01- Renovation - 2013

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PHOTO_ DIEGO OPAZO

#1 “A technical magazine for the professional world of property renovation and remodelling”

PORCELANOSA LAUNCHES ‘MOOD’, NEW BATH-COLLECTION

CEVISAMA 2013: INNOVATION , TRENDS AND SUSTAINABILITY

ARCHITECTURE INFLUENCED BY THE MEDITERRANEAN THE GREAT ‘CLIFF HOUSE’, FROM FRAN SILVESTRE’S ARCHITEC FIRM, A ONE-PLAN DESING HOUSE FACING TO THE SEA

CONTENTS

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JANUARY 2013

KITCHEN & BATHROOM We offer you the -launch of Porcelanosa’s ‘Mood’ in London. (p. 4-7).

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ARCHITECTURE The great ‘Cliff Hosuse’, by Fran Silvestre’s architect firm. (pages 14-21).

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CEMENT ADHESIVE SPECIAL The great ‘Cliff Hosuse’, by Fran Silvestre’s architect firm. (pages 32-35).

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RENOVATION The Casa Camper Hotel in Berlin uses Silestone. (pages 10-13).

MANUEL GOZALBO

“A NEW STEP FORWARDS”

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CEVISAMA 2013 Innovation and trends in the ninth edition of the show. (pages 24-31).

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RENOVATION & NEWS Galeria Valzuela, by Héctor Ruiz + ‘Platoon Kunsthalle’ + etc. (pages 40-44).

Here at renovation today we are convinced that it’s good to be active and alert to all stimuli in front of us.

And it’s for that exact reason that we keep on working hard every day to create a product which satisfies all of your expectations and your needs.

For this reason, we want to tell you that, in addition to continuing with our Spanish base, we are growing with the aim of attending to you and to keep expanding, in this instance, on an international level. From this month, renovation today will be available on the streets, a masthead which will be periodically distributed in the major countries in Europe: Germany, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium and Poland, for all professionals linked to the world of ceramic distribution, bathrooms, refurbishment and re-

habilitation, starting its periodic delivery at the start of the year. One step forwards which we’ve only been able to take thanks to your help. More information at www.tureforma.org and www.renovationtoday.com.

In this way, we will organise events relating to the world of refurbishment and rehabilitation, the Technical Workshops (pages 40 and 41) in concrete points located in the major European countries mentioned above. These formative events will have ample IT coverage, photos, interviews, videos, etc. You will be able to see this material on the website afterwards.

If you want to know more about us, check out our website: www.renovationtoday.com

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JANUARY 2013 |

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FOTO: ‘MUCA’ - DAVID FRUTOS.

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KITCHEN & BATHROOM

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PORCELANOSA’S MOOD, DESIGNED BY RICHARD ROGERS AND LUIS VIDAL NEWS REPORT_ The collection offers a variety of solutions for large and small bathrooms, and a range of distinctive colours including yellow, strawberry and navy blue texts_N. GARCÍA

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n this issue, we offer you the successful launch of ‘Mood’, the new bathroom collection which the Grupo Porcelanosa held officially in front of a packed audience in London.

This suggestive proposal was designed by the studios Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Luis Vidal + Architects for Noken.

The group chose the Design Center which opened in 2012 in the London district of Clerken-

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» Richard Rogers is a highly respected architect, synonymous with some of the world’s most iconic buildings. Luis Vidal + Architects is recognised as one of the most innovative practices committed to the pursuit of sustainable, flexible and functional designs.

well, a perfect stage to seduce the many visitors who attended the show with a new bathroom concept which combines design and futuristic technology with the responsible use of natural resources.

THE NEW CONCEPT

The architects Richard Rogers and Luis Vidal exhibited this new concept which integrates plumbing created by Luis Vidal + Architects and the

bathroom collection developed by both studios for Noken. The Mood line of bathrooms, designed

by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Luis Vidal + Architects combines the world of ceramics with the integration of accessories.

Its wide range of possibilities makes this a modular, extendible collection, both functional and multi-purpose. In addition, the combination of colours on offer gives it a fresh and modern touch.

To find out more about this work, we got in touch with the architecture studio Luis Vidal+Architects who explained to us where the ‘Mood’ idea came from.

The architects told us that various studies show that families in urban areas are those which use the greatest amount of water and that its waste is localised specifically to one area of the house: the bathroom.

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The cisterns, the bathtub and the shower are primarily responsible for the excessive consumption of water.

THE NEW PLUMBING LINE

From this context comes ‘Mood’, the new plumbing line which Luis Vidal + Architects has created for the company Noken, Porcelanosa. The design aims to capture the very essence of water: its simplicity and emotion.

The form of the taps is inspired directly by nature as it reproduces the natural fall of the water while transforming the domestic experience.

As a result, the functionality and cutting-edge design of ‘Mood’ have formed a close alliance which is not at odds with responsibility. Futuristic and super-slim plumbing which promotes the ecological conscience of the user.

The clock which the plumbing line incorporates into its design acts like the “rev counter” in a car, instantly and in real time showing the amount and cost of current water consumption, intended to make the family think more about using water more responsibly.

A technologically innovative line which allows its use to be personalised and programmed according to user preferences: the buttons automatically adjust the specific water flow

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and temperature for each instance because the same amount of water is not necessary for washing your teeth or your hands or taking a shower. This makes the user responsible for saving water.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

In conclusion, we can see that the ‘Mood’ plumbing line was born as a solution to using water responsibly. The electronic range means that functionality, flow and temperature can be personalised for every use and every user.

The mechanical side of the line offers the same futuristic and elegant design adapted to a more conservative public.

The international launch of the new collection, which took place in London, was hugely successful and was attended by Richard Rogers and Luis Vidal.And since it took place, more and more people are becoming interested in this product which is not only responsible for saving water and raising environmental awareness - something which is vital in these times - but also has meant a revolution of the world of bathrooms and their accessories. At revolution today, we celebrate the arrival of this excellent, new collection and trust that our readers will bank on proposals as suggestive as these, both on conceptual and aesthetic levels._

MAYO 2011

SUSTAINABILITY

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‘CANOPEA’ WINS THE SOLAR DECATHLON EUROPE This offering from French team Rhône Alpes was given first prize while ‘Patio 2.12’ from the Spanish group Andalucía Team managed second place as well as the Kömmerling awarded by the public textos_ N. GARCÍA

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he house ‘Canopea’, by French team Rhône Alpes has taken the top prize and won the competition Solar Decathlon Europe, whose projects we analysed in a previous issue of tureforma.

This is a proposal which stands out as being an innovative house, developed under the ‘Nanotower’ concept: small towers which hold a single-family home on each floor with common areas such as the upper floor, greenhouses and storage systems. It was thought up to enjoy the qualities of an individual house but living in a crowded urban centre (see attached photo and info sheet).

In second place, the Spanish Andalucía Team came very close with their proposal Patio 2.12.

Third place was given to the Italian team Med in Italy. But now we are focusing on the winning proposal. Within the major French and

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European cities, space is growing ever scarcer. People are moving away from urban areas in order to live in separate houses. Based on this observation, the Rhône-Alpes team proposed their Canopea® concept which takes the qualities of a house and recreates them in a denselypopulated urban environment.So Canopea® is an ecosystem made of nanotowers which offers a combination of the quality of individual living spaces, the availability of urban services and proximity to nature.

The individual units are found one on top of another from 8 to 10 floors tall and are accessed through external corridors.

This means that the independence of a detached house is offered while being able to share attractive shared spaces, vertical gardens and local public services. The nanotower combines the benefits of two sys-

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tems: being in a house in the city but also near to nature; everything together but separate.

The project presented to the Solar Decathlon Europe 2012 represents the upper part of an imagined nanotower in a neighbourhood.

It consists of extracting the last two floors: the lower floor holds the accommodation and the upper floor is the common area. It is considered to be an ecosystem in which the elements are interconnected to share and optimise energy resources, services and equipment. As for Rhône-

Alpes, it is a multi-disciplinary academic team whose skills cover all aspects of the creation of an innovative solar habitat.

The students which form part of it come from upper learning and research subjects in the Rhône-Alpes area from the Universities of Grenoble, Lyon y Savoie.

Accompanying the students as the project matured are their teachers, a scientific committee made up of specialists and an executive committee in order to guarantee the coordination of it.

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The Grenoble team had participated in 2010 in the first edition of the ceremony with their house, Ar Armadillo Box. PUBLIC PRIZE

The ‘Kömmerling Prize for the public’s favourite house’ (out of competition)’ was also awarded at this ceremony.

For this section, Andalucía Team with their house, Patio 2.12, was the house which received the most votes from the public who had visited the Villa Solar and EHU Team (Basque Country), the team with most votes on the web. Solar Decathlon Europe is organised by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Madrid City Hall and the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) through the Upper Technical School of Architecture in Madrid. It has the exclusive sponsorship of Schneider Electric and Kömmerling and has AENA, ADIF, RENFE, INECO and FEVE as official collaborators. It also has the support of the Department of Energy in the USA and of the IDAE. This interesting proposal by Team Andalucía is a prototype of a modular, prefabricated, sustainable

and self-sufficient housing which provides a new interpretation of classic materials (wood, ceramic, water) and its forms of climate control (the

patio). ‘Patio 2.12’ is built by joining together completely prefabricated modules which are transported to be assembled in the chosen place

and use the “patio” as the common connecting element between them.

In the future issues, we will detail some of the these projects._

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THE CASA CAMPER HOTEL IN BERLIN USES SILESTONE® Its objective was to create a hotel reinventing the boundaries and lay-out of rooms as well as breaking new ground in the use of natural materials texts_ R. D.

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he Casa Camper Hotel is located in the heart of Berlin – the embodiment of an innovative concept combining a high degree of functionality with welcoming aesthetics aimed at transporting Camper’s values into the hotel world. This is the second hotel to be opened world-wide by Spanish brand Camper, best known to Germans for its shoes, which combine top quality with unique design.

The Casa Camper Berlin Hotel’s 51 rooms and suites offer a unique interpretation of Berlin’s architecture and atmosphere. The design concept communicates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, rounded off by particularly sophisticated touches in both the rooms and the bathrooms.

All bathrooms in the boutique hotel have natural light and are laid out to give guests a panoramic view across the skyline of districts Berlin-Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg when standing at the washbasin or in the shower.

THE BEST LOCATION

The Casa Camper Berlin Hotel is sited in one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas in the whole city. Galleries fascinate art lovers and explorers alike; numerous bars, shops and restaurants allow hotel guests to experience Berlin up close. The worldfamous ‘Museum Island’, uniting the contrasts between history and avantgarde, is also nearby.

The environment of the first German Casa Camper Hotel is both perfect and challenging. It provides innovative luxury which is, however, always discreet, simple and authentic. The result is an unequivocal demonstration that aesthetics are a part of culture. “We would like to offer our hotel guests a luxury whose simplicity can be discovered and experienced bit by bit in every detail. We believe that this also includes sustainable use of materials; the highest quality; surprising design moments and natural materials,” says Fernando Amat, who designed the Casa Camper Berlin Hotel renovationtoday.com |

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KITCHEN & BATHROOM together with Jordi Tió. It was from these principles that the cooperation with the Cosentino Group also originated.

SILESTONE IN ALL ROOMS

The long-established Spanish company, world leader in the manufacturing and marketing of quartz and natural stone surfaces, was the ideal partner for this ambitious project.

Its objective was to create a hotel reinventing the boundaries and lay-

out of rooms as well as breaking new ground in the use of natural materials. Fernando Amat and Jordi Tió have consistently realised these principles. The bathrooms in all rooms and suites have been fitted with a total of 54 washbasins in Expo Gris with a surface in “Leather”. In addition to this, the reception desk in the lobby has been designed using Silestone Platinum in “Zirconium” with a polished surface. Thanks to its unique properties with regard

to handling and quality Silestone® has proven itself to be the perfect choice. Integration of the required slab sizes into the bathrooms was simple and the material guarantees top quality, durable fittings.Composed of up to 93% resin, it is able to withstand exceptional wear and tear – unsurprising considering the fact that quartz is one of the hardest minerals after diamonds. Furthermore, Silestone® has particularly hygienic characteristics as demonstrated by

its use for many years now in diverse public institutions including hospitals. The aesthetically perfect, simple surface structure of the Silestone® washbasins underlines the Casa Camper. Berlin Hotel’s concept of timeless elegance without sacrificing its own individual character to do so. The overall design concept for the bathrooms resurfaces in the shower units completed using Silestone Platinum, radiating the charm of sophisticated refinement.

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A minibar high above Berlin plus Asian fusion food, tapas style The rooms and suites of the Casa Camper Berlin Hotel are not its only unique features. The designers quickly decided against minibars in the rooms, instead opting for a Tentempié – Spanish for ‘fast food’ – area.

It is located on the top floor of the hotel, providing guests with drinks, snacks, fruit, sandwiches or salads around the clock – free of charge, since the service is included in the accommodation.

“For us, this is another illustration of the link between luxury and simplicity. Our wish is that guests are able to take advantage of this high degree of service as a matter of course”, says hotel directorAlexander Schneider.

The tapas style Asian dishes are served by Albert Raurich, formerly Chef de Cuisine at the world famous elBulli; he spends his evenings at the dos palillos. The restaurant, named after the Spanish term for traditional renovationtoday.com |

Chinese chopsticks, provides a special blend of taste and design experience in the heart of Berlin.

ABOUT COSENTINO GROUP

The Cosentino Group is currently represented in over 50 countries; has 6 factories; 14 quarries; 17 processing plants and over 2 100 employees world-wide (of whom 1 019 are in Spain). The group manages and runs eleven international subsidiaries from its headquarters in Macael (Almería, Spain): Cosentino North America, Cosentino The Netherlands, Cosentino Belgium, Cosentino UK, Cosentino Deutschland, Cosentino Scandinavia, Cosentino Swiss, Cosentino Portugal, Cosentino Italia, Cosentino Francia and Cosentino Latina Vitoria (Brazil). In 2009 international markets accounted for almost 70% of total turnover.

As the creator of a global new product category the group’s growth had been unbroken, making it the

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global leader for quartz surfaces.

Today every fourth kitchen in Spain is fitted with Silestone®; in the USA the company has a 75% share of the quartz surfaces segment, providing 7% of all kitchen surfaces. Furthermore, Silestone® has also been used in exclusive buildings all over the world: the Hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai; Wembley Stadium in London;

the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris; the Torre Agbar in Barcelona and the Telefónica flag ship store in Madrid to name but a few. Silestone® was the first Spanish brand to advertise at the world’s largest promotion event, the US Super Bowl, and has been a personal sponsor of two-time Formula 1 racing world champion Fernando Alonso since 2008._

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‘THE CLIFF HOUSE’ NEWS REPORT_ The great ‘Cliff House’, from Fran Silvestre’s architect firm, a one-plan design house facing the Mediterranean texts_R. D. / Photos_DIEGO OPAZO

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ARCHITECTURE

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n this issue we focus on a spectacular project carried out by architecture studio Fran Silvestre. It is the ‘Cliff House’, an astonishing house built in Toix Mascarat (between Calpe and Altea).

Elegance and design for a type of architecture which is quite popular in the Mediterranean.

To find out more about this project, we talked to the people responsible for it, who explain: “This is what we like about architecture, to be able to create a house in the air, walk on water, etc.” In this way, an abrupt site facing the sea is the place where the best thing to do is relax, and of course hope to stay. renovationtoday.com |

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Regarding this, we are told that “this building is designed so that it respects the natural profile of the site. In this way, the house, like a shadow, quietly faces the Mediterranean Sea”, they explain.

In the different pictures we can appreciate we see how, under the Sun, the swimming pool get us closer to a beautiful and calm sea. Besides, throughout the interview we confirm that in the inflection point, the staircase proposes a suggestive trip, a garden in the basement...

On the other hand, the truth is that because of the high slope of the plot and the intention to

develop the household in one plan, the designers decided to “have a three-dimensional structure with screens and reinforced concrete slabs, which adapts to the topography, altering the terrain as little as possible”.

HOUSE ATTACHED TO THE ROCK

This monolithic structure is fixed to the rock, creating a horizontal platform at street level, where the building is located. The swimming pool area is located on a lower level, on a flat surface existing in the site. The concrete structure, according to the designers, is “thermally isolated on

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the outside, with lime stucco, flexible and white as a finishing touch”.

Regarding the rest of the materials, walls, surfaces, gravels, etc., keep the same colour, thus maintaining an homogeneous personality.

A GREAT TEAM

In this way, this construction of 962.84 m2 plot size and 242.00 m2 built surface, located in Toix Mascarat (Calpe, Alicante) has been financed thanks to Alabort Building Company (Rafa Alabort y Andrés Moscardo). Its budget has been 650,000 euros and has had Fran Silvestre and María José Sáez as project architects, Jordi Martínez, María Masià, Adrián Mora and Josdé V. Miguel as collaborating architects, as well as David Gallardo (UPV) in structure, Vicente Ramos, Esperanza Corrales and Javier Delgado as technical architects and finally Alfaro Hofmann regarding interior design.

Among others, it is worth mentioning the collaboration of architects Fran Ayala and Ángel Fito.

Undoubtedly, great team work._

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ARCHITECTURE

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CEVISAMA 2013 LEVEL 2 PAVILION 4 STAND: E3

ARCHITECTURE

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ARCHITECTURE

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EVENTS

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‘BAU 2013’, AN APPOINTMENT WITH ARCHITECTURE The competition, one of the great events in the European construction industry, has once again been attended by an excellent crowd texts_N. G.

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n excellent crowd was the star of the last edition of BAU, the prestigious fair for architecture and construction materials which took place from the 14th to the 19th of January in Munich.

The event allowed a large number of international exhibitors to show the wide and varied range of products they have available with materials and systems for the housing and furniture industry established in America.

MOST IMPORTAN EVENT

This competition has summoned all of the represented industry leaders as the fair is the most important event in the European construction industry. In this edition, which has again had multiple simultaneouslyprogrammed activities, was held in

such stand-out buildings as the BMW world or the Allianz Arena.

EMBLEMATIC BUILDINGS

In addition to these, there are also some new buildings which have been opened recently and, therefore, are not to the LNDA program.

These include the headquarters of the ADAC club in the Hansastrasse, the FOAG building in the Messestad West and the bulthaup building in the Prinzregentenplatz.

It should be highlighted that, in addition to the areas accessible to all, there were also guided tours on offer with a fixed program given at the beginning of the exhibition which can be taken by both exhibitors and visitors to BAU 2013. The competition has once again been attended by an excellent crowd._

EVENTS

‘ARCHITECT@WORK’: THE INNOVATION VISITS LONDRES The world of architecture had an appointment in Earls Court 2 in a fair held in London for the first time which had an excellent gathering and met all expectations texts_N. G.

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arls Court 2 in London held the innovative ‘Architect@ Work’ for a first time, a show specially dedicated to architects, technical architects, interior designers and other consultants, all of which have a common denominator: their unwavering focus on innovation.

The event, which had a massive audience, focused, among other activities, on a exposition itinerary which seduced the many visitors.

EXPOSITION ITINERARY

With the aim of guaranteeing optimal contact between exhibitors and visitors, they were connected by a passage which wound through small, uniform modules where each space was designed for the samples, works, projects and other set activities.

With respect to the different offers from the companies which occupied each stand and exhibited their various proposals, which could be enjoyed in the exhibition area, there was an excellent crowd who

could converse about the different projects, make contacts and address the aspects of each product which most interest each person. The public response to the explanation of the new products and being able to

get to know the work of important architects up close were some some of the highlights for those present in the celebration of this event which completely met the expectations of the organisers._

THE LATEST TRENDS IN ‘LIVING KITCHEN 2013’ This show for both professionals and consumers exhibit the trends which will mark kitchen furniture design for the 2013-2014 season texts_N. G.

Another show which we’d like to talk about in renovation today is the second edition of the international kitchen event Living Kitchen 2013 which was held in the Cologne Exhibition Centre (Koelnmesse) in Germany from the 14th to the 20th of January and which was hugely successful.

This event exhibits the trends which will be seen in kitchen furniture design for the 2013-2014 season to both professionals and consumers. The centre has a surface area of 42,000 square metres and over

180 big-name, national and international manufacturers exhibited their latest ideas and innovations relating to kitchen furniture and electric appliances, including drains, accessories, work surfaces and lighting over the seven days of the fair.

DIFFERENT OFFERS

The various attendees, many of whom were refurbishing their homes, were able to find out much more about the different offers which attended and are now able to ‘dress’ their kitchens._

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CEVISAMA 2013, INNOVATION AND TRENDS The ninth edition of the show has another great number of personalities and a variety of business offers texts_ N. GARCÍA

The ninth edition of the show will again have installations from the exhibition TRANS/HITOS 2013 which has the motto ‘Geometry’ this year according to the Design and Architecture Department in the Castilian technological centre, manager of the Show’s commission since it began in 2005. The ninth edition has another great number of personalities and a variety of business offers This is how the three installations that make up the Show are set up. Two of them have the form of a dome and will hold, respectively, the result of the 11th Architecture, Interior Design and PFC Ceramic Prizes and the EXPOCÁTEDRA projects from the Network of Ceramic Tile Studies Departments run by ASCER. The works in this exposition will be selected by Víctor Echarri, director of the Ceramic Department of Alicante, and Ángel Benigno, prorenovationtoday.com |

fessor in this Department. The third will be a section of a building of the Innovation for Infancy Centre, run by the Innovation for Infancy Foundation of the Community of Valencia (FIICV), located in the Parque Tecnológico de Paterna.

This Foundation is run by the Construction Technology Institute, AIDICO and the Paterna City Hall together with the collaboration of PLAITEC, the Technological Cooperation Platform for Innovation in the field of Children, a project in which various institutes from the REDIT take part, including the ITC. It is financed by IMPIVA with the aim of being a collaboration forum between the different technological centres of the Valencian Community for the development of Technological Innovators with application in the field of children. This centre, in which one section of TRANS/HI-

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TOS 2013 will be presented, holds a smart school which will have facilities in which first-cycle Education will be given to children aged between 0 and 3, and second-cycle for 3 to 6-year-olds. The aim is to spread, promote and encourage technological innovation and environmental sensitivity among children.

CERAMIC PRIZES

On the other hand, the 2013 edition of the ASCER Awards included architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg as president of the judging panel, which also consisted of architects Francisco Aires Mateus, Luis Mar Martínez Santa-María, Joseph Grima, Ramón Monfort and designer Matali Crasset, as well as journalist Anatxu Zabalbeascoa. ASCER’s Ceramic Awards have a total prize fund of 42,000 euros and are divided into three categories. The architecture

category was given to the “Culinary School in Matadero (Medina Sidonia, Cádiz)” by team Sol 89 formed by María González García and Juanjo López de la Cruz. In the Interior Design category, the first prize was awarded to the project ‘Teacher Training College’ by Ramón Fernández-Alonso Borrajo. It should be mentioned that the Jury gave an honourable mentioned in the Architecture category to the project “Remodelling of Plaza Mayor and projection over the Duero” by Churtichaga+Quadra-Salcedo Arquitectos.

A MEETING

Finally, in the Final Year Project category, the jury awarded first prize to “A Meeting of Fabrics– l’unité flottante, inhabiting the Alexander”

by Mª Dolores Parrilla Ayuso from the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM)._

TRANS/HITOS 2013  ‘GEOMETRÍAS’

» On these lines, ‘Centro de Innovación para la Infancia’ (Parque Tecnológico de Paterna - Valencia, España).

» Under these lines, ‘Escuela de Hostelería en Matadero” (Medina Sidonia, Cádiz, España).

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INTERMATEX GROUP: GROWTH + EVOLUTION = EXTENSION The group introduces in Cevisama their new collections of porcelain tiles and mosaics, it increases its product selection

PAV. 4, LEVEL 2, STAND D24

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ntermatex Group, in line with the strategic enlargement of its catalogue, presents at the fair Cevisama 2013 their new collections: three new mosaic ranges and three new porcelain tile ranges.

Regarding the porcelain. We have firstly ‘Naturwood’, the group bet in relation to the tendency of wood imitation pavements. A bet, first, for digital printing: the realism that is achieved by the excellent printing quality and the variety of different pieces, as result of good design work. A bet, second, for the finish: the perfectly imitated surface of wood cut industrially. And third, a bet again for the format, 20x90 rectified, differentiating this way from the competition, that is concentrated in larger and smaller sizes.

Then, the firm offers a new generation of double loading pavements, ‘Modena’, sizes 30x60, 60x60 and 80x80, which is an update of one of its ‘best sellers’ double loading, ‘Capri’ range. This is a porcelain floor tile with polished finish and high gloss NanoTech.

Finally the ‘Alpes’ range, already introduced in the last fair Cersaie.

The first rectangular big size (45x90 rectified in 5 colours), that months after its introduction in Italy, we can say that it´s being a big hit.

With regard to the mosaic.

We have first ‘Stripes’, a range that brings a breath of fresh air, with an innovation in relation to the chip size. This range has a type design ‘interlocking’, where they connect with other pieces. But part of its appeal

is that pieces of the same mesh can become a square mesh, where it is not necessary to cut pieces to continue with other coatings. So that it becomes 100% in a modular mesh.

Secondly we present two new colors for the ranges Imperium, partially presented at Cersaie 2012. It is completed, with Graphite and Bronze colors, a range that since its launch has had a very positive reaction.

Lastly we have the Artist range, also introduced at Cersaie 2012.

With this collection we differ first chip size, 23x98mm, and also materials, introducing glass inspired in artists like Joan Miró.

As a result of the combination of sales growth strategy and increasing the number of references in catalog strategy, Intermatex is currently

‘IMPERIUM GRAPHITE’

involved in the construction of an extension of our store. This extension represents a significant improvement on logistics, that affects an area approximately of 4000 m2._

FUSTECMA, DESIGN & INNOVATION AT THE SERVICE OF THE CLIENT The company specialises in both design and construction and by completing projects, it brings new ideas to the exhibition textos_ P. M.

Fustecma, the company which specialises in design, manufacturing, completing projects, furnishings and systems relating to commercial interior design, have set up a store to exhibit their projects.

The company offers quick installation solutions, generating the least possible trouble for the customer. It also has a selection of materials and innovative products to carry out cutting-edge projects.

The company is structured on four lines of business:

A NEW CONCEPT

1- Design and manufacture of exhibition systems in general and for the ceramics sector in particular.

2- Design, manufacture and assembly of stands at both national and international competitions.

3- Design and completion of exhibition projects in the ceramics and bathroom distribution channel.

4- Projects and refurbishment of commercial spaces in ‘non-ceramics’ sectors and home refurbishing. renovationtoday.com |

Fustecma’s fundamental pillars are the study and assessment of marketing for integrated shop design, essential for the effectiveness of the commercial establishment, optimising the profitability of sales and attracting more customers.

This service covers from the commercial space concept to the ‘showroom’ design and the elements, their location, the construction and implementation of the furniture and suitable products for the business strategy.

| JANUARY 2013

With the intention of continuing at the cutting edge of the sector, Festecma has made real the creation of a store in which customers can see all of the functionalities and advantages of a well-designed, well-organised ‘showroom’ with logical distribution

of areas and products. The promotion of assets and the development of technical decoration areas with a new IT program which allows customers to take a virtual walk through a bathroom, kitchen or any other room of the house._

27

ARGENTA CONQUERS ALL WITH ITS INNOVATIVE FORMATS The company shows its new collections ‘Fustech’ and ‘Concept’ with series as suggestive as Alaska, Onix, Versalles, House, Chess and Hexa

textos_ J. M.

PAV. 4, LEVEL 3, STAND B58

A

rgenta aims to seduce with its ‘Fustech collection’, a new wooden collection which also covers large, coloured clay (20x120 and 15x90), porcelain (15x60) and stoneware (15x50).

As the company itself states, “the novelty is the large, coloured clay at 20x120 and 15x90, a wider range of colours and sizes”. They also explain to us that “the coloured clay (full body) is a model in which the clay used for the support is the same colour as the visible face of the piece. The new series which we have released are made of coloured clay”.

On the other hand, they have told us that they have also introduced a new size 25x60 which has various finis-

ALASKA 15X90  ‘FUSTECH COLLECTION’

hes: cement, stone, marble, textile, glossy or matte. The company has also introduced series with a wide range of colours together with new neoclassical decorations, giving mo-

CHESS 20X30  ‘CONCEPT COLLECTION’

dern, floral and geometric touches amongst others. There is also a new format for Argenta, 20x30, which includes the ‘Concept’ collection. This includes mosaic-type pieces or pre-

cut (prei) material which have numerous options for finishes. These can be used to complete murals and have an elegant, minimalist look which is integrated in any location._

28

VENATTO PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE SERIES INSPIRED BY INDIA The firm launches the exquisitely designed ‘Agatha’ collection which has a piece which goes with any decoration project

PAV. 1, LEVEL 3, STAND B24

textos_ R. D.

V

enatto presents the new trends in flooring with integrated decor, a large collection which gathers the essence of millennial cultures for an international market looking for perfection.

Unique pieces which look after every detail with the guarantee of quality which comes with new-generation ceramic technology and the most advanced die-cast and integrating technology.

The exclusive extrusion production process creates a surprising integration of different collections and designs, offering a surface which achieves perfection.

Natural flooring which can perfectly replace marble or quarry stone floors and which stay impeccable with the passing of time, even in

areas with lots of traffic. The Greco Gres International marketing director, Carmen Luna, talks to us about the new ‘Agatha’ collection and assures us that “it reflects the influence of the latest haute couture exhibitions with a design inspired

by India which fascinates our customers”.

A NEW COLLECTION

She adds that “we keep aiming for the most exclusive markets which have a good level of disposable income and want to enjoy unique flooring with exceptional features”.

The ‘Agatha’ collection includes various pieces which integrate the Beige Maya, Argón and Kamel collections in a polished finish._

AZTECA LAUNCHES ELEGANT COLLECTIONS AT FAIR Reliefs, inserts and new series of the marble and metal family in large format, some of the new collections for the date

PAV. 2, LEVEL 2, STAND B28

textos_ P. M.

Azteca presents a great number of interesting novelties. First we focus on what we can see in the photo: the suggestive ‘Bubbles’.

This collection represents the perfect balance of originality, distinction and elegance on marbled or smooth designs and on either matte or glossy finishes.

This modern and exclusive relief

by Azteca can be see in the series Liberty R90, Pulpis R90, Xian R90 and Unik R90, manufactured in 30x90 and corrected white plaster.

These large format marble pieces are also complemented by 15x90 pieces in all base colours with metallic profiles inserted inside and high-quality decorations like in the Liberty R90 series with Lady decoration composed of large borders with a volume which makes it appropriate renovationtoday.com |

‘BUBBLES’

ginal Soul inserts (2.3x6 cm) which can be applied to different series of 20x60 formats, whether single-colour finishes such as Seasons R60 or Life R60, or stone finishes like Denver R60 or Zement R60.

CERAMIC SOLUTION

for use as a skirting board which can be accompanied by elegant decor, or the Pulpis R90 series with the same

| JANUARY 2013

kind of borders of the new decorated proposal, Papyrus. Another of the great Azteca products are the ori-

In this way, we find a new ceramic solution in which the customer is the star because they can design their areas to their own taste, choosing from a wide, pure, brilliant chromatic range, thanks to its crystal glass finish.

In addition, they are launching 45x45 paving tiles.

With the series Concreate 45, Denver 45 and Sincro 45 in matte stone porcelain finishes without forgetting the new Denver R40 and Daytona R40 series._

SCHLÜTER SYSTEMS EXHIBITS ITS NEW PROFILES

29

‘EXTREME’

The firm presents ‘Deco-DE’, ‘Diadec’, ‘Indec’ and elegant ranges such as ‘Quadec’ and ‘Designline’ textos_ P. M.

PAV. 3, LEVEL 2, STAND B24 ‘MISTRAL’

SCHLÜTER® DIADEC’

T

he firm Schlüter Systems will attend Cevisama this year to exhibit its newest offers.

The new ‘Schlüter®-Deco-DE’ stands out as a high-quality profile with a stainless steel finish for external wall corners with an angle of 135°. On the other hand, they will show their profile ‘Schlüter®Diadec’ with high-quality finish, manufactured with anodised aluminium and which has been designed for external wall corners and edges of ceramic tiles. Another of the profiles which will win over the public at the fair is the new ‘Schlüter®-Indec’, made with anodised aluminium, which has been SCHLÜTER® QUADEC’

designed for external wall corners and ceramic tile edges.

The visible part of the profile forms a decorative groove on the external corner. In addition, the elegant ranges of stainless steel profiles ‘Schlüter®-Quadec’ and ‘Designline’ are presented now with two new and attractive embossed designs, forming small grids which imitate the texture of skin. The public will also see their new profiles for external applications, ‘Schlüter®-Bara-RKK’ and ‘Bara-RKKE’, which offer more options for the finish of the coatings on balconies with ceramic and natural stone tiles._

‘EXTREME’ AND ‘MISTRAL’, THE LATEST FROM GRES DE ARAGÓN These collections are perfect for solving any type of architectural meeting textos_ P. M.

PAV. 2, LEVEL 3, STAND A28

Gres de Aragón will win over the audience at the show with two of their new offerings, ‘Extreme’ and ‘Mistral’, amongst others.

The first of these is a new porcelain stoneware offering with horizontal extrusion in three modern colours, cobalt, bronze and white, and two sizes per colour, 30x30 cm y 30x60 cm.

The series is complemented by two single-piece steps, measuring 30 and 60 cm respectively, skirting boards, step tops and corners to solve any type of architectural meetings. Their nice texture as well as the mirroring of the pieces makes this an ideal collection

for any type of area, both indoors and outdoors, especially for those who want to add a modern touch without giving up loans of the extruded stoneware pieces.

With regard to ‘Mistral’, it is a varnished, extruded, stoneware collection, presented in 4 different colours: Salmon, Leather, Fire and Basalt and in two different formats, 33x33 and 25x25 cm.

SPECIEL PIECES

This consists of a lot of special pieces composed of step, corner, step top and skirting board which provides a solution to all kinds of architectural meetings._

JANUARY 2013 |

| renovationtoday.com

30

ELEGANCE, THE KEY TO CERACASA’S NEW OFFERING The ceramics firm brings creativity to high-value collections for multiple markets

PAV 4. , LEVEL 3 , STAND B54

texts_ P. R.

C

eracasa presents, among others, the ‘high gloss’ and new stones with satin finishes.

The trend for large format and gloss come together in different high-gloss, polished, high-quality products with impressive imitations of exotic stones (the ‘Jainoor’, ‘Constance’, ‘Sivec’ and ‘Polar’ series) and offers which include central European stones in neutral tones and simple textures (‘Indus’ y ‘Sandstone’, ‘Filita’, ‘Cuarcita’, and ‘City’ series). Sizes from 47x47 to 48x97.

The special Soft finish deserves special mention. It was designed to save up to 50% water once it is installed and cleaned of all cement and installation connections.

Half of the water is dirtied and so it is maintained perfectly by mop-

‘JAINOOR’

‘FILITA SOFT’

ping or wiping the surface with a cloth. On the other hand, there are new proposals in 25x73. ‘Evasion’, ‘Luxury’, ‘Calacatta’ and ‘Constance’ have very warm textures, applicable to different environments and countries according to the decoration with which it comes._

LEVANTINA INTRODUCES ITS ELEGANT COLLECTIONS This spanish pioneer, which manufactures fine porcelain sheets, introduces its new series

PAV. 4 , LEVEL 2 , STAND A28

textos_ P. M.

Levantina exhibits its many new products at fairs, amongst which we can see the successful Helio, Cosmos and Arabescato, presented in Cersaie.

It also includes ‘Lavande’ which is added to the ‘Basic’ series, one of Techlam®’s most popular collections. Basic Collection consists of an extensive range of plain colours which cover the entire chromatic spectrum: from blacks to whites, passing through the more acidic ones like Pistaccio or Gorri.

With Lavande, a lilac can be combined in a range of daring ways for any kind of environment; it can be used as a covering, flooring or furniture complement. Another of the highlights is the colour graphite which completes the stone collection together with ‘Arabescato’. Terenovationtoday.com |

‘HELIOS CAPUCCINO’

chlam® Grafito is characterised by its dark grey tone, its consistent colour is only interrupted by a smooth white grain which gives it that natu-

| JANUARY 2013

‘ARABESCATO’

ral appearance. Grafito is sold with a thickness of 5 mm which is especially recommended for its use as flooring._

31

NOKEN, A NEW WAY OF DESIGNING BATHROOMS The bathroom collection ‘Mood’ is based on the union of traditional ceramics an the modern Krion textos_ C. M.

Noken launches ‘Mood’, a new bathroom collection.

‘Mood’ sanitaryware is based on the union of these two materials; traditional ceramics and the modern Krion.

The range has a geometry marked by a series of circles and tangents that gives continuity to the whole range, and at the same time creates a smooth transition between the vertical and horizontal planes.

VARIETY OF SOLUTIONS

The range represents a new way of conceiving the bathroom: one which allows the user to customize the product to both the space and their personal needs.

Flexibility: ‘Mood’ offers a great variety of solutions from lar large to small bathrooms, a range of

‘LUXURY GREYWHITE’

options that is enhanced by the wide variety of colours available: Snow White, Yellow, Strawberry and Navy Blue.

A LOT OF ACCESORIES

The collection is completed with a selection of accessories enabling the user to tailor the product to the space. ‘Mood’ is therefore conceived to meet the needs of all and everyproject.

Environmental concerns were amongst the key factors in the development of the the bathroom collection brassware collection and one of the main attributes of the collection is its ease of use.

Noken has taken into account the end-user experience to ensure that it is intuitive and easy to operate and that it adapts to everyday needs._

‘ANTIQUEWHITE’

MAGNA, A GREAT REFERENCE FOR CERAMIC MOSAICS Innovative designs in suggestive pearl, matte, glossy and metallic effects in unique pieces textos_ P. M.

PAV. 1, LEVEL 3, STAND B41

Magna is a company which specialises in ceramic pieces at very competitive prices which can be used in multiple ways.

The company comes to the fair with innovative designs in suggestive pearl, matte, glossy and metallic effects in unique pieces.

These products perfectly imitate the mosaics, offering a wide varie-

ty of shapes, colours and textures.

INNOVATION DESIGNS

As they are so versatile, they can also be used to decorate any space in single homes, shopping centres, restaurants, shops, etc. as they are very attractive, both to the general public and to architects and designers._

JANUARY 2013 |

| renovationtoday.com

C2TE CEMENT ADHESIVES SPECIAL

32

‘ADESILEX P9’, RELIABLE IN ANY SITUATION Mapei’s adhesive, which includes a complete technical sheet and a prolonged adjustment time, may achieves high performance levels R. V./ J. S./ J. A.

workability 2 Application, and humidity test » Range of opinions. One of our testers used different amounts

of water in the free mixture tests, the results of which were found below and above the ideal values according to the manufacturer. The final tests were carried out using 28.8% water.

With a temperature of around 22°C, environmental humidity of 65-80% and practically no ventilation, the application seemed normal (neutral option between difficult and easy). Sagging could be seen in the furrows on the wall, although it had little effect on the installation. The positioning of the object on the wall seemed normal using Tarver and double coat adhesive and difficult using just hammering. The degree of humidity of the slabs was:

»

* Tarver: 40%. Hammering: 30%. Double coat adhesive: 70%. » On the other hand, with respect to the floor, the installation of the slabs

1

Packaging and mixing

» In this case, the information on the bag seems sufficient. In general, however, it is

considered a difficult read. It has a large amount of text and does not always provide a clear meaning. It is hard to find the text required, and warnings or other advice often goes unheeded as they are found on the lower side of the bag and are therefore hidden when the bag is standing upright.

Even when our tester found the text clear, they specifically stated that it would have been improved by the inclusion of icons or diagrams which had been useful on other packaging. The final score was given as ‘useful’ without any other clarifications.

Clarifications need to be made with regard to contradictions in certain information between the package and the adhesive’s technical sheet or even on the technical sheet itself.

We can say without any doubt that this sheet is of extremely high quality and provides very useful information. It is one of the most complete and interesting of all those analysed. However, it is difficult to know with certainty what quantity of water is recommended for the mixture. The packaging is very clear in this sense. I maybe include too much for our liking but it does not provide concrete indications on the range allowed, nor does it differentiate between the white and grey product. Unfortunately, this last problem is very common within the sector and, of the five products available in both white and grey studied, only one provided differentiated data.

On the other hand, the sheet’s indications are certainly much more realistic than those on the packaging (and other technical sheets), as it specifies the amount of water for each colour and provides a set range for allowed deviation. However, the information on water expressed as a percentage does not match the data shown by volume. According to a posteriori consultation with the manufacturer, the correct quantity was 28±1%.

On another note, there was good consensus on appreciating the type of bag, being wide and not very compressed which is handled easily. Its opening is considered between normal and easy.

The emission of dust was considered to be between medium and high, without causing problems for the user and without finding any clods or foreign bodies.

The mixture was made easily and with good consistency, and which is achieved with little effort and after little time stirring.

» » »

»

» » »

renovationtoday.com |

| JANUARY 2013

was considered normal with the Tarver and hammering and difficult when using double coat adhesive. The humidity results obtained were:

* Tarver: 50%. Hammering: 45%. Double coat adhesive: 75%. » What stands out was the improvement that this last installer had when ca-

rrying out the tests with a small increase in the water in the mixture (29.5%).

The efficiency results were 50%/70%/90% on floors and 65%/60%/85% on walls, and the ease of installation was very good in all cases.

In fact, our second tester tried a mixture with 29.8% water (and working with temperatures of around 28° C, environmental humidity of 55-60% and some strong ventiliation: 1.0±0.5 m/s) and they found the application of this glue easy or very easy, giving good, consistent results with a perfect furrow which neither breaks nor opens. They enjoyed using it very much and it gave a good sense of quality. There was no sagging of furrows when standing up within the general tone of all products tested.

The workability of the adhesive was also good as the placement of the object was achieved easily with any of the three work techniques used. The coverage values of the back of the slabs by adhesive was found to be at around 75% using the Tarver

»

»

TARVER

HAMMERING

DOUBLE COAT ADHESIVE

33

» Temp.: 21-23ºC. » Humidity: 65-80%. » Wind: 0,0 a 0,1 m/s. method, 65-70% with hammering and practically 100% using the buttering and floating method.

TARV ER

HAM MERI NG

CONCLUSIONS

DOUB LE COAT ADHE SIVE

This is a good quality adhesive with a prolonged adjustment time even in unfavourable conditions, which will presumably allow for good performance even in these conditions. In addition, it also has very complete technical information, though not always easy reading and into which some mistakes have been introduced.

The product allows for a wide variation in the amount of water in the mixture without any differences or difficulties so serious that they prevent its usage. On the one hand, this is an advantage as a trained and alert worker in real working conditions can manage diverse situations using only one adhesive, introducing slight variations in the amount of water used as necessary. On the other hand, it could be a disadvantage as the adhesive could be used with excessively low amounts of water (such as 25%). This could be harmful in environmental conditions which cause the evaporation or loss of water as parameters such as open air or even humidity may be noticeably reduced.

Regarding the sliding of the adhesive, it is definitely found in the group which would be considered as low sliding.

3 Open time and adjustments » The open air with environmental conditions of 22°C, humidity of 65-80% and

practically no ventilation starts to cause problems after 5 minutes and the location is not viable after 10 minutes. Logically, in conditions of higher ventilation as described above, it won’t last 5 minutes.

One test which put the quality of the adhesive to the test was that of reapplying the adhesive 5 minutes after it had already been exposed to the open air in conditions with elevated ventilation (therefore, 10 minutes after having been previously applied). The new application was carried out without any difficulty, almost as if the glue had just finished drying in the mixing container and had been spread on the wall for the first time. The fact that this occurred in such extreme conditions gives great assurances on the final applications of the adhesive as the hydraulic bonds which it contains would probably create good levels of hydration and resistance in almost any situation. Other adhesives behave in a very different way in much smoother and kinder conditions. When applying them again, they crumble and fall to the ground broken and dry.

The possibilities of adjusting a porous object are optimal up to 10 minutes of its positioning, although it can be adjusted until about 20 minutes has passed though with some more difficulty.

»

PRODUCT SHEET

»

COLOUR TESTED: Grey.

ACQUIRED IN: Materiales de Construcción Onda (Castellón).

TECH SHEET: www.mapei.es.

4

EXPIRY: 12 months.

Vertical slip test

5 Lifetime or duration of the mixture » The mixture stayed at an optimal state for over 3 hours and could be used without

» Any sliding seen fell within the group of op-

timal sliding. It was found within the group with a mixture of 28.8% water and applied in the environmental conditions described above, while situated in the intermediate group is the mixture with 29.5% water applied at a temperature of 25-26%, environmental humidity of 35% and practically no ventilation.

any major problems, apart from a little additional effort given the increase in density, up to over 5 hours after its preparation. This information refers to the mixture with 28.8% water where the range of observed temperatures was from 21 to 26°C, the environmental humidity was from 55 to 80% and the ventilation was not significant.

There was a noticeable variation in the lifespan of the mixture with a small increase in the amount of water. With 29.5% water, the mixture was conserved in optimal conditions for over 5 hours and when the tests were completed, around 6 hours after mixing, it could still be used with relative ease. It should also be stated that the range of temperatures reached were between 18 and 26°C, the environmental humidity was between 50 and 60%, and there was practically no air flow.

»

JANUARY 2013 |

|renovationtoday.com

C2TE CEMENT ADHESIVES SPECIAL

34

‘F.55 TIXOFLOT’, 2X1 IN ONLY ONE BAG One of the innovations of this adhesive by Cercol is that it can specialise and work on either floors or walls by simply varying the amount of water in the mixture R. V / J. S./ J.A.

1

Packaging and mixture

in all cases (Tarver, simple hammering and double coat adhesive).

The humidity of the back of the tiles, when using the reduced slipping consistency, came out as follows:

»

»

We can see that this is a comfortable bag which is easy to handle and with an opening between normal and easy.

With respect to the information on the bag, it was found to be both sufficient and clear, rated as ‘sufficiently useful’ (neither a lot nor little).

Lots of powder is released while pouring into the mixture container although it didn’t bother the users.

There were also no clods or foreign bodies found.

It was found to be an adhesive which was easy to mix and which gave a level of consistency between medium and high.

» »

»

workability 2 Application, and humidity

* Tarver: 60-70%. Simple

hammering: 60-70%. Double coat adhesive: 90-95%.

» With a more fluid consistency, we have: * Tarver: 70-90%. Simple hammering: 55-75%. Double coat adhesive: 95-100%. » The first number of each pair refers to working on the wall and the second on the floor.

It is unusual to see this information using the fluid consistency as we expected much more on the wall, although the increase obtained on the floor, which would be the correct use for the product in this case, is significant. In fact, the tester in this case found the ‘free’ mixture was a product which worked extraordinarily well on floors.

3 Open time and adjustments » The tests for this adhesive were carried out coincidentally last thing in the after-

noon and with tough conditions: 30°C without any significant ventilation on one hand and 27-28°C, but with a wind varying from 1.0±0.5 m/s, on the other.

As was to be expected, the open air started causing doubts after as little as 5’, both when mixed more densely or more fluidly.

The adjustment time of porous objects also followed the expected pattern, being less influenced by the ventilation and temperature and more by the amount of water in the mixture. In the first case (30°C and a denser consistency for reduced slipping) the piece could be easily adjusted up to 7.5 min and with more difficulty up to 10 minutes. In the second case (27-28°C with a more fluid consistency for self-spreading) it could be adjusted without any problems up until around 15 minutes and we could continue until 25 minutes with the adhesive bond deteriorating.

» »

4 Vertical slip test » As was expected, there are different appearances according to the proportion of

water in the mixture. This varies according to the manufacturer’s instructions and is better explained in the conclusions for this adhesive.

Application is between normal and easy with the consistency indicated by the manufacturer for walls (denser) and between easy and very easy for the consistency recommended for floors (more fluid). The latter left our tester literally “enchanted”: “... the lines are perfect, really good, consistent, completely straight...”.

We tested it in each of the two situations (floor and wall) with each consistency: reduced slipping and “self-spreading”. In this latter case, as strange as it may seem, there was nothing to make the work difficult even when working vertically (although the environmental conditions, described in the following section, and the characteristics of the support will no doubt shed some light on this fact).

The ease of placing the wall tiles varied between intermediate or normal for the mixture with less water and superior or easy if the product is prepared as “self-spreading”.

When working on the floor, both installers (curiously, the one who worked with the reduced slipping consistency as well) considered the workability as superior or easy

» »

» »

renovationtoday.com |

| JANUARY 2013

» The adhesive keeps within those with less or optimal slipping. This should not sur-

prise if not for the fact that the previous one complied with the ‘self-spreading’ consistency. The porcelain stoneware tile also remains stuck to the wall in a very similar way and with greatly reduced slipping.

In this way, it is clear, as stated above, that the environmental conditions and characteristics of the support worked together decisively on this. But even so, it seems that the limits of this product in real-life situations are greater than even its manufacturer thought.

»

» Temp.: 27-30ºc. » Humidity: 50-85%. » Wind: 0,0-1,5 m/s.

5 Lifetime or duration of the mixture

» In spite of the hard environmental conditions during the tests, the mixture remained in optimal conditions for over 4 hours and could be used without any real difficulties for over 6 hours after its preparation.

PRODUCT SHEET COLOUR TESTED: Grey.

CONCLUSIONS A very interesting and pretty innovative product which brings a very little-used concept: unite two great advantages for two very different fields of application in one single product. To adapt the product to our specific needs, all we need to do it vary the amount of water in the mixture. Through this simple variable, we can choose between working with reduced slipping for vertical applications or with a ‘self-spreading’ adhesive which eases the placement with a solid bedding without having to resort to the onerous technique of double coat adhesive when working on floors.

The few companies which have taken this path show great “intellectual honesty” as they have decided to “give carte blanche” to practices which have always been carried out at the risk and skill of the installer who also performs them indiscriminately and “blind” (without anything more than their personal knowledge of the products) even on products in which variations in the amount of water in the mixture may cause it to go disastrously. In our opinion, the fact that a business makes such practices official for a set product indicates that they have taken the time to trial and research the behaviour of their materials in various conditions and been able to improve on them, to the stage of taking on these practices consciously. And not only that, they have also trained their users on the best way to carry them out and which limits not to pass. This is something to which you should “doff your hat” in recognition of its low frequency and great use. A charming adhesive for floors with the additional advantage of being able to ‘officially’ reach a thickness of up to 15 millimetres which, at the same time, works stupendously on walls. In fact, there will be some occasions in which installers will be sorry that the adhesive is not available in white.

ACQUIRED IN: Colomer Cerámicas, SLU. Onda (Castellón).

TECH SHEET: www.cercol.it/es.

EXPIRY: 12 months.

LOT: 050411 52 479

Find us in CEVISAMA: Level 2, Pavilion 4, stand E3 (with LITICA INNOVACIÓN)

Design, manufacture and installation on all kind of wood and metals:

- EXHIBITION ZONES - STANDS - EXHIBITORS - HOME AND TECHNICAL CUSTOMISED FURNITURE

Contact us at : arkais@arkais.es info@llac.es

www.arkais.es www.llac.es

In Arkais and Llac, we have a long experience in the fields of metal and wood, working for the most leading brands and for individuals who appreciate a well done job.

CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTIONS

36

01_

Approximately every 30 centimetres, apply blobs of mortar on the Kerdi-board.

02_

After this, position the panels and press and level them. As a result, the different structures are built.

03_

After cutting to the correct size (for sink, bathtub...), the Kerdiboard is then re-covered.

04_

In this step, we can see the use of the brushed stainless steel U-shaped profile with a perforated side. This is especially suitable for the finish on kitchen and laundry room worktops.

In this picture, the worker is about to glue it. Once the placement of the Kerdi-board is complete, apply this finish using a putty adhesive.

Doing so creates perfect adhesion.

05_

Now it’s the bathtub’s turn which will always be re-covered with this high-resistance waterproof material

KERDI-BOARD, A REVOLUTIONARY, EFFECTIVE AND VERY RESISTANT SUPPORT Water- and chemical-proofing: some of the key aspects of this product firma_ N. G.

W

aterproofing and resistance to the chemicals to which ceramic tiles are often exposed: these are two excellent reasons to use this revolutionary system, Kerdi-board, the positioning of which we will describe step by step.

But what is it exactly? It is an ideal stand for holding ceramic tiles which can work as

renovationtoday.com |

| JANUARY 2013

waterproofing together with ceramic tiles and which has multiple fields of application as a construction panel. To give you some idea, it is an extruded rigid foam panel covered on both sides with a special reinforcing material and a geotextile which guarantees effective sticking of the adhesive. You can find it in different panel thicknesses (5, 9, 12.5, 19, 28, 38 and 50 millimetres thick) which cover a

wide range of applications for the preparation of flat and waterproof supports.

Why is it worth using it? Because this flat material, made by the German firm Schlüter Systems, is age-resistant, highly stable and is unaffected by high temperatures and humidity on only one face. Without a doubt, a stand with an infinite number of applications._

TO DOWNLOAD THIS INFORMATION

07_

In addit i o n , with Kerdi-board you can cover electrical installations and cabling quickly and easily.

08_

T h e e l e ments which are fixed by an adhesive band in V-shaped grooves must be folded like this.

06_

For greater security, besides the mortar, you can also use appropriate pegs and screws.

RENOVATION

38

‘THE WATERFALL HOUSE’, A NEW HOUSING CONCEPT Freixanet Saunasport creates an innovative and surprising project, the ‘Waterfall House’, in a certain residence located in an exclusive area of Son Vida, in the heart of Palma de Mallorca texts_ J. MARTÍNEZ

C

omplete renovation. A new housing concept through a development created by Freixanet Saunasport to achieve a residence in which design and relaxation come first in the heart of the island of Mallorca.

To complete this, the technicians at Freixanet Saunasport have created the wellness area of the ‘Waterfall House’, a particular house of high standing, located in the exclusive area of Son Vida on the island of Mallorca.

Showers, a sauna, a salt cabin, a swimming pool and a spa come together inside this unique house and make it possible for the residents not only to live within an enviable and exclusive environment but also to enjoy all of the advantages, relaxation and well-being of a complete wellness system which Freixanet Saunasport provides from larger, exclusive

renovationtoday.com|

areas to these more personal spaces.

Through a wide range of easy-to-install products, Freixanet Saunasport offers solutions which adapt to the technical needs of any place and the budget of the customer.

IMAGINE D-SIGN

The IMAGINE D-SIGN sauna stands out thanks to its exclusively designed exterior, its contrasting materials and the perfect combination of functionality and look.

The Imagine D-SIGN’s external equipment includes various customisable options. As an example, customers can opt for a black lacquered exterior finish with a large glass front. This provides not only the sauna itself with a wonderful personality but also to the rest of the environment which surrounds it, offering a sophisticated ambience in which design and well-being flow.

| JANUARY 2012

After such a wonderful exterior, the interior does not disappoint.

Anatomical finishes on benches, back and head rests. All of these elements and other details emphasise the elegance of the cabin, such as, for example, the ceramic panelled wall where the heater is found.

As a result, the user can enjoy an unforgettable experience in an unimaginable environment. Added to this are various other novelties such as the F1 Vapor heater which performs exquisitely and provides versatile, soft steam which adapts

the bath room to the mood of the user. The Smart-Touch control panel, with its touchscreen display, allows all functions to be controlled with a single finger.

GENUINE REVOLUTION

As a conclusion, there is no doubt that this sauna, exclusive to the Freixanet Saunasport, is a genuine revolution in the world of wellness, both as a result of its innovative design and for the advantages which it provides, allowing the user to experience wellness in every sense.

IMAGINE DďšşSIGN

TECNICAL WORKSHOP 2013

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COUNTDOWN TO TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS 2013 Germany, France, England, Poland, Madrid and Barcelona: some of the destinations set for the celebration of the training days organised by ‘renovation today’ texts_ R.D.

The large team at renovation today is prepared to hold its successful Technical Workshop at locations in Germany, France, England, Poland, Madrid and Barcelona amongst others. Experience gained over more than 15 years supports this platform in the organisation and informational coverage of this type of event, designed to stimulate the demand of products related to the world of refurbishment and reformation.

We therefore offer the best commercial tool to those who attend these shows to see new products and techniques and, to achieve this goal, we have the best speakers to ensure that this Technical Workshop is the best training day that you can possible attend.

INFORMATION COVERAGE

Our medium (both nationally and internationally, both on paper and on the Internet) comes with the collaboration of studios and firms as important as the Lamela studio, Santiago Calatrava’s architecture office, Carmen Baselga’s project workshop, Héctor Ruiz’s architecture studio and the support of architect Joaquín Torres, amongst many others.

All of this also includes ample information coverage with galleries of pictures, interviews and a large number of reports._

» Airport of Barajas. T4 terminal. Work of Richard Rogers y el estudio Lamela.

» ‘The City of Arts and Science’s . Valencia, Spain. Santiago Calatrava. renovationtoday.com |

| JANUARY 2013

TECNICAL WORKSHOP 2013

» In this picture, Hotel Sisi, ‘the heart of Europe’ (hotel and luxurius villas), by A-cero (Joaquín Torres Architects).

» Designed

by Hector Ruiz-Velazquez, this stunning apartment depicts geometric influence at its finest, and seems to take on inspiration cues from the classic paper art of Origami.

RENOVATION

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THE REHABILITATION OF AN ART GALLERY Architects Héctor Ruiz and Javier García tackle the remodelling of the ‘Colección Valzuela’ in Madrid, with the application of porcelain ‘Techlam’ by Levantina texts_ N. G.

A

rchitects Javier García and Héctor Ruiz (one of the ‘star’ speakers for ‘renovation today’ in the Technical Workshops) are the creators of the recognised ‘Colección Valzuela’, an art gallery in the heart of Madrid for which the architects designed a suggestive space ‘dressed up’ with the elegance and infinite possibilities of ‘Techlam®’, Levantina’s porcelain product.

In this way, one of the largest and oldest selections of art in the capital opened its doors. After a complete reformation project, the building was transformed into an attractive, angular space where the lines and shapes divide the different rooms.

The porcelain ‘Techlam®’ ‘dresses’ the floor of the art gallery. This is, without a doubt, the essential piece of one of the projects created by this creative pair. Its large size and thinness have been vital to its being chosen.

GEOMETRIC FUNCTIONALITY

This new art gallery was conceived from a geometrically functional point of view, creating separate spaces defined by lines and volumes.

The volumetric wall stands out from

this group, visible from the outside and works as a display stand for the pieces and antiques which are shown there. It’s an environment which finds neutrality in the use of white both on the walls and floors.

It’s not in vain that ‘Techlam® Neu’ is the material used throughout the flooring. As this relates to the rehabilitation of an existing building, the fact that this material is ideal for this purpose was the key. The format used is 1000x1000 mm at a thickness of 3+3+3 millimetres which is reinforced by various layers of fibre which allows for forces to be equally spread out over the porcelain surface.

A GREAT SAVING

‘Techlam®’ has therefore been applied directly onto the antique stand to cover it without the need for further work. These incredible dimensions and its lightness have meant that its installation was easy and clean, saving time and money when it came to completing this refurbishment. With the completion of this project, Levantina’s product has become clearly accepted by the public. Its unbeatable technical characteristics mean that it is defined

»

The art gallery now has a recognisable style of its own as the porcelain ‘Techlam Neu’ by Levantina surrounds every corner of a space which Héctor Ruiz knew how to make the most of. As a result, the ‘Colección Valzuela’ is a work of art within a work of art.

as one of the best options for use as flooring and covering for great works.

INCREDIBLE POSSIBILITIES

The architect Héctor Ruiz doesn’t hesitate in praising the characteristics of this material, underlining that “it has such a beautiful finish which can be adapted to any surface, and it is also very light marenovationtoday.com |

| JANUARY 2013

terial”. As an example of this, he remembers many other projects which were developed with the Levantina porcelain and highlights that “it’s a material which can be moved perfectly, and for this reason, I have used it in a house with Japanese panels all with a ‘Techlam®’ base to give you one example”. For this reason, he doesn’t hesitate in saying that “I love working with this pro-

RENOVATION

CEVISAMA 2013 LEVEL 2, PAVILION 4, STAND D24 IMPERIUM GRAPHITE

STRIPES SUNSET

ducts as it offers some incredible possibilities”.

As a result, anyone who comes to visit this suggestive collection will find some pieces specially selected to go well together, to incorporate them into the environment and to be enjoyed.

The ‘Colección Valzuela’ is composed of pieces which cover a period of history from the 16th to the 21st centuries. Freedom in the integration of the style, techniques and eras has increased the enjoyment and desire to live the art and with the art.

The work developed by Héctor Ruiz’s architectural studio to surround this art gallery with well-defi-

ned personality and style manages to generate an ideal atmosphere for the exposition of works of art in a cosy space, artistic in itself. It therefore falls into the metalinguistic land of a double art exhibition: the gallery itself on the one hand and the works of art inside on the other.

RECOGNISABLE STYLE

The art gallery now has a recognisable style of its own as the porcelain ‘Techlam Neu’ by Levantina surrounds every corner of a space which Héctor Ruiz knew how to make the most of. As a result, the ‘Colección Valzuela’ is a work of art within a work of art._

GROWTH + EVOLUTION = EXTENSION www.intermatex.com Carretera Vilareal-Onda, Km. 3.

Tel. +34 964 50 53 30

ART RENOVATION

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34 CONTAINERS AND...

AN ART GALLERY The city of Berlin holds this peculiar art gallery, the Platoon Kunsthalle, an original proposal designed to become a centre for subcultural projects textos_ J. MARTÍNEZ

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ocated in the street Schönhauser in Berlin, we find a building which stands out from the rest. Walking towards it, without looking away and trying to find some material which seems familiar to us, we have to check, step-by-step, that our vision isn’t fooling us.

Before us, the Platoon Art Gallery in Berlin is a project completed

by Platoon Cultural Development who started with 34 recycled cargo containers with the idea of becoming a meeting point for subcultural projects and diverse artistic events.

CULTURAL MOVEMENTS

With a clear orientation towards cultural movements whose raison d’être is outside of the usual, this space is projected with the same force and form. There is a clear relationship between its initial and final objective as an art gallery and its physical projection as a container, as a dynamic and creative space in which to develop ideas and become a communication platform for anyone interested in the various creative subcultural media such as street art, graphic design, fashion, video art, programming, music, club culture, political activism, etc.

The building, through its container-recipient, show the idea of dynamism, transformation and flexibility,

both conceptually and materially, as well as the activities which are carried out in its facilities.

It’s a space with multiple rooms which can be transformed and reconverted depending on the use required at the time as the containers form a construction which is inclined to be reconstructed.

The Kunsthalle was created to bring cultural events and art to the Mitte district in the city. Its construction lasted a few days which involved eight lorries, two cranes and 34 cargo containers. The containers were piled up to form an open hall inside, divided into four floors with a plaza and an adjacent outdoor space.

The first floor holds the functions of a perfect main enclosure, such as dinners, round table conferences and presentations. The solid walls of the cargo containers also create the perfect place to show films and live music. One of the cargo containers serves as a bar and restaurant, ser serving food and drink for each of the programmed events.

Finally, it is worth stating that, in some sections of the building, the cargo containers have been cut and replaced by glass windows, allowing light to enter through the front. This is a clear example of how art adapts to the needs which the activities in the building require_

Ctra. Castellón-Alcora, km. 17,3 12130 SAN JUAN DE MORÓ (Castellón-Spain) Tel. +34 964 701 020 - Fax +34 964 701 021 www.inceazahar.com info@incea.com

» Dynamism and flexibility in the Berlin subculture container.

VENUES FOR 2013 GERMANY  ENGLAND FRANCE  POLAND renovationtoday.com

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CALENDAR

the wall “I recently bought a bathroom stall and I have given a lot of tips on what to consider for purchase. First, be careful, because the screens leaks can result from improper installation, lack of silicone sealant application abroad and unevenness of the walls. Personally, I don’t recommend the ethnic chinese.

Moreover, note that marry the color of your bathroom. Ah, the size of the bathroom is another key aspect. For example, for a small bathroom a screen advised a clamshell (interior / extrior), which has 150 cm. high and 80 wide.

‘Architect@work’, at Earls Court, London

Countdown to the arrival of cevisama

Architect@work: specially tailored contact days with a focus on innovation for architects, interior architects, designers and other consultants. The event only showcases new products presented by manufacturers and distributors.

Countdown to the arrival of Cevisama. Cevisama is an international trade fair for ceramic tiles, surface coatings and bathroom and kitchen facilities in Valencia. Here exhibitors from all over the world present their latest products.

30-31 JANUARY 2013

Thank you very much”.

Marisa F. (Alicante, Spain).

* Send your thoughts, questions and/

or complaints to ‘the wall’, a space for ‘paint it’ what do you want and send it to us (info@renovationtoday.com).

5-8 FEBRUARY 2013

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