini p.giacomini@tiledizioni.it · +39 335 186 4257 • Silvia Lepore s.lepore@tiledizioni.it · +39 392 572 0288 • Alberto Tolomelli a.tolomelli@tiledizioni.it · +39 335 594 8681 • Elisa Verzelloni e.verzelloni@tiledizioni.it · +39 338 536 1966 PHOTOLIPHIE: Vaccari Zincografica Srl Via E. Salgari, 61 41126 Modena Italy

Complete

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PRINT: Faenza Printing Industries SpA Via Vittime Civili di Guerra, 35 48018 Faenza (RA) Italy

http://www. .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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CONTENTS 7

EDITORIAL - Getting back into gear

NEWS

ECONOMICS:

Gian Paolo Crasta

14 18 20 30 32

The world’s top ceramic tile manufacturers Strong rebound in European construction in 2021 2020 revenues of Italy’s ceramic manufacturers Mohawk Industries sets new record The rise of Victoria PLC

PHOTONEWS: EnergieKer presents “Patagonia” and “Eternal Blue” tile

36 38

Luca Baraldi - MECS 91st EUROCONSTRUCT Conference Ilaria Vesentini - MECS Milena Bernardi Paola Giacomini

Italgraniti at Milano Design Week 2021

IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Interview with Francesco Borgomeo, Chairman of Saxa Group Sara Falsetti

PHOTONEWS - Iris Ceramica Group: Active Surfaces® help ceramics to break a new record

IN THE SPOTLIGHT - The “Frescopunk” side of ceramic tiles

PROJECTS:

52 54 60 62

A historic residence in Padua The Vip Lounge at Yuri Gagarin Airport A new fashion look for Balance Pro of Impertek Bailey Hotel&Resort, Cairns - Australia

CERSAIE 2021 - Ceramic’s world return in Bologna

WHAT ’S NEW - Ceramic tiles & laying technologies

114

TRENDS - In the world of surfaces

Sabrina Tassini

Tosilab

120 PHOTONEWS - Picasso, the new oak floorboard by Original Parquet 122 PROJECTS - Chalet Joux Plane: a “James Bond” style location 126 PHOTONEWS - Re-building with Pietre d’Arredo

www.surfacesinternational.com

NOW ONLINE

1st COVER PICTURE BY: Frescopunk • https://frescopunk.com See article on page 46 • ADVERTISER’S LIST: pag. 29 2nd COVER PICTURE: Project: Golden Mile by Maxim Kashin Architects Full story on: https://surfacesinternational.com/video/golden-mile-inspired-russian-avant-garde Photo credit: Dmitry Chebanenko

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

Sensi Signoria collection

ABK, brand of ABK GROUP Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A

abk.it

Get ting back into gear ciations. In the first half of the year, China saw 14.7% growth in production, Spain 31.4%, while Mexico and Brazil recorded almost 50% higher figures than in the first six months of 2020, a period marked by lockdowns and a Covid-related slump in consumption. The ceramic tile industry’s growth is being driven by two regions in particular: Africa and Asia. In Africa, consumption is expected to grow at an average of 5.6% per year until 2025, with volumes increasing from 1.1 to 1.5 billion square metres. In Asia, a 5% annual growth trend will raise consumption levels from 11.5 billion sqm to 14.7 billion sqm, confirming the role of the Far East as the driving force behind the entire global ceramic tile industry. South America will grow at a slower pace (+3.8%), dropping below Africa as the third largest market for manufacturers of ceramic tiles and slabs. With a level of consumption of a billion square metres of tiles, the EU is expected to record a CAGR of just 2.6% in 20212025, more than half a percentage point below the rate for non-EU European countries (+3.2% per annum). Bringing up the rear is North America with an average annual growth rate of 2% over the five-year period (to 600 million sqm). As for Italy, the new MECS forecasting model predicts an increase in the country’s ceramic tile consumption from 100 million square metres in 2020 to 105 million in 2025, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. This will be the combined result of strong growth in 2021 and 2022 (when demand will reach a peak of 114 million square metres fuelled by the Superbonus tax incentives) followed by a return to historically average levels. Just as in the animated film Luca, Italy and Italian-made products symbolise the restart and will take centre stage at Cersaie, which after a year’s hiatus will reprise its role as the pre-eminent international meeting place for architecture and distribution professionals working with the surfaces industry. ✕

Optimism, innovation and a new start are the keywords of this issue of Tile International and Surfaces International. Like Luca, the titular character of Disney Pixar’s latest animated feature film, the surfaces industry is ready to ride the wave of the recovery after overcoming the ups and downs of the last eighteen months of crisis. As demonstrated by the figures published in this issue, the construction industry is now racing along just like Luca on his scooter. All the leading research centres agree that the recovery of the construction industry will be truly global in scope and will extend to all individual sectors, from residential to contract design and infrastructure. In particular, the latest analyses by the Italian research institute Cresme are predicting a global growth rate of 6.4% this year, followed by a further 3.5% in 2022. The residential sector will account for a significant percentage of construction investments, particularly for renovations and green retrofits. As part of a trend involving the whole of manufacturing, the construction industry is set to see a surge in sales of renewable, durable and insulating materials, both old and new. Materials are clearly playing a key role in improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, with ceramic tiles in particular set to outperform building industry trends. Figures contained in the forecasting survey of world ceramic tile production and consumption conducted by the MECS Research Centre (www.mecs.org) and presented during the Acimac annual meeting suggest that world tile production will grow from 16.1 billion sqm in 2020 to 20.1 billion sqm in 2025, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. These projections are confirmed by the figures for the first six months of 2021 published by the world’s most important ceramic tile manufacturers’ asso-

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

EDITORIAL

Gian Paolo Crasta g.crasta@tiledizioni.it

Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM wins Plus X Award

NEWS

The Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM floor heating system with its low assembly height and intelligent design creates a pleasant, healthy room climate with low energy consumption. These qualities won over the Plus X

ing times. It can be connected to existing heating circuits and distributes heat quickly and evenly throughout interior spaces - with low supply temperatures. That saves energy and makes the floor heating system especially attractive for use with renewable energy sources, for example in combination with heat pumps or solar energy.

Awards jury, which recognized the high quality, ease of use, and functionality of the Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM ceramic thermal comfort floor. As the world’s largest innovation award for technology, sports and lifestyle, the Plus X Award honors brand products for their quality and innovative conceptual design. “We are very pleased to be recognized by this renowned award in three different categories,” said Managing Director Udo Schlüter. “The award affirms the value of our work and is an incentive to continue our development of intelligent, high-quality system solutions to provide our customers with even more comfort and fun with ceramic tiles.” The advantages of Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM are evident right from the start: the system is not only quick to install, but also stands out for it short cur-

Grupo Halcón acquires Cicogres Grupo Halcón has acquired the industrial assets, brand and catalogue of Cicogres, a Castellón-based ceramic tile producer with more than 30 years of operations and 5 modern production lines with a capacity of 10 million sqm/

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

year. The company’s current workforce has also been retained. This transaction reinforces Grupo Halcón’s leadership in the global ceramic tile industry, increasing production to a total of approximately 50 million sqm across 21 production lines. These include the two new lines, both with a capacity of 4 million sqm/year, installed by Grupo Halcón as part of its 45 million euro investment plan launched last February for 2021. The first was started up in the spring and expanded the group’s production capacity for large and polished tiles, while the second is scheduled to come on stream in late autumn. Grupo Halcón has completed two new showrooms at its facility as well as the new logistics centre in Onda. According to Grupo Halcón’s CEO Francois Brendel, the acquisition of Cicogres reflects the group’s intention to supplement organic growth investments with accretive acquisitions. With support from Falcon Private Holdings, the group’s majority shareholder since 2018, Grupo Halcón will continue to seek additional avenues for growth across geographies and channels said Brendel. With its three brands (Halcón, Emotion and Cicogres), five factories (all located in the Castellón area) and a total of 700 employees, the group aims to generate revenues of more than 250 million euros this year with sales in more than 100 countries.

RAK Ceramics returns to steady growth RAK Ceramics, one of the largest ceramics brands in the world, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31 March 2021, which confirm the return to a state of steady growth. The company surpassed pre-pandemic levels of operation, with record levels of revenue and profitability. This is very good news for the Ras-alKhaimah-based Group after a challenging 2020, when total revenues dropped by 8.7% to AED 2.35 billion (approx. 521 million euros) due to the COVID-19 lockdowns in the second quarter and despite the accelerated recovery in the third and fourth quarters. “Operations across global markets continued to improve, leading to the strongest start to the year recorded by RAK Ceramics since 2016”, said CEO Abdallah Massaad (pictured). “Total revenue is the highest it has been in 5 years, increasing by 21.9% year on year.” Total gross profit margin reached an alltime high of 35.0% driven by an increase in revenue, an improvement in efficiencies and the optimisation of production lines. Reported net profit outperformed pre-pandemic levels of profit. Saudi Arabia has confirmed to be one of RAK Ceramics’ major export markets. Here, revenues had already increased last year by 57.9% year on year. Thanks to further investments to open new

showrooms and to develop significant brand equity, Q1 2021 was closed with revenue up by 78.5% and RAK Ceramics being now the go-to provider of premium ceramic products in the Kingdom. Very positive results were also registered on the European markets, with revenues up by 22.7% in Q1 2021, as well as in India (+67%) and Bangladesh (+18.9%), where RAK Ceramics has production units.

Ceramiche Piemme inaugurates its new corporate showroom With a series of Open House events dedicated to international customers, Ceramiche Piemme inaugurates its new corporate showroom at the italian headquarter in Fiorano Modenese (Modena). A completely renovated space that best expresses the ceramic lines dedicated to the high-end residential sector, in a particularly original exhibition concept. The Premium area of the new showroom, which covers a total of about 1000 square meters, realistically reproduces the environments of a luxurious home with -as real protagonists- Majestic Pure Selection and Evoluta ceramics, the new Ibla collection and much more. Environments are enhanced by digital printing technologies such as the exclusive “Synchro Digit Piemme”, which makes it possible to create original coverings with unprecedented three-dimensionality and tactile sensations that perfectly recall those of natural materials. In the Piemme Floor

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

and More & Contract area, on the other hand, the exhibition has a more technical tone, in line with ceramic materials and surfaces for more commercial use such as the Glitch collection designed in collaboration with international architecture firm Benoy. Moreover, “Villa Ibla” is the evocative setting for the virtual tour that visitors (in attendance and at a distance) can experience to discover the Ibla tile line. An immersive experience that allows visitors to “navigate” through the elegant rooms covered with porcelain stoneware inspired by the “Ragusa pietra pece” asphalt stone that has characterized the artistic and cultural process of this area from Sicily for centuries.

NEWS

The winning projects of Next Landmark

Roca Group acquires Sanit

Next Landmark AWARD 2021 - the international competition promoted by Floornature with the support of the Iris Ceramica Group Foundation - has now the winners of its 10th edition. The Landmark of the Year Award - for a completed work - was awarded to “Casa en el Bosque”, by the architect Moises Morales, co-founder of W.E.Y.E.S Estudio, Mexico. The Research Award - for an academic or independently developed project - was awarded to the Italian architect Selene Amico for “Regenerated Spaces (間) around Lighthouse”. The two architects won a stay at the International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, the distribution of the project on the online media of Iris Ceramica Group and the certificate of victory of the Next Landmark International Award 2021. The technical-scientific committee awarded them for the originality, a low environmental impact, new ways of using space and the technical, aesthetic and conceptual innovation.

Roca Group, one of the leading names in bathrooms, is consolidating its standing as a global business by acquiring the German company Sanit, which specialises in sanitaryware installation systems. Roca Group already has a presence in 170 countries and operates 85 production plants. This new move, which is currently awaiting approval by the relevant anti-trust authorities, will strengthen its position in a market in which Sanit is the third largest company in Germany and the fifth largest in Europe. Alantra has provided consulting services to the group for this transaction, with Allen & Overy acting as legal advisers. The pre-wall bathroom systems segment, which includes concealed cisterns, mounting frames and flush plates, is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing popularity of wall-hung toilet bowls. The global market for these products is recording impressive growth in all countries, Germany first and foremost, in line with recent trends. Today’s consumers are increasingly in favour of solutions that optimise space, hygiene and comfort. Sanit, which was established in 1945 and has its HQ in Eisenberg, is currently a member of the Aliaxis Group, global leaders in advanced piping solutions with a presence in over 40 countries worldwide. The company has three production sites in Germany: Eisenberg, Rödental and Wittenberg. Between them, these plants employ 378 people, export to over 70 countries and manufacture products for the above-mentioned markets along with accessories

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

and complements for the assembly and recessing of bathroom systems. Sanit registered a turnover of 74 million euros in 2020. As part of Roca Group’s strategy to create specialist skills centres for different categories of bathroom product, Sanit will become the development hub for the group’s installation systems.

Launch of the new Casalgrande Padana Gran Prix The twelfth edition of the Casalgrande Padana Grand Prix, the three-yearly international architecture competition, has been officially launched. The event rewards projects that have successfully used and applied the technical properties and expressive potential of the company’s ceramic materials. Projects submitted before the 31st December 2021, constructed and finished in the period from January 2019 to December 2021, will be assessed by a jury of architecture, design, journalism and communication professionals, aided by Franco Manfredini, Chairman of Casalgrande Padana. The criteria used to select the competition winners will, as usual, be based on aspects of virtuous design, functionality and application involving Casalgrande Padana ceramic tiles, both large and small. The competition, which attracts all kinds of design professionals (architects, construction engineers, designers, interior designers, private and public technical studios, and professional architecture and interior design firms), will culminate in an award ceremony held in a well-known prestigious cultural setting, as on previous occasions.

The best projects will also be included in Casalgrande Padana’s “Creative Book”, which is printed in 60,000 copies.

Duravit: a lifetime warranty for ceramic products The importance that Duravit attaches to quality and sustainability in development and manufacturing have led the company to offer a new, lifetime warranty on over 20 of its ceramic products. Within 3 months of purchase, end customers can register their purchases online on the website www.duravit.com/ lifetimewarranty and receive a personal warranty certificate. In the event of a ceramic product presenting a defect in material, manufacture or construction after installation, Duravit also allows customers to present a claim to the retailer from whom they purchased

it. In response to claims made under the new warranty, Duravit will bear the costs of removing, replacing, and re-installing the product in question. To find out which products are covered by the new lifetime warranty, consult the website www.duravit.com/ lifetimewarranty.

ADVERTISING

NEWS

Lamosa acquires Roca’s tiles division Grupo Lamosa, Mexico’s largest ceramic manufacturing group and one of the top three global players, has taken another important step forward in its international growth plan. On August 2, it announced an agreement with Grupo Roca for the acquisition of the Spanish company’s ceramic tile division (Tiles Investments and Holdings), a transaction worth $260 million (approximately €221 million) that covers three production plants: the two Incepa plants in Brazil (Campo Largo and São Mateus do Sul) and the Ceramica Belcaire plant in Castellón, Spain, as well as a sales company in the United States. This latest deal comes five years after the acquisition of Cerámica San Lorenzo for $230 million, a move that transformed the San Pedro Garza García-based group into a multinational with operations spanning Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru. While the sale of its tile division is part of the Roca Group’s strategy of concentrating its activities and growth in the bathroom furnishings sector following its recent acquisitions of the Spanish Royo Group, the German company Sanit and a sanitaryware factory in Brazil, for Grupo Lamosa the acquisition will bring an approximately 20% increase in consolidated revenues and a 16% boost in installed capacity to 225 million sqm/ year. In 2020, the three acquired facilities produced a total of approximately 23.4 million square metres of tiles. “This operation strengthens our already strong presence in North and South America and also allows us to expand in Europe,” said Lamosa’s Chairman Federico Toussaint Elosúa. “It also represents an important step forward in the Group’s growth path in line with its strategic de-

velopment plan to expand its geographical presence, diversify risks and further strengthen its positioning and leadership through a search for new opportunities.”

Pamesa continues its unstoppable growth with the acquisition of Azuliber If the Pamesa Group’s 2021 goals announced by Fernando Roig in June (see CWR 142 p.48) were already pointing to exceptional growth (production capacity up 40%, tile sales of 130 million sqm and consolidated revenues of 900 million euros compared to the 782 million euros of 2020), with the announcement of the acquisition of Azuliber at the beginning of September the chairman of Europe’s largest tile group has further revised up his forecasts: the consolidated revenues of Pamesa Grupo Empresarial are now likely to reach 1.1 billion euros (up 40% on 2020), including 900 million euros generated in the ceramic tile segment (up 45% compared to the 616 million euros of 2020). Given its scale, the acquisition of the Azuliber group is an extremely significant operation for Spain’s Castellón ceramic district and a strategic move for Pamesa. Azuliber is more than just

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

a large tile manufacturer. Its six factories (Cerámicas Myr, Azulejera Alcorense, Click Cerámica, Valentia Ceramics, Oset and Azulejos Plaza, acquired last spring) have a dozen kilns that produce a total of 3 million square metres of tiles a month, or 36 million sqm a year, and will help Pamesa meet a constantly growing demand that still exceeds the group’s capacity despite its ongoing investments aimed at expanding production. Azuliber is also an important player in the raw materials segment (it owns several red and white clay quarries in Spain) and in the production and supply of spray-dried clay through its two companies Azuliber and Amizalsa, which operate a total of 10 spray-drying plants. The Azuliber Group is expected to post consolidated revenues of around 160 million euros in 2021. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, comes on top of the 70 million euro investment plan that Fernando Roig had already announced for 2021, which includes the installation of new kilns, office refurbishment at the headquarters, construction of a logistics centre and clay warehouse, and modernisation of Pulidos Pamesa with the installation of new finishing equipment.

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14 I T E M S TO S AT I S F Y E V E RY I N S TA L L AT I O N N E E D, W I T H H E I G H T S F RO M 2 5 TO 102 5 M M .

S C A N O R G O TO I M P E R T E K .C O M MEET US AT CERSAIE (27/09 – 01/10) BOLOGNA ITALY

ECONOMICS

$ 9,552 mill. (ceramics, carpet, laminate, wood, stone, LVT)

GRUPO LAMOSA MEXICO

148.0

201.0

38%

602.3

SCG CERAMICS THAILAND

145.0

181.0

12%

565.0

RAK CERAMICS PJSC UAE

99.2

123.0

60%

CERAMICA CARMELO FIOR BRAZIL

84.0

87.0

GRUPO PAMESA SPAIN

82.0

STN GROUP SPAIN KAJARIA CERAMICS

INDIA

(estimates)

MAIN TILE BRANDS / COMPANIES

n.a.

$ 3,433 mill.

MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. USA

also reporting revenue where available. And because these are large groups whose operations in many cases extend over multiple industrial sectors, we indicate both revenues generated solely in the ceramic tile segment and consolidated group revenues. The revenue figures were

TILE PLANTS LOCATION

TOTAL TURNOVER (mill. €)

250.0

TURNOVER ONLY TILE SEGMENT (mill. €)

230-250

EXPORT SHARE

INSTALLED CAPACITY

• The figures were mostly provided directly by the companies themselves, apart from a small number of cases in which they were obtained from public sources or estimated. • Along with data for installed capacity, real production, export share and number and locations of facilities, we are

PRODUCTION (mill. sq.m)

GROUP / COMPANY COUNTRY

Tile International in collaboration with MECS is publishing key data on the ceramic tile sector’s leading groups and companies, ranked by last year’s output volumes and updated to 31/12/2020. To correctly understand the rankings, please bear in mind the following:

23 in USA, Mexico,

Brazil, Italy, Spain, Poland, Bulgaria, Russia

American Olean, Dal Tile, KAI, Kerama Marazzi, Marazzi, Ragno, Emilgroup, Eliane

796.8

9 in Mexico, 2 in Argentina, 2 in Colombia, 3 in Peru

Lamosa, Porcelanite, Firenze, San Lorenzo, Cordillera, Scop, Princesa, Mallorca, Lamosa USA

695.0

18 in Thailand, 7 in Vietnam, 2 in Indonesia, 1 in Philippines

COTTO, Sosuco, Campana, Prime, Mariwasa, Kia, Trend, Impresso

395.0

575.0 (tiles, sanitary, tableware)

12 in UAE, 1 in Bangladesh, 1 in India

RAK Ceramics, Elegance

32%

n.a.

5 in Brazil

Cecafi, Pisoforte, Fioranno, Idealle, Arielle

82.0

69%

617.0

783.0

5 in Spain

Pamesa, TAU, Geotiles, Prissmacer, Ecoceramic, Navarti

78.1

81.0

78%

360.0

3 in Spain

STN, Alaplana, Keratile, Tesany, Vitacer

78.1 (sales)

70.4

353.0

377.0 (tiles, sanitaryware)

10 in India

Kajaria

(tiles, adhesives)

(tiles + sanitaryware)

ARWANA CITRAMULIA INDONESIA

63.0

65.4

127.6

5 in Indonesia

Arwana

DYNASTY CERAMIC THAILAND

61.0

84.0

222.0

229.0

3 in Thailand

Dynasty, Tile Top, Jaguar, RCI, Chicken, Birdy, Swan, Value

*Figures refer to FY endend on March 31 or April 3, 2021 14 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 2 1

(Italy), Cleopatra (Egypt) and Cedasa/Incopisos (Brazil). Several Chinese groups are also missing as only figures for installed capacity are available, although it should be noted that the top 10 Chinese producers (New Pearl, Wonderful, which also has a plant in the USA, Huashuo, Hongyu, Dongpeng,

Unlike in the past when the ranking remained relatively stable, the 2020 ranking has seen (probably temporary) changes in the positions of numerous companies due to the fact that it is not based on installed capacity but on actual production over the 12 month period. Almost all groups reported a decline in production volumes due to the plant stoppages that occurred for various lengths of time during the lockdowns in the first half of the year; this contraction was partially offset by the powerful recovery in the second half of the 2020, with production lines operating at maximum capacity in response to a buoyant market. The fall in production was therefore not uniform, but ranged from

PRODUCTION (mill. sq.m)

INSTALLED CAPACITY

EXPORT SHARE

TURNOVER ONLY TILE SEGMENT (mill. €)

TOTAL TURNOVER (mill. €)

GRUPO FRAGNANI BRAZIL

55.3

79.0

93.4

CERSANIT SA POLAND

53.5

65.6

70%

258.0

SAUDI CERAMICS SAUDI ARABIA

52.8

60.0

SOMANY CERAMICS

48.0

67.7

44.2

51.9

INDIA

LASSELSBERGER GROUP AUSTRIA

MAIN TILE BRANDS / COMPANIES

GROUP / COMPANY COUNTRY

But as demonstrated by the revenue trend, the decline in production was not accompanied by a similar drop in sales. Many companies cleared out their warehouses to meet demand, in some cases encountering issues of insufficient inventory due to prolonged lockdowns (e.g. Mohawk Industries, which closed 2020 with revenues down 5.5% in the ceramic tile segment). Others managed to maintain similar or higher levels of sales to the previous year, including Lamosa, which

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

-1.5% for companies such as STN and Cersanit to more than -10% for the worst-hit Mexican and Brazilian groups. Only a small number of companies maintained or increased their production levels compared to 2019: Pamesa, Arwana, Victoria, Carmelo Fior and Somany, which increased its capacity by 18% and production by 14%.

The exceptional nature of the year 2020 is also reflected in the ranking of the world’s largest tile producers and warrants some general observations.

Quanye, Monalisa, Haosheng and Shuncheng, in that order) all have annual production capacities of between 100 and 208 million square metres.

TILE PLANTS LOCATION

provided by the companies either directly in euros or in local currency and converted at the exchange rate as of 31/12/2020. • The ranking is not exhaustive, given the lack of available data on the volumes produced by several large groups that would be included in the ranking, including the Concorde Group

3 in Brazil

Incefra, Incenor, Tecnogres, In Out

457.0 (tiles, sanitaryware)

2 in Poland, 2 in Russia, 1 in Ukraine

Cersanit, Opoczno

221.8

269.5 (tiles, sanitaryware)

14 in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Ceramics

179.0

191.0 (tiles, sanitaryware)

9 in India

Somany

n.a.

5 in Czech Rep., 2 in Hungary, 1 in Romania, 1 in Russia

Rako, Cesarom, LB-Ceramics, Zalakeramia

*Figures refer to FY endend on March 31 or April 3, 2021 15 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 2 1

closed the year with 8% revenue growth, Pamesa (+20.5%), STN (+10.8%) and Somany (+5.3% based on the euro exchange rate). Other companies reporting higher sales volumes than production include Cersanit, Interceramic and Saudi Ceramics.

Kajaria is expected to increase capacity to 82 million sqm by March 2022. But the biggest changes in positioning that will emerge in the 2021 rankings will be the result of major acquisitions by four big players this year: • Lamosa, already the world’s second largest producer, which will increase its production capacity to 225 million sqm with the acquisition of Roca’s tile division; • Pamesa, which by acquiring the Azuliber Group will gain an additional capacity of 36 million sqm/year and is aiming for 130 million sqm of sales and ceramic segment revenues of 900 million euros; • Victoria PLC, which acquired Colli and Santa Maria in April and has not ruled out the possibility of making further acquisitions during the current financial year (see page 32); • Grupo Halcon, whose production capacity has increased from 32 to 50 million sqm in 2021 due to the acquisition of Cicogres and the expansion of its pro-

The year 2021 is already shaping up to be just as exceptional, but this time in a positive sense. In particular, all groups have maintained their growth forecasts in terms of sales and earnings. These include the Global Ceramics division of Mohawk Industries, which closed the first half of 2021 with earnings of +23% (see page 30); the Lamosa Group at +65%; Rak Ceramics at +41.8%; and Portobello at +70.7%. As for production, by the end of 2021 we can expect to see a general increase in output volumes due to the return to pre-pandemic levels coupled with numerous investments to expand capacity. For example, Mohawk Industries has embarked on expansion projects in Mexico, Brazil, Europe and Russia, Pamesa is installing new kilns in its facilities, and

70%

(GBP 282,4 mln)

KALE GROUP TURKEY

40.0

62.0

38%

n.a

184.0 (tiles, bathroom, others)

CELIMA (Trebol Group) PERU'

36-40

54.0 (estimates)

n.a.

PORTOBELLO (PGB) BRAZIL

(estimates)

36-40

46.0 (estimates)

21%

INTERCERAMIC MEXICO

36.0

48.0

CERAMIC INDUSTRIES SOUTH AFRICA

35.0

ECONOMICS

778.2 (GBP 662,3 mln) (ceramic tiles, carpet, LVT, …)

TILE PLANTS LOCATION

MAIN TILE BRANDS / COMPANIES

EXPORT SHARE

50.0

TOTAL TURNOVER (mill. €)

INSTALLED CAPACITY

42.0

TURNOVER ONLY TILE SEGMENT (mill. €)

PRODUCTION (mill. sq.m)

VICTORIA PLC GREAT BRITAIN

GROUP / COMPANY COUNTRY 16

duction lines.

4 in Spain, 5 in Italy

Keraben, Saloni, IberoCasainfinita, Serra, Ascot, Dom, Mac3, Keradom

20 in Turkey

Canakkale Seramik, Kalebodur, Edilcuoghi, Edilgres, Campani, IDA

n.a.

3 in Peru

Celima, San Martin

208.4

2 in Brazil

Portobello, Pointer

29%

310.0

431.0 (tiles, sanitaryware, others)

5 in Mexico, 1 in USA

Interceramic

49.0

n.a.

5 in South Africa, 1 in Australia

Samca, Vitro, Pegasus, Gryphon, Centaurus

50.2

n.a.

143.0

4 in Mexico

Vitromex, Arko

32.1

51.2

132.0

4 in Brazil

Elizabeth

INDIA

32.0

35.0

55.0

5 in India

Orientbell Tiles

CORONA COLOMBIA

31.6

42.0

12%

111.2

331.9 (tiles, sanitaryware)

5 in Colombia

Corona, Orchid

VITROMEX MEXICO

ELIZABETH BRAZIL

ORIENT BELL

(estimates)

331.8

*Figures refer to FY endend on March 31 or April 3, 2021 16 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 / 2 0 2 1

CERSAIE BOLOGNA, ITALY 27 SEPTEMBER - 1 OCTOBER 2021

HALL 30, STAND C58-D57

Wash Basin and WC: RAK-VALET Furniture: RAK-JOY Wall and Floor: TOKYO CONCRETE

STRONG REBOUND IN EUROPEAN CONSTRUCTION IN 2021 91st EUROCONSTRUCT Conference

The recovery of the European construction industry is more rapid than initially expected, with much of the losses from the Corona

pandemic expected to be recovered in 2021. According to the latest estimates announced at the 91st Eurocon-

struct Conference held on 10-11 June, construction volume in the Euroconstruct area will grow by 3.8% in 2021, following a slump of

ECONOMICS

Unlike the past years, however, the construction industry will show a lower growth dynamic than the overall economy from 2022 onwards: while the growth rates of the construction industry in 2022 and 2023 will be 3.0% and 2.1%, the economies of the EC-19 will expand by 4.4% and 2.0%.

apart from Denmark, Finland, Portugal and Sweden. The countries France, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Hungary and Slovakia recorded high single-digit or even double-digit declines. The construction industry in the Nordic countries was more resilient to the pandemic, with positive growth rates in several countries. This contrasts with a negaThe past year 2020 brought drastic declines in to- tive growth trend in the Eastern European countries, tal construction output in almost all EC countries - where the Czech Republic and Poland came off somewhat more lightly. TAB. 1 - TOTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT The picture in continen(% change in real terms) tal and southern EuESTIMATES FORECASTS OUTLOOK rope is very heterogeCOUNTRY 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 neous. While construcAustria 2.5 3.6 3.6 -3.3 3.5 2.4 1 .9 tion output plummeted in France, growth in Belgium 2.1 3.3 1.6 -4.7 6.1 1.9 2.4 Germany was only just Denmark 3.0 1.3 7.8 6.1 2.9 1.8 2.0 below zero, as it was Finland 1.9 1.7 -1.8 1.4 1.1 -0.8 -3.0 in Switzerland. ModerFrance 3.9 3.1 2.2 -12.7 7.0 3.3 1.5 ate losses were recordGermany 2.1 2.0 2.0 -0.9 -0.6 0.2 0.2 ed in Austria and Belgium. Portugal was also Ireland 14.9 13.1 8.4 -8.6 -6.4 14.6 9.5 able to decouple itself Italy 0.5 1.9 3.4 -4.6 8.7 4.7 3.6 from the negative dyNetherlands 3.9 6.6 3.1 -2.5 -1.6 4.4 4.0 namics in neighbouring Norway 3.5 -2.0 1.8 -0.1 5.4 2.0 0.2 Spain. In the Anglo-SaxPortugal 11 .6 10.3 8.4 3.4 0.4 1.0 1.4 on countries, there was a very significant slump Spain 5.1 6.4 4.5 -10.4 5.5 6.0 3.5 overall in 2020. Sweden

Switzerland United Kingdom WESTERN EUROPE (EC-1 5) Czech Republic

6.2

-1.0

1.2

0.9

-0.3

6.0

-0.1

2.4

3.4

2.5

2.6

4.5

7.0

1.1

1.4

2.7

1.4

1.9

-0.7

0.5

-0.6

0.6

-11.1

11.4

5.2

3.2

-5.2

4.1

2.9

2.0

-3.6

-0.9

2.8

2.3

25.5

19.8

16.3

-7.1

-1.3

7.9

7.6

Poland

7.2

14.4

4.9

-2.0

-0.2

2.9

3.3

Slovak Republic

3.8

8.0

-4.7

-12.7

1.9

8.3

4.3

EASTERN EUROPE (EC-4)

8.5

12.8

5.1

-3.8

-0.5

3.9

3.8

"EUROCONSTRUCT COUNTRIES (EC-1 9)"

3.7

3.0

2.8

-5.1

3.8

3.0

2.1

Hungary

Source: EUROCONSTRUCT, June 2021

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

Nevertheless, the (almost) unanimous negative growth rates of the construction industry in the Euroconstruct countries in 2020 should not hide the fact that the recovery paths are very different. It is by no means the case that stronger losses in 2020 will automatically

5.1% in 2020. Compared to the previous forecasts, the decline in 2020 was less than expected, and the pre-crisis

level will thus be reached again by 2022 at the latest. Against the backdrop of significantly more favourable economic

be compensated for in 2021. This becomes particularly clear in the case of Ireland, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain and France, which suffered very high declines in total construction output in 2020 and will only be able to compensate for part of them in 2021. Ireland and Hungary even expect further declines in 2021. The situation is reversed in Portugal and the Northern European countries (Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway): after very robust results in 2020, there should be further increases in 2021.

conditions in the EC-19, the construction industry is also benefiting from an overall rapid economic recovery.

From a sectoral perspective, civil engineering, which has already shown significantly above-average growth Chiara Bruzzichelli momentum in recent years, has the most promising c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it growth prospects in the years until 2023. Non-residential construction, which was most strongly hit by the crisis, exhibits a relatively weak recovery path in the coming years. Residential construction, on the other hand, will continue to deliver stable growth rates but the growth dynamic drops noticeably after 2021. ✕

FIG. 3 - TOTAL CONSTRUCTION

FIG. 2 - CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT BY SECTOR (EC-19)

Total Construction in EC-19

Construction output by sector (EC-19)

Index 2020 = 100

S: EUROCONSTRUCT (June 2021).- Index at constant prices, 2020=100

125

Austria United Kingdom

Finland

Total construction

France

Italy

0 Index

Belgium Denmark

120

Germany 115

-2

Ireland Spain

-4

Italy Netherlands

-6

France

110

Norway Portugal Spain

-8

Sweden Switzerland

105

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

-10

United Kingdom EUROCONSTRUCT 19

GDP

Total construction Germany

100

Poland Slovak Republic

Construction output by sector (EC-19)

EUROCONSTRUCT 4

S: EUROCONSTRUCT (June 2021).- Index at constant prices, 2020=100

2017

Civil engineering Residential construction

Total construction output

Total construction output Residential construction Non-residential construction Civil engineering 2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

80 2017

Index

2018

2019

2020

Source: EUROCONSTRUCT (2021, 91st EC-Conference)

120

100

Czech Republic Hungary

FIG. 3 - CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT BY SECTOR (EC-19)

110

EUROCONSTRUCT 15

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

2021

2022

2023

EUROCONSTRUCT 19

Better than expected. These three words best describe the picture painted by the 2020 revenues of Italy’s leading ceramic manufacturers.

Among the ups and downs of individual company performance, the most striking observation is that, against all forecasts, the downturn was modest and a third of the

companies surveyed – 23 responded to the questionnaire we sent – even increased their turnover, specifically in the annus horribilis of Covid. The other point, which the sample

Analysis by Ilaria Vesentini - MECS Research Centre (www.mecs.org)

ECONOMICS

Various factors suggest that the figures and trends set out here should be seen in a positive light, and that the pandemic year will be remembered as a blip that will not weigh too heavily on future balance sheets. At the start of the health crisis and ensuing lockdown, Italy’s ceramic manufacturers feared they would end 2020 with downturns in double figures. The average downturn, however – according to the sample represented here and excluding the results of the vast multinational Mohawk – turned out to be less than 3%.

them unchanged. Furthermore, business forecasts for 2021 are rosy to say the least, in keeping with the statistics published by Confindustria Ceramica and the boost expected from recent tax incentives, first and foremost the 110% state subsidy of energy-efficient building upgrades. From Valle d’Aosta to Sicily, all the Italian companies surveyed, bar none, expect sales to increase at rates of between 3% and 89%. As we know, however, it is foreign markets that determine the success of Italy’s ceramic industry. Our manufacturers generate over 80% of their revenues outside Italy, and the sample surveyed confirms this finding: only one respondent reported exports accounting for less than 50% of their total revenues. And these same international markets are showing reassuring signs in terms of the resilience of Italy’s manufacturing industry, regardless of the final balance sheet for 2020. All respondents are making positive price forecasts, with list prices either rising or remaining stable.

Another positive factor, if we compare the 2020 revenues of Italian manufacturers with those of international manufacturers – a hundred or so financial statements, mostly from Asian companies, have already been filed and recorded in the official databases – is that the comparison shows Italy in a favourable light, despite the fact that shops and factories remained closed for longer than in other countries, due to the pandemic containment measures adopted by the Conte Government. The average fall in revenues incurred by this second These dynamics are matched by similarly good foreworldwide sample (still excluding casts in terms of volumes: in the EU, Mohawk) was around 5%, and four in particular, which has always been times more companies lost sales All the figures lined up corrob- the biggest market for Italian ceramorate the starting point of the than gained them: 80% of internaic, there is a unanimous chorus of analysis and the results of the tional manufacturers reported a fall price rise forecasts. sample survey: in terms of economic in revenues in 2020, while just 20% The future is looking bright in the results, the majority of Italy’s reported a rise. Middle East, Far East and North ceramic companies have already put Another reassuring factor for Italian America too: only one or two comCovid behind them. manufacturers is how firmly their panies from the entire survey sample prices held up, as shown by the Tile are forecasting downturns in these International survey, both nationally and international- geographical areas. ly, combined with good sales prospects in terms of volumes. More specifically, on the Italian market, only The forecasts for 2021 also come in the wake of a 15% of the sample expect to cut their prices, while the surprisingly positive pandemic year for international vast majority expect to raise them or, at worst, keep trade, despite the grounding of long-haul flights, re-

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

survey does not show, but which business-people in the field bear witness to, is that regardless of whether sales went up or down, 2020 was a

year of good profit margins, due to the big reduction in operating costs across all areas of manufacturing, not just ceramic.

strictions on other goods traffic flows and a rise in nationalism and protectionism that has penalised Italian manufacturers, as they are the most internationalised players in the sector. Italy’s tile exports fell by 2.1% last year compared with 2019, which is less than the average fall worldwide (3.6%) and streets ahead of the 11.5% downturn suffered by Chinese manufacturers. Spanish manufacturers reported a 4.5% increase in exports, but their factories had significantly shorter shutdowns than their Italian counterparts.

Ceramiche Gardenia Orchidea in 2020, at a time when most M&A deals fell through due to the pandemic (the early months of 2021, however, have already seen a rise in merge activity). Generally speaking, the top-end specialist segment (designer tiles, premium materials and premium finishings) have suffered the worst of the damage that Covid inflicted on the luxury segment, across all industries and well beyond the borders of Italy. In some cases, the results for 2020 have simply shone the spotlight on difficulties that were already emerging in 2019, in the form of re-organisations and redundancies triggered by tougher market conditions that the health emergency has simply accentuated. It is worth remembering, in fact, that the 2019 pre-Covid financial data – see “Economic & financial analysis of world ceramic tile manufacturers 7th edition 2021” - already suggested that Italian manufacturers were struggling more than their Spanish and Asian competitors, as a result of a slowdown in all operating indicators and a fall in margins. ✕

All the figures lined up so far, corroborate the starting point of the analysis and the results of the sample survey: in terms of economic results, the majority of companies have already put Covid behind them. Lastly, a detailed look at the company data brought together in this section reveals outlier indicators, such as the +33.3% reported by ABK Group, which reflect oneoff operations. In ABK’s case, this was the acquisition of

MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, Inc

USD 3,432.8 million

(2020: consolidated segment Global Ceramic)

Historical: 2012: USD 1,616 MIL. • 2013: USD 2,677 MIL. • 2014: USD 3,015 MIL. • 2015: USD 3,013 MIL. • 2016: USD 3,175 MIL. - 2017: USD 3,405 MIL. 2018: USD 3,553 MIL. • 2019: USD 3,631 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • MARAZZI (All markets)

• RAGNO (All markets)

• EMILGROUP (All markets)

• AMERICAN OLEAN (North America)

• DAL-TILE (North America)

• KERAMA MARAZZI (Russia)

• KAI GROUP (Bulgaria and Romania)

• ELIANE (Brazil)

PRODUCTION: INTERNATIONALISATION: EMPLOYEES:

240/260 MIL. SQ.M (Mohawk Ind. production capacity, Tile International 2020 estimate) NORTH/SOUTH AMERICA, EUROPE, RUSSIA, ASIA 42,000

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

€ 415.0 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2012: € 420.0 MIL. • 2013: € 440.0 MIL. • 2014: € 450.0 MIL. • 2015: € 480.0 MIL. • 2016: € 530.0 MIL. • 2017: € 509.0 MIL. 2018: € 485.0 MIL. • 2019: € 485.0 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • FIANDRE Architectural Surfaces

• IRIS CERAMICA

• FMG, Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti

• ARIOSTEA

• SAPIENSTONE

• STONEPEAK CERAMICS (USA)

• PORCELAINGRES (Germany)

• EIFFELGRES

• GRANITECH

• TECHNORIUNITE

• MATIMEX

• ARCAREL

• TECHNOMIX

• LA CERAMICA

• SEVENTYONEPERCENT

• ACTIVE SURFACES PRODUCTION: INTERNATIONALISATION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES:

NOTES:

19 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 94% - WALL TILE 6% 2 FACILITIES: STONEPEAK CERAMICS (USA), PORCELAINGRES (GERMANY) 85% 1,600 Incorporation and launch of SEVENTYONEPERCENT, a luxury bathroom furnishing brand established in conjunction with the PAOLO CASTELLI brand. Opening of the new Iris Ceramica Group showroom in Milan (Italy), at 4, Via Santa Margherita. Relaunch of traditional full-body technical ceramic. Research and development relating to HYPERTOUCH home automation technology (launch 2021). Relaunch of the Granitech engineering division with brand restyling and reorganisation of a new architecture and engineering consultancy and solutions centre. Restyling of the brand dedicated to antimicrobial and anti-pollution coverings launched in 2010 as ACTIVE Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic, now ACTIVE SURFACES™, with the introduction of a dedicated product line and the launch of a marketing and retail investment plan.

ECONOMICS

FINFLOOR GROUP

€ 381.0 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 286.3 MIL. • 2004: € 308.1 MIL. • 2005: € 343.7 MIL. •2006: € 355.2 MIL. • 2007: € 343.4 MIL. • 2008: € 330.6 MIL. • 2009: € 259.7 MIL. 2010: € 273.8 MIL. • 2011: € 304.6 MIL. • 2012: € 315.3 MIL. • 2013: € 325.8 MIL. • 2014: € 329.5 MIL. • 2015: € 374.1 MIL. • 2016: € 406.8 MIL. • 2017: € 424.8 MIL. 2018: € 410.0 MIL. • 2019: € 404.0 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • FLORIM CERAMICHE SPA SB

Floor Gres, Rex, CEDIT - Ceramiche d'Italia, Casa dolce casa - Casamood, Cerim, FLORIM stone

• FLORIM USA INC.

Milestone PRODUCTION:

22 MIL. SQ.M

INTERNATIONALISATION:

1 PRODUCTION FACILITY AND LOGISTICS CENTER IN TENNESSEE (USA). FLAGSHIP STORES IN MILAN, MOSCOW, NYC, SINGAPORE, FRANKFURT, LONDON, ABU DHABI.

EXPORTS:

80% (Calculated on the value of direct business, excluding revenues from production on behalf of third parties)

EMPLOYEES:

1,400

PANARIAGROUP

€ 357.3 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 212.4 MIL. • 2004: € 235.5 MIL. • 2005: € 247.2 MIL. • 2006: € 351.5 MIL. • 2007: € 354.4 MIL. • 2008: € 328.0 MIL. • 2009: € 289.9 MIL. 2010: € 285.2 MIL. • 2011: € 294.1 MIL. • 2012: € 280.8 MIL. • 2013: € 273.0 MIL. • 2014: € 290.7 MIL. • 2015: € 342.9 MIL. • 2016: € 377.0 MIL 2017: € 384.6 MIL. • 2018: € 371.0 MIL. • 2019: € 382.0 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • PANARIA CERAMICHE

• LEA CERAMICHE

• COTTO D'ESTE

• BLUSTYLE

• FLORIDA TILE

• MARGRES

• LOVE TILES

• BELLISSIMO

• MAXA CERAMIC SLABS

PRODUCTION: INTERNATIONALISATION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES:

OVER 20.0 MIL. SQ.M 2 FACILITIES IN PORTUGAL , 1 IN THE UNITED STATES 83% 1,724

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

grupporomanispa.it CERAMIC WIDE DECORATION

€ 249.0 million Historical: 2017: € 81.2 MIL. • 2018: € 198.9 MIL. • 2019: € 204.7 MIL.

These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • LA FABBRICA • DEVON&DEVON • BOTTEGA • ITALCER SPA

• AVA • CERAMICA RONDINE • CEDIR • EQUIPE CERAMICAS PRODUCTION:

• ELIOS CERAMICA • SPRAY DRY • ITALCER USA

12.5 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 92%, WALL TILE 8% (9 MIL. MADE IN ITALY, 3,5 MIL. MADE IN SPAIN)

EXPORTS:

85%

EMPLOYEES:

830

CASALGRANDE PADANA

€ 233.97 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 134.0 MIL. • 2004: € 146.0 MIL. • 2005: € 162.0 MIL. • 2006: € 178.3 MIL. • 2007: € 294.0 MIL. • 2008: € 295.9 MIL. • 2009: € 275.6 MIL. 2010: € 283.0 MIL. • 2011: € 292.3 MIL. • 2012: € 275.0 MIL. • 2013: € 272.7 MIL. • 2014: € 268.8 MIL. • 2015: € 273.7 MIL. • 2016: € 278.4 MIL. • 2017: € 265.1 MIL. 2018: € 263.8 MIL. • 2019: € 260.9 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CASALGRANDE PADANA SPA

ECONOMICS

PRODUCTION:

• NUOVA RIWAL CERAMICHE SRL 16 MIL. SQ.M - 100% FLOOR TILES (MADE IN ITALY)

EXPORTS:

80%

EMPLOYEES:

970

COOPERATIVA CERAMICA D’IMOLA GROUP

€ 207.0 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 358.3 MIL. • 2004: € 369.1 MIL. • 2005: € 386.4 MIL. • 2006: € 385.6 MIL. • 2007: € 384.5 MIL. • 2008: € 370.6 MIL. • 2009: € 278.7 MIL. 2010: € 274.9 MIL. • 2011: € 266.4 MIL. • 2012: € 256.6 MIL. • 2013: € 257.6 MIL. • 2014: € 252.0 MIL. • 2015: € 241.0 MIL. • 2016: € 248.0 MIL. • 2017: € 244.8 MIL. 2018: € 222.5 MIL. • 2019: € 216.0 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • IMOLA CERAMICA

• LA FAENZA CERAMICA PRODUCTION:

• LEONARDO CERAMICA

12.97 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 93,5%, WALL TILE 6,5%

EXPORTS:

78.9%

EMPLOYEES:

1.050

CERAMICHE GRESMALT SPA GROUP

€ 148.8 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 46.4 MIL. • 2004: € 47.9 MIL. • 2005: € 54.7 MIL • 2006: € 59.3 MIL. • 2007: € 68.3 MIL. • 2008: € 65.0 MIL. • 2009: € 63.4 MIL. 2010: € 67.0 MIL. • 2011: € 74.1 MIL. • 2012: € 80.2 MIL. • 2013: € 83.8 MIL. • 2014: € 88.3 MIL. • 2015: € 100.4 MIL. • 2016: € 117.2 MIL. • 2017: € 132.2 MIL. 2018: € 132.8 MIL. • 2019: € 150.2 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICHE GRESMALT GROUP PRODUCTION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES:

• ERMES CERAMICHE 14.2 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100% 86,8% 499

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

€ 148.0 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 78.9 MIL. • 2004: € 80.6 MIL. • 2005: € 87.9 MIL • 2006: € 92.5 MIL. 2007: € 102.2 MIL. • 2008: € 105.1 MIL. • 2009: € 90.1 MIL. 2010: € 89.0 MIL. • 2011: € 83.0 MIL. • 2012: € 74.0 MIL. • 2013: € 77.0 MIL. 2014: € 85.0 MIL. • 2015: € 94.0 MIL. • 2016: € 104.0 MIL. • 2017: € 110.0 MIL. 2018: € 110.0 MIL. • 2019: € 111.0 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • ABK

• ARIANA

• FLAVIKER

• HARD KOLL

• ABKSTONE

• MATERIA

• GARDENIA ORCHIDEA PRODUCTION:

10 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100%

EXPORTS:

74%

EMPLOYEES:

519

NOTES:

Acquisition of Gardenia Orchidea. Acquisition of a shareholding in the Spanish company Arbe Stolanic.

DEL CONCA GROUP

€ 140.2 million

(net of infragroup)

Historical: 2003: € 113.5 MIL. • 2004: € 121.3 MIL. • 2005: € 130.7 MIL. • 2006: € 155.3 MIL. • 2007: € 155.3 MIL. • 2008: € 145.3 MIL. • 2009: € 128.0 MIL. 2010: € 124.0 MIL. • 2011: € 122.1 MIL. • 2012: € 121.2 MIL. • 2013: € 121.3 MIL. • 2014: € 126.9 MIL. • 2015: € 146.4 MIL. • 2016: € 163.8 MIL. 2017: € 168.5 MIL. • 2018: € 157.2 MIL. • 2019: € 141.0 MIL. These revenues (net of intercompany transactions) were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICA DEL CONCA

• CERAMICA FAETANO (Rep. San Marino)

• PASTORELLI

• DEL CONCA USA INTERNATIONALISATION:

SAN MARINO (CERAMICA FAETANO SPA), USA (DEL CONCA USA, INC.)

EXPORTS:

83%

EMPLOYEES:

556

LAMINAM SPA

€ 128.0 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2010: € 18.5 MIL. • 2011: € 25.0 MIL. • 2012: € 24.1 MIL. • 2013: € 29.8 MIL. 2014: € 39.4 MIL. • 2015: € 50.0 MIL. 2016: € 68.0 MIL. • 2017: € 85.0 MIL. • 2018: € 110.0 MIL. • 2019: € 125.1 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • LAMINAM SPA • LAMINAM UK • LAMINAM CANADA

• LAMINAM GERMANY • LAMINAM ISRAEL • LAMINAM SERVICE PRODUCTION:

INTERNATIONALISATION:

3.5 MIL. SQ.M RUSSIA

EXPORTS:

80%

EMPLOYEES:

563

NOTES:

• LAMINAM FRANCE • LAMINAM USA • LAMINAM RUS

An upgrade of the Borgo Val di Taro production facility (in the Italian province of Parma) is in progress.

CERAMICHE RICCHETTI SPA GROUP

€ 104.5 million

Historical: 2003: € 306.4 MIL. • 2004: € 291.6 MIL. • 2005: € 281.3 MIL. • 2006: € 282.3 MIL. • 2007: € 271.0 MIL. • 2008: € 241.0 MIL. • 2009: € 194.5 MIL. 2010: € 196.7 MIL. • 2011: € 190.5 MIL. • 2012: € 188.6 MIL. • 2013: € 184.0 MIL. • 2014: € 185.2 MIL. • 2015: € 180.9 MIL. • 2016: € 165.2 MIL. 2017: N.D. • 2018: N.D. • 2019: N.D. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERDISA

• CISA

• RICCHETTI

• ROBERTO CAVALLI HOME LUXORY TILES

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

€ 96.2 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 75.1 MIL. • 2004: € 85.0 MIL. • 2005: € 94.1 MIL. • 2006: € 100.4 MIL. • 2007: € 105.0 MIL. • 2008: € 104.0 MIL. • 2009: € 92.8 MIL. 2010: € 100.3 MIL. • 2011: € 117.0 MIL. • 2012: € 109.2 MIL • 2013: € 102.5 MIL. • 2014: € 101.3 MIL. • 2015: € 102.6 MIL. • 2016: € 103.4 MIL. 2017: € 103.75 MIL. • 2018: € 105.1 MIL. • 2019: € 99.2 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • SERENISSIMA

• CIR

• CERCOM

• ISLA TILES

• CERASARDA

• EXE

PRODUCTION:

5,8 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100%

EXPORTS:

78%

EMPLOYEES:

408

VICTORIA PLC ITALIA

€ 92.0 million 2019: € 40.5 MIL.

These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • ASCOT EVERYTILE

• DOM DESIGN LAB PRODUCTION: EXPORTS:

80%

EMPLOYEES:

320

ECONOMICS

NOTES:

• SERRA CERAMICHE

16.2 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 92%, WALL TILE 8%

On March 2020 Group Victoria PLC Italia, who had previously purchased Serra Ceramiche, acquired Ascot and Dom Ceramiche. On 21 April 2021 Victoria PLC Italia acquired also Ceramiche Colli and Ceramiche Santa Maria (article on page 32)

GOLD ART CERAMICA SPA

€ 87.4 million Historical: 2017: € 70,7 MIL. • 2018: € 76,4 MIL. • 2019: € 79,5 MIL.

These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • GOLD ART CERAMICA

• ENERGIEKER PRODUCTION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES:

NOTES:

8,9 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 80% - WALL TILE 20% 55,5% 310 In 2020, Gold Art completed its acquisition of a 100% shareholding in Winter Spa, based in Maranello (in the Italian province of Modena) and brought its logistics centre on-stream to support the Pavullo production facilities. In 2021, the company started work on expanding its production sites for the production of a new SACMI Continua+ line for large formats, which is due to come on-stream in Spring 2022.

ITALGRANITI GROUP SPA

€ 81.1 million

Historical: 2011: € 81.1 MIL. • 2012: € 77.4 MIL. • 2013: € 68.7 MIL. • 2014: € 73.3 MIL. 2015: € 71.8 MIL. • 2016: € 79.0 MIL. • 2017: € 81.6 MIL. 2018: € 80.4 MIL. • 2019: € 82.6 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • ITALGRANITI

• IMPRONTA PRODUCTION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES:

• ITALSTONE

4.5 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100% 75% 231

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

€ 77.2 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 93.8 MIL. • 2004: € 98.8 MIL. • 2005: € 96.8 MIL • 2006: € 100.2 MIL. 2007: € 99.8 MIL. • 2008: € 85.2 MIL. • 2009: € 68.0 MIL. 2010: € 70.8 MIL. 2011: € 70.6 MIL. • 2012: € 67.3 MIL. • 2013: € 69.0 MIL. • 2014: € 71.5 MIL. • 2015: € 71.5 MIL. • 2016: € 77.4 MIL. • 2017: € 81.3 MIL. 2018: € 81.2 MIL. • 2019: € 79.0 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • MONOCIBEC

• CENTURY

• FINCIBEC

• OVER FINCIBEC PRODUCTION:

• NAXOS

4.7 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 82% - WALL TILE 18%

EXPORTS:

83%

EMPLOYEES:

381

INDUSTRIE CERAMICHE PIEMME SPA

€ 74.7 million

Historical: 2008: € 89.5 MIL. • 2009: € 71.6 MIL. • 2010: € 80.3 MIL. • 2011: € 80.4 MIL. 2012: € 79.9 MIL. • 2013: € 85.1 MIL. • 2014: € 92.0 MIL. 2015: € 96.3 MIL. 2016: € 104.0 MIL. • 2017: € 104.0 MIL. • 2018: € 98.1 MIL. • 2019: € 94.3 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICHE PIEMME PRODUCTION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES: NOTES:

5.7 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100% 85% 324 Ceramiche Piemme reorganised its corporate governance and started restructuring its production. The company also established an industrial plan for 2021-2025 that includes investments in its products, processes and sales network.

COEM SPA

€ 71.4 million

Historical: 2003: € 48.0 MIL. • 2004: € 53.0 MIL. • 2005: € 54.8 MIL. • 2006: € 61.8 MIL. 2007: € 62.2 MIL. • 2008: € 52.4 MIL. • 2009: € 43.0 MIL. 2010: € 50.5 MIL. 2011: € 54.7 MIL. • 2012: € 55.7 MIL. • 2013: € 55.9 MIL. • 2014: € 58.0 MIL. • 2015: € 62.8 MIL. • 2016: € 71.4 MIL. • 2017: € 75.3 MIL. 2018: € 73.1 MIL. • 2019: € 72.3 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICHE COEM

• CERAMICA FIORANESE PRODUCTION:

4.3 MIL. SQ.M

EXPORTS:

76%

EMPLOYEES:

273

NOTES:

Investments are still being made in plant upgrades with a view to increasing and improving production and customer service. Production also includes 79,000 sq.m of body to be glazed.

CERAMICHE CCV CASTELVETRO SPA

€ 68.5 million

Historical: 2003: € 54.8 MIL. • 2004: € 56.1 MIL. • 2005: € 47.4 MIL. • 2006: € 52.0 MIL. • 2007: € 55.7 MIL. • 2008: € 47.9 MIL. • 2009: € 39.1 MIL. 2010: € 42.8 MIL. • 2011: € 41.6 MIL. • 2012: € 40.0 MIL. • 2013: € 40.3 MIL. • 2014: € 51.0 MIL. • 2015: € 56.7 MIL. • 2016: € 60.2 MIL. • 2017: N.D. 2018: N.D. • 2019: N.D. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICHE CCV CASTELVETRO PRODUCTION:

4.0 MIL. SQ.M

EXPORTS:

76%

EMPLOYEES:

205

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

€ 67.5 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2003: € 46.2 MIL. • 2004: € 47.7 MIL. • 2005: € 46.0 MIL. • 2006: € 59.0 MIL. 2007: € 54.6 MIL. • 2008: € 42.6 MIL. • 2009: € 37.8 MIL. 2010: € 40.0 MIL. 2011: € 41.5 MIL. • 2012: € 37.4 MIL. • 2013: € 39.3 MIL. • 2014: € 43.2 MIL. • 2015: € 49.2 MIL. • 2016: € 59.5 MIL. • 2017: € 60.6 MIL. 2018: € 61.5 MIL. • 2019: € 66.3 MIL. PRODUCTION:

3.3 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100%

EXPORTS:

59%

EMPLOYEES:

287

NOVABELL SPA CER. ITALIANE

€ 61.1 million

Historical: 2003: € 41.1 MIL. • 2004: € 44.3 MIL. • 2005: € 45.6 MIL. • 2006: € 47.0 MIL. 2007: € 48.0 MIL. • 2008: € 46.0 MIL. • 2009: € 39.0 MIL. • 2010: € 41.5 MIL. 2011: € 41.5 MIL. • 2012: € 44.5 MIL. • 2013: € 50.0 MIL. • 2014: € 49.1 MIL. • 2015: € 51.9 MIL. • 2016: € 52.5 MIL. • 2017: € 51.0 MIL. 2018: € 52.0MIL. • 2019: € 54.0 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • NOVABELL

• ABITA PRODUCTION: EXPORTS:

ECONOMICS

EMPLOYEES:

• STONE CREEK

3.8 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100% 89% 194

TUSCANIA SPA

€ 56.6 million

(consolidated)

€ 28.5 million

(consolidated)

Historical: 2017: € 45.6 MIL. • 2018: € 44.7 MIL. • 2019: € 55.7 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • TUSCANIA CERAMICHE SPA

• IL CAVALLINO CERAMICA ARTISTICA SPA

PRODUCTION:

5.6 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 100%

EXPORTS:

45%

EMPLOYEES:

249

CERAMICA FONDOVALLE SPA

Historical: 2010: € 17.3 MIL. • 2011: € 19.1 MIL. • 2012: € 19.9 MIL. • 2013: € 21.4 MIL. 2014: € 22.0 MIL. • 2015: € 24.3 MIL. • 2016: € 30.1 MIL. • 2017: € 27.1 MIL. 2018: € 31.1 MIL. • 2019: € 27.1 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • FONDOVALLE

• MY TOP PRODUCTION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES:

773.980 MQ - FLOOR TILE 100% 70.5% 105

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

€ 26.2 million

Historical: 2003: € 70.2 MIL. • 2004: € 72.6 MIL. • 2005: € 73.3 MIL. • 2006: € 75.1 MIL. 2007: € 70.2 MIL. • 2008: € 67.1 MIL. • 2009: € 54.0 MIL. 2010: € 53.0 MIL. 2011: € 51.7 MIL. • 2012: € 40.6 MIL. • 2013: € 32.2 MIL. • 2014: € 26.9 MIL. • 2015: € 28.5 MIL. • 2016: € 38.7 MIL. • 2017: € 37.1 MIL.. 2018: € 29.0 MIL. • 2019: € 26.5 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • SICHENIA PRODUCTION: EXPORTS: EMPLOYEES:

2.6 MIL. SQ.M - FLOOR TILE 95%, WALL TILE 5% 78% 155

ALTAECO SPA

€ 21.7 million

Historical: 2003: € 50.2 MIL. • 2004: € 51.2 MIL. • 2005: € 51.2 MIL. • 2006: € 53.6 MIL. 2007: € 55.0 MIL. • 2008: € 48.3 MIL. • 2009: € 39.7 MIL. 2010: € 42.5 MIL. • 2011: € 42.5 MIL. • 2012: € 36.6 MIL. • 2013: € 33.4 MIL. • 2014: € 30.2 MIL. • 2015: € 28.6 MIL. • 2016: € 28.3 MIL. • 2017: € 27.8 MIL. 2018: € 27.9 MIL. • 2019: € 27.1 MIL. These revenues were generated by the following companies and/or brands: • CERAMICA VOGUE

• CERAMICA APPIANI PRODUCTION: EMPLOYEES:

• CERAMICA BARDELLI

862,990 MQ 256

ADVERTISER’S LIST Ava....................................................................1st two-sided insert

Piemme....................................................................................................4

Abk Group..............................................................................................6

Pietre d’Arredo...............................................................................128

Ariana......................................................................................................77

Profilpas............................................................ inside back cover

Ascot........................................................................................................67

Progress Profile...........................................inside front cover

Cevisama............................................................................................125

Raimondi...............................................................................................59

Cortag...................................................................................................... 11

Rak Ceramics.....................................................................................17

DOM.........................................................................................................35

Rondine.................................................................................................75

DR Tecnica..........................................................................................93

Saxa Grestone...................................................................................51

Eco Design.......................................................................................... 81

Schlüter Systems......................................................back cover

Elios..........................................................................................................79

Seramiksan...................................................................................... 109

Gruppo Romani...............................................................................75

Top Cer................................................................................................ 107

Grupo Halcon....................................................................................85

Turkish Ceramics Federation.............................................. 119

Impertek................................................................................................13

VitrA Tiles................................................................................................2

Italgraniti...............................................................................................83

Vallelunga................................................................................................1

Kajaria Ceramics........................................................................... 113

www.surfacesinternational.com

La Fabbrica.........................................................................................87

NOW ONLINE

Lasselsberger Rako........................................................................3 Mapei.............................................................2nd two-sided insert Marocchi............................................................................................ 105 Montolit..................................................................................................89 Original Parquet..............................................................................72

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

M O H AWK I N D U ST R I E S SETS NEW RECORDS Milena Bernardi - m.bernardi@tiledizioni.it

Mohawk Industries is continuing its excellent performance. After a record-breaking first quarter of 2021 (sales of $2.67 billion, up 16.8% on 2020 and net earnings

of $237 million), the company celebrated even better results in Q2. Net sales for the second quarter of 2021 were $3.0 billion, up 44% as reported and 38% on a constant

currency and days basis, while net earnings reached $336 million. As a result of this sustained growth, the US flooring group posted net sales of $5.6 billion for the first half

“In the quarter, we generated the highest quarterly sales of any period in our company’s history. Our second quarter results

were

significantly

stronger

than we had anticipated across all our businesses, and our operating margin expanded to its highest level in the last four years. The actions we have taken to simplify our product offering, enhance our productivity and restructure our costs are benefiting our results”

ECONOMICS

Jeff Lorberbaum

All ceramic segment operations reported an increase in sales in both the residential and commercial channels. The U.S. ceramic business is strengthening, and the product mix is being improved with new shapes, sizes and surface structures, while bathroom and kitchen countertop sales are growing steadily. The ceramic businesses in Mexico and Brazil continue to be very strong with residential business in both regions at historically high levels. However, they continue to be limited by capacity constraints, a problem that Mohawk has addressed by initiating new investments. The group’s European ceramic business delivered strong sales and profitability thanks to greater productivity, an improved product mix and higher prices. Here too, the group has initiated expansion projects aimed at supporting sales of high-end collections (premium slabs, small sizes, outdoor and antibacterial collections) and due for completion in 2022. In response to continued sales growth in Russia, particularly in new construction projects and direct sales to customers through the 370 Kerama-Marazzi stores, the group has initiated expansion plans that are expected to be completed in the second half of next year. “In the third period, we expect our strong sales to continue, with typical seasonal slowing from the second quarter,” said Lorberbaum. “Longer term, housing sales and remodeling are expected to remain at a high level

During the second quarter, most Mohawk manufacturing units ran near capacity or were limited by material supply and labour availability. The group companies are responding to rising material, energy and transportation costs by increasing product prices and optimizing manufacturing and logistics. All of the group’s Business Units grew substantially at a global level, capitalising on the strong growth in the real estate market and building renovations in both the housing and commercial segments. Due to higher demand, inventory levels remain low and the group has “approved new capital investments of approximately $650 million to increase our production with most taking 12 to 18 months to implement”, said Jeff Lorberbaum, chairman and CEO of the Group. Between April and June, the Flooring Rest of the World and Flooring North America segments (which produce and sell carpets, laminate, wood, stone and vinyl) reported respectively 68% and 35% increases in sales compared to the second quarter of 2020. The Global Ceramic Segment also reported excellent results. Quarterly sales reached $1,039.5 million (up 38% on 2020), bringing net sales for the first six months of the year to almost $2 billion ($1,969.4 million, up 23% on H1 2020), accounting for 35% of consolidated group sales.

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

of 2021 (up 30% versus 2020) and net earnings of $573 million compared to the $62 million of the equivalent period in 2020.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

HALF-YEAR RESULTS OF MOHAWK INDUSTRIES’ BUSINESS UNITS Business Unit

Net sales H1 2021 (USD x 000)

Net sales H1 2020 (USD x 000)

% on total

% var. 2021/2020

Global Ceramic

1,969,374

35.0%

1,601,785

+23.0%

Flooring North America

2,050,439

36.5%

1,648,418

+24.4%

Flooring Rest of the World

1,603,046

28.5%

1,085,360

+47,7%

Consolidated net sales

5,622,859

100.0%

4,335,563

+29.7%

as rent deferment expires and investments in commercial projects continue to strengthen. We are expanding our operations and introducing new innovations to max-

imize our results. Our balance sheet is strong, and we are exploring additional internal and acquisition opportunities.” ✕

SHA

Canada

Ceramic Carpet Rugs Distribution

CORPORATE HE P.O. Box 12069 160 South Indu Calhoun, Georg (706) 624-2246

Europe

Ceramic LVT / Sheet Vinyl Laminate Carpet Tile

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING F KPMG LLP Atlanta, Georgi

Russia

CORPORATE CO Alston & Bird L Atlanta, Georgi

Ceramic Laminate Sheet Vinyl

TRANSFER AGE American Stoc Trust Company 6201 15th Aven Brooklyn, New (972) 764-2720

U.S.

Ceramic Carpet and Rugs LVT / Sheet Vinyl Laminate Countertops

Malaysia

PUBLICATIONS The Company’s Statement, For reports are ava can be ordered communication or via the Intern Investors. Writt to Kenneth Hue headquarters a

Wood

Mexico Ceramic

Brazil

Stock

India

Ceramic Laminate (JV)

Wood/ Laminate (JV) Distribution

The following is stockholder retu beginning on De

Australia

Carpet Hard Surface Dist.

EXPORTS 21.5%

The peer group Interface, Inc.; L values were calc the Company’s dividends were believes that, b Company’s per

$250

New Zealand

Carpet Hard Surface Dist.

$200 $150 $100

OUR BRANDS

$ 50 0

Commercial

• Moh

64472 Cover C1.indd 2

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

THE RISE OF VICTORIA PLC Paola Giacomini - p.giacomini@tiledizioni.it

ECONOMICS

The fact that Victoria PLC did not commence operations in the ceramic tile sector until four years ago but is now one of the world’s top players just goes to show how much

the British flooring group – which is listed on the London Stock Exchange with a capitalisation of 1.5 billion euros – believes in the potential and future of tile.

Victoria PLC’s ceramic segment acquisitions are part of a strategy of expanding capacity while extending its product and brand portfolio. The acquisition of Colli and Santa Maria, a 35 million euro investment funded from the company’s existing resources, achieves both these aims. Despite investments to increase productivity, additional capacity is needed because the group’s Italian plants struggle to meet the sharp growth in orders without outsourcing a portion of production. Additional value will be generated by the complementary nature of the acquired brands: Vallelunga for the high-end segment (polished and satin-finished marble and cold-decorated slabs); Colli, an acquisition that strengthens the group’s position in the large-scale retail trade already established with Ceramiche Serra; and Casabella, a brand that will

The group’s vertiginous growth began in 2017 with the acquisition of Italian tile producer Ceramica Serra. This was followed by Keraben, Ibero and Saloni in

complement Capri in the mid-range segment. The acquisition of Colli and Santa Maria will bring the production capacity of the Italian plants to 25 million sqm/year and generate additional revenues of around 50 million euros. Moreover, as Victoria’s board explained, it will add no less than 10 million euros of EBITDA in the first year, a figure that will increase in 2022 as the group insources tile production that is currently outsourced due to lack of capacity. Alongside its acquisition-based growth policy in the ceramic tile sector, the flooring multinational has continued to make major investments in organic growth. During these 4 years, the group has invested tens of millions of euros in its tile facilities with the aim of improving productivity, quality, logistics and service. This is particularly evident in the case of Ascot, where the

Ascot “Urbanica”

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

Spain, then again in Italy by Ceramiche Ascot and Keradom in 2020, and most recently by Ceramiche Colli (Colli,

Vallelunga and Casabella brands) and Ceramiche Santa Maria (Santa Maria and Capri brands) on 21 April this year.

process of modernising the polishing department has just been completed and which is now running at a steady profit after just one year. Further confirmation is provided by the plan to make 15 million euros of new investments in Italy in 2021-2022, much of which will be focused on organic growth. THE GROUP’S RESULTS

The

standout

performance

was

that

of Victoria Italia, which passed the 100 million euro revenue mark and following the acquisitions of Colli and Santa Maria is now heading for 150 million euros. Although the outbreak of the pandemic delayed the full integration of Ascot by several months following the acquisition in March 2020, revenues generated in Italy grew by 146% in 12 months, from £34.6 million to £85.2 million due to the acquisition of major new customers and the penetration of new markets, especial-

Victoria PLC is an industrial com- ly in Eastern Europe and North America. pany with production and sales activities spanning a range of flooring segments (carpet, LVT, underlay and accessories), around 3,500 employees and more than 20 factories in the UK, Europe, Australia and the United States. The financial year ending 3 April 2021 was its eighth consecutive year of growth despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic. The group’s consolidated net revenue reached £662.3 million, up 6.6% on the previous year (+7.4% at constant exchange rates), while EBITDA increased to £127.4 million and EBITDA margin to 19.2%. Geoff Wilding, Executive Chairman of Victoria PLC commented: “I want to pay credit to all Victoria’s management team, who, when it really mattered, delivered an extraordinary outcome for shareholders in a challenging operational environment”. For the first time ever, ceramic tile segment revenues exceeded those of the group’s core business of soft flooring in Europe. Of the group’s three operating divisions, UK & Europe Ceramic Tiles – which includes all tile segment operations in Italy and Spain – was the one with the biggest increase in revenue, up 15.8% to £282.4 million or 42.6% of

Vallelunga “Terreae”

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

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

ECONOMICS

Dom “Kado”

consolidated group revenue. Keradom, acquired in December 2020, contributed to the business unit’s balance sheet for a period of four months. The UK & Europe Soft Flooring division, which includes operations in the carpet, underlay, LVT, artificial grass and accessories segments in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium, posted only slightly lower revenues at £280.4 million (down 0.6% on the previous year), equivalent to 42.3% of the total. The Australia BU also operates in the soft flooring segment and reported sales of £99.6 million. Moreover, the ceramic tile division is the one that generated the highest margins in the last financial year, despite the 7.7% decline in EBITDA caused by the pro forma effects of the acquisitions of Ibero, Ascot and Keradom. In any case, EBITDA margin stood at 22.3% compared to the soft flooring division’s 17.5%. The standout performance was that of Victoria Italia, which passed the 100 million euro revenue mark and following the acquisitions of Colli and Santa Maria is now heading for 150 million euros. Although the outbreak of the pandemic delayed the full integration of Ascot by several months following the acquisition in March 2020, revenues generated in Italy grew by 146% in 12 months, from £34.6 million to £85.2 million

due to the acquisition of major new customers and the penetration of new markets, especially in Eastern Europe and North America. Although larger in size than the Italian operations, the Spanish business did not perform as well. Revenues declined by 5.8% to £197.2 million (approximately €230 million) due to a difficult first half of the year compounded by insufficient inventory, followed by second-half recovery that has continued into the current financial year. THE AIM: LONG-TERM GROWTH Although it is a listed company and is consequently attentive to the financial aspects of its business, “Victoria is an industrial enterprise operating in the flooring business, not a financial investor, and is interested in the long-term development of the sector”, explained the group’s CEO, Philippe Hamers. “We have very specific plans to grow our presence in the ceramics sector and are currently looking at several opportunities, some of them in Italy. We are especially interested in Italy, as well as in Spain, because the quality and style of ceramic products manufactured here are amongst the best in the world.” ✕

Dom “Kado”

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

domceramiche.it

A Brand of:

FOTONEWS

EnergieKer presents “PATAGONIA” and “ETERNAL BLUE” tiles EnergieKer presents the new “Patagonia” marble effect inspired by the most precious South-American caves. The polished-surface series offers a wide range of options: sizes cm 60x120 and 120x120 with 9 mm thickness represents the ideal choice both for floors and tiles. The 6-mm cm 120x270 and the 12-mm cm 163x324 entailed in EKTREME and EKTREME TOP SOLUTION brands provide great, elegant solutions for furnishing accessories and tops. Moreover, the compa-

ny shows at Cersaie the new Eternal Blue: a bold marble-effect tile which perfectly embodies the latest trends of a chic yet never predictable style. Its bluish shades give a touch of calm and serenity to the most intimate environments. Eternal Blue comes either in matt and polished finish, in BookMatch version and in sizes cm 60x120,cm 120x120 and cm 120x270. EnergieKer products combine the convenience of the porcelained stoneware and a precious, elegant aesthetic appeal.

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

www.energieker.it

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

Italgraniti at Milano Design Week 2021

FOTONEWS

Italgraniti’s Milan Flagship Store at 21, Via Statuto, in the heart of the Brera Design District, again proved to be a focal point for design professionals during the long-awaited Milano Design Week 2021 (410 September), thanks to a new display concept specifically developed for the occasion by the architects Andrea Parisio and Giuseppe Pezzano. The new display system was designed around two key principles: “dwelling” among the full potential of ceramic and exploring that potential by means of an extensive library of formats, colours and textures. Redeveloped to welcome the Fuorisalone audience into an engaging experience, the environment drew inspiration from the interior of a houseful of all-Italian classics, where light, filtered by a colonnade, punctuated the shadows to showcase the material and textural effects of the large-format ceramic panels from the Silver Grain collection. The same large-format panels were also used as coverings for the monumental kitchen, which reflected a rationalist style and was the undisputed star of the showroom. Beyond the curtain that marked out the confines of the “stage”, like in a theatre, visiting architects and designers also had the opportunity to explore and examine the ceramic ma-

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terials, and put together their own compositions with them, while finding out more about the brand’s latest developments. The icing on the cake of this Flagship Store is its permanent material library, which enables professionals to interact with the full range of Italgraniti coverings, and study their various iterations within the framework of a truly hands-on experience.

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Sara Falsetti

INTERVIEW WITH FR ANCESCO BORG OMEO, CHAIR MAN OF SAXA GROUP Francesco Borgomeo: Time has passed so quickly! We’ve put years of intensive research, development and industrialisation into a concept whose strategic value everybody appreciates today. I had the

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Having begun research in 2013 to develop patented, sustainable, porcelain paving made from up to 30% of waste-derived agglomerate, Saxa started production in Anagni in 2017. What has happened since then?

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idea for a “Circular Factory”, a factory that could make use of the circular economy, based on the great manufacturing experience of central-southern Italy some eight years ago. I knew we could make porcelain pav-

ing from recycled raw materials and solid urban waste, using electrical energy from renewable sources and biogas from organic waste to heat our kilns. At the time, though, it seemed

too revolutionary, and everything was against it – including the regulations. Today the same idea underpins the Italian and European Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Tile International: Gruppo Saxa has adopted the ambitious target of re-employing all 500 of the italian workers from the plants in Anagni (ex Marazzi), Gualdo Tadino (ex-Tagina), Spilamberto (ex-Centro Impasti Ceramici) and Roccasecca (ex-Ideal Standard). Given the long-lasting impact of the pandemic, how are things going? F. Borgomeo: 80% of our people are in full time work. Anagni, Gualdo Tadino and Spilamberto are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This has given us tremendous satisfaction because communities are coming back to life, factories are re-opening, trucks are setting off for destinations all over the world and everybody is starting to smile again. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. We are working hard to finish the Roccasecca plant, which is presently at about 35/40% capacity, but when it is ready, we shall have a truly unique

Francesco Borgomeo, aged 54, a philosophy graduate from La Sapienza University and the Gregorian University in Rome, began his career at Giuseppe De Rita’s CENSIS and at CNEL. At the age of 29, he took over Irses, the research institute founded by his father Luca, and transformed it into a corporate consulting and re-engineering company, acquiring prestigious clients like Enel, Eni, Wind, IBM, GSK and HP, and eventually attracting Nomisma to take a stake in it. At 40, Borgomeo abandoned consulting to become an entrepreneur himself, successfully buying and selling various companies. He then took on the challenge of turning around Italy’s ceramic industry, forming Saxa and taking over Marazzi Sud, Ideal Standard and Tagina. “I’ve got clay in my veins,” Borgomeo reminds us. Fornaci LDM in Formia was founded by his greatgrandfather back in 1890 and remained one of the largest brick and roof tile works in central-southern Italy for almost a century. Borgomeo is currently president of the Cassino-Gaeta Industrial Association and holds the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy.

Chiara Bruzzichelli

factory focused on green innovation,c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it with products and processes the whole world will want to emulate. Tile International: How have you managed to fund such growth, in terms of corporate finance? F. Borgomeo: My plan to build the world’s first factory for green urban paving for public procurement was backed by a group of investors. Our paving was to be made from recycled materials in processes compatible with the circular economy – in other words we were going to recycle urban or community waste. We issued a corporate bond that attracted 120 million euros for R&D and for the construction of plant authorised to process 130,000 tons of incinerator ash for use in our patented bodies. After an extended Due Diligence process, the Milano Brescia A2A municipal utility, the leading circular economy player in Italy, acquired a 27.7% share in Saxa. Today, between our old and new

Francesco Borgomeo

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

shareholders, we are gearing up for a 60 million increase in capital. Tile International: You are already famous for your Sanpietrini ceramic cobble stones (in thicknesses of 5 or 6.5 cm), and you are developing thick and extra-thick versions of Grestone. Can you tell us something about this? F. Borgomeo: We began with very clear ideas, even about the market for these products: only outdoor paving and only extra-thick (we were the first to offer 3 cm at Cersaie, back in 2017), and only contract. This proved the right choice, since we have become market leaders in thicknesses from 3 cm up, which have proved popular with customers all over the world. We have turned ceramic cobblestones into a popular paving material and today, through Grestone, we are raising awareness that this product is destined to be the urban paving material of the future, in place of stone and concrete.

After all, stone is becoming increasingly rare in terms of availability, quality and cost. Thanks to a new, greener mindset, we no longer think it right to dynamite whole mountains for raw material. Concrete, the only possible alternative, is not even remotely comparable to ceramic in its technical properties, nor in appearance or durability. Everybody is starting to accept this now, thanks to the amazing work put in by our sales team, headed by Andrea Petrillo. Tile International: Can your factories also supply tailor-made products for special purposes like the restoration of historic town centres? F. Borgomeo: Certainly! Thanks to the innovative processes used to produce our paving, we can replicate almost any type of stone on the market. And because stone is getting more precious and more difficult to source, for the reasons we just mentioned, it is becoming essential for us to offer products that are not on-

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ly long-lasting, but satisfy our customers’ appearance are people who believed in our project from the start needs too. Our products are the perfect blend of tra- and have followed developments ever since. More dition and technology. For urban restoration projects, than customers, many of them have become stratewe can offer paving blocks made by a special, patent- gic partners and often give us new ideas for product or ed process that allows us to colour the body directly. process innovation. Bear in mind that our first five cusOur Sanpietrini can be white (because the standard tomers account for over 50% of our turnover and regubody is white in any case) for pedestrian crossings, blue larly help increase our annual sales. for parking meter areas, yellow for disabled parking ar- Tile International: What about exports? eas or even pink for parking places reserved for preg- F. Borgomeo: Exports are a key driver of growth for nant women. This means our historic town centres can us. Back in 2019, Italy accounted for almost 50% of return to life with high-performance products that turnover. Now, in 2021, that’s dropped to under 40%. look exactly like their traditional counterparts, and Our main export markets are Northern Europe and town councils can save money by having road mark- the United States, who are growing at an impressive ings that are always perfectly clear rate. Green transition and environwithout having to continuously remental protection were big issues My plan to build the world’s first paint zebra crossings. abroad well before they came to the Tile International: Who are your factory for green urban paving for fore here in Italy. With the new Namain customers, and how do you public procurement was backed by a tional Recovery and Resilience Plan, group of investors. Our paving was reach them? though, we hope that Italy too will F. Borgomeo: Our main customers to be made from recycled materials soon join the green revolution. in processes compatible with the ✕ circular economy – in other words we were going to recycle urban or community waste.

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FOTONEWS

Pictures: “Cyberwall”, installation created with Active Surfaces® curated by Alessandro Melis, on display at the Italian Pavilion, Venice Architecture Biennale 2021

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Iris Ceramica Group: Active Surfaces® help ceramics to break a new record Iris Ceramica Group’s Active Surfaces® have achieved yet another major result: they are able to destroy over 99% of the bacteria they come into contact with in just 30 minutes in the dark, demonstrating their powerful antibacterial power even in the absence of light. Tests directly compared the Active Surfaces® materials with a non-treated ceramic sample, to prove how this property is effective in just a very short time. The ISO 22196 standard protocol requires that both surfaces be placed in contact with a known quantity of bacteria, in this specific case the Escherichia Coli strain, and then be left in the dark for 24 hours. However, it is important to underline how fundamental it is for antibacterial ceramic surfaces to demonstrate their efficacy in much less than 24 hours, particularly in certain environments such as hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries, where hygiene is a priority. For this reason, the Iris Ceramica Group has aimed to reduce the testing times to see how Active Surfaces® are able to really protect people in the places they are used. The studies conducted began with increasingly shorter intervals, from 8 to 4 and then to 2 hours, finally reaching 30 minutes. These data offer scientific proof of the continuous research into excellence with Active Surfaces®, which, in 30 minutes in the dark, have demonstrated antibacterial

efficacy of over 99%. This clear and unambiguous result bears witness to the special features of Active Surfaces®. A material that, since 2009, when it was first produced, has been the focus of continuous studies and research, expressing all the potential of technical ceramics and making them a functional material with exclusive mechanical, electrical, thermal and biochemical properties, the perfect blend of earth, fire and water. The remarkable properties of Active Surfaces® were obtained using an innovative industrial process that combines titanium dioxide with silver, a technology patented by the Iris Ceramica Group after a long and scrupulous scientific research project in partnership with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Milan. Active Surfaces® ceramics perform their tasks with the utmost precision, and today are often an outstanding solution for all the challenges of contemporary living which cannot be managed using conventional materials. These eco-active ceramic materials have antibacterial, antiviral (including anti-Covid19), anti-pollution, anti-odour and self-cleaning properties, with quality tested according to international ISO standards.

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Sabrina Tassini

THE “FRESCOPUNK” SIDE OF CER AMIC TILES the three had previously worked in the porcelain stoneware industry, or even had anything to do with wall and floor coverings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Frescopunk was founded at the end of 2019 by a small team of three innovative people, armed with laptops. The interesting thing is that none of

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Two of them had been working for renowned, international advertising agencies, as a creative director and as a consultant, and one of them is

an architect. The storytelling about the company continues with great style ideas, a digital-based strategy of distribution and a strong brand

identity. To know more about the eclectic proposals and goals of Frescopunk we talked with CEO and founder Stephan Siegwart.

Tile International: How did the company’s adventure start?

Stephan Siegwart: I have been investing in real estate for a few years now and in the course of renovating a multi-family house, I came across cement tiles, which are popular again today. I was immediately hooked by the fascinating colours and the latest design trends of this quite rare products. And I realized, that not only special materials such as wood or natural stone, but also graphic design in combination with special colours can give a room its unique character. And thus, the idea for Frescopunk was born. Tile International: With what assumptions did you realize this idea? Stephan Siegwart: It is one thing to develop a convincing design concept, but then to transfer it to a real product with technically superior aspects, that’s in a completely different league.

Chiara Bruzzichelli

The robustness and versatility of grès porcelain c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it stoneware convinced us right from the start. Almost more important: there are endless possibilities for transferring colours and designs to the unfired material. We were surprised to find out, that a large part of the market uses these possibilities rather to imitate natural surfaces. That was never our goal, we wanted to offer exclusively graphic designs from the very beginning. Tile International: But how do you start when you want to evaluate production possibilities in a market you don’t know and have no contacts in? S. Siegwart: We were very lucky! Our very first inquiry went to the ACIMAC (Associazione Costruttori Italiani Macchine Attrezzature per Ceramica). They immediately put a very skilled industry-expert at our side who, together with us, analyzed our needs, evaluated a list of suitable producers and arranged the meetings with these com-

“We came from, literally, from nothing. The way that this company really started was just an idea. And we are very proud of what we have achieved so far. It is pure passion, every day is something new, something we have never done before. But when you love what you do, you don’t really work a day in your life. Even hard work is fun. Our greatest reward is when our customers experience a moment of joy, every day when they see our beautiful products in their rooms.”

www.frescopunk.com

Stephan Siegwart

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

panies for us. This was back in September 2019 during Cersaie fair in Bologna. Tile International: what’s the main design concept of Frescopunk? S. Siegwart: Two different directions shape the design concept of Frescopunk. They are completely different and both are independent and function of their own. At first glance, they have nothing to do with each other. But when you start to combine them, it becomes magic. One of these two design directions consists of repetitive patterns, as is typical for tiles. Here we aim for a very reduced, minimalistic design. But it is a tightrope walk between too much and too little design. Making a simple design distinctive can take a long time to achieve. Sometimes even more challenging than a more complicated design. Anything that is wrong will be spotted right away. So everything must be perfect. In these designs we use just two colours, which - in

addition - are only subtly different from each other. The creative effect arises strongly from the special play of light of these colours. Intense testing was carried out to develop these colours for grès porcelain stoneware. A completely different story are the Frescos. They pick up a decorative tradition for walls and ceilings from previous traditions. But now it is catapulted into the 21st century. Frescos just got punked, “frescopunked”. According to contemporary design perceptions, not always the entire wall has to be covered by a fresco. Rather, individual accents can be set with larger or smaller frescos. This becomes particularly exciting with the combination of our Tiles and our Frescos. They both are compatible in terms of colours and sizes and this results in endless possibilities of combination. Tile International: In regard, which sizes do you offer for your collections of tiles?

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our intention is a business one. es: 60x60 cm (59,4x59,4 cm) and 60x120 cm (59,4 x 119 But we are aware, that – as in art – our creations are here to stay. They must please their owner every cm). Our Frescos collection is offered for walls from the day, for decades, never get boring. This can only be smallest single tile Fresco in 60x60 cm up to 180x360 achieved if the design has substance and is created with scrupulous attention to detail. In this sense we can cm, which is a puzzle of 9 tiles of 60x120 cm. Our Frescos for pools are offered in 480x840 cm (fit- say we create small artworks. ting standard pools of 4x8 m), which is a puzzle of 28 To tell an example: We have this one customer who ortiles of 120x120 cm. Other Fresco sizes can be custom dered all eight frescos that we offer in the smallest size ordered, but it will always be a puzzle of 60x60 cm, (single tile size). Not to tile them on the floor or wall, but just to collect them. We therefore recommend that our 60x120 cm or 120x120 cm tiles. Tile International: Frescopunk means art or just customers who order a Fresco for a wall or a pool, also order in addition the same one in single tile size, in design? order to keep and collect it. Because S. Siegwart: We do not see our once the big Fresco is tiled, it can’t be products as art. Two different directions shape the They are not signed nor numbered, design concept of Frescopunk. They removed from the wall without dethey are produced industrially, and are completely different and both stroying it.

S. Siegwart: Our Tiles collection is offered in two siz-

are independent and function of their own. At first glance, they have nothing to do with each other. But when you start to combine them, it becomes magic.

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with us - develop and manufacture a product of the highest quality. Made in Italy! made for? S. Siegwart: Our products are characterized by the I have the utmost respect for all Italian grès porcelain stoneware producers who have built up their big profact that they are unique, but not dominant. They perfectly match with other materials and colours duction facilities and continuously and consistently that are installed in a room. Our products are aimed manufacture beautiful products in high quality. at architects and property owners who want to set I was thrilled when I first saw a production plant and all unique accents while keeping the whole picture in the automated processes inside. We are open to any Italian manufacturer who wants mind. We provide a beautiful product and want to inspire ar- to talk to us about a collaboration, be it about producchitects and interior designers to unleash their own tion or design development. Tile International: what distribution strategy have creativity by placing it the best possible way. We offer luxurious and prestigious products for peo- you implemented? ple who want something special, knowing that an in- S. Siegwart: As a small company that is new to the finite amount of creativity and thought has gone into its market, we also have a slightly different approach when it comes to the sales strategy. We focus strongly development. Frescopunk products are characterized by a high rec- on online distribution, also through the e-commerce ognition value. Anyone who has ever seen one, will on our website. In addition, we will have regional and country-specific exclusive partners who are integratimmediately recognize a Frescopunk product again. ed into our online Tile Internationsales strategy. This al: and what about “I like to be inspired by current circumstances, political issues, puts us in a good the Frescopunk’s daily discussions with friends and family. starting position production goals? My creations come about because precisely these topics are justified in many countries. S. Siegwart: Our and touch me personally. The feedback to tiles are and will reThe Fresco “DEA” for example, is a strong woman, a goddess, who closes her our beautiful prodmain niche prodeyes to the world, showing us that we should all take a closer look. ucts has been overucts. It therefore We discover her beauty and the many details in this artwork surprise us. whelming since the makes no ecoThus, she is not only contemporary, but timelessly beautiful. start and we expect nomic sense for us that it will be quite a “inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” to invest in our own challenge to meet Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973). production facility. the demand with We are very hapour organizational Skerikk py to work with few (Designer, brand director and founder of Frescopunk) capacity and develselected producopment. ✕ ers who - together

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tile International: who are Frescopunk products

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Let’s protect the environment. Use GRESTONE. A natural choice.

Don’t destroy the mountains to build squares, streets and yards. Use GRESTONE, Urban pavings, the recycled ceramic stone, a porcelain stoneware mix that incorporates up to 30% inert materials from urban waste.

The mountains will be forever grateful to you.

Visit us at Cersaie 2021 - Pad 36 Booth B46

Grestone - Grupppo Saxagres S.p.A. Via Osteria della fontana 69 a/b/c/d Località Selictella - 03012 - Anagni (Fr) - Italia e-mail: info@saxagres.it www.saxagrestone.it

A HISTORIC RESIDENCE I N PA D UA Palazzo Sambonifacio, an enchanting location in the heart of Padua (Italy), is an ancient 15th century palace a few steps from the city centre, known and

appreciated for its refined rooms and frescoes on the walls, a heritage that has recently been renovated with the aim of offering new buyers luxury apartments. tervention of Eterno Ivica, Italian company specialized in laying systems and building accessories. For the realization, Eterno Ivica has provided supports for raised floors, to be installed at the base of an exceptional and impressive flooring: natural Istrian stone 3 cm thick, bush-hammered and 55 x 55 cm in size. Over 200 Pedestal New Maxi* in NM2, NM3, NM4 range to allow the surface to support, in addition to the stone plates, also various tubs for plants, flowers

PROJECTS

The building opens into a wonderful internal arcaded courtyard from which a monumental staircase with fresco decoration from the 18th century starts, leading to the main floor. Here, a gallery with grotesque decorated ceilings and large canvases on the walls depicting 18th century architecture and landscapes. The client of one of the apartments required a renovation of the outdoor area, including the terrace of about 60 m2 on the first floor, which required the in-

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and aromatic herbs. This area has thus become a small jewel, part of a historic complex nestled in the streets of the city centre, a further demonstration of the magnificence of “Padua Urbs Picta”.

PROJECT INFORMATION: • PROJECT NAME: Historic complex Palazzo Sambonifacio • ADDRESS: Via Barbarigo, Padova

Chiara Bruzzichelli

• SECTOR: Private constructionc.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it • CONTRACTOR: Pegaso Costruzioni • PLATES SUPPLIER: Marmi e Pietre, Cervarese Santa Croce (PD)

• INSTALLER: Fratelli Lazzari Sandro e Antonio • DESIGN STUDIO AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT:

Arch. Ferrari & Zollino

• SUPPORTS USED: Eterno Ivica NM2, NM3, NM4

* ADJUSTABLE PAVING SUPPORT NEW MAXI NM A wide range of features make Adjustable Paving Support New Maxi perfect for any kind of raised flooring applications: the noise-reducing rubber head, the special adjustment key, a wide range of adjustable heights and the pre-cut base for wall corner cuts. Featuring an above average loading capacity and a reliability that can only be offered by experts in the field of raised flooring supports, the Adjustable Paving Support New Maxi is regularly selected and widely appreciated

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throughout the worldwide building industry.

THE VIP LOUNGE AT Y U R I G A G A R I N A I R P O R T The prestigious Russian firm Vox Architects has built a waiting room inspired by space exploration at the Saratov airport, named after the first man to travel in space.

The interior design of this project reflects the aesthetics of space stations and spaceships as our contemporary culture imagines them. Shades of white and blue dominate this interior

Humanity’s adventure in space inspired the decor of the 1044 sq.m VIP lounge realized by Vox Architects in 2019 at the Saratov International Airport . Floors and part of vertical claddings (in a logic of total look) have been covered with Laminam finishes I Naturali - Bianco Statuario Venato (in the 5+ thickness). These slabs were produced and commercialised by Laminam Rus, the Laminam branch located in Russia.

The mood of the rooms which form the VIP waiting room for travellers in transit or awaiting departure could not have been decorated any other way: this airport, with a total surface area of over 23,000 sq.m, was named for Yuri Gagarin, the first man in history to fly in outer space on 12 April 1961.

PROJECTS

“The cosmos and its exploration were our reference

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decorating plan featuring Laminam finishes for floors and a wall cladding.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

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

PROJECTS

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points in designing the project’s architectural image,” explained the architects, Boris Voskoboynikov and Maria Akhremenkova, founders of Vox Architects. “Therefore, the theme of space is present metaphorically and in a concrete dimension.”

From a conceptual standpoint, the architectural design was structured to represent interplanetary travel and to reproduce the luminosity of the sky and the cosmos. “We achieved this result by selecting certain types of lighting in these spaces, and by choosing par-

· CLIENT: SarAero-Invest JSC · MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Airports of Regions CC · LOCATION: Saratov, Russia · TOTAL SURFACE AREA: 1,044 m2 · STATUS: implementation, 2019 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: · ARCHITECTURAL FIRM: VOX Architects · MAIN ARCHITECTS: Boris Voskoboynikov, Maria Akhremenkova · DESIGN TEAM: Yana Mitasova, Kaurbek Bagaev, Lyubov Orlova, Ekaterina Novik, Artem Vybornov. Maxim Frolov, Evgeny Nezamaykin · PHOTOS: Sergey Ananiev · GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Project Line · LIGHTING ENGINEERING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT: Artemide · GRAPHIC DESIGN: Leit.design (printing on ceramics), Yana Mitasova (navigation) MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS: · FURNISHINGS: Walter Knoll, Vitra, Arper, Actiu, Cor, B&B Italia, Pedrali, Boss Design, Renz, Six Inch · FURNITURE SUPPLY: Office Solutions, Statio, Flai Group · LIGHTING: Artemide (main and decorative lighting), Flos (decorative floor lamps in the VIP lounge) · LIGHTING ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION: Baufon Electricity provider: power grid · FLOORING AND ONE WALL: Laminam Rus, supplier Made

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PROJECTS

ticularly functional materials and colours. This allowed us to represent symbolically the scientific and technical breakthroughs that have taken place in the aerospace industry and related research.” Boris Voskoboynikov and Maria Akhremenkova continued, “The lighting engineering project attempts to provoke the sense of uneasiness that can come from considering deep space as full of enigmatic signs and permeated by brilliant rays of light”.

The two levels of the VIP room are connected by an atrium with a glass facade looking outside, a lift in the centre and a floating circular staircase. This “complex architectural structure appears as a luminous vertical column.” On the ground floor, we find the reception area and a departure gate, open public spaces, a restaurant, a bar, separate public rooms and a play room. On the second floor, the spaces are more intimate since they are structured like single, semi-open work capsules. The other rooms that travellers can use are a conference room with a kitchen nook, an office with living room furniture and several private sitting rooms.

The colour solution of objects, walls and floors was based on a combination of light blue and white with various nuances of blue. With these chromatic definitions, the rooms look like part of an aerospace station on Earth or, in a not so distant future, on another planet, as our science fiction stories would suggest.

“Organising the lounge on two levels makes it possible to distribute passenger flow depending on their personal needs as they spend time in the VIP lounge, and to use the space to the fullest of its potential,” explained Boris Voskoboynikov and Maria Akhremenkova in conclusion.

“At the same time, these spaces have an ethereal atmosphere that recalls the clouds against the blue sky as a rocket shoots up into the mesosphere.” The aesthetic suggestion has another goal as well: “to induce in people the emotions of turning point, miracle, superiority that the first journey into space aroused at the time.”

Laminam supported the entire project by making available to Vox Architects all the know-how of the company’s engineers in a logic of constant support to architects and builders in the construction phase. Providing active collaboration with clients is one of the most important distinctive characteristics exported also abroad by Laminam, the Italian multinational which now has numerous branches and partners around the world.

Vox Architects has added concrete and material signs to the emotional aspects by celebrating the space adventure “with the realization of a portrait of Gagarin in relief as a tribute to this great cosmonaut, and a reproduction of an astronaut re-entry capsule conceived as a children’s play area for families in transit”.

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A N E W FA S H I O N L O O K F O R BAL ANC E PRO OF I M PE RT E K The project, commissioned by the prestigious boutique Eraldo Store, is based in the city centre of Ceggia, a small town within the Venice Metropolitan

City. The ambitious plan represents a bridge, even literally, between the historic centre of the small town and its first peripheral area. 2500 square meters, and a private floor. The building is a structure covered with basalt stone with open spaces created through glazed terraces, which creates a finished and neutral appearance on the outside and bright and transparent to the internal, allowing it to emerge silently in the city context The floating floors of all the structure terraces are realized using the great variety of Impertek supports. The project for the construction of the terrace on the

PROJECTS

The urban project, designed by the architects Aldo Parisotto and Massimo Formenton, wants to be an element of connection in an uneven urban fabric, whose intention is the recovery of the historic center and the revitalization of the peripheral areas in harmony with the context that surrounds them. The boutique on the main building is spread over three floors and a basement, each floor is divided for sales areas and a private floor, covering a total of

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It consists of three architectural interventions: a new building for the boutique, the renovation of the exhibition-logistics hub and the walkway over the canal that separates the two structures. private floor involved a raised decking flooring with long wooden planks, while fixed supports were chosen for the internal patio. For the other terraces, it was preferred to use marble tiles, with 4 mm joints, which match the external cladding of the building. Thanks to the Balance Pro supports, it was possible to easily install different sizes of tiles, 4 centimeters thick, with running laying. Balance Pro is the revolutionary All in 1 system of Impertek for laying raised floors. With only

14 references it is possible to satisfy every installation need, Balance Pro covers heights from 25 to 1025 millimeters and its head automatically adjusts the slope up to 5% and allows tightening from above using the speChiara Bruzzichelli cial TOPKEY. The wide range of heads allows the inc.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it stallation of both Tile and Decking with flooring of any size and material. Impertek supports were chosen because they combine stability, efficiency and speed of realization with ease and precision in laying. ✕

* PEDESTAL LINE is the most complete range of products for the construction of raised floors and is able to offer solutions for every construction need. Furthermore, all Impertek products defend environmental sustainability because they are made with recycled and recyclable materials once their life cycle is complete.

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B A I L E Y H O T E L & R E S O R T, C A I R N S - AU S T R A L I A Tourism and hospitality group, Crystalbrook Collection, is set to transform the skyline of Cairns City (Queensland, Australia) with an almost 320 million Euro investment in three new international hotels.

The company is the Australian business of the Dubai- based Ghassan Aboud Group (GAG), headed by billionaire businessman and philanthropist Muhammed Ghassan Aboud. Mr Aboud holidayed in tropical North Queensland in 2016 and became so enchanted

The Apartment tower includes 110 apartments encompassing one, two and three-bedroom options, as well as a lap pool, a gym, a spa and a games room. The Bailey towers share a basement and common ar-

Project overview

PROJECTS

The development of Bailey Hotel & Resort saw the construction of two towers: Lake Street Tower Hotel providing 217 rooms and Abbott Street Apartment.

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with the beauty of the area that he invested a slice of his fortune in the region’s tourism industry. With a cost of over 82 million Euros, the new Bailey Crystalbrook Collection hotel is the second of three five-star hotels. It includes 217 rooms, 110 apartments,

5 restaurants and bars including a signature Crystalbrook Station steakhouse and Parilla grill, a 24-hour fitness centre and meeting spaces for up to 150 people. The hotel opened in November 2019 and is Cairns’ second new five-star hotel in over 20 years.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

ea podium. The hotel provides a range of separate facilities to compliment both towers. Bailey Hotel Tower offers exclusive facilities, including Bar/Grill & Colada Restaurants along with a “Milk Bar”, a swimming pool, a 24 Hour Fitness Centre, four event/function areas, concierge and gift shop. The completion of this five-star hotel was a large boost for the Cairns community. This project is environmentally responsive and reflects the unique qualities that the owners wanted to portray in this beautiful part of Australia. The nature of this project was to deliver a modern, innovative and aesthetically

pleasing, luxurious hotel and resort. Prime Constructions was engaged to deliver this project and took on a multi-faceted role that incorporated project management, principal contractor and full fit-out contractual works. The lead architects, Thompson Adsett, delivered the design development, construction documentation and interior design for the main hotel. The restaurants and bar were designed by Jess White and her team at CTRL Space. Together the all Queensland design team has delivered a space that puts it on par with the new wave of fivestar hotels that have infiltrated other areas of Australia.

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PROJECTS

The pools The multiple pool installations were awarded to Baldwin Aquatics, a pool builder located in South Queensland. Contractors waterproofed the pool substrates by embedding MAPENET 150 alkali- resistant fibreglass mesh into the first layer of MAPELASTIC SMART cementitious waterproofing membrane. MAPELASTIC SMART is a highly flexible waterproofing mortar that is ideal for use in swimming pools to protect the concrete structure that may be subject to vibration and cracks. To fully embed the MAPENET 150 reinforcement mesh, a second layer of MAPELASTIC SMART was applied. Over 1000 m² of ceramic tiles were installed over the waterproofing membrane using KERAFLEX MAXI S1 high-performance cementitious adhesive, while joints were grouted with KERAPOXY two-component, acid-resistant epoxy grout. KERAPOXY is an ideal grout for joints in swimming

pools due to the product’s excellent mechanical and chemical resistance, smooth final surface, low water absorption, uniform colour and resistance to ultra-violet rays and atmospheric agents. It is easily workable with no shrinkage; therefore no cracking or fissures are present in the grouted joints. Installing ceramic tiles in public areas The contract for ceramic installation in all public areas was awarded to Jerry and The Tilemakers, professional tiling contractors also located in North Queensland. Contractors installed all ceramic tiles through the hotel resort using KERAFLEX MAXI S1. This adhesive is not only a high performance and versatile mortar but can also be used to install large format tiles, porcelain tiles, ceramic and mosaic tiles as well as natural stone. It is thixotropic, has a long open time and can be installed in a up to 15 mm thick layer.

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PROJECT INFORMATION: · Bailey Hotel & Resort, Cairns (Queensland,Australia) · Owner: Bailey Crystalbrook Resort, Ghassan Aboud Group · Period of construction: 2019- 2020 · Period of Mapei’s intervention: 2019- 2020 · Design: Thomson Adsett · Main contractor: Prime Constructions · Ceramic installation company: Jerry & The Tilemakers · Pool contractor: Baldwin Aquatics · Mapei Co-ordinator: Rod Howard, Mapei Australia Pty Ltd. · Photos: Crystalbrook Collections MAPEI PRODUCTS:

Ceramic tiles were installed in the restaurant areas, podium decks, balconies and walkways after installing acoustic underlay with ULTRABOND ECO S955 1K polyurethane adhesive.

WATERPROOFING:

Preparing substrates and waterproofing

PREPARING SCREEDS AND SUBSTRATES:

· Mapelastic Smart · Mapenet 150 · Mapegum WPS · Mapeproof Turbo 1K · Topcem · Planicrete SP (manufactured and distributed in Australia by Mapei

In the bathrooms, screeds were created using TOPCEM, a special normal-setting, quick-drying, controlled-shrinkage hydraulic binder, and special aggregates. The substrates were then treated with PLANICRETE SP (a multi-purpose latex to create high performance mortars and screeds distributed in Australia by Mapei Australia) and waterproofed with two coats of MAPEGUM WPS, fast-drying flexible liquid membrane. TOPCEM was also used for screeds around the pools to create falls and on all balconies to create falls to drains prior to the application of MAPELASTIC SMART highly flexible waterproofing membrane.

Australia Pty. Ltd.) · Eco Prim T Plus · Ultraplan Eco INSTALLING CERAMIC TILES: · Keraflex Maxi S1 · Kerapoxy · Mapesil AC INSTALLING ACOUSTIC LAYERS AND WOODEN FLOORS: · Ultrabond Eco S955 1K INSTALLING LVT FLOORS: · Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Wall

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PROJECTS

ponent, solvent-free, sililated polymer adhesive with very low emission level of volatile organic compounds (VOC), which is suitable for bonding all types of wooden floors. MAPEPROOF TURBO 1K one-component, solvent-free moisture vapour barrier was applied to the concrete surfaces prior to the installation, followed by a coat of ECO PRIM T PLUS solvent-free, low odour acrylic primer in water dispersion. Contractors also used ULTRAPLAN ECO, ultra-fast hardening self-levelling smoothing compound, to correct any irregularities in the concrete surface.

LVT and wooden floorings Acoustic underlay was installed with ULTRABOND ECO S955 1K one-component, solvent-free, sililated polymer-based adhesive prior to the installation of LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) on the floors in the hotel rooms. Contractors used ULTRABOND ECO MS 4 LVT WALL high performance, one-component silylated polymer-based adhesive, which is also suitable for all kinds of textile and resilient floorings, to install the LVT planks. Wooden floors were installed in the restaurant and foyer areas using ULTRABOND ECO S955 1K, one-com-

✕ 66

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URBANICA Terracotta e metallo, materia e luce. Elementi che si fondono per offrire una nuova percezione del gres porcellanato. Terracotta and metal, matter and light. Elements blended together to give a new perception of porcelain stoneware.

ascot.it ascot.it

A Brand of:

CERSAIE 2021 ceramic’ s world returns in Bologna

CERSAIE 2021

C E R S A I E , T H E P R E - E M I N E N T I N T E R N AT I O N A L E X H I B I T I O N F O R T H E W O R L D O F C E R A M I C S , B AT H R O O M F U R N I S H I N G S , A R C H I T E C T U R E A N D D E S I G N , C O M E S B A C K A F T E R A Y E A R O F F TO THE BOLOGNA EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM 27 SEPTEMBER TO 1 OCTOBER 2021 .

The 38th edition of the show, which features a packed programme of initiatives, marks the return of the exhibition as an in-person event in compliance with the strictest health and safety protocols. With this in mind, Cersaie and the city and regional institutions already presented “Bologna Together with Cersaie”, a digital poster illustrating all the activities and services offered to Italian and international visitors to help them organise their participation in the safest and most effective way possible. In particular, current regulations require a Green Pass for admission to the show.

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will be presented to five distributors (from France, Germany, Israel, Italy and North America) who have excelled in their dealings with the Italian ceramic industry. An exhibition organised as part of the “building, dwelling, thinking” programme will explore projects carried out a group of young architects under the supervision of Renzo Piano. The exhibition will present a selection of projects carried out since 2014 with a focus on those currently in progress in Modena, Padua and Palermo. The exhibition will be officially opened at 10:00 am on Tuesday 28 September.

Facts&Figures Cersaie 2021 occupies all 15 halls of the Bologna Exhibition Centre and is hosting around 600 exhibitors, including 41% non-Italian companies from 26 different countries. This large number of exhibitors confirms the show’s enormous international appeal. Following the official opening of Cersaie with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, the first appointment in the programme is the Economic Conference to be held in the Europauditorium of Palazzo dei Congressi on Monday 27 September at 11:00 am in the presence of representatives of the main local and national institutions. At 2:30 pm, Hall 18 will see the official opening of the Contract Hall and Archincont(r)act, a new space devoted to networking between producers and architecture firms and their clients in the real estate and contract sectors.

Architecture Dates Cersaie 2021 is welcoming numerous well-known figures in the context of the “building, dwelling, thinking” cultural programme. These include two internationally acclaimed female architects, Odile Decq and Benedetta Tagliabue, who will speak a conference moderated by architecture historian Professor Fulvio Irace and entitled “Sensitive Architecture”, which will be held on Thursday 30 September at 11.00 am in the Palazzo dei Congressi in the Bologna Exhibition Centre. Following the long months of lockdown and enforced isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have come to realise the importance of the tactile and sensorial aspect of architecture: the rediscovery of our bodies,

The Ceramics of Italy International Press Conference, due to be held at 6:00 pm in the splendid setting of Palazzo Re Enzo in Piazza del Nettuno in Bologna, will explore the current state and future prospects of the ceramic sector in the presence of the world’s journalists and media professionals. In the second part of the International Press Conference, the Confindustria Ceramica Distributor Awards

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colours, symbols and light. Through a description of their latest projects, Odile Decq and Benedetta Tagliabue will help participants discover the importance of these aspects in our daily lives.

ings and surface materials and consolidate business relations with Cersaie exhibitors, even after the in-person exhibition has come to an end. To gain free access to Cersaie Digital from 20 September to 8 October, it is possible to register via the online ticket office using the same credentials as the entrance ticket.

CERSAIE 2021

This will be followed at 3:00 pm, again in the Palazzo dei Congressi, by a conference entitled “Small Talks Reloaded - To travel is to study”, with the participation of 11 well-known Italian architecture firms: Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia AF517, asv3 officina di architettura, Bricolo e Falsarella, CZA - Cino Zucchi Architetti, Diverserighestudio, Iotti + Pavarani Architetti, Labics, MAP studio, Orizzontale, TAMassociati e Werner Tscholl.

Tiling Town Located in Hall 32, ‘Tiling Town’, the meeting place for Italian and international visitors and experts with any connection to tile installation, is back for its 9th edition this year. On each of the five days of Cersaie, it will host tile-setting demonstrations by master tilers, involving outdoor applications and environments created using large-format panels.

Cersaie’s Keynote Lecture will once again be given by a Pritzker Prize laureate. This year’s guest speaker is Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who will give a talk on Friday 1 October 2021 at 11:00 am in the Palazzo dei Congressi at BolognaFiere following an introduction by architecture historian Professor Francesco Dal Co.

A substantial space has been allocated to Assoposa (the Italian national tile setters’ association), which will be interacting with trade operators from the world of tile installation, and serving as an Info Point showcasing the work the association has done over the eight years since its foundation, and its future goals in terms of vocational training and qualifications. These include its Tiler, Master Tiler and XXL Slab-layer qualifications, and its three-year vocational training courses held at construction training colleges, offering apprenticeships involving a blend of work and training.

Cersaie goes (also) Digital Cersaie Digital, a virtual platform, in Italian and English, online for three weeks from 20 September to 8 October, is the stand-out new feature of this 38th edition. Exhibitors present at the in-person exhibition will also be participating in the online event, which is intended to complement rather than substitute the physical show. The digital platform allows many visitors who want to make the most of their time at Cersaie as well as professionals who are unable to visit the exhibition in person to meet each other and do business. The preview of the in-person show provided by the platform enables visitors to plan their days at the exhibition and request meetings with exhibitors based on their availability. The Congress Center section will present the events planned for Cersaie, some of which will be streamed. Along with a preview of the products and collections showcased by leading international companies in the field of surfaces, bathroom furnishings and finishings for the world of contract design, visitors will also be able to continue exploring the new products proposed by manufacturers of ceramic tiles, bathroom furnish-

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ture, to the ceramic covering made from large-format panels and the use of grouts and mastics.

Tiling Town will also be hosting a technical seminar every day, on matters relating to UNI 11493. The programme will cover site organisation, selection criteria for both materials and installation techniques; identification and prevention of critical issues with installation; and long-term retention of the functional performance of coverings. The seminars will be held both face-to-face and remotely via the Assoposa Facebook page. There will also be tile installation demonstrations offering tips and highlighting best practices for working with all types of ceramic tiles and achieving long-lasting, trouble-free results. Lastly, there will be an introduction to a range of courses for tilers, dealers and architects held at the facilities of a number of tile manufacturers. These form part of an initiative deriving from a training protocol agreed between Confindustria Ceramica and Assoposa. At 10.00am from Monday to Friday, there will also be an interesting series of Tile Town Matinées, during which Assoposa and its Technical Partners (Fila, Mapei and Raimondi) will shine the spotlight on the latest developments in the market, the most innovative products to enhance the work of tilers and how to solve the most frequent problems.

Assoposa Services Assoposa representatives will be on hand every day to talk about the services for tilers that have raised the association’s profile over the past two years: • Direct technical support: thanks to its close collaboration with Technical Partners and tile manufacturers, and to the Telegram chat platform involving the association’s tilers and technicians, Assoposa members can obtain immediate support with a wide range of issues they might run into on-site. They can also take part in an ongoing exchange of opinions and experiences to facilitate the professional development of all participants. • Legal assistance with an allocated lawyer: as from this year, in the event of legal difficulties, all Assoposa members will be entitled to a free initial consultation with the construction industry specialist law firm that has a service agreement with the Association. ✕

Ceramic tiler certification

New training season

The most significant new initiative introduced by Assoposa this year is its ceramic tiler certification scheme. After years of hard work dedicated to training professional tilers and raising the profile of tiling and design as a discipline, in accordance with UNI 11493, the Association is now offering tilers the opportunity to obtain full-blown certification of their professional credentials, in accordance with UNI EN ISO 17024. Thanks to a partnership with an external Certification Body, committed to offering unbiased, objective assessments, Assoposa has managed to develop an assessment system that ties up perfectly with its training courses, thus enabling professionals to become “Certified Tilers” in possession of the knowledge, skills and competences listed in UNI 11493-2. Tiling Town 2021 will therefore provide a framework for the official presentation of the initiative, which is aimed at all stakeholders and all key players involved in the realisation of flooring systems.

As well as its scheduled events, Assoposa will be presenting the new calendars for the 2021/2022 training season, which will include: • Certification courses: 40 hours of theoretical and practical training focusing on traditional installation in accordance with UNI 11493, with a view to equipping trainees with the advanced skills they need to to pass the Tiler and Master Tiler qualification exams. • XXL Slab-layers course: 24 hours of purely practical training focusing on the installation of large formats. On successful completion of the course, existing Tilers will qualify as XXL SLAB-LAYERS, thus obtaining certification of their ability to install large-format products in accordance with the applicable standards in all construction situations. • The new Assoposa Academy course: 24 hours of purely practical training in the on-site construction of washbasin systems, from the load-bearing struc-

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QUADRASTUDIO

The PICASSO collection represents the beauty of an oak board in all its authenticity, as mother nature gave us. Its colour range enhances its warmth and modernity. The naturalness of the unique choice is combined with the plus of Original Parquet’s SEVEN+ technology, creating a 100% Made in Italy collection with excellent technical performance.

www.originalparquet.com

HQ - FACTORY via Dell’Artigianato 18 SHOWROOM via Del Lavoro 4 48011 Alfonsine (RA) - Italy ph. +39.0544.80696

CERCOM

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

The world of minerals bequeaths a truly contemporary colour palette to Cercom ceramic surfaces for the new A B S O L U T E S T O N E project, made of porcelain stoneware, dedicated to indoor and outdoor design. The aesthetic of the collection clearly reveals the texture and shading of the materials it was inspired by, transforming floors and walls into designer elements with a distinct personality. From Moon, the lightest shade, to the intense Black, the colour tones of Absolute Stone display awareness of the needs of interior design. There are two neutral offerings, Clay and Grey, while Ground has a more contemporary, rusty vibe. Thanks to the wide range of sizes, including modular and available in both a natural R10 and grip R11 finish, different installation layouts can be created, enhancing the elegant chromatic variations found in each colour. Featuring a natural flair for outdoor creations, Absolute Stone offers an R11 A+B+C grip finish both with a traditional 10 mm thickness and with the ultra-thick 19 mm. This extends the array of installation layouts, from traditional screed, to dry-laid or floating floors, even vehicle accessible paving.

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visit us at

HALL 29 Stand A22-B21 from 27-09 to 01-10

www.ceramicaro n d in e.it

N G K Ü TA H YA S E R A M I K

Albatros

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NG Kütahya Seramik’s bookmatch collection brings an innovative approach to design. The creative patterns that follow each other in harmony, offer unique decoration alternatives for spaces with today’s trends. 120x240 cm sized bookmatch porcelain tiles provide ease of application along with size advantage for indoor and outdoor projects. A very natural look can be obtained during the application of bookmatch series thanks to having minimum joint gaps. The serie is giving depth sense while providing a stylish, natural and modern look to the areas such as hotels, wet areas, offices, and living spaces.

Barbados

Alaya

Bluetta

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Epoque 21 collection

ARIANA, brand of ABK GROUP Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A

ariana.it

C O R TA G Cortag Revolution Tools is a Brazilian manufacturer tools company specialized in providing with solutions for tile cutting and placement. Since 1995, based in Mogi Mirim São Paulo, Cortag designs, innovates, produces, and commercializes professional manual and electric tile cutters as well as large format solutions and levelling systems. During the current year, Cortag has made important product launches: · M E G A manual tile cutter: the most innovative Cortag product currently. With reinforced, fixed and robust guides, that provide great stability and precision cuts, enables to cut tiles up to 15mm thickness from 75cm to 180cm length. Besides that, it has a scoring and breaking system that returns to the cutting position at one movement. · Z A P P Titan electric tile cutter: the most powerful Cortag’s machine today! Its engine has 1,500 Watts power, that enables to cut porcelain tiles, marble, granite and other materials up to 50mm straight cuts and 40mm angled cuts. Besides that it has the plunge function that enable making special cuts such as niches and outlet holes, friezes and others. In its innovative spirit, Cortag constantly invests in research and development, aiming to combine: the best existing technology in production processes and materials with the understanding of the construction professionals needs. Cortag’s philosophy is to make professional’s work on the jobsite more productive every day! Besides that, a lot of investment in the digital environmental has been made both in the processes and in customer services. Among the main values of the company, care for human resources and environmental play a big role. Due to that, Cortag has achieved several important ISO certifications: 9001: Quality Control, 14001: Environmental and 45001: Health and Safety Work. This has brought Cortag to Brazilian market leadership in the last years, with constant awards, among them, TOP of MIND in several categories. Nowadays, Cortag is present in more than 20 countries and plans extend its borders even more. All this work is carried out in synergy with a team with national and international coverage, through operational offices in Brazil, Latin America, USA and Europe, which provides a presence, agile and personalized service to various groups of clients and distributors, to whom we would like to say a special “thank you” for trusting in us!

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Mega Zapp

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Brooklyn &Memory.

WALL Memory · Jungle 20x20 . 8”x8” Brooklyn· White 100x100 RET . 39”x39” FLOOR Brooklyn · White 100x100 RET . 39”x39”

ITALCER S.p.a. • ELIOS CERAMICA • www.eliosceramica.it

CERAMICHE PIEMME

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Exquisite Italian artistic craftsmanship and digital technologies convey into the new I B L A line of porcelain stoneware tiles by Ceramiche Piemme. The profound tactile appeal of Ragusa “Pietra Pece” asphalt stone, combined with three-dimensional decors that evoke the patterns and reliefs of traditional lace, in a collection that bears the ancient name of the UNESCO World Heritage Site city. The distinctive stylistic features of the art and culture of the old centre of Ragusa (Italy) thus become genuine contemporary design tools, available to anyone wishing to re-create Mediterranean moods with elegant evocations of Italian craftsmanship. The Piemme designers developed distressed, tarry colours and surfaces that alternate matt and surprisingly glossy finishes in a ceramic version with the aid of the “Synchro Digit” technology. Avant-garde technology produces a porcelain stoneware that is easy to install, environment-friendly and extremely tough, yet able to confer immense character on interiors, with great design versatility. Together with the 4 plain tile colour variants, the “Tombolo” wall tiles, the “Zagara” floral decor and the “Ragusa” and “Opus” mosaics (in two surface finishes, natural and honed) make Ibla a very striking collection. As well as the more traditional sizes, the new long plank tile (30x119.5 cm) provides fascinating colour effects in multiple installation patterns, both on floors and as a wall covering. The small plank of 10x60 cm and the chevron of 10x53 cm are the basis respectively for Italian (right-angle block) and French (chevron) herringbone installation layouts.

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HALL 28 | STAND B3

SERAMIKSAN

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

With the H I L L Smart Urinal, Seramiksan takes the hygiene experience of users to a whole new level. With the HILL Smart Urinal, which detects the liquid concentration and cleans itself, photocell and manual washing urinals are now becoming history. It offers many functional features such as a smart washing model that saves water by changing the water setting in frequent use and makes a self hygiene flush when not used for 24 hours, and an even distribution of water with the nozzle.

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RAK CERAMICS

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

RAK Ceramics presents K L I M A , the new generation of ceramic surfaces that, thanks to special materials, is able to absorb and repel heat according to individual needs. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, for flooring or external walls, to achieve maximum comfort with minimum energy impact. When installed on outdoor flooring, Klima repels the heat from sunlight, resisting high temperatures. Even with significant sun exposure, the surface is not burning hot and floor remains cool and pleasant to walk on with bare feet. When applied on indoor flooring, Klima retains room heat and releases it over the entire surface, producing a warmer feel than a standard floor. Ideal for surfaces that provide a wood-like effect, imparting a warmth and a comfort to be experienced. On external ventilated façades, Klima helps limit heat dispersion while maintaining a steady indoor temperature. An innovative solution that helps reduce room energy demands. Among collections with Klima technology is included for example the Salento ceramic serie for floor and wall coverings. RAK Ceramics reinterprets the ancestral charm of stone and transforms it to one of the most preferred materials in contemporary architecture. Solid, durable and extremely versatile, the stone-look tiles have special features and a highly attractive visual impact. A traditional mood that is able to define interior design projects with a modern appeal.

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Cersaie Hall 36 · B24-C29

Cersaie Hall 36 · B22-C25

Come and discover our new polished porcelain tiles

Visit us at:

#100%MADEINSPAIN

ELIOS

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Floral patterns, foliage and intensely coloured tropical views are the protagonists of the M E M O R Y series, for solutions rich in light and material effects. It is available in 20x20 format and is suitable for both commercial and residential indoor environments as eclectic cladding solution. Memory fits perfectly with several other proposals of Elios Ceramica, such as the new Clay collection, with structure and irregular edges which add to the surface a strong dynamism full of reflections and details

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TIMELESS BEAUT Y

PIERRES DES CHATEAUX PIERRES DES CHATEAUX

www.lafabbrica.it

ABK S I G N O R I A is the latest chapter in the

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

broad Sensi project, which ABK has dedicated to marble-effect finishes. This “colourful luxury experience”, reminiscent of renaissance art, adroitly blends polychrome marbles in a highly original and contemporary way, using stylistic contrasts and combinations characterised by modern, geometric lines. To achieve this, ABK has selected Italian and exotic varieties of marble of the required colours, all distinguished by highly decorative veining. The Signoria collection contains six variants. Calacatta Vena Oro reproduces classic white marble with subdued, precious veining. Roma Imperiale is a natural fresco of unusual but refined shades ranging from baby blue to sage green, with bursts of rust red and white/beige details. Port Gold fascinates for its almost velvety black background and its distinctive network of golden veins. The cold white of Lilac Grey forms the perfect background for intricate greyblue veining, which also appears in another, more exotic and crystalline variant, Labradorite, based on precious marbles that range from green to blue. The last variant in the collection is Grigio Siena, an elegant Italian marble with broad, golden veins that stand out distinctly against a grey background. The collection comprises large-format panels, measuring 120x280 cm, with various sub-multiple sizes for floor and wall installations, plus exclusive patchwork effect decorations (Opus) and an interesting offering of coordinated mosaics (Ventagli and Sticks). Customers have three surface finishes to choose from: lux, soft and natural.

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FLASH LINE · FL

COMPLETE MANUAL CUTTING SYSTEM FOR PORCELAIN, CERAMIC OR GLASS SLABS

· TITANIUM WHEELS SELECTION SYSTEM · Non-slip system without suction cups · Quick elastic connection · “No Limits” extendable system with rails · INTERNATIONAL PATENT · 100% MADE IN ITALY

27-9 / 01-10-2021 Hall 31/Stand B61

montolit.com

GARDENIA ORCHIDEA

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

The O X I D E collection features an original surface texture inspired by the world of metal oxides, in keeping with a trend in contemporary architecture that is spreading rapidly from residential spaces into the worlds of commerce and hospitality. OXIDE stands out for its distinctive industrial personality and realistic surfaces that reproduce the tactile and visual sensations of corroded metals. The shimmering variations in colour and the gloss-matt reflections that give the product an almost three-dimensional look are particularly impressive. The fascinating surface is complemented by all the benefits of porcelain tile developed using the latest technology. 3DTech, for example, is a production process that creates surfaces of amazing sensory value thanks to the application of ceramic materials cleverly combined with digital graphics. The OXIDE collection is made up of five different colours: Aluminum is the lightest finish with the least contrast; Iron is the darkest shade, reminiscent of wrought iron; bolder options come in the form of the grey-blue Steel, green-copper Green and golden-warm Brass. A choice of sizes from cm 80x80 to 120x280 ensures versatility in installation. The OXIDE collection is also available in an exterior variant with thicknesses of 9/20 mm and an R11 surface for use in outdoor areas, including pool surrounds.

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SCH LÜTE R-SYSTE M S The Schlüter-DITRAHEAT-E electric floor and wall heating system combines fast and targeted temperature control of tiled surfaces with secure bonded waterproofing and uncoupling. This means that the energy-efficient system can also be used in the bathroom.

The Schlüter-ARCLINE accessory system allows the flexible installation of practical and elegant bathroom accessories. These are variably fixed in mounting profiles – so the wall tiles do not have to be drilled through or glued.

Floor-level showers can be designed flexibly and elegantly with Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO. The variant with the WAVE drainage profile was awarded the renowned Red Dot 2021 in the bathroom and sanitary category.

Uniform design in the shower: The WAVE design is available for both the drainage profile and the Schlüter-SHELF shelf.

Most people spend a lot of time in their own bathroom and want to design the room according to their wishes in order to feel comfortable there. Intelligent system solutions from a single supplier allow a great deal of individual design freedom and enable, for example, the combination of a floor-level shower with an efficient floor and wall heating system. With S C H L Ü T E R - K E R D I - L I N E - VA R I O , such showers can be designed more flexibly than ever before. With the combination of the high-performance drain, which can be rotated through 360°, and elegant, variably shortenable drainage profiles, almost any installation wish can be realised. The W-shaped WAV E drainage profile and the COVE profile in the form of a cove have a minimalist design and are each 120 cm long. They can be shortened as desired up to a minimum length of 22 cm. In the variant made of textured aluminium, the profiles are available in eight colours of the S C H L Ü T E R T R E N D L I N E series. So they do not only match current tile or natural stone trends in the bathroom – they can also be combined with other Schlüter solutions for an intelligent bathroom, such as attractive end profiles in the same colour scheme or the practical S C H L Ü T E R - S H E L F wall shelves, which are also available in TRENDLINE design. Here, even the WAVE design can be coordinated with the floor-level shower. The mounting profiles for the clever S C H L Ü T E R - A R C L I N E accessory system are also available in the elegant aluminium surfaces. Even more comfort with heated floor and wall coverings With efficient floor and wall heating, the feel-good factor in the bathroom can be increased many times over. The S C H L Ü T E R - D I T R A - H E AT- E electrical system simultaneously serves as a thin-layer heating system and as a secure bonded waterproofing and uncoupling system – so the floor and wall tiles are not only pleasantly warm quickly, but also permanently protected from damage. The heating can also be used specifically in the shower area. As the heating cables lie directly under the covering, the mild heat reaches the surface quickly and evenly, so that the temperature there increases by up to 4°C within just 15 minutes. This on-the-point heat saves energy and thus also costs: two hours of heating a day on an area of around 4 square metres with DITRA-HEAT-E costs no more than an espresso a week in your favourite café. The targeted control as required can be conveniently carried out via smartphone or tablet – so that the perfect temperature can be set at any time.

RAIMONDI

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

In 2009 Raimondi introduced the first pro-grade wedges & clips levelling system, the well known RLS (Raimondi Levelling System) which quickly became a worldwide benchmark. Now Raimondi improves it presenting the brand-new H D C L I P S . HD stands for Heavy Duty, since they offer the highest tensile strength within the Raimondi’s range. Also, HD clips bear the peak at the maximum tensile strength longer. This means that the HD clips not only have more tensile strength, but also offer more tolerance when tightening the wedges. Final result is the HD clips are the best performant and easier to use clips ever offered by Raimondi, which flawlessly level even heavier tiles. HD clips offer other advantages. The design makes it much easier to insert the clips underneath the tile, conferring the product greater ease of use. Another improvement is the packaging which now allows for a faster and better product presentation. Boxes containing bags are provided with an easy-toremove corner: just open the box and the product is ready for sale. Each box has clear indications to recognize the kind of clips and the quantity. Multiple boxes (with corner removed or not) can be stacked on top of each other so to create the desired display combination without the need to assign them a shelf, a floor portion it is sufficient. Also, it is available a “not-openable” box containing 2.200 clips. A brand-new kit has been developed for the HD. It contains 250 HD clips 1.5 mm (1/16”), 250 wedges and 1 floor pliers. It comes into a four-color high quality print box. Just stack multiple kits one to create a great visual impact in the show-room. HD clips work with the same wedge and the same traction pliers as all other Raimondi’s clips. So, end-user can use his existing set of wedges and pliers.

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design. create. produce.

DR TECNICA S.R.L. V I A 2 G I U G N O 9 - 4 1 0 4 2 F I O R A N O M O D E N E S E ( M O ) - I T A LY T E L + 39 0 5 3 6 9 2 1 7 2 1 - F A X + 39 0 5 3 6 9 2 1 7 3 5 i n fo @ d r t e c n i c a . i t

TECNICA

R AKO

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

The “L I N K A ” floor series from tile manufacturer Lasselsberger with its RAKO brand is a real eye-catcher. This is because “Linka” impresses with striking decorations, numerous colours and an elegant surface appearance. Maxim Velčovský designed the series for RAKO. He is an internationally successful designer and the head of the studio for ceramics and porcelain at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague. The line as a leitmotif “Linka” in Czech means “line”. And the motif of the line runs through the entire design process in the work of designer Maxim Velčovský on the tile series for RAKO. For him, it stands as a central element in front of every drawn form, every sketch, and only emerges from the skilful connection of different lines. The play of the lines, which

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Maxim Velčovský (*1976) graduated from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague and co-founded the Qubus Design Studio in 2002. His works can be found in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, the Museum of Art and Design in Prague and the Design Museum in Lausanne. Since 2011, he has been head of the studio for ceramics and porcelain at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague. complement each other to form diverse geometries, makes each surface covered with “Linka” unique. Eight designs combined in two product lines A total of eight “Linka”designs are available, ranging from a homogeneous appearance of a fine abstract hand painting to the graphically expressive pattern of striking, mutually overlapping lines. “Linka” consists of two product lines. The first arises from a drawing in which the decoration becomes a line scan, from which a larger decoration arises through the addition of the tiles in the surface. Lines join to form a mosaic that creates a maximally independent structure with a simultaneous high recognition value. In this product line, combinations of grey and white colours are combined, perfectly complemented by grey as well as powerful black decorations. The second product line seems to be connected to the earth, is almost archaic, and led designer Maxim Velčovský in his conceptual world to a time when people moved from caves to permanent dwellings. This was when the first walls and houses were built. For him, tiles symbolise the evolution of the wall and combine practical and aesthetic functions. Structures and grids can be read here as basic design parameters. The tiles of the product line are characterised by black and brown colours and are complemented by contrasting floor tiles. For a wide range of project requirements “Linka” is available in two sizes: 60 x 60 and 20 x 20 cm. Due to its high quality, “Linka” is suitable for the private and commercial areas. With R10/B slip resistance, a visually and haptically pleasantly matt surface and high ease of care (surface type ABS), it ensures long-lasting enjoyment in daily use. Lasselberger and RAKO are presenting the “Linka” series and a variety of other product innovations and novelties at the CERSAIE trade fair in Hall 19, Stand C44-D43.

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G RUPO HALCÓN CER ÁMICAS T E M P O is a rectified porcelain collec-

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

tion by Halcòn Ceràmicas inspired by natural stone that realistically reproduces the appearance of this material thanks to its graphic contrasts and refined texture. It is available in 4 colours (cotton, nature, ash, dark), different formats (cm 75x150, 75x75, 60x120, 60x60, 30x60) and two finishes, polished and matt. In addition, the Tempo collection is completed with a rectified White Body Wall Tile in size 30x90 cm. Tempo has a timeless appeal and shows a very rich design with a very interesting graphic variation, perfectly in line with current interior design trends. With special attention to detail, chromatic richness and texture, A U R A , the new series by Emotion Ceramics, sbrings to life unique spaces where nature becomes the protagonist and makes us feel part of it. The surface of this Stone tile, with its irregular design, its multiple formats and its diverse tones, manages to personalise any environment with character and at the same time, with a unique elegance. Its veins provide richness, movement, contrast and depth within the same chromatic range. AURA is presented in 6 colours (canvas, light, ash antracita, sand, earth) and available in the following formats: cm 75x150 rect., 75x75 rect. 60x120 rect., 60x60 rect., 30x60 rect., 60,5x60,5 and 30x60.

AURA by Emotion Ceramics

TEMPO by Halcón Cerámicas

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DR TECNICA

To allow maximum compositional freedom and give shape to a dynamic and effective showroom, the company presents new and smart D I S P L AY S Y S T E M s fitting every specific need. The Display units are easy to update and add personality to the exposition, enlighting tiles, slabs and little surfaces to the best. The novelties developed by DR Tecnica, such as F R A M E + in different sizes and C U B E + for loose slabs, aim to create exhibition and sales spaces that enhance the products on display, thus capturing the attention of customers. All the display systems are the result of the constant company’s research for solutions and materials, but also of the active listening and close connection with the clients.

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MONTOLIT

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Brevetti Montolit presents F L 3 , the third generation of manual cutting system for all extra-large sizes (from 0 to 340 cm). The new equipment, created in collaboration with the “Politecnico di Milano”, consists of an incision trolley, modular rails and nibbler, all inside in a practical and strong “cordura” bag. The futuristic incision slider, made of die-cast aluminum, slides on the guide bars thanks to three wheels in anti-friction material, but the “Real Heart of the system” it’s Revolution 3WD, that’s consist in a loader that supports the incision wheels, it is a polygon made of aluminum alloy, of aeronautical derivation, that houses three wheels of different diameters: 8, 12 and 20 mm all with surface treatment in Titanium to ensure greater smoothness and durability. The tiler can select the most suitable wheel for the work to be done, with a simple rotation of the support, without using specific equipment. The three engraver wheels are naturally able to deal with any kind of porcelain stoneware, ceramic or glass without problems, but the user will have the right to choose the most suitable tool according to the type of material, (its consistency / compactness or surface finish) to guarantee precise cuts with a better finish and obtain a “workmanlike execution”, following the indications of Montolit technicians and above all his instinct and experience. The three aluminum modular guide bars, each 120 cm long, are positioned directly on the slab to be cut without any particular fixing system; the grip is obtained thanks to the special silicone strips placed on the contact surface and the fixing increases with the power of the pressure exerted on the slide carriage. The clamps or suction cups are completely useless (unique and internationally patented system). The operation of the incision it’s facilitated by the ergonomic handle that allows the user a total control and always optimal pressure. At the end, with the nibbler consisted in a double splitting system, the separation is carried out along the traced incision line.

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AVA B R E C C I A A R G E N T U M , a marble of

Italian origin inspired by the architecture of the 1920s and used in highend construction, is the result of aesthetic research based on the most sought-after slabs for this type of marble. A very elegant series with the utmost perfection in definition, graphic uniformity and matching possibility with marbles and stones already present in the AVA and La Fabbrica range. The range features the big size 324cmx163cm in 12 mm and 20mm thickness, the big sizes 320cmx160 cm and 280x120 in 6 mm thickness and the smaller size 60x120 in 8,8mm thickness. This variety of sizes and thicknesses represents the great versatility that the ceramic can reach in every field of application, extending the possibilities of use going from floor to wall covering to furniture, tables, tops, doors and ventilated walls. Breccia Argentum is suitable for residential and commercial solutions, shutters and doors, shipping industry, furnishings, design, ventilated facades, coordinated top and coverings.

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P R O F I L PA S

P P D R A I N A Q U A is the new range

Flat Cover

Design Cover

Invisible Cover

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Classic Cover

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of linear drains for floor-level showers, entirely designed and produced by Profilpas. Made of stainless steel AISI 316 and equipped with removable patented siphon in antibacterial ABS, they are the perfect synthesis of beauty and practicality. PP Drain Aqua linear shower drains meet any aesthetic taste and perfectly match the latest trends in bathroom accessories thanks to the possibility of choosing between four types of cover, different in design and finishes. Classic Cover, in polished or satin stainless steel, is equipped with frame and, if turned upside down, becomes tileable; Flat Cover, which stands out for its perfectly flat and linear design, is available in several colours ranging from soft touch white to black, passing through chromium-plated steel, gold, pink gold, nickel and graphite; Design Cover, characterized by a thin and elegant central drain, is able to blend perfectly with any covering thanks to its linear design; finally, Invisible Cover disappears under the tile, becoming one with the shower covering. With PP Drain Aqua, the maintenance and the cleanliness are fully simplified. The siphon, made of antibacterial ABS, is easy to remove and to inspect. Moreover, the base of the drain is composed of a single piece without welds for the best hygiene and efficiency. The version with direct drainage (without siphon) is also available. PP Drain Aqua linear shower drains have been designed to minimize installation times thanks to the preglued waterproofing membrane, the height adjustment supports from 6 to 18 mm and the bases in polystyrene foam.

CERAMICA RONDINE I N F I N I T Y was born from the recovery of a mountain hut and it is an unusual mix of wood and con-

crete. This collection was inspired by the chic industrial style that, with its three different colors, can be used in several environments, from the most modern to the most classic. The combination between concrete and wood creates continuity between floor and wall covering. This is the reason why Infinity is a versatile and easy to match series.

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PROGRESS PROFILES

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Humidity, water infiltrations and inadequate drainage could cause serious damages to external surfaces, which are constantly exposed to rainfalls and weather. For this reason, it is highly recommended to carry out a perfect laying work to ensure the structures’ suitability. Progress Profiles, Italian manufacturer of technical and decorative finishing profiles and fixing/laying systems including membranes for construction and interior design, patented P R O D E S O ® D R A I N M E M B R A N E , a waterproof, draining, uncoupling membrane that allows the vapour management, with a thickness of only 5mm (13/64”) .Technologically advanced, under the sign of versatility, simplicity, speed and efficiency of installation, PRODES® DRAIN System is particularly suitable for large sizes XXL tiles laying in all indoor and outdoor environments, even in humid areas such as SPA or indoor pools. The membrane is composed of a high-density polyethylene sheet to which a draining layer is thermo-welded at the top; a non-woven polypropylene fabric is glued to the bottom. The reliefs of the polyethylene sheet create an “air chamber” under the tiles which favors the movement of the air helping a microventilation which allows the drainage and rapid drying of the adhesive preventing the spillage and the ascent of triacetates and the formation of efflorescence in the joints. Thanks to its structure, PRODESO® DRAIN Membrane can also be applied on substrates that are not perfectly cured, on old tiles or Plywood/OSB. Using PRODESO® DRAIN System, the installation time is considerably reduced; the system, indeed, allows working without any interruption from the laying of the membrane up to the end. a Full package of accessories have been carefully studied and added for a perfect laying system. Progress Profiles presents once again an innovative product that matches high functionality and maximum versatility, thus facilitating installers work and guaranteeing an always perfect and long-lasting results.

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Vitr A With the latest novelties VitrA aimed upon continuing to enrich colour-form-texture matrices’ systems approach and PRO Nature material libraries to further support professionals in their design goals for timeless and long-lasting spaces that inspire their customers with mix & match sets. M A R M O M I X is a new tile system inspired by classical marbles for contemporary spaces, C E M E N T M I X M E S O , a new concrete layer to the CementMix concrete layers and Urban Travertino is a new natural stone texture edition to the same colour coded ColorCode material family. Both M A R M O S T O N E and B O S C O S T O N E are new stone textured ranges with marble characteristics. Moreover, AT E L I E R 0 1 invites to experiment, play and create, with patterns which look like painted with coloured pencils on a textured paper. MarmoMix

Atelier01

Boscostone

Urban Travertino

CementMix Meso

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W H AT ’ S N E W ?

VA L L E L U N G A & C O .

Originating from a fine balance between hard and soft, warm and cold, and the dialogue that emerges from the juxtaposition of different materials, the Concreta lines by Vallelunga & Co are characterised by the eternal charm of stone and the urban appeal of cement. This exchange between nature and technical content provides a framework for experimentation with textures, nuances, surface effects, unusual cuts and graphic patterns, in a process of cross-fertilisation between disparate worlds that starts from nature, undergoes decorative conversion and emerges as a truly contemporary material. T E R R A E , the latest addition to the Vallelunga & Co. family, incorporates pressed, fired clays, processed by expert hands, to create a surface animated by graphic and textural patterns, and blends of the purest pigments. It expresses its vitality through the strength of colour, the dynamism of forms and textures, and sophisticated inserts in distinctive materials.

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SERENISSIMA M AT E R I C A is a new range of ceramic that

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

takes full advantage of the performance of porcelain tile to create indoor and outdoor coverings in step with the latest trends. Materica draws inspiration from a fusion of natural stone and industrial concrete that yields a soft, elegant surface. The collection’s five neutral, versatile colours are ideal for today’s living spaces, and come in a wide range of sizes and decorative solutions. The discreet character of the collection emerges both in the lighter shades – platinum and ecru – and in the deeper, more intense colours – black and turtle-dove – not to mention the elegant pearl, which lies at the mid-point of the palette. The range is available with either a natural or an R11 grip finish, including with a thickness of 19 mm, to meet every imaginable design requirement, whether indoors or out.

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Visit us at CERSAIE Stand C-66 • Pav 36

VE RSACE CE R AM I CS

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

The fascination of prestigious marble comes to a climax in the M A X I M V S project, which consists of eight carefully selected varieties whose natural beauty is enhanced by large-format tiles and a scintillating surface shine. The collection includes Italian marble varieties of the kind traditionally found in noble homes, along with fascinatingly exotic marbles whose colours suggest the opulence of precious stones. From classical statue marble to the high-contrast Panda White, the collection’s white marbles are embellished by elegant veining which even carries on from one tile to the next. Lapis lazuli and tiger’s eye are the inspirations for Galaxy Blue and Galaxy Brown respectively. There is also the option of pink (Rosa Venezia), green (Calacatta Green) and, of course, gold, whose warm tonalities appear in Calacatta Bright and Black&Gold. The Maximvs collection also includes a series of decorative tiles that reproduce iconic motifs from great Italian houses on their ceramic surfaces. The tone-on-tone pattern of Megabarocco, for example, is perfect for both floors and walls and even for kitchen countertops, thanks to its availability in a thickness of 12 mm. All other decorative elements are made using ceramic hot decoration techniques and precious raw materials. Maximvs is the perfect choice for prestige residences but is also ideally suited to contract, hospitality and hotel applications.

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www.seramiksan.com

60x120 Tropical - 30x180 Classwood Livello Washbasin Ocean Plus WC Pan - Bidet

ECO DESIGN

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Recognized as leading manufacturer of D I S P L AY- S Y S T E M S and showroom equipment for the tile & stone industry and for wooden floors, ECO Design have been selling, for over 30 years, to the main manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers who can find functional and impressive furniture for shops, showrooms and fairs. From single display-units to turn-key services and complete installations, the company satisfies any request making its expertise available to the customers. The products are conceived and manufactured in the ECO Design Italian factory and exported all over the world. The full range is available on www.ecodesignsrl.it and the team offers help and support for any project.

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DOM CERAMICHE

The K A D O collection, conceived by Dom Design Lab, pushes back the frontiers of the tactile and textural performance of ceramic surfaces. Advanced technological research and continuous investment in know-how have enabled the company to produce a material that you can “see” even with your eyes closed, by replicating every detail three-dimensionally. Each colour is offered in two graphic variants, Cement and Flakes, which break free from the constraints of continuous design. Polychrome flakes blend with natural-coloured stone and enrich the surface with details and effects. KADO comes in six colours – Ice, Sand, Clay, Smoke, Ocean and Lead – and three sizes (60x60, 60x120 and 90x90). The Torochi, Kiru and Kujaku mosaics come in original, design-led shapes that blend colours and finishes and can be used for feature walls. The collection is also available in three exterior colours in the Flakes version, in thicknesses of 10mm (cm 60x60) and 20mm (cm 90x90).

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ASCOT U R B A N I C A is the latest collection from

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Ascot Everytile, in which terracotta and metal are fused by the primordial force of fire, to create a striking, new material, coloured with pure oxides in a uniquely contemporary palette. Available in six shades (Salt, Sand, Ash, Corten, Iron and Emerald) and four modular, ergonomic formats (30x60, 60x60, 60x120 and 90x90), each colour in the collection is enriched with a diamond shape containing flecks of pure metals, a hexagon that blends colours and substance, and a square mosaic that minimalists will love. For fans of white-body ceramic, Urbanica includes a wall tile made of bitech with an industrial chic design style and a wealth of textures and accents, in size cm 33.3x100. There are plenty of special pieces too, including in a 20mm outdoor version that makes it possible to use Urbanica outdoors, on grass, sand, gravel or screed, with the utmost safety and versatility.

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UltraCare raCare Ultr Ult

TRENDS

Tosilab

- NEW TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF SURFACES Asept ic spa ces that reflec t th e m ood a n d n ee ds of current tim es or a raw a es th e tic t h at t ra n spor t s us ba ck through his tor y, or even prehis tor y ?

Minimalist , sophisticated luxur y or biomim etic forms that seek to enhan ce th e pote ntial of both th e natural an d th e ar tif icial? Tosilab, th e design hub specialisin g in tren d research, offers a compreh ensive over view of th e latest tren ds: four m oods that explore different a esth etic direc tions in th e world of surfa ces.

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TRENDS

Chiara Bruzzichelli

ASEPTIC AGE The first, Aseptic Age, focuses on sterile, hygienic spaces in tune with the zeitgeist, rooms with rounded contours resistant to any kind of infectious agent. The sinuous shapes and pale-coloured, natural materials represent a contemporary adaptation of the “cocooning” trend first identified by futurist Faith Popcorn and much in vogue in the 1990s. The Aseptic Age trend favours a neutral palette (beige, warm white) and pale coloured timbers and makes extensive use of minimalist stone, resins and cements. The style is suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces in hospitality and retail applications. A perfect example of the Aseptic Age trend can be seen in the rounded forms of My Cocoon Hostel in Mykonos (pictured), designed by Dimitris Tsigos from the Greek practice Omniview. My Cocoon combines the fragmentation of space necessary to ensure privacy for guests with an overall sensation of openness.

Hostely Mykonos http://www.hostelmykonos.com/

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TRENDS

BARE & RAW Bare & Raw is a mood that interprets a seemingly raw aesthetic, such as peeling walls, wood, cement and oxidised metal. The “raw” trend has been in vogue for several years now, partly as a Western reinterpretation of the traditional Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, rustic beauty in all its imperfection and impermanence. In the 2021 version, “raw” is reinterpreted in a way that respects the sense of place and consequently also borrows its original philosophy. It adapts to the environment and makes minimal changes, drawing inspiration from an idealised “stone age” in which architecture blends into the landscape. The impact is rustic and primordial, in keeping with the ideal of nature left almost untouched. It is an aesthetic trend that emphasises actual or seemingly underground spaces and architecture that blends in with the landscape. The materials range from the above-mentioned woods, cements and metals through to stone and raw earth. An example of Bare & Raw is Terra Restaurant in Dubai (pictured). Designed by Bone Architects, it is a kind of timeless space where traditional architectural and construction styles are combined with modern yet cleverly disguised technologies to offer diners a warm, cosy and homely experience. It is an intimate space far removed from the harshness of certain urban settings.

Caterermiddleeast.com https://www.caterermiddleeast.com/outlets/87044-mediterranean-inspired-homegrown-restaurant-opens-in-dubais-jumeirah

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TRENDS

Credits: forte-forte.com

GLAMOUR BOURGÉ It is never easy to talk about luxury in times of hardship. The history of the last twenty years has taught us that during periods of crisis, style proposals aim to promote a less ostentatious and more restrained and respectful kind of luxury, less about appearance and more about substance. This is the essence of Glamour Bourgé, the new concept of attainable luxury where classical elements are mixed with fine details and set in minimalist contexts. Marble and plaster are among the most prevalent materials adopted by this style, which achieves a balance of pure forms, especially in shades of green and white, together with wood and brass. One example of Glamour Bourgé is the Forte Forte Store in Madrid (pictured). The result of a collaboration between fashion designer Giada Forte and art director Robert Vattilana, the store is dominated by a large white central column, a sculpture of jagged, offset planes that extends onto the ceiling as a sun-like corolla of marble ribs. The floor is covered with large grey stone mosaics with iridescent textures, green marble inserts and brass strips. The backdrop is a large wall created from superimposed hand-treated plaster panels.

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NEW NATURAL Last but not least, New Natural is a category that embraces anything that can be described as “natural”. It includes excellent alternatives to traditional natural materials that are often indistinguishable from the originals and at the same time reduce the environmental impact of the extraction and transformation processes. But at the same time we are seeing a trend towards the use of authentic natural materials as a way of enhancing aesthetic potential and extending the range of available options. Examples include agglomerates made from scrap materials (fibres or flakes); references to biomimetic aesthetics; natural materials interpreted in new ways; and mixtures of natural materials that create new structures and surfaces. A skilful interpretation of New Natural comes from the Thai architectural practice Enter Projects Asia, which focused on the use of rattan when designing a series of yoga rooms for the Vikasa Yoga Retreat in Bangkok (pictured). Exploiting the versatility and natural look of rattan, the spaces were clad with this natural material to create an urban oasis away from the bustle of Thailand’s capital city. Moreover, rattan is a local material and is well suited for a building devoted to quiet, meditation and harmony.

Credits: Vikasa - https://www.facebook.com/vikasayoga/photos/2644138242367551

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Th e four tren ds Aseptic Age, Bare & Raw, Glam our Bourgé an d New Natural can be explored in dividually or combin ed to create a n ew an d highly personal style.

PHOTONEWS

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PICASSO, THE NEW OAK FLOORBOARD BY ORIGINAL PARQUET lengths from 1,850 mm to 2,350 mm. “Picasso” is a new collection of oak floorboards in a range of colours that convey warmth and “Picasso” floorboards are available in three finishes: modernity. BRUSHED Picasso is 100% made in Italy and produced using A finish produced by against-the-grain orbital Original Parquet’s “SEVEN+” technology for excelbrushing to clean and abrade the wood, giving it lent technical performance. The product consia softer, more rounded look. sts of a 4 mm surface layer in premium oak and a SAW CUT backing layer in birch plywood. Picasso comes with This surface finish is characterised by irregugrooves every 150 mm for optimised heat transfer lar saw-marks running across every board, reon radiant floors. Individual boards are extremely miniscent of the hand-sawed look of traditional flexible too, making for easy installation. flooring. Zero formaldehyde emission, micro-bevelling HAND SCRAPED on all four edges and accurate male-female joint The hand scraped finish replicates the look of profiles add to the excellent technical standards one of the oldest wood finishing techniques. The achieved by this collection, which comes in 3 diffesurface features irregular undulations that vary rent widths (150 mm, 190 mm and 240 mm) and in with the hardness of each individual board.

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PROJECTS

CHALET JOUX PL ANE: A "JAMES BOND" STYLE LOCATION

H E C HA R MING AND PR ESTI GI O US C HAL E T JOUX PL ANE IS LO CATE D I N THE H EA RT OF THE FRENC H AL P S , I N A SEC LUD ED AND ELEVATED P O SI TI O N JU ST A FEW MINUTES’ DRIVE FR O M TH E CE N TE R OF THE WELL-KNOWN S KI R E SO RT M O R ZI N E . FROM ALL LIVING S PAC E S A N D COMMO N AREAS , YOU CA N E N JOY A PAN O RAMI C VIEW OF THE ADJAC E N T M O U NTAIN S , BEING DEVELOPED OVE R A N A RE A OF 680 S Q. M. THE CHA L E T CAN ACCOMMO DATE U P TO 14 PEOPLE I N 5 LUXU RI O US BEDR OOMS , PLU S A R O O M WI T H A BUN K BED FOR FA MILIES WI TH CH I L DRE N . ALL ROOMS HAVE PR IVATE T E R R AC E S WIT H FREESTA NDING B ATH TUB S FO R M AXIMUM R EL AXATION.

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A NEW INTERPRETATION OF THE ALPINE TRADITION The architectural project, signed by the Marullaz Architectures studio, and the interior design, curated by Shep & Kyles team, favored a stylistic and material mix marked by the reinterpretation of the Alpine tradition in a minimalist and contemporary way. Structural rationality, visual breadth and dialogue between interiors and exteriors stand out as distinctive features of this “movie house”, reminiscent of James Bond’s one in the film "Spectre". The large floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that the chalet blends harmoniously into the surrounding mountain landscape.

PROJECTS

Pictures: Stephan Gautier INTERIOR DESIGN AND MATERIALS Several glass elements characterize the interiors and mark the square footage, besides wooden furniture with a Nordic style specifically created by the designers and the elegant finishes chosen from the collections proposed by PORCELANOSA Grupo. The distinctive symmetry and the brightness of the location (played on the intense shades of brown and gray) are brought out by the parquet flooring Advance 1L Natural by L'Antic Colonial, which runs along the entire length of the chalet, lending a seamless aesthetic effect in which walls and floors uniform. Upstairs you can find the living room with its two functional areas: the first one is for re-

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PROJECTS

ading, with XXL sofas in dark colors combined with solid wood beams, the second one is the dining room. Downstairs there is the recreational area, consisting of a gym, a cinema room, an art gallery, a recreation room, a spa with Jacuzzi, a hammam and an indoor swimming pool covered with the porcelain stoneware Stuc Gray Texture by XTONE®, based on the charm of sandstone. Especially for the wellness area, the design team focused on a scheme of materials with oxidized textures combined with the floor Ferroker by Porcelanosa and its metallic effect. These slabs are resistant to scratches, shocks and high temperatures and combine this area with the hammam. The entrance is covered with the stone collection Globe by

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L'Antic Colonial, which enhances the sophisticated atmosphere. The metallic mosaic Imperia Mix Silver Blue Backs by L'Antic Colonial covered the interiors of the hammam, with its concave shape. The small white, gray and blue tiles further emphasize the enveloping and intimate atmosphere of the environment, with the complicity of the spotlights installed in the upper part. Finally, Argenta Antracita by Porcelanosa and the porcelain stoneware XLIGHT® Nox Corten by Urbatek were used for the bathrooms next to the spa. The Habana Dark finish by L'Antic Colonial was chosen for the washbasins, while the full-body porcelain stoneware slabs by Porcelanosa make up the general floor of the shower, alternated with the Moka Anticato wall covering by L'Antic Colonial. ✕

cevisama@feriavalencia.com

www.cevisama.com

See you from 7-11 Feb 2022!

Partner of: Organised by:

València – Spain

PHOTONEWS

The state of the facade when the renovation is completed

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www.pietredarredo.it powered by COLMEF

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PHOTONEWS

RE-BUILDING WITH PIETRE D’ARREDO In an old building located in the Municipality of Cortona (AR), Italy, it became necessary to restore the original external wall, even in the smallest details, while ensuring high energy standards and of sustainability of the materials used to construct the new building. It was a complex operation, since for the new structure it was decided to use Xlam wood construction type with wood fibre cladding and to certify the house as Casa-Clima Gold. The project was therefore aimed at the construction of a technologically performing building, but without losing the original charm of all the valuable architectu-

ral elements that make up the original building stock. In order to achieve this aesthetically flawless result, the client relied on the finishing materials Pietre d’Arredo by Colmef, whose versatile products leave plenty of room for “creativity” or the needs of customers and professionals, such as the possibility of mixing and modulating together elements of different shades and shapes to create more or less articulated textures and combinations. · Project: Eng. Martina Picchi · Manufactoring Company: Tecla srl

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The farmhouse before the renovation ...

... and after!

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Collection: Belmonte | info@pietredarredo.com | www.pietredarredo.com

The sound of water.

Can you feel the sound of wellness? Of course you can: the sound of water that pours down, descends, flows and leaves behind a sense of well-being and cleanliness. A real symphony able to extend the pleasure of the shower, transforming a unique moment into sound. For that to happen, it is essential that the water flows without encountering obstacles: for this reason, we have designed the linear shower drains PP Drain Aqua, where beauty and functionality blend together. Isn’t this the sound of water?

Schlüter ®-KERDI-LINE-VARIO Flexibel. Clever. Schön. Flexible. Intelligent. Elegant.

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Schlüter ® -SHELF-E

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Entdecken Sie die nächste Generation der Linienentwässerung: Mit Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO in den Ausführungen COVE und WAVE kombinieren wir leistungsstarke KERDI-Entwässerungstechnik mit eleganten Profilen im Schlüter-Design. Schlüter-SHELF ist eine kreative Lösung für praktische Stauräume an gefliesten Wänden. Dieses praktische Regal ist jetzt in drei neuen eleganten Designs PURE, SQUARE und WAVE erhältlich. Damit eröffnen sich noch mehr Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten für praktischen Stauraum. Sowohl Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO als auch Schlüter-SHELF sind in gebürstetem Edelstahl und in Aluminium mit TRENDLINEPulverbeschichtung erhältlich. Discover the next generation of linear drainage: Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO combines the efficiency of KERDI drainage technology with elegant profiles in Schlüter designs. Schlüter-SHELF is a creative solution for integrating attractive shelves into tiled wall surfaces. The practical wall shelves are now available in the three fresh design options PURE, SQUARE and WAVE. The new styles offer even more interior design choices for the attractive wall shelves. KERDI-LINE-VARIO and SHELF are available in brushed stainless steel or powder coated aluminium in stylish TRENDLINE colours.

Schlüter-Systems KG · Schmölestraße 7 · D-58640 Iserlohn · Tel.: +49 2371 971-0 · Fax: +49 2371 971-111 · www.schlueter-systems.com