Tile International 1/2020

Search ‘Tile Edizioni’ and ‘MaterialiCasa’

ISSN2039-8301

cov e r i n g s

2020

www.progressprofiles.com

A New evolution with the goal of flexibility, innovation and energy efficiency.

PROFOIL PANEL SYSTEM PROFOIL PANEL is a range of panels in extruded polystyrene with a density of 48 kg/m3.

They are covered on both sides with a water and vapour-proof membrane. The panels, suitable for indoor applications, are stiffened, by the waterproof membranes and the adhesive used for their fixing. The panels are designed and tested to have mechanical resistance and long durability. For this reason they are therefore suitable as support for laying the tiles, to waterproof and create structures and load-bearing walls. The panels are available in a thickness of 6.35 / 9.5 / 12.7 / 15.9 / 25 / 38.1 and 50.8 mm and a size of 91.5 cm x 152.4 cm / 270 cm. PROFOIL PANEL, which allows the work to be carried out quickly and inexpensively, is suitable for indoor application with a thermal insulation function on floor, wall and ceiling. The panels can be applied on rough walls, on old supports and floors, on fixed structures in wood and metal, for the realization of partitions walls, tops for kitchens, washbasins, shelves and furniture of different types.

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Certificated company UNI EN ISO 9001:2015

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PRODESO速 HEAT GRIP SYSTEM The system is composed of three elements: PRODESO速 HEAT GRIP MEMBRANE, PRODESO速 HEAT GRIP CABLE e PRODESO速 HEAT GRIP THERMOSTAT KIT. The polyethylene membrane with uncoupling, waterproofing and vapour management features has a 8,5 mm thickness and a thermowelded non-woven fabric on the back side, which guarantees the adhesion to the substrate.

The new membrane structure allows a perfect fixing of the heating cable and a crackbridging ability 5 times more than the PRODESO HEAT. The cables of last generation are composed of many resistances, each one 60 cm long, in a parallel circuit. If the cable is damaged, only the broken resistance stops working but not the whole cable.

The thermostat of last generation interfaces with Android and Apple devices, that is why it is possible to adjust all settings and time schedule using an application with internet connection as remote control.

P R O FIL ES & SYSTEM S

UNCOUPLING

WATERPROOFING

VAPOR AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT

LOAD DISTRIBUTION

Schlüter ®-LIPROTEC EASY Einfach einleuchtend. LED-Licht in Plug & Play Technologie Simply obvious. LED lighting with plug & play technology

Lichtkonzepte mit Keramik oder Naturstein so einfach wie nie zuvor 3

Light concepts with ceramic or natural stone surfaces have never been easier

Plug & Play für einfache Installation ohne Fachkenntnisse, sofort einsatzbereit 3 Plug & play for easy installation without expert knowledge, immediately ready for use

Hochwertige und vielseitige LED-Module 3 High-quality, versatile LED modules

Große Auswahl und Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten 3 Large selection and variety of design options

EAS

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Convenient control via app or remote control

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Komfortable Steuerung per App oder Fernbedienung 3

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

QUADRASTUDIO

For lovers of elegant, classic and refined environments, Original Parquet has created the "European Walnut" collection.

For the realization of its floors Original Parquet uses the precious wood of European walnut, recognized as one of the best ever for quality, strength and ease of processing. A strong grain, chromaticity and color differences make the European walnut a wood able to surprise and fascinate beyond the confines of time.

Thanks to its elegance and the particular pattern of the veins, highlighted by the natural finishes studied

by Original Parquet, the European Walnut floors become a real furnishing element able to enhance any environment.

www.originalparquet.com via Dell’Artigianato 18 . 48011 Alfonsine (RA) - Italy infoline. +39.0544.80696

THE MOST COMPLETE RANGE OF TOOLS FOR LARGE FORMAT TILES

BOOTH 3937

raimondispa.com

SCORE CUTTING

HANDLING

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WET AND DRY 45° BEVEL CUT

WET AND DRY 90° AND 45° BEVEL CUT

CIRCULAR CUTS

CORNERS PROTECTION

VIBRATION (AIR REMOVAL)

MARBLE 20 Elegance and innovation

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (USA) APRIL 20-23, 2020 / BOOTH 2047

PUBLISHER: Tile Edizioni S.r.l.

Capitale Sociale: Euro 51.400,00 R.E.A. 329775 Periodico bimestrale registrato presso il Tribunale di Reggio Emilia al n. 751 in data 20/10/89 Iscrizione al ROC n. 9673 OFFICE: Tile Edizioni S.r.l.

Via Fossa Buracchione 84 41126 Baggiovara (Modena) - Italy Tel. +39 059 512 103 - Fax +39 059 512 157 info@tiledizioni.it - www.MaterialiCasa.com EDITOR AND PUBLISHING COORDINATION: CHIARA BRUZZICHELLI - c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it © 1989 Tile Italia

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Federica Andreini Milena Bernardi Salvatore Curatolo Sara Falsetti Paola Giacomini Sabino Menduni 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 po-

stale presso la Filiale di Modena. L’IVA sugli abbonamenti, nonché sulla vendita dei fascicoli separati, è assolta dall’Editore ai sensi dell’art 74 primo comma lettera C del DPR 26.10.72 N. 633 e successive modificazioni.

ADVERTISING: Tel. +39 059 512 103 Fax +39 059 512 157 • Paola Giacomini p.giacomini@tiledizioni.it • Silvia Lepore s.lepore@tiledizioni.it • Elisa Verzelloni e.verzelloni@tiledizioni.it • Alberto Tolomelli +39 335 594 8681 a.tolomelli@tiledizioni.it PHOTOLIPHIE: Vaccari Zincografica Srl Via E. Salgari, 61 - 41126 Modena Italy 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.

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Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those held by the publisher who is not held responsible.

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ABOUT US

CONTENTS 11

12 14 16

EDITORIAL Let’s look beyond the obstacles

Chiara Bruzzichelli

FOTO NEWS Mapei plumbs the depths in Norway’s “Under” restaurant Iris Ceramica - FMG in Lyon, Francee Italgraniti in Tanzania for City Lodge

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NEWS

32

MAISON & OBJECT 2020 @ PARIGI

ECONOMICS

38 42 46 48 50 56 58

“The Future of Ceramics”: summit 2019

Paola Giacomini

Trends of distribution in tiles and flooring

Christopher Callon

Confindustria Ceramica’s data for 2019 Spain: turnover grows despite fall in production World sanitaryware exports and imports

Luca Baraldi

Sanitaryware: the big players in the sector

CERAMIC & DESIGN

Federica Andreini

COVER PICTURE BY: Aparici • www.aparici.com • Photographer: Giancarlo Pradelli @ Cersaie 2019 ADVERTISER’S LIST: pag. 28

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60

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Progress Profiles worldwide

FOCUS:

66

70

COVERINGS 2020 The U.S. flooring market: who is going to win?

Joe Lundgren 2019 U.S. ceramic tile market update

Andrew Whitmire

74 76

Coverings 2020, New Orleans

PROJECTS

in Montenegro

110 114 116 118

Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Gallery

106 Royal Gardens makes waves

A villa in the province of Bergamo Castel Thun in Trentino Contemporary design meets energy efficiency in Villa Verona

122 Vive Cooking School, Sidney, Australia 124 Four roman nigh-spots, one common material

SQUARED M AT E R I A L S = M C 2 J O I N U S AT M I L A N DESIGN WEEK Milan, 16/21 June 2020

NEW location Via Statuto 13

Desi We

100 s.mq in Brera Design District info@tiledizioni.it 74

A place full of charm in a Milanese courtyard

2018

in collaborazione con

Loft - Dark 100x100 h20

LE MATERIE

LOFT

L et ’ s look beyond

the obstacles

And as far as the world of floor and wall coverings is concerned, that is exactly what an interesting international Business Forum called “The Future of Ceramics” recently did.

Held by ACIMAC in Modena (Italy), it put the emphasis on the entire production and distribution chain, and drilled down into the latest trends and new lifestyles of final customers.

This interesting exchange of views included a contribution from Christophe Callon - Marketing and Purchasing Director of Saint Gobain Building Distribution, one of the top 100 distribution groups worldwide - an extract of which we publish in this issue (on page….).

Mr Callon emphasised the pervasiveness of digital technologies in distribution, and highlighted how the increasingly important new drivers behind purchasing decisions are speed, ease, personalisation, service and guaranteed performance.

So it is now up to the manufacturing industry to develop practical ways of accommodating these new drivers that have emerged so clearly in the world of distribution – especially when it comes to logistics and installation.

An analysis of the mega-trends sweeping through international markets appeared in another major study presented at the same Business Forum and which we also publish in this issue (on page….).

When considering how markets might develop in the near future, a wide range of variables must be taken into account, including demographic increases in Africa and the Middle East, the consequences of large-scale displacement of people as a result of wars and adverse climatic conditions, the economic growth of India, the spread of digitalisation and rising environmental concerns. ✕

This issue of Tile International also includes a report from the latest edition of Maison&Objet in Paris, which looks at the new stylistic cues being picked up by the world of interior design, and an extensive review of the ceramic products due to go on display at this year’s Coverings, to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

North America’s leading trade show for the ceramic tile and natural stone industry has grown year after year, and now hosts over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries worldwide.

The event attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, manufacturers, contractors, product specifiers, professional designers and architects, builders and real estate developers.

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Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

EDITORIAL

At times like the present, when the market is facing objective difficulties caused by geopolitical tensions, the erection of trade barriers and now the spread of Covid-19, it is vitally important to take stock of the situation and try to plan beyond the immediate obstacles.

Mapei plumbs the depths in norway’s “Under” restaurant environment. The choice of a bare concrete exterior therefore played a vital role both in blending the restaurant into its rocky coastal surroundings and in helping algae and mussels gain a foothold on its underwater walls.

“Under” features a window measuring 11 metres by 4 metres, through which diners can observe the sea and seabed ecosystem.

FOTONEWS

The restaurant known as Under, designed by the Snøhetta firm of architects, is the world’s largest underwater restaurant. Located in Båly, on the south coast of Norway, the restaurant stands on the bed of the North Sea at a depth of 5m. “Under”, which is shaped like a sloping tube measuring 34 metres in length, was specifically designed to avoid clashing with the local

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*Mapei supplied the best solutions to equip the building to withstand the extreme conditions of its chosen environment. These include: • (CONFIX*, CONFIX FIN* and REDIREP 45 RSF*) to skim and level the concrete, and PLANITOP FINE FINISH to skim and level the exposed architectural concrete; • MAPEPOXY BI*, MAPEPOXY LR*, MAPEPOXY L*, NONSETT 400*) for the anchorings ; • (MAPEFIX VE SF, MAPEPRIMER M) for chemical fastening ; • (RESFOAM 1KM, RESFOAM 1KM AKS* and the additive SUPERFLYT*) for the waterproofing ; • ULTRABOND MS RAPID was used for the installation of the ceramic tiles in the bathrooms.

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FOTONEWS

Iris Ceramica - FMG in Lyon, France

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Iris Ceramica and FMG have strengthened their connections with the world of design in Europe, by opening a new showroom in the historic centre of Lyon.

Designed by the Modena-based practice duePIU architects, the showroom has 120sqm of floorspace and showcases the most distinctive products by the two brands owned by the holding

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company Iris Ceramica Group.

Designed around the concept of an atelier, a workshop and a place for creating and experimenting with solutions that harness the full aesthetic and technical potential of ceramic, the showroom takes visitors on a journey through a range of thematic areas and display installations, each with their own characteristic mood.

FOTONEWS

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Italgraniti in Tanzania for City Lodge The newly built City Lodge Hotel in Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, is the fourth hotel built by the well known hotel chain in East Africa.

Occupying eight floors, it has 147 rooms and 1 suite, all comfortably equipped, and boasts three conference rooms, a mini-gym, a swimming pool and a large underground car park.

Italgraniti supplied three dif-

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ferent collections of coverings for the hotel, mixed together to create a unique, distinctive environment. The collections in question are Stone D and Stone Plan, for their unique stone effects produced in numerous formats and a wide range of colours; and Listone D for the outstandingly natural wood effect it replicates on porcelain tile.

NEWS

Cersaie 2020 Grows To 180,000sqm Cersaie has announced two major changes for 2020: a further increase in exhibition space to 180,000 square metres; and a new location for the bathroom furnishing section, in halls 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30, all of which occupy a central position in the trade fair complex.

The increased exhibition space will come from the opening of the new hall 37, which boosts the trade show’s total floorspace by almost 20,000sqm. This follows the opening of halls 28, 29 and 30 and marks another milestone in the refurbishment of the entire trade fair complex, due for completion in 2024.

The event’s organisers have announced two other important pieces of news for 2020: the first is that over 41,000 square metres of floorspace (more than a quarter of the total exhibition area) will be devoted to bathroom furnishings; and the second is that halls 22 and 30 will host a mix of different sectors – ceramic tiles, bathroom furnishings and other coverings – which is a first for Cersaie.

The competition is divided into two categories: • “Design of the Future” will single out the best architectural plan for the construction of a hotel lobby, in the following subcategories: - Professional: for interior designers, architects and property developers.

- Student: for interior design and architecture students from all design schools, and architecture high schools and universities.

• “Design of the Year” for the best projects completed between January 2019 and February 2020, using products by the eight Porcelanosa Grupo brands.

Entries in the Student category can be submitted by individuals or teams comprising a maximum of three people. Entries in the Professional category can be submitted by free-lance practitioners or firms.

To find out more go to: http://www.porcelanosa-interiorismo.com/certamen/ it/

Stylgraph wins ADI Booth Design Award at Cersaie

13th Porcelanosa Architecture and Interior Design Awards The closing date for entries to the 13th Porcelanosa Architecture and Interior Design Awards, for both students and professionals, has been set for 20 April.

The jury’s task will be to select the best project involving the use of products by the eight companies that make up PORCELANOSA Grupo.

The main goal is to promote the creative work of professionals and encourage the promotion and dissemination of their architectural work and innovations.

Stylgraph/Styl’editions presented a new corporate look at Cersaie 2019, designed by Gumdesign and replicated in the company’s original exhibition space, which earned it the ADI Booth Design Award 2019 in the “Research” category.

The award was a gratifying recognition of the company’s ongoing commitment to and investment in innovation and technology, aimed at achieving ever more sophisticated levels of design in the field of coverings, by experimenting with new trends and materials and providing unique responses to market requirements. The design involved an explosion of materials and graphics applied to a homogeneous space, and ef-

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fectively expressed the Group’s identity and creative flair in the way it showcased its latest developments.

Still riding the wave of its success at Cersaie, Stylgraph then opened the doors of its headquarters in Sassuolo for its autumn Ink-Stone meeting, at which it presented stone – the most classical of materials – in an entirely new guise, by cross-fertilising it with unprecedented graphics and colourways, some created by hand.

e con

Italcer Group: new production plant A major investment programme has seen Italcer Group complete the renovation of its Vetto production plant, in the Italian province of Reggio Emilia, in record time.

The new plant not only gives the Group maximum flexibility in terms of the range and formats it can produce, which include a floorboard format measuring up to 160 cm in length, but is also equipped with an automated finished product handling system.

In the two years since it purchased the building, Italcer Group also replaced the old asbestos roof with a new roof, in line with its characteristic commitment

to sustainability.

The opening ceremony held on 20 January was attended by the Mayor, Fabio Ruffini; the Chairman of the Provincial Council, Giorgio Zanni and, of course, Italcer Group CEO, Graziano Verdi and the management of Italcer and Ceramica Rondine.

Once operating at full pace, the plant’s two lines will have production capacity of approximately 3.5 million square metres per year.

The photo shows Graziano Verde (centre) with Giorgio Zanni and Fabio Ruffini.

Design S Q U A R E D M AT E R I A L S = M C Week

2

J O I N U S AT M I L A N D E S I G N W E E K

2018

Milan, 16/21 June 2020

A place full NEW location of charm in format diVia adesione / Statuto 13 a Milanesepacchetti di comunicazione 100 s.mq in Brera Design District courtyard info@tiledizioni.it

NEWS

Styl’Editions - Design Gumdesign Istinti - Wallpaper

“ZIP” by Ceramica Bardelli wins IF Design Award 2020

The Istinti collection draws inspiration from the animal kingdom, where displays of vibrant colour constitute precise signals that play a vital role in communicating, keeping predators at bay and attracting mates. Precise graphic design, detailed signs and overlapping layers of colour and black and white come together to create an effectively illustrated narrative of the animal world.

The project forms part of the latest collections of wallpaper produced by Styl’Editions, a company based in Sassuolo, whose roots lie in the world of ceramics and which has extended its applications to various decorative media.

The creative team at Gumdesign approaches the world of surfaces with an experimental, cross-cutting spirit that uses innovative techniques to create fantastic worlds within our everyday habitats.

The Istinti collection of wallpaper forms part of a display installation alongside Dieciperdieci Bianco Nero ceramic coverings by Styl’Editions, the Stonato collection of lamps by Martinelli Luce and the Rotazione Sincrona table by 0.0 Flat Floor – to a design by Gumdesign.

Ceramica Bardelli has won an iF Design Award – one of the world’s most respected international design prizes – with the ZIP collection, which took first prize in the Wall/Flooring category of the product discipline. ZIP, designed by Meneghello Paolelli Associati, won the award for its innovative content, its aesthetics and its ability to take an often-overlooked element of tiling – namely the joint between tiles – and turn it into a positive opportunity.

Singled out from a total of 7,298 products from 58 countries worldwide and picked by an independent jury of 78 designers and experts, ZIP generated a lot of enthusiasm precisely because it gives joints a decorative role, turns them into joining rather than separating elements and helps create a seamless surface. The ZIP collection has already won an Archiproducts Design Award 2019, and this iF Design Award 2020 confirms its ability to stand out from the crowd.

Grupo Halcón announces investments of 40 million euros The Spanish ceramic group plans to build two new production lines, a logistics centre and a showroom, beginning with a 30 million euro investment in 2020. Grupo Halcón, a leading Spanish

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ceramic tile producer, has announced a growth plan that will involve a total investment of at least 40 million euros over the period 2020-2022. The Castellón-based company will invest in two new state-of-the-art production lines (bringing its operational footprint to sixteen lines), a large new logistics centre with covered storage space, and a new showroom. This first year of the growth plan is expected to see an investment of around 30 million euros. “Since the company was acquired by Falcon Private Holdings in 2018, we have invested in people, processes, and capabilities in order to further professionalise the business and lay the foundations for more rapid growth. These efforts have already led to increased sales, in turn which support the investment plan we are announcing today,” said Grupo Halcón’s CEO Francois Brendel. Construction of the two new lines will enable the product range to be expanded to include a greater variety of larger and smaller sizes, as well as cutting-edge designs and a variety of polished finishes. “The plan will simultaneously enhance product quality and customer service in order to further strengthen the group’s value proposition,” continued Brendel. “Finally, the new showroom will proudly display our on-trend designs from leading brands including Halcón Cerámicas and Emotion Ceramics.” The announcement, made during Cevisama where the group presented 200 new models, confirms the shareholders’ commitment to pursuing further expansion and seeking new growth opportunities.

Grupo Halcón employs more than 600 people across four factories and generates approximately 150 million euros of revenue. The majority of its sales consist of exports to over 100 countries while Spain remains its largest single market. As of 2018, the group’s majority shareholder is Falcon Private Holdings, the US-based private investment arm of Jamshid Keynejad and Barry Siadat.

NEWS

Casalgrande at the United Nations in Geneva After the Glass Tower in New York, the United Nations’ office in Geneva is the organisation’s most important operations centre, which houses several high-profile functions, including the Human Rights Council and the UN High Commission for Human Rights.

Thanks to substantial sponsorship from the State of Qatar, the United Nations’ office in Geneva has recently refurbished its Room XIX conference room.

With 4,000 square meters of floorspace, 800 seats and 320 desks, Room XIX is the largest plenary conference room in the complex.

The task of designing the work was assigned to PEIA Associati, which made innovative use of Casalgrande Padana large-format porcelain panels to create new designs and special effects with explicit visual allusions to the institutional role of the UN building.

In brief, the work involved the use of large-format porcelain panels in the colour Marte Thassos, laid with joints of the minimum possible width, to create the illusion of a continuous surface; and wall coverings in the colour Travertino Bianco, which draw inspiration from the UN’s historic architectural works in Geneva.

Some of the floor coverings are made up of the colours Pietra del Cardoso and Zinco Titano, thus creating an alternation of polished and matt surfaces. Others feature mosaics with random colour variations that reprise the theme of the triangular mesh of the “inverted wooden dune” that forms the key feature of Room XIX’s great dome.

Florim opens in Singapore Following on from its stores in Milan, New York and Moscow, Florim opened a new Flagship Store in Singapore (63 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-14 Sultan Link – Singapore 239002) in late 2019.

Located in a prestigious area and spread over two levels, the new flagship store has an open-space design that is ideally suited to hosting the best-sellers of the Group’s various brands (Floor Gres, Rex, Casa dolce casa - Casamood, Cerim, CEDIT - Ceramiche d’Italia and Florim Stone), which are showcased by means of display installations that shine the full spotlight on the expressive potential and technical performance of large-format ceramics. The display installations are complemented by a technical area dedicated to extra-large-format coverings.

The various areas of the store are also designed as a functional workplace,

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geared towards co-working.

The concept, which was developed by the interior design department along the same stylistic lines as the other stores, is built around the key values of the Florim Gallery also expressed in the flagship stores in Milan, New York and Moscow.

On the strategic front, 2020 will see the opening of several more international stores, aimed at bringing the Group’s products closer to the world’s leading design and architecture firms: “For 50 years now, we’ve been striving to turn the humble tile into a key design element,” explains Claudio Lucchese, Chairman of Florim Ceramiche, “and we want to show the world our results, because Florim is no longer a ceramic company that wants to make design products, it’s a design company that makes ceramics.

The network of new stores is therefore a coherent part of this logic.”

SUPERLIFT

LIFTILE

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LIFTERS

DIAMOND KITS

TOPROFILE

Vibrating suction cup for tiles and slabs light and compact, powered by a 16 V lithium ion battery. It allows the positioning of the tile through the suction cup and, thanks to the vibration, removes residual air bubbles that, if trapped between the adhesive and the tile, can cause potential breakage. To expand the vibrations the system is equipped with a unscratchable and no marking nylon plate, that is particularly useful also in the lay of sheaths or substrates.

The intensity of the vibration is adjustable to three different frequencies.

MOTO FLASH LINE

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LARGE SIZE TILES SYSTEM

NEWS

Further growth for Pamesa Group The Spanish group Pamesa, which is Europe’s largest tile manufacturer, closed 2019 with another double-digit increase in revenues and margins.

Consolidated revenues rose to 704 million euros (+15% on 2018), thanks to sales of over 80 million square metres of tile. EBITDA also rose, by 16%, to 104 million euros.

Investments reached impressive levels in 2019, with 90 million euros being channelled into increasing production capacity, improving energy efficiency and acquiring Keramex (Vila-real).

The group also purchased 150,000sqm of land in Castellón for the storage and treatment of raw materials.

Substantial investments have also been made in work aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, cutting the generation of solid waste to zero (which has now been achieved) and recycling a total of 4 million litres of water per day from ceramic manufacturers in the area.

For 2020, the group headed by Fernando Roig is forecasting a further increase in revenues and margins that will open the door to new investments.

One of the biggest of these, which was announced on 10 February, relates to an agreement with Argenta Ceramica and Cifre Ceramica for the acquisition of a 50% shareholding in the two companies.

Argenta and Cifre, which are two of Spain’s best-known ceramic brands, closed 2019 with aggregated revenues of 280 million euros, representing a rise

of 10% on 2018.

Under the terms of the agreement, the current shareholders – José Cifre (Argenta) and Enrique Cifre (Cifre Ceramica) – will retain a 50% shareholding and continue to manage the companies.

Roman Blažíček elected chairman of Cet Roman Blažíček, Director of Lasselsberger s.r.o. (Czech Republic) and the Rako brand, has been elected Chairman of the European Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Federation and will be responsible for shaping the industry’s strategic goals and initiatives over the next three years.

Roman Blažíček has been running one of Europe’s largest tile manufacturers, with over 1,500 employees, since 2005.

In the last two years, Rako has invested approximately 50 million euros in upgrading its plants with new, more sustainable technologies.

“The European industry will have to rise to some serious challenges over the next 10 years,” said the newly elected Chairman. “Energy-hungry manufacturing sectors will run the risk of losing competitiveness, and the ceramic industry is one of these.”

So it is no coincidence that Blažíček’s programme for his term of office puts a strong emphasis on environmental issues, climate change, alternative energies, research and innovation.

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Based in Brussels, the CET represents the interests of the European ceramic tile industry, especially in institutional relations with EU bodies. The CET is part of Cerame-Unie, the European federation that represents every sector of the ceramic industry, namely tile, brick, sanitaryware, porcelain tableware and technical ceramic.

ITALGRANITILIVE presents Acqua Project Italgraniti Group reinvents ceramics and combines the technical and aesthetic qualities of porcelain stoneware to create new bathroom furnishing.

Italgraniti Group, one of the leading Italian brands in the large ceramic surfaces segment, has expanded the ITALGRANITILIVE range designed by Centro Stile Milano Architetti with the launch of the new Acqua Project line.

It represents an innovative approach to ceramics that exploits the technical and aesthetic qualities of porcelain in an exclusive line of bathroom furnishings combined with floor and wall tiles.

Acqua Project includes a wide range of coordinated washbasins and accessories for an attractive seamless look while maintaining the technical performance characteristics of porcelain stoneware (bending and staining resistance, colour stability and ease of cleaning).

cerasarda.it Collezione Sardinia, Esagona.

Mediterraneo Style is a project by Cerasarda to personalize interiors and hĂ´tellerie.

Bathroom interiors, kitchens and decorative walls are introduced with a creative and surprising lifestyle vision.

NEWS

Lasselsberger Group: strategies for competitiveness One of the world’s largest ceramic tile manufacturers, Lasselsberger Group provides a prime vantage point from which to observe the various markets of central and eastern Europe. Based in Pöchlarn (Austria), the multinational is a market leader in Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic, where it has its own production plants, in addition to its plant in Russia. The group has production capacity of approximately 50 million square metres per year and also operates in the raw materials and construction materials sectors.

“Our most successful division in 2019 was raw materials, which outperformed both the ceramic division the construction materials division,” explained Martin Hofmann, General Director. “But we’re also satisfied with the performance of our ceramic division. Even though we didn’t manage to achieve the ambitious targets we set ourselves, the preliminary figures show an increase in sales on 2018.”

The group focused mainly on the launch of new formats in the course of 2019 – including a 60x60cm format with a thickness of 20mm – produced in its new plant in Pilsen, in the Czech Republic, which was completed in 2018 at a cost of some 40 million euros. The

group’s forthcoming projects include one in Rakovnik, in the Czech Republic, where construction on the new line is about to get under way. In Hungary and Romania, it is planning to refurbish its existing factories, while in Russia it intends to step up its production capacity.

RAK Ceramics at Design Week 2020: Black Ink Water Rak Ceramics will be taking part in the Fuorisalone at Milan Design Week – from 16 to 21 June – with an event entitled Black Ink Water, which will involve the presentation of RAK-VALET, the new concept bathroom designed by Patrick Norguet.

The installation, located in the heart of the Brera Design District, will also provide an ideal opportunity for celebrating the 30th anniversary of the ceramic Group headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.

The French designer Patrick Norguet is the creative force behind the Milan project area, entitled Black Ink Water,

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around which part of the RAK Ceramics range will revolve: from the washbasin collection designed by Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri, to the bathroom suite by Maurizio Scutellà, the Rak-joy line of vanity units and the Maximus collection of large-format panels for floor and wall coverings and furnishing applications.

This reflects the high level of collaborations that Rak has fostered in recent years under the single, overarching concept “Room for Imagination”: porcelain tile, ceramic, sanitaryware, furnishings and complements that have all played their part in the success of RAK Ceramics.

The Group’s participation in Milan Design Week forms part of this repositioning strategy that the UAE-based Group has been implementing since 2016.

Ferrari & Cigarini expands its spanish subsidiary Maranello-based tile cutting and profiling machine producer Fer¬rari & Cigarini has completed ex-pansion work at its Spanish sub¬sidiary Fercig España, which has been up and running in Elda, Alicante since 2018.

Alongside the sales office and the technical sup¬port department, the branch now also has a large showroom space to display all the machines in op¬eration. The expansion of the branch will help Ferrari & Cigarini develop business relations in the Spanish ceramic district thanks ¬to its geographical proximity and the possibility of offering even faster technical and sales support.

COVERINGS’20 Visit us in Booth #5648

DISPLAYS&SHOWROOMS CONCEPT · DESIGN · MANUFACTURING

export@fustecma.com

NEWS

ABK GROUP presents new ABKSTONE brand ABK GROUP is officially presenting its new ABKSTONE brand specialising in high-performance ceramic slabs.

The introduction of these innovative products opens up new prospects for building and interior design and is accompanied by the online launch of the new website www.abkstone.com, specially created to illustrate all the potential applications of the new range of porcelain slabs.

Available in a 1635x3230 mm size and three different thicknesses (6, 12 and 20 mm), these products are ideal for use in interiors (floors and walls), on ventilated facades, and as bathroom and kitchen countertops and furnishing elements.

The launch of ABKSTONE is a direct consequence of the large-scale investments made by ABK GROUP in a revolutionary new production plant designed to improve the aesthetic qualities of the slabs (which are now indistinguishable from natural stone and marble) while at the same time improving their technical performance by minimising stresses within the ceramic body.

With more than 100 silos for wet and dry mixing of selected high-plasticity raw

materials, the ABKSTONE production line can handle an unlimited number of coloured bodies, which are fed into the revolutionary Continua PCR 3000 from SACMI equipped with new and enhanced rollers for improved compaction of large size slabs with thicknesses of up to 30 mm.

A latest-generation digital printer with eight printheads ensures an extremely high graphic resolution. The line is also equipped with an X-ray Density Scanner for dynamic control of the particle size distribution of the slabs, while the new 7-layer dryer improves the release of moisture.

Next comes the crucial firing process, carried out in one of the largest ceramic kilns in Italy. With a length of 185 metres, the kiln stands at the heart of one of the most advanced ceramic factories ever built.

The aesthetic research and technological innovation of ABKSTONE products further expand the lifestyle and coordinated design philosophy first developed by ABK GROUP with the ABK Emozioni in Superficie brand, a leading name in the production of porcelain floor and wall tiles.

The ABKSTONE materials serve as semi-finished products in the hands of

interior designers, who can use them to carry out full-scale styling operations in synergy with the ABK tile collection

ADVERTISER’S LIST Abk................................................................................................................................................ 29 AVA ..............................................................................................................................................87 Cerasarda................................................................................................................................. 25 Cersaie.......................................................................................................................................64 DR Tecnica...............................................................................................................................91 Dural................................................................................................................................................ 7 Eco Design..............................................................................................................................83 Elios.................................................................................................................................................6 Energieker................................................................................................................................21 Eternoivica...............................................................................................................................79 Ferrari E Cigarini................................................................................................................ 101 Materiali Casa..........................................................................................................................9 Flaviker....................................................................................................................................... 55 Fustecma................................................................................................................................. 27 Impertek................................................................................................................................... 45 Insca.......................................................................................................................... 30-31/104 Iris.............................................................................................................Inside Front Cover Italgraniti................................................................................................................................... 37

La Fenice................................................................................................................................105 Marocchi.................................................................................................................................126 Montolit...................................................................................................................................... 23 Original Parquet................................................................................................................ 2-3 Piemme........................................................................................................................................ 5 Polcart.......................................................................................................................................121 Progress Profiles.........................................................................................................Cover Profilpas......................................................................................Inside Back Cover/69 Raimondi...................................................................................................................................... 4 Rondine......................................................................................................................................10 SchlĂźter-Systems..................................................................................................................1 Tecnargilla............................................................................................................................128 Top Cer.................................................................................................................................... 109 Somany....................................................................................................................................127 Top Cer.................................................................................................................................... 109 Vep87.........................................................................................................................................97 Victoria................................................................................................................. Back Cover

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ADVERTORIAL

GET YOUR SPACE TO SHOW WHO YOU ARE

Insca designs, manufactures and assembly the new showroom for Prissmacer ceramic company.

Prissmacer has relied on Insca to create and transform its new showroom into an elegant, avant-garde and contemporary space. In its new showroom of 650 square meters, pastel

colors have been used, in line with the new exterior image of its facilities.

In the design of this showroom, Insca has combined the cor-

porate pink color of Prissmacer with green tones, color that brings freshness to the decoration thanks to the vegetation. In addition, brown tones reminds of wood have been used.

ADVERTORIAL

INSCA PI Via Europa II 12540 Almazora / Castellรณn- Spain P.: +34 964 626 515 www.insca.com info@insca.com

Insca creates a continuity between floor and wall tiles, and also a harmony in each environment.

Light metal structures have been used that make the customer focus on what is really matters: the new ranges of multi-format porcelain tiles.

From its beginnings in the late 70s, Insca has become a leading company in the business sector throughout Spain and internationally. Insca creates integral projects from the design, the manufacture and the installation of all of its elements, making a global monitoring of

the full process.

The continuous research and development in the improvement of the product, has made Insca a reference in the creation of showrooms, technical displays, furniture displays and stands for different spaces.

PA R I S maison&object 2020 Paris’s best-known interior design event showcases a wealth of coverings, materials, colours, ideas, creations and inspirations.

MONDO MARMO DESIGN Rialto is a modern reinterpretation of the historic floor covering known as Venetian terrazzo.

The series is made up of waterjetcut marble inserts in calm, balanced colours, ranging from Bardiglio grey

MA OITSHOENR&C OO BV JEC R ITN2G0S2 0

to Rosa Perlino pink, Carrara white and Breccia Sarda beige.

One of the highlights of the range is “Carnevale”, an intense and lively accent that is reminiscent of confetti. www.mondomarmo.net

NOOD CO CONCRETE The Australian bathroom furnishing company shines the spotlight on the quintessential construction material – concrete – and showcases its most fashionable guise, designed around a perfect balance of form and colour.

The result is high-performance, hand-crafted washbasins made of fibreglass-reinforced concrete, with slim, curved edges. The company’s offering includes the free-standing Cylinder range, the Wall-Hung collection and the Pedestal range with modular frame, concrete tray and integrated basin. noodco.com.au

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HUGUET A line of furnishings and coverings with striking visual impact and a green heart, in keeping with the principles of the circular economy: the Terra collection by Feina revolves around interior design elements made of green-label concrete and recycled marble and terrazzo aggregates. The pattern that characterises each piece is made up of simple shapes that emphasise the natural appearance and texture of reclaimed materials. The collection’s strengths include the possibility of customising the shapes, colours, pattern, dimensions and type of aggregates. www.huguetmallorca.com

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MAISON&OBJECT 2020

TRES TINTAS The latest wallpapers by Tres Tintas include “Rúbrica”, which deploys marks and colours to tell compelling stories. Hummingbirds, feathers and vegetation bring the Lírica series to life and create colourfully naïf scenarios for the most eye-catching interiors. www.trestintas.com

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

BOSA CERAMICHE Art goes hand-in-hand with nature: the ceramic furnishing complements brand welcomes two new characters to its zoomorphic world, in the form of species that have become vulnerable or endangered as a result of global warming and climate change.

The hyper-decorative Bernardo panda by Elena Salmistraro and the low-poly Dab Penguin by Vittorio Gennari thus mark the start of a thought-provoking new creative project. www.bosatrade.com

JAIPUR RUGS More than just textiles for interior design, this is an eclectic set of fragments of Rajasthan, assembled by hand and shaped by the creative flair of Italian designer Matteo Cibic.

The result is a vibrant collection of hand-made rugs inspired by the multicoloured architecture of Jaipur and its historic paintings. Under the name Wunderkammer, the line reprises the idea of the “cabinet of curiosities” in which collectors, from the 16th Century onwards, exhibited exotic objects of outstanding value. Imaginative to the point of surrealism, the brand’s rugs give their owners the chance to explore a contemporary new India, while helping promote a sustainable and socially inclusive business model. www.jaipurrugs.com

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

YO2 Styled around floral patterns, foliage, geometric motifs and used effects, this pioneering brand of coverings, complements and textiles presents a series of highly decorative wallpapers, which keep a keen eye on current interior design trends, while injecting a shot of classicism into the mix. This varied range of digitally printed luxury backgrounds is available in multiple styles, shapes and colours.

MAISON&OBJECT 2020

www.yoyo-designs.com

PAOLA PARONETTO The Cartocci collection, created by the Italian artist Paola Paronetto, using the paper clay technique, has been expanded with two new ceramic vases Bosco and Pistilli, featuring streamlined, vertical contours. These sculptural elements reach the peak of their expressive power when gathered together in variegated clusters encompassing different heights and colours. www.paola-paronetto.com

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“THE FUTURE OF CERAMICS” SUMMIT 2019 Luca Baraldi - Acimac Research Department (studi@acimac.it)

The ceramic industry is moving fast towards complete digitalisation of its production lines and is increasingly adopting

a genuinely global vision.

These were the key aspects that emerged from The Future of Ceramics, the two-day

International Business Forum organised in Modena on 11 and 12 November by Acimac and IEGTecnargilla in collaboration with

A global outlook. The thought-provoking opening presentation given by Luca Baraldi from the Acimac Research Department (studi@acimac.it) gave an overview of the changes that have occurred in the world manufacturing industry over the last 20 years, including a steady shift in the centre of gravity of the industry towards Asia and the recent emergence of Africa as a producer country.

Moreover, while global exports have tripled in the space of 20 years, they have remained stable at 21% of total production and just 8 tiles out of every 100 produced are exported outside the continent of production.

ECONOMICS

TRENDS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE WORLD CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY « Analysing what, how and how much has changed in the world ceramic tile industry’s production and market scenario is essential for determining the sector’s future prospects and for offering useful insights – as well as a few surprises.

Let’s take a look at the development of the sector over a period of twenty years.

1) World tile production tripled between 1998 and 2018 (from

4.5 to more than 13 billion sq.m, CAGR +5.4%), increasing twice as rapidly as global GDP (CAGR 1998/2018 +2.9%).

Production fell only twice during the entire period: in 2009 (-0.1%) and more significantly in 2018 (-3.6%); in this second case the contraction was caused by the sharp decline in China, which lost 800 million sq.m of production in the space of two years (-11.2% in 2018).

Luca Baraldi

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

Ceramic World Review.

The Forum was attended by more than 500 professionals and focused on two main theme

areas: scenarios and prospects for the ceramic industry in the main international markets and the evolution of factories in the age of

digitalisation . Talks were given by around 40 Italian and international speakers and guests.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

2) Asia was clearly the main driver of the sector’s development over the 20 year period. In 1998 the continent accounted for 4.6 out of every 10 tiles produced worldwide, but by 2018 this figure had risen to 7. Asian production grew at a CAGR of 7.7%.

Alongside China, a growing number of countries contributed to the expansion of the Asian ceramic industry. The most significant was India with a CAGR of 15% over 20 years (reaching 1,145 million sq.m), but also Vietnam, which grew from 134 to 602 million sq.m in 15 years (CAGR 2003/2018 +10.5%), Bangladesh (CAGR 2003/2018 +25.4%, from 4 to 119 million sq.m) and Pakistan (CAGR 2003/2018 +22%, from 3 to 60 million sq.m).

3) Outside Asia, there are at least two aspects worth noting. The first is that despite the slow recovery that has been underway since 2010, the European Union is the only geographical area on the planet to register lower production volumes in 2018 than in 1998 (1,366 million sq.m compared to 1,455 million sq.m).

The second concerns Africa, where tile production has increased by a factor of almost 8 over the 20 year period to more than 700 million sq.m.

Although output in the Maghreb region grew at a CAGR of 4.8% over the period to reach 432 million sq.m in 2018, North Africa (led by Egypt) is no longer the only growth driver. Today the continent’s

EXPORTS 21.5%

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

ECONOMICS

+5.1%), although since 2014 this growth has effectively halted. The upturn was attributable to Asia (up by a factor of 21 from 67 to 1,425 million sq.m), which today accounts for 50% of world exports compared to 6.6% in 1998.

The European Union remained more stable in terms of export volumes (from 746 to 917 million sq.m) but suffered a sharp decline in its global export share (from 74% in 1998 to 33% in 2018).

5) But just how many tiles are exported and where?

At a global level, export volumes as a share of production have remained unchanged since 1998 with only 2 tiles exported out of every 10 produced. However, an analysis of the various macro-regions reveals a number of significant differences.

Exports from Asia, North and South America and Africa are actually lower than this level (between 5% in Africa and 15.9% in Asia), while European companies are the only ones to have produced predominantly for international markets and to have seen an upward trend over the 20 year period in question. Out of every 10 tiles produced in the EU, no fewer than 7 were exported in 2018 compared to just 5 in 1998.

Moreover, European companies are unique in having succeeded in exporting significant volumes outside their own geographical region.

Whereas at a global level just 8% of tiles are sold outside their continent of production, the corresponding figures for Asia and the American continent are respectively 4.8% and less than 3%, whereas the European Union has remained stable at 31.6% over the last 20 years.

6) Finally, let’s take a look at Asia’s two largest exporting countries, China and India, which are experiencing diametrically opposite trends: China’s exports have fallen significantly since 2014 (a contraction of 300 million sq.m in 5 years), whereas India’s

strongest growth is being recorded in Sub-Saharan Africa, where tile production reached 286 million sq.m in 2018 (CAGR 1998/2018 +11.6%). While South Africa was the only producer country until 2010, new players (Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Angola) have emerged in recent years and further investments are planned or under way in Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe. So is Africa the new frontier for tile production?

If we look at demographic and GDP growth trends, this should hardly come as a surprise.

Cumulative GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2009 amounts to 45.1% compared to just 9.6% in the Eurozone over the same period.

Moreover there is nothing coincidental about this growth as most of the investments in the region are part of China’s strategic industrial and commercial development programme (One Belt, One Road Initiative). Between 2014 and 2018, China set up at least 15 ceramic tile companies with a total of more than 50 production lines in Africa. The increase in local production (from 96 to 286 million sq.m in 5 years) substituted most of China’s exports to the region, which fell over the same period from 146 to 29 million sq.m.

4) World tile exports likewise tripled over a period of 20 years (from 1 to 2.7 billion sq.m, CAGR 1998/2018

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

have increased fivefold over the same period of time to reach 274 million sq.m in 2018.

This trend has continued in 2019 with a further fall in Chinese exports in the first 9 months of the year (-11.2%) and 21% growth in Indian exports in the first quarter.

In 2012 China was one of the top three suppliers of tiles to 131 countries worldwide, India to just 24. Six years later, China has retained this status in 122 countries, while the corresponding number for India has risen to 70. Over this peri-

od of time, China has lost its position as the number one trading partner in 16 countries (down from 75 to 59), while India has gained the top spot in the same number of markets (from 3 to 19).

These include Saudi Arabia and the UAE (countries where it is soon set to relinquish its number one position due to the impact of the recently introduced import duties), as well as Mexico, Brazil and Egypt Âť. ✕

THE FUTURE OF CERAMICS SUMMIT 2019 International Business Forum

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TRENDS OF DISTRIBUTION IN TILES & FLOORING Christophe Callon - Saint Gobain Building Distribution Tiles & Flooring (France)

Saint Gobain is one of the 100 largest groups in the world, operating in 68 countries with around a thousand factories (glass, adhesives and other construction

materials), 4,000 outlets and more than 180,000 employees of around a hundred different nationalities.

In 2018 the group posted turnover of 41.8 billion euros, including

er extent solid wood and carpet, a trend that will be further strengthened over the next three years (fig.

2).

Our data also show that tile sales grew in 2019 in France, UK, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Germany and Spain, although this growth may slow in 2020.

ECONOMICS

THE FLOORING MARKET IN EUROPE « By cross-referencing market surveys for some European countries with data from our internal teams, we have tried to estimate the breakdown of the interior flooring market in eight countries (France, UK, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, NetherChristophe Callon lands and Switzerland). Figure 1 shows the trend in each category between 2014 and 2019 (rolling forecast) and estimates for 2022.

These are of course average values across countries with widely differing consumption patterns (for example, Nordic countries use more solid wood than Spain).

Having said this, we can see that the market share for tiles has remained flat at about 30% from 2014 to 2019 but is projected to rise between now and 2022.

LVT has seen a real boom in the last 5 years and has gained market share from laminate, PVC and to a less-

19 billion euros generated by the Building Distribution division which operates in Europe, where it is the market leader, North America and Brazil. Despite recently selling

HOW FLOORING MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION IS CHANGING The world of distribution is influenced by the 5 megatrends that are shaping society at a global level: • demographic growth (in Africa, Asia and the Middle East) and a shift in economic power towards emerging countries (China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia and Turkey); • urbanisation, megacities and smart cities; • pervasiveness of technology; • greater environmental awareness; • new consumer expectations and lifestyles.

1

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These five trends will have an increasing impact on the world of construction and consequently also distribution.

For example, we can expect to see growth in demand for more affordable, smaller houses that are safe and quick to build, such as prefab housing; growth in dense and vertical buildings, new megacities and modular construction; and continued growth in

its activities in Germany (Raab Karcher and Keramundo), Saint Gobain Building Distribution is the number one ceramic tile distributor in Europe with turnover close to one

billion euros. The group purchases 42% of its tiles from Italy, 30% from Spain, 10% from Portugal and 10% from Turkey, while the rest comes from France, Germany, India

and China. Sales in the Flooring segment (LVT, laminate, solid wood, carpet and PVC) amount to 200 million euros, making SGBD one of the biggest players in Europe.

Bruzzichelli They can decide to invest more in Europe Chiara or other c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it countries, in new customers or old customers, and in value or volume.

renovation, particularly in Europe, giving rise to new business models.

There will be an increasing shift towards construction materials and solutions with a lower environmental impact over their entire life cycle.

In general, the building sector is also undergoing a process of industrialisation and in the future will have to adapt to the shortage of skilled labour (in Europe it is already a huge problem triggered by the sector’s lack of appeal to the younger generations).

Consumption trends will increasingly be influenced by the diffusion of digital technologies and new lifestyles focused on aspects such as speed, ease, low cost, personalisation, service, guaranteed performance, transparency, health and well-being.

We are seeing a shift from property to usage, from expert to influencer, from physical stores to e-commerce. In practice, the digital transformation will revolutionise the world of construction and distribution and reshape the distribution value chain (supplier, distributor, customer).

Today SGBD’s typical customers are older, more urbanised and focused on home renovation. The distribution market has undergone a radical transformation: 10 years ago SGBD’s main competitor was Wolseley, 5 years ago DIY, 3 years ago Amazon Business.

Today our main competitor is Lone Star Funds and tomorrow it will be someone else, although we don’t yet know who.

The suppliers themselves can choose between a variety of different strategies for their investments.

STRATEGIES AND KEY LEVERAGE POINTS IN TILE DISTRIBUTION To define their future growth strategies, all distributors (including SGBD) concentrate on seven key leverage points: • the customer, who obviously changes all the time (end consumer or specifier); • logistics, the key issue; • distribution channels (number and location of stores, new digital channels); • salespeople (hiring, training, motivation); • lack of skilled installers and craftsmen; • core business (do I stick to tiles or extend my business with other materials, and if so, which?); • and of course the economic results.

For SGBD, three of these points require the maximum attention and a change of mindset, both on our part 2

EXPORTS 21.5%

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THE FUTURE OF CERAMICS SUMMIT 2019 International Business Forum

ECONOMICS

and on that of our suppliers.

Finding new solutions in terms of sales and transport conditions and logistics will help the ceramic sector become more competitive against alternative materials (particularly LVT), whose big advantage can be summed up in a single word: easy.

It’s easier in terms of presentation and logistics, it’s easier to sell, and of course it’s easier and quicker to lay (the flooring of a restaurant, bar or three hotel rooms can be changed in a single night).

However, even if the ceramic tile industry does everything it can to simplify these aspects, I believe this is only part of the answer. I think that the most important topic we have to face over the next three years is a soft skill: training.

KLP 1 - The impact of digital technology on distribution channels Today’s process of urbanisation is forcing us to move our outlets from the suburbs to the city centre, where stores are much smaller due to the higher rental costs.

This means we have to make a more careful selection of the product ranges we want to display.

And as in any sector, the distributors have to support customers throughout the entire purchasing process.

This begins at home with consultation of photos, videos and technical data sheets on the website, then moves to the store, and may be finalised again at home by checking and comparing prices on e-commerce websites.

Throughout the entire process, both online and instore, the customer must be able to find the same information with complete transparency, making it essential for suppliers to adopt PIM (Product Information Management) software within the next 3 years.

KLP 3 - Training skilled workers We have to train salespeople and craftsmen, both directly and by supporting training schools. We also have to educate consumers about the benefits of tiles, a material that has always offered many outstanding qualities (sustainability, health, durability, etc.).

This must be done both physically and exploiting the opportunities of digital technology such as mobile phones (apps, video tutorials, online support centres, etc.).

For example, a French company called Somfy specialising in automation and domotics has developed an app that helps craftsmen by providing on-site assistance.

Today more than 3 ever, I believe that to face these new competitive scenarios we have to focus on solutions and not only products.

If suppliers and distributors work together and cooperate, we will all be able to overcome the challenge. »

KLP 2 - Logistics With the advent of large ceramic slabs in thicknesses of up to 20 or 30 mm, handling such large and heavy materials has become an increasingly complex issue.

The SGBD distribution centres are equipped for transport, handling and storage and are investing significantly in warehouse mechanisation and automation.

✕

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CO N F I N D U ST R I A C E R A M I CA’ S DATA FO R 201 9

Italy’s ceramic industry marks time: production, sales and export volumes remain at 2018 levels.

The industry is investing in sustainability, but action is needed

on the Emission Trading system to avoid competitive disadvantages and extra costs of 30 million/ year. Having reported several years of uninterrupted growth between 2014 and 2017 and a stand-

still in 2018, the Italian ceramic industry closed 2019 just below the levels of the prior year.

Stalling demand, combined with an increase in production capacity caused by the substantial

imately 326 million square metres (down 2 million) and domestic sales of 82 million square metres (up 1 million). Sales in Italy and the rest of Europe – which account for some two thirds of the total – are showing signs of growth of a few percentage points, while exports outside the EU have fallen more sharply in some cases. ✕

PRELIMINARY DATA FOR 2019 The preliminary figures for 2019 compiled by Prometeia on the basis of industry data show that the Italian ceramic tile industry achieved production volumes and sales of around 409 million square metres (1 million less than in 2018), deriving from exports of approx-

ECONOMICS

THE VIEW OF GIOVANNI SAVORANI, CHAIRMAN OF CONFINDUSTRIA CERAMICA “International trade in all sectors has been affected by growing commercial tensions at world level, not only between the United States and China but elsewhere too, which are causing uncertainty among consumers and trade professionals. Recent studies show that the countries worst affected by this situation are those with high levels of exports and high levels of public debt, both of which apply to Italy. Despite the fact that the Italian ceramic industry has invested over 2 billion euros in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and in achieving world-leading levels of environmental sustainability in recent years, many of our international competitors still benefit from lower labour and energy costs and better road and port infrastructures.

This has been compounded by fierce competition from manufacturers of alternative materials.

To highlight how we differ from the latter, we ran a communication campaign entitled “The values of ceramic”, which involved over 60 Italian ceramic manufacturers.

Broadcast internationally, thanks to agreements with foreign associations of distributors, installers and manufacturers, it attracted over 12 million views. We are proud of this campaign, which won third prize in the Italian communication awards

held in Milan on 2 December last year by UNA, the Italian advertising and communication agency association.” Another key area of commitment for the industry is environmental sustainability, which is closely linked with the point made previously about investing in cutting-edge technology with a view to achieving “sustainability”. With this in mind, we signed a voluntary agreement with 10 municipal councils in “Ceramic Valley”, two provincial councils and the Emilia Romagna regional council, aimed at containing emissions in the area. This is a ground-breaking agreement, unparalleled elsewhere in Italy, and applies to a context in which the emissions levels of individual companies already fall significantly below the limits established by the European Union. The European Emission Trading system, however, puts our companies at a major competitive disadvantage compared with non-EU manufacturers. According to estimates produced by Nomisma Energia, the system will impose over €30 million/year of extra costs on Italian manufacturers in the period 2021-2030. These costs are comparable to a “tax on production factors” irrespective of the investment made by companies, in a situation where exceptionally high levels of efficiency

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

investments made in Industry 4.0 over the past five years, prompted companies to shut down for a few weeks over the Christmas period, as they did the previous year, in order to prevent undue build-ups

of stock.

This is the preliminary picture that emerges from the data processed by the Confindustria Research Centre in conjunction with Prometeia and BPER Banca SpA

and presented by Confindustria Ceramica at its end-of-year conference, which was also attended

by Acimac and Ceramicolor, the sister associations of the Italian ceramic supply chain.

THE ITALIAN CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019 est.

Production

512

368

387

400

367

363

382

395

416

422

410

409

Total sales

506

408

413

413

382

389

395

397

415

422

410

409

Domestic market

151

127

124

115

93

87

81

80

83

84

81

82

Export

355

281

289

298

289

303

314

317

331

338

328

326

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

Source: Confindustria Ceramica

perts under agreements with the Universities of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Bologna. This initiative has seen the launch of a Level 2 Master’s degree in Ceramic Technology and Business Studies, being taken by 16 graduates from scientific disciplines, who will make an in-depth study of all aspects of work in the ceramic industry over the course of this academic year, through internships and teaching input from ceramic company managers. I would like to reiterate the point that infrastructure is the key to boosting the competitiveness of our companies. It is therefore essential to start building the Campogalliano-Sassuolo road link, and designing the rail link between the Marzaglia and Dinazzano freight stations. It is also vital to reap maximum benefit from the investments approved for the Port of Ravenna, which plays a pivotal role as a natural landing point for our raw materials and will be able to receive larger, more efficient ships due to the one-metre increase in its depth. We are completing a study, in conjunction with the Port of Ravenna, under the terms of specific agreements, which we will present next spring, aimed at establishing how to increase exports of finished product to Eastern European markets via this same sea route.”

✕

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

409 MILL. SQ.M

TOTAL PRODUCTION

326 MILL. SQ.M

EXPORTS

409 MILL. SQ.M

TOTAL SALES

82 MILL. SQ.M

DOMESTIC MARKET

FOCUS

have already been achieved and technological progress capable of significantly reducing consumption is not available, either now or in the foreseeable future. The ETS Directive allows Member States to partially “compensate” businesses for the indirect costs they incur (the higher cost of the electricity they purchase). At present, the ceramic industry is not one of the sectors eligible for this compensation. As an energy-hungry sector, highly exposed to international competition, the ceramic industry runs the risk of seeing large slices of its manufacturing capacity off-shored to nonEU countries. The European Commission is scheduled to reach a decision on this matter in the coming weeks, and it is essential that this incomprehensible penalty be removed. Another crucial issue for the future of our industry is vocational training, which alongside investment in technological innovation and sustainable development, is the third pillar of our commitment to competitiveness. Confindustria Ceramica has taken wide-ranging action on this front, including carrying out a study of the industry’s training needs over the next five years, striking agreements with secondary schools and developing “ceramic modules”, in other words technical tuition held at certain faculties by ceramic industry ex-

S PA I N : T U R N OVE R G R OWS DESPITE FALL IN PRODUCTION Paola Giacomini

ECONOMICS

The Spanish ceramic tile industry recorded a positive 2019 in terms of turnover, which grew by 4% compared to 2018 to reach 3,740 million euros.

This included a strong performance in terms of both exports and domestic sales, which continued their upward trend and closed out the year at around 940

As regards sales, 75% of total revenues were generated by exports to 188 countries, amounting to an estimated value of 2,800 million euros (up 3% on 2018). This marks a new record for the Spanish industry and confirms the country’s position as the largest European exporter of tiles in volume and the second largest in the world. This was achieved in spite of the increase in the num- Vicente Nomdedeu ber of trade barriers put in place, which make it harder to operate in certain foreign markets. “We must not lose sight of the fact that we are living in a global world where uncertainty is the order of the day,” said Nomdedeu. “Rising protectionism, unresolved trade disputes, doubts surrounding the post-Brexit situation and the difficulties experienced in key markets are all factors that are limiting our export capacity.”

(104.2 million euros, +3.2%); and Germany, the only European market to have seen a contraction (95.7 million euros, -2.3%) as a result of the slowdown of the German economy as a whole.

The United States remained the second largest export market for Spanish tiles, with sales of 278.8 million euros in the first 11 months of the year, a further increase of 16.9%. “It’s likely that the United States will overtake France in 2020 and become our largest export market,” commented Nomdedeu. Results in other markets were significantly weaker. Sales in the Middle East fell by 12.6%, mainly due to the downturn in key markets such as Saudi Arabia (-15%), which has been stagnant since September due to the introduction of new requirements such as product quality certification, and Israel (-7.7%). Spain also saw a fall in exports to Latin America (67.4 million euros, -4.5%) and to the Russian Feder-

EXPORTS In the period January-November 2019, Europe confirmed its position as the largest market for Spanish tiles, accounting for 50.1% of total exports and recording a 5% rise in sales. The continent is home to four of the five largest foreign markets: France, where sales grew by 7.9% to 302.2 million euros; the United Kingdom, which also performed strongly (169.1 million euros, +6.7%) but saw an initial decline in November; Italy

TAB. 2 - TOP 10 EXPORT MARKETS FOR SPANISH TILES (MILLION €) - (January-November 2019) Country

TAB. 1 - THE SPANISH CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY 2018

2019

million euros (+8%).

By contrast, the country’s total production fell by an estimated 5% to 503 million square metres amid efforts by producers to im-

France

302.4

7.9%

USA

278.8

16.9%

United Kingdom

169.1

6.7%

Italy

104.2

3.0%

95.7

-2.3%

Morocco

93.0

15.5%

Israel

84.0

-7.7%

Germany

Var % 19/18 (est.)

Var. % Jan-Nov 2019 / Jan-Nov 2018

Jan/Nov 2019 (million €)

530

503

-5%

Total Sales (million €)

3,597

3,740

4%

Saudi Arabia

69.7

-15.0%

Total Exports (million €)

2,727

2,800

3%

Russian Fed.

66.3

-4.2%

870

940

8%

Portugal

64.3

11.3%

National production (million sq.m)

Domestic Sales (million €) Source: ASCER

Source: ASCER

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

prove stock management.

These trends were confirmed by the chairman of the sector’s national association ASCER, Vicente Nomdedeu,

who presented the main results and prospects for 2020 at the customary press conference held during Cevisama.

ternative new products are emerging at the expense Chiara Bruzzichelli of ceramics.” c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

ation (66.3 million euros, -4.2%), in line with an overall 2.2% contraction in Eastern Europe. Conversely, sales in Africa grew by 4% overall despite the slowdown in the Maghreb region and the falls in some countries in the area, including Algeria. Nomdedeu expressed a cautious outlook for 2020. “The Spanish ceramic industry continues to demonstrate its competitiveness by growing in important markets, although each year more and more countries are developing their own local production,” he said. “And while ceramic tiles have succeeded in gaining share in new fields of application by replacing other materials, it is also true that al-

THE CHALLENGES FACING THE SECTOR

Nomdedeu also offered a detailed analysis of the challenges facing the sector in 2020 and the main steps that need to be taken to address them.

One of the most common requests among business leaders is the call for an Industry Plan. “We’re very concerned about the way the manufacturing industry is losing share within the composition of the European Union’s GDP. If we want to reach the target of 20%, we need to create an industry plan TAB. 3 - SPANISH CERAMIC TILE EXPORTS BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA that will support the various industrial sec(JANUARY-NOVEMBER 2018-2019) - (Million EUR and %) tors, reduce the trade barriers we face in our Jan/Nov Jan/Nov % Var. % of total Destination everyday business, boost competitiveness 2018 2019 19/18 2019 exports and promote investment in innovation. No Europe 1,250.7 1,313.1 5.0% 50.1% progress has been made in this area,” comEuropean Union-UE28 1,073.4 1,140.2 6.2% 43.5% plained Nomdedeu. Another urgent request EU15 888.9 941.7 5.9% 36.0% made by the Chairman of ASCER to the counEurozone 758.5 803.9 6.0% 30.7% try’s political leaders concerns the need for a stable regulatory framework, adequate infraEU New members 184.5 198.5 7.6% 7.6% structure (northern access to the Port of VaEastern Europe 149.8 146.5 -2.2% 5.6% lencia and the development of the MediterraMiddle East 406.6 356.7 -12.3% 13.6% nean Corridor) and fair energy costs. NomdeAmerica 465.9 510.8 9.6% 19.5% deu commented: “Energy accounts for 13% of North America 313.5 352.0 12.3% 13.4% our production costs and Spanish companies now pay 45% more for gas than their EuropeUSA 238.4 278.8 16.9% 10.6% an competitors”, all of which are critical factors Central America 81.9 91.4 11.6% 3.5% for success in exports markets. Among the South America 70.5 67.4 -4.5% 2.6% causes for concern, Nomdedeu also pointed Asia 513.4 465.4 -9.3% 17.8% to the increasing shortage of qualified tile layFar East 66.1 76.5 15.8% 2.9% ers, an important issue as tile is a material that can only be considered “finished” once it has South East 30.7 30.0 -2.2% 1.1% been installed. “We call on local and national Africa 291.5 303.3 4.1% 11.6% administrations to promote access to training Maghreb 185.0 185.2 0.1% 7.1% and retraining programmes in a field that ofOceania 27.0 26.7 -1.3% 1.0% fers plenty of job opportunities, especially for WORLD TOTAL young people.” ✕ 2,548.5 2,619.4 2.8% 100%

Source: ASCER

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

WO R L D S A N I TA RYWA R E EXPORTS AND IMPORTS Luca Baraldi - Acimac Research Dept. (studi@acimac.it)

World ceramic sanitaryware import/ export flows grew by 95.4% from 1.72 to 3.36 million tons over the

period 2008-2018, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%. In 2018 sanitaryware exports

World ceramic sanitaryware import/export flows grew by 95.4% from 1.72 to 3.36 million tons over the period 2008-2018, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%. In 2018 sanitaryware exports continued to rise with 9.4% growth on 2017, marking a positive trend in all geographical areas of production.

were also up 2.3% to 375,000 tons, almost entirely from Mexico, while exports from South America rose 12% to 89,000 tons. In 2018, non-EU European countries continued their 8-year export expansion trend (+8.4% to 220,000 tons), driven by a further surge in Turkish exports (+9.6%). Finally, Africa remained stable at 2017 values with 66,000 tons.

Asia further consolidated its position as the largest world sanitaryware exporter with an increase in its share of world exports from 58% to 60% thanks to further strong growth in 2018 (2 million tons, +13.4%). This was largely due to Chinese exports, although the other main Asian exporters (India, Thailand and Vietnam) also registered double-digit export growth. The European Union, the world’s second largest exporter, closed 2018 with 2.7% growth to 593,000 tons thanks to the strong performance of Portugal, Germany and Poland, while Italian exports remained stable at 2017 values.

Sanitaryware exports from North America (NAFTA)

ECONOMICS

continued to rise with 9.4% growth on 2017, marking a positive trend in all geographical areas of production.

A glance at the ten-year period as a whole provides a clear picture of how exports have evolved in each area and in particular reveals the exceptional growth of Asia, whose exports have risen almost fourfold from 511,000 tons to 2 million tons (CAGR 2018/2008 +14.7%). Asia saw its percentage share of global exports rise from 29.7% in 2008 to the current figure of 60%, winning shares from all the other regions.

The EU, which suffered an overall 3.5% downswing with respect to the volumes exported in 2008, saw its share of world trade shrink from 36% to 17.6%. The NAFTA re-

Asia

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

511,719 1,244,240 1,220,553 1,367,539 1,679,102 1,666,314 1,618,601 1,780,198 2,018,942 13.4%

% on 2018 world exports

2011

CAGR 18/08

2008

% 18/17

TAB. 1 - EXPORTS OF SANITARYWARE BY AREA (TONS)

14.7%

60.0% 17.6%

European Union

614,507

532,638

523,150

519,939

530,149

569,475

583,409

577,393

592,991

2.7% -0.4%

Other Europe

148,553

145,787

169,188

171,264

178,482

185,960

187,805

203,077

220,127

8.4%

4.0%

6.5%

NAFTA

271,946

303,537

290,715

320,345

329,677

340,565

368,326

366,973

375,412

2.3%

3.3%

11.2%

South America

125,625

108,848

102,328

88,800

82,515

72,548

80,315

79,513

89,357 12.4% -3.3%

2.7%

47,152

37,233

68,672

73,779

88,524

84,042

71,958

65,933

66,113

3.4%

2.0%

1,971

1,063

875

608

847

902

1,084

411

583 41.8% -11.5%

0.0%

1,721,473 2,373,346

2,375,481

9.8

0.1

Africa Oceania TOTAL WORLD % var y-o-y

2,542,274 2,889,296 2,919,806

7.0

13.7

2,911,498 3,073,498 3,363,525

1.1

Source: Acimac Research Dept. on BSRIA and ITC data

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

-0.3

5.6

9.4

0.3%

9.4%

6.9%

100.0%

gion’s share fell from 16% to 11% despite overall 38% growth in exports over the decade. South America, which in 2008 accounted for 7% of world exports, saw its share contract to 2.7% following a 28% slump in volumes over the 10-year period (CAGR -3.3%). One partial exception concerned non-EU European countries, which experienced a more moderate decline over the 10-year period (from 8.6% to 6.5%) thanks to a 48% increase in export volumes. Africa likewise saw 40% export growth over the decade to maintain an approximately 2% share of global sanitaryware trade.

year-on-year growth in their sanitaryware exports, the Chiara Bruzzichelli only exceptions being Poland (-0.8%) and Italy (-3.8%). c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it China continued to top the rankings with 1.53 million tons in 2018, up from 244,000 tons in 2008 (corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 20%).

In 2018 it achieved 11.2% growth over 2017 to set a new all-time record. China alone accounted for 76% of Asian and 53% of world exports.

Mexico, the second largest exporter country with an 11.9% share of global exports, reached 343,000 tons (up 5% on 2017), maintaining the upward trend that has continued uninterruptedly since 2013.

With almost 33% growth over 2017 to 183,000 tons, India climbed to third place ahead of fourth-ranking Turkey with 154,000 tons of exports (up 9.6% on 2017).

There were no major changes in the rankings of the top 10 exporter countries in 2018 with respect to the previous year, apart from India overtaking Turkey to reach third position and Germany climbing above Poland to seventh. Eight out of the ten countries saw

An analysis of 2018 imports to the various continents

2012

2013

% on 2018 world exports

2011

CAGR 18/08

2008

% 18/17

TAB. 2 - THE TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES (TONS)

11.2%

20.1%

53.2%

5.0%

4.2%

11.9%

137,717

182,691 32.7%

8.3%

6.3%

127,065

140,759

154,285

9.6%

4.3%

5.4%

87,434

93,891

94,164

101,654

8.0%

1.7%

3.5%

75,794

79,242

81,016

86,512

96,067

11.0%

2.9%

3.3%

58,343

65,734

79,124

75,478

81,952

8.6%

2.2%

2.8%

EXPORTS 2.6% -0.8% 21.5%

2.7%

2014

2015

2016

2017

China

244,769

958,533

918,750

1,015,513

1,280,270

1,335,212

Mexico

227,734

245,964

237,954

268,502

276,984

295,439

322,169

326,289

82,511

90,611

118,226

134,255

119,626

119,752

135,776

Turkey

101,195

101,350

113,445

119,602

125,256

120,613

Portugal

85,538

65,552

67,251

68,525

78,360

Thailand

71,949

58,712

56,976

68,107

Germany

66,058

68,291

66,712

56,560

India

2018

1,238,558 1,378,951 1,532,833 342,666

Poland

85,167

70,342

66,723

70,890

69,913

77,048

80,323

76,620

78,617

Vietnam

21,415

24,570

32,088

42,750

57,424

47,892

50,064

63,864

73,809 15.6%

13.2%

2.6%

79,016

54,616

52,815

54,895

53,871

57,601

49,613

53,362

53,410

-3.8%

1.9%

2,195,841 2,285,967

2,257,599

Italy TOTAL % on total world exports

1,065,352 61.9%

1,738,541 1,730,940 1,899,599 73.3%

72.9%

74.7%

76.0%

78.3%

Source: Acimac Research Dept. on BSRIA and ITC data

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

77.5%

2,433,716 2,697,984 79.2%

80.2%

0.1%

% on 2018 world imports

CAGR 18/08

% 18/17

TAB. 3 - IMPORTS OF SANITARYWARE BY AREA (TONS)

2008

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Asia

286,744

618,296

581,573

654,386

847,357

786,747

807,740

854,032

953,675

11.7% 12.8%

28.4%

European Union

663,661

713,015

669,815

667,755

729,926

791,230

813,533

844,732

888,682

5.2%

3.0%

26.4%

Other Europe

122,983

107,822

115,890

124,121

124,274

89,730

71,027

78,115

90,937 16.4% -3.0%

2.7%

NAFTA

454,312

606,694

626,710

704,168

749,982

809,546

819,357

867,304

948,440

9.4%

7.6%

28.2%

South America

80,759

139,156

147,494

134,075

136,408

146,436

130,758

140,950

145,571

3.3%

6.1%

4.3%

Africa

89,780

147,015

193,551

212,059

247,685

235,631

199,740

221,986

259,307 16.8%

11.2%

7.7%

Oceania

23,234

41,348

40,448

45,710

53,664

60,486

69,343

66,379

76,913 15.9%

12.7%

2.3%

6.9%

100.0%

TOTAL WORLD

1.721.473 2.373.346 2.375.481 2.542.274 2.889.296 2.919.806 2.911.498 3.073.498 3.363.525 9.8

% var y-o-y

0.1

7.0

13.7

1.1

-0.3

5.6

9.4%

9.4

Source: Acimac Research Dept. on BSRIA and ITC data

ECONOMICS

not only confirms Asia, North America and the European Union as the three regions accounting for the majority of sanitaryware imports but also reveals that they are almost level in terms of imported volumes: Asia

954,000 tons (28.4% of global imports, +11.7% on 2017), North America 948,000 tons (28.2% of global imports, +9.4% on 2017) and the EU 889,000 tons (26.4% of global imports, +5.6% on 2017).

% 18/17

CAGR 18/08

% on 2018 world imports

TAB. 4 - THE TOP IMPORTING COUNTRIES (TON)

388,393

495,986

508,466

585,081

624,259

683,754

690,580

738,913

811,635

9.8%

7.6%

24.1%

Germany

94,548

114,715

111,368

111,505

128,532

142,391

147,719

147,610

156,859

6.3%

5.2%

4.7%

Korea Rep.

19,534

105,416

94,980

99,658

115,816

132,361

148,344

143,662

146,027

1.6% 22.3%

4.3%

United Kingdom

93,288

108,143

108,352

116,765

138,337

147,323

145,992

151,904

138,019 -9.1%

4.0%

4.1%

France

102,426

118,933

118,084

107,797

104,078

101,819

107,421

116,870

125,738

7.6%

2.1%

3.7%

Spain

104,912

84,827

70,252

70,745

82,755

88,245

93,758

89,036

108,096 21.4%

0.3%

3.2%

Canada

58,207

92,441

105,658

104,119

109,559

104,119

108,622

106,137

103,381 -2.6%

5.9%

3.1%

Italy

44,971

61,577

52,204

51,925

53,181

55,328

61,716

63,316

66,428

4.0%

2.0%

Australia

17,102

34,126

33,389

37,665

44,930

51,466

57,987

54,913

65,215 18.8% 14.3%

1.9%

Nigeria

11,272

40,744

46,309

50,765

61,460

59,144

40,579

48,514

57,134 17.8% 17.6%

1.7%

2008

USA

total % on total world imports

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

934.653 1.256.908 1.249.063 1.336.025 1.462.908 1.565.950 1.602.718 1.660.875 1.778.532 54.3%

53.0%

52.6%

52.6%

50.6%

53.6%

Source: Acimac Research Dept. on BSRIA and ITC data

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

55.0%

54.0%

52.9%

4.9%

FIG. 1 - SANITARYWARE EXPORTS BY AREA (Shares in % - 2008 VS. 2018)

Imports to all other areas increased, albeit with much lower volumes: +16.4% to non-EU European countries, +3.3% to South America, +16.8% to Africa and +16% to Oceania.

The 2018 rankings of the 10 largest sanitaryware importing countries remained almost unchanged with respect to the previous year, apart from a few variations in position and the entrance of Australia and Ni-

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MACHINERY ECONOMIC STUDIES

FIG. 2 - SANITARYWARE IMPORTS BY AREA (shares in % - 2008 VS. 2018)

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

geria in place of Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Eight of the ten countries saw their imports increase.

Overall, the ten largest sanitaryware importers accounted for 53% of global sanitaryware imports (1.78 million tons).

while imports to Canada fell (103,000 tons, -2.6%). The new entries Australia and Nigeria closed out the rankings with import volumes of 65,000 and 57,000 tons, up respectively by 18% and 19%.

One final point of interest is the analysis of the main export destinations with respect to the geographical areas of production. Four areas out of seven sell the vast majority of their exports within their own geographical regions or continents: 97% of North American exports remain in the NAFTA region; 90% of Oceania’s exports remain in Oceania; 83% of the European Union’s exports are sold in EU markets; and 77% of South American exports remain in Latin America.

At the other extreme, 89% of exports from non-EU Europe are sold in other regions, particularly the EU (Turkey’s largest export market). Likewise, Asia ships 57% of its exports outside the Asian continent thanks to the ability of China and India to ship to almost all areas of the world. ✕

ECONOMICS

The United States was once again the world’s biggest sanitaryware importer in 2018 with 812,000 tons (9.8% up on 2017). It retained a strong lead over all other importer countries with 24% of world imports, as well as almost all (86%) of imports to the NAFTA region.

This marks a longstanding record considering that in 2007 the USA imported 389,000 tons, 22.6% of world imports.

Germany climbed to second place with imports of 157,000 tons in 2018 (+6.3% on 2017) and South Korea to third (146,000 tons, +1.6%), while the UK saw a 9% fall (138,000 tons). Other countries registering growth in imported volumes were France (126,000 tons, +7.6%), Spain (108,000 tons, +21%) and Italy (66,000 tons, +5%),

FIG. 3 - EXPORT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE INTEGRATED AREAS (SAME CONTINENT OF PRODUCTION) - % SHARES

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

FLAVIKER, Brand of ABK Group Industrie Ceramiche S.p.A flavikerpisa.it

S A N I TA RYWA R E T H E B I G P L AY E R S I N T H E S E C T O R Luca Baraldi - Acimac Research Dept. (studi@acimac.it)

ECONOMICS

1

Roca Group

2

Kohler Group

3

Geberit Group

4

TOTO Ltd

available we also provide the figures for turnover generated purely from sales of sanitaryware. This allows for

Spain

n.a.

35.4

80

1,800.0 (sanitaryware, tiles, distribution)

82 (total group). Sanitaryware plants in Spain (9), rest of Europe, South America, North Africa, Asia

Roca, Laufen, Celite, Incepa, Parryware, Jika, Ying, Santeri, Santek

USA

22.0*

18.0*

n.a.

n.a.

12 in USA, Mexico, Brazil, France, Morocco, Thailand, India, China

Kohler, Jacob Delafon, Sterling, Ann Sacks Kolo, Keramag, Ido, Ifo, Colombo, Koralle, Selles, Allia, Pozzi Ginori, Porsgrund, Sphinx

Country

Swit.

Japan

Exports %

Production (mill. Pcs.)

Group

the big players (large multinationals, groups or individual companies) updated to 31 December 2018. Where

Installed capacity (mill. Pcs.)

To round off the international trade figures for the sanitaryware sector, we are presenting the key figures for

Total group turnover (mill. â‚Ź)

Sanitaryware plants / Location

Main Brands / Companies

14.0*

12.0*

n.a.

2.761,0

Sanitaryware plants in Finland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Italy, Ukraine

n.a.

12.0

n.a.

4,703.0 (bathroom, tiles, other)

3 in Japan + 11 in China, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Thailand, USA, Mexico

TOTO

2 in Colombia + 6 in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, USA

Corona, Mansfield, Incesa Standard, American Standard, Lamosa, Ecoline, Vortens

Colombia

14.4

10.9

n.a.

477.5 (317.5 sanitaryware, 160 tiles)

Lixil Corporation

Japan

1012*

7-8*

n.a.

7,087.0 (sanitaryware & other businesses)

10 in Japan, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa

American Standard, Lixil, Inax, Grohe, Jaxson

7

Duratex

Brazil

11.3*

n.a.

n.a.

1,025.0 (sanitaryware & other activities)

5 in Brazil

Deca

8

Cersanit

Poland

8

n.a.

68

n.a.

1 in Poland, 1 in Russia, 1 in Ukraine, 1 in Romania

Cersanit, Mito, Opoczno

9

Ideal Standard

Belgium

5.5*

5.5*

n.a.

666,1

1 in Italy, 1 in Czech Rep., 1 in Bulgaria, 1 in UK

Ideal Standard, Jado, Armitage Shanks, Dolomite

10

Lecico

Egypt

6.8

5.3

65

135.3 (79 sanitaryware, 49 tiles, 4.3 other)

3 in Egypt (incl. Tiles), 1 in Lebanon

Lecico

11

Eczacibasi VitrA

Turkey

5.6

4.9

76

604.0 (157.0 sanitaryware, 242.0 tiles, 204.0 other activities)

1 in Turkey, 1 in Russia

VitrA

12

RAK Ceramics PJSC

2 in UAE, 1 in India, 1 in Bangladesh

RAK

13

Duravit

3 in Germany, 1 in France, 2 in Egypt, 1 in Turkey, 3 in China, 1 in Tunisia, 1 in India

Duravit

5

Corona

6

UAE

5.0

4.6

35

641 (115 sanitaryware, 434 tiles, 92 other activities)

Germany

n.a.

3.8

80

465

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

14

Cisa SA

Ecuador

4.5

3.5

complete picture of group size, we also include total or consolidated turnover.

The figures were supplied directly by

Exports %

Country

Production (mill. Pcs.)

Group

Installed capacity (mill. Pcs.)

a more uniform comparison between large groups which often operate in multiple segments. To provide a more

30

the companies themselves or in some cases were based on estimates or obtained from public sources.

Total group turnover (mill. â‚Ź)

Sanitaryware plants / Location

Main Brands / Companies

103.0 (80.0 sanitaryware, 6.0 tiles, 17.0 other activities)

1 in Ecuador, 1 in Chile

Edesa, Briggs, Fanaloza

348.0 (102.0 sanitaryware, 246.0 other activities)

2 in India

Hindware, Benelave, Alchemy, Queo, Evok, Amore, Moonbow, Hindware Italian Collection, Rassi, H Vitreous, AGI

15

HSIL Limited

India

3.8

3.3

1

16

Cera Sanitaryware

India

3.3*

3.0*

n.a.

n.a.

1 in India

Cera

17

Creavit

Turkey

2.5

2.5

40

n.a.

2 in turkey

Creavit

18

Turkuaz Seramik

Turkey

3.0*

2.5*

n.a.

n.a.

2 in Turkey

Turkuaz, Cerastyle

19

Saudi Ceramics

Saudi Arabia

n.a.

2.5*

n.a.

242.3 (tiles, sanitaryware)

2 in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Ceramics

20

Trebol

Peru

3.0

2.4

18

44.6 (tiles, sanitaryware)

1 in Peru

Trebol, Barcelona, Ibero

21

Villeroy & Boch

Germany

3.5*

2.4*

n.a.

853.1 (584.3 sanitaryware, 266.2 tableware)

14 (total group) in Germany, Mexico, Thailand

Villeroy & Boch

22

Ferrum

Argentina

n.a.

2.4*

n.a.

89.9 (sanitaryware)

2 in Argentina

Ferrum

23

Siam Sanitary Ware

Thailand

2.6

2

22

88 (sanitaryware)

2 in Thailand

COTTO

24

Ceramic Industries

South Africa

2.3*

2.0*

n.a.

n.a.

2 in South Africa

Betta, Bettabath

25

Ceramica Cleopatra

Egypt

2.5*

2.0*

n.a.

n.a.

2 in Egypt

Cleopatra, Eldorado

26

Kirovskaya Keramika

Russia

2.0*

2.0*

n.a.

34,4

1 in Russia

Kirovskaya

39

235.0 (18.2 sanitaryware, 190.0 tiles, 27.0 other activities)

1 in Turkey

Kale, Ida

27

Kale Group

Turkey

1.6

1.1

* Estimates - Source: Acimac Research Department (studi@acimac.it)

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

CERAMIC&DESIGN

by Federica Andreini

STEPHAN WESPI Postfossil: saving money, naturally Stashing away your savings is more fun when seen through the eyes of a squirrel stashing away its acorns. “Cagnotte” may look like a simple ornament from the outside, but its value grows and grows on the inside.

It recasts the traditional money box in the form of a design complement, and portrays saving not as sacrifice but as a challenge to ration available resources.

To find out how much you’ve got in your acorn, however, you’ll have to smash it.

PHOTONEWS

www.postfossil.ch

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

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

MARTA BORDES BLANCO The new elasticity of light “Satellite”, “Campana” and “Flexo” are three new products by Marta Bordes Blanco that take a fresh, new look at ceramic lamp design.

Marta Bordes aims to showcase the playful movement that can be brought to ceramic and the material’s capacity to form part of a mechanism.

This enhances its interaction with the user and generates new ways of shaping and projecting light.

Ceramic is in motion at last. www.marta-bordes.com

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

PRO GRESS PROFILES WORLDWIDE Progress Profiles, a leading manufacturer of technical and decorative profiles and installation systems, headquartered in Asolo

in the Italian province of Treviso, closed financial year 2019 with growth of almost 12%.

The result marks a continuation of

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tile International: Which is the most successful

the double-digit growth reported the previous year and derives from the consolidation of the company’s Italian revenues and an increase in

covering a host of functions, and our latest release, product you have ever launched in Italy and worldwide? which we unveiled at Cersaie 2019 and are now takDennis Bordin: “In 35 years of business, we’ve de- ing to Coverings, is Prodeso Drain: it’s a multifunction signed and developed over 15,000 products and 15 in- membrane equipped with an air chamber that generstallation systems to meet the needs of a market that ates micro-ventilation in such a way as to expel any wahas become more and more demandter that may have penetrated through ing, not just in functional terms but the grouting, while also preventing the from an aesthetic and environmental formation of saline efflorescence and point of view too. stopping the triacetates from adheSo it’s very difficult to single out a spesives rising to the surface. Once laid, cific product or system that has achieved the most this three-layer membrane with a special shape desuccess… Having said that, Proleveling System, the signed to allow micro-ventilation creates the right conpatented levelling system that enables you to install ditions to enable the adhesive to dry completely, parfloor coverings quickly, easily and faultlessly, is cer- ticularly when working with large-format ceramic pantainly one of our best-sellers. Ours is the only system els and large-format marble tiles, while also solving in the world that offers a wide range of levellers with possible adhesive problems relating to freeze-thaw spaced notches for separating or abutting medium and cycles. The new membrane has a high degree of elaslarge-format ceramic coverings and also marble, nat- ticity and decouples the floor covering from the subural stone or extra-slim floor tiles. In the latest version, floor. This significantly reduces cracking and breakage the transparent, perforated pommel caps enable you of the floor covering and helps vent out vapour presto keep a close eye on the alignment of the joints be- sure even when laid over subfloors that are cracked tween the tiles, thus ensuring perfect planarity and the and not fully cured. utmost precision. Another product that has earned a lot Tile International: How has your electric underfloor of acclaim is our Proterrace System, which protects the and in-wall heating system been received on export edges of perimeter tiles on terraces and balconies to markets? stop water getting into the screed and to maximise the D. Bordin: Designed and patented to bring the utservice life of the floor system. The perimeter profiles most comfort to bathrooms by combining flexibility available for this system include Proterrace Drain Drip, with functionality, Prodeso Heat & Stick and Prodeso which is our latest patented model equipped with a Heat Grip System XL are underfloor and in-wall electric spacer to ensure its correct positioning. It also features heating systems that can be installed in a single day, an adhesive strip made of open-cell polyurethane that even over existing coverings, and warm up the room prevents the silicone and adesive from obstructing the in a matter of minutes without wasting any energy. It’s drainage holes, stops the fastening components from an extremely flexible heating system because it can coming out, protects the front be installed even in small areface against damage and alas and controlled totally indeTraining is very important. That’s why Prolows rainwater to drain off proppendently, even from a remote gress Profiles has always invested a lot in it erly without marking the edge location by means of a smartby running workshops and training seminars, of the terrace. phone, so that you can switch it both theory and practice, in many cities in Italy But there’s a lot of demand for and abroad, from the United States to Eastern on or off and set the ideal temour membranes too. That’s why Europe and South-East Asia. perature for each area, thus opwe have a wide range of them, timising your comfort and ener-

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

its exports, which accounted for over 40% of total revenues in 2019.

One of the key factors behind the expansion of the company’s foreign

business is the work of its three subsidiaries: Progress Profiles America Inc. in Randolph, New Jersey, USA;

Progress Profiles Middle East LLC in Dubai, UAE; and Progress Profiles Oceania PTY Ltd. in Melbourne, Australia.

gy consumption.

D. Bordin: “Italy is synonymous Chiara Bruzzichelli So these products take care of the We currently serve over 80 countries with the professionalism of everyc.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it environment as well as taking care worldwide, thanks to the hard work one who works in the industry. of our headquarters and our three of people...”

As well as being our top market, Tile International: How important foreign subsidiaries, which are the the Italian market is always the is it to provide trade profession- nerve centres of our export operations most competitive, always attentive als with training to give them the and now account for no less than 40% to detail and always keen to keep of our total revenues. One of our top knowledge they need to install Proup to date with new technologies goals for 2020 is to keep our momentum gress Profiles systems properly? and installation systems. going relentlessly, and keep increasing D. Bordin: “Training is very imporFrance, like the rest of Europe – our market share worldwide. tant. That’s why Progress Profiles central, east and north – is one of has always invested a lot in it by the markets that most resembles running workshops and refresher courses, both theory our own, where customers, specifiers and designers and practice, in many cities in Italy and abroad, from the are always looking for systems that deliver top-class United States to Eastern Europe and South-East Asia. results not only from a functional point of view, but also These courses are dedicated to trade professionals, in terms of styling and design. local agents and resellers. In June last year, we even As for other countries, each market certainly has its opened a temporary showroom in the heart of Paris, at own distinctive needs and characteristics, but ItalLAB Paris, where we held training and refresher cours- ian expertise and the quality of Italian-made installaes for customers and professionals. tion products are always highly regarded. In the UnitIn 2019, we added a further 300sqm to the Progress ed States, for example, Proleveling System and ProdeTraining Centre at our headquarters in Asolo, which now comprises a 200sqm operations room, a 200sqm training area and a fully equipped 250sqm workshop for giving demonstrations of the application of Progress Profiles systems to architects, engineers, surveyors, specifiers, contractors and installers.

Our company forges personal relationships with customers, thanks to a first-class technical support service, which enables us to respond efficiently to any questions or requirements at the operational stage.

What’s more, we’ve been using the major social media channels for many years and have built up a huge community of professionals and enthusiasts around our company. We interact with people on social media on a daily basis by answering questions on our whole range of products and our latest releases, and putting them in touch with our local agents for their country.”

Tile International: What are the biggest differencDennis Bordin es between the Italian market and the export market?

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

so Heat System are still having a lot of success not only because they are simple to use but also because they deliver perfect, long-lasting results. We’re also earning a lot of acclaim for our technical and design profiles and other installation systems, such as the Proshower System, combined with the Profoil Panel for bathrooms, and the new Prosupport Tube System. We’ve paid close attention to the increase in demand for “warm flooring” in LVT and laminate, and patented a multifunctional system called Promultifix System.”

Tile International: Which are your top export mar-

PROSHOWER SYSTEM USA The only water collecting duct system with a real touch design

WEDGE PANELS, different shower channels and a series of profiles to finish the outer edges of the shower tray and holds the shower glass.

To obtain a perfect slope of the shower tray, the isolating PRE-SLOPED WEDGE PANELS are a 2% sloped shower pans that facilitate tile installation by providing an optimal pitch for efficient water drain.

For a perfect water flowing towards the drain, PROSHOWER LINEAR DRAIN BASE or BASE OFF-CENTER – in stainless steel - and PROSHOWER LINEAR DRAIN BASE POLYPROPYLENE are two shower channel equipped with 360 ° adjustable drain and removable head flanges for connecting two or more shower channels.

Available in different lengths and equipped with 5 different stainless steel finish grids, for a touch of modern design,

kets and what are your forecasts for 2020?

D. Bordin: “We currently serve over 80 countries worldwide, thanks to the hard work of our headquarters and our three foreign subsidiaries, which are the nerve centres of our export operations and now account for no less than 40% of our total revenues.

One of our top goals for 2020 is to keep our momentum going relentlessly, and keep increasing our market share worldwide. We’ve achieved growth in almost

Shower is definitely the main character within a bathroom and flush to floor shower is often preferred because of its convenience and customizable design.

Progress Profiles has always paid attention to customers’ requests and installers’ needs, creating exclusive solutions such as PROSHOWER SYSTEM USA, a flush water collecting system, combining flexibility, functionality and design, which allows to realize a comfortable and refined shower specific for the American and Canadian markets.

The whole system is composed by several elements as the waterproofing PROFOIL MEMBRANE, the PRE-SLOPED

Proshower System USA Linear

Proshower System USA Central

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

Proshower Profil Front

every European country, from Portugal to Russia, and in the Middle East, the United States and Central and South America. We’ve also achieved small but significant market share in the Far East and Oceania, which will help us expand our global growth at an increasing pace.”

Tile International: What results did you achieve in 2019 and what are your expectations for the months to come?

D. Bordin: “This is an important year for our company because we’ll be celebrating our 35th anniversary in

August: it’s a significant milestone, which we’ve reached through the hard work of a close-knit team of knowledgeable professionals, in which every team member contributes enthusiastically to our overall growth. Our results for 2019 were excellent and the Group as a whole recorded growth of 11 to 12%, but our main focus is obviously on the future and in 2020 we’ll carry on experimenting and investing in R&D with a view to developing state-of-the-art solutions and technologies, using high-quality materials with low environmental impact.” ✕

they avoid malodorous stagnation. After the production cycle, PROSHOWER LINEAR DRAIN BASE and BASE OFF-CENTER undergo electro-polishing and then passivation to make the product fully corrosion-resistant.

The process of electro-polishing guarantees a smoother and shinier surface: the metal becomes much easier to clean and the surface shiny, reflective and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the following passivation protects the metal surfaces from decay.

So to realize a floor-level shower with central drain body, Progress Profiles realized PROSHOWER CENTRAL DRAIN BASE, made in stainless-steel, that includes a tileable drain cover/ grid for a custom invisible drain look. This drain body undergoes electro-polishing and passivation too.

For modern and contemporary design the perimeter of the

shower basis is defined by a glass shower wall. PROSHOWER PROFILE (Glass / Wall / Front) is a series of stainless steel profiles, for the protection of glass edges and the connection between inclined floor tiles and wall surrounding tiles: PROSHOWER PROFILE GLASS is a suitable profile for fixing glass slabs; PROSHOWER PROFILE WALL is designed to provide a finished look to the sloped side of the wall with a preset slope of 2% to match the slope of the pre-pitched shower floor; PROSHOWER PROFILE FRONT, instead is a satin-finish stainless steel profile designed to cover and decorate the flat visible part of the wall behind the drain location. PROLISTEL CHANNEL is a F-shaped strip available in satin anodized silver and polished silver aluminum designed to host glass panel and provide a flush finish to the wall and floor coverings in ceramic tiles and natural stones.

Proshower Profile Glass

Proshower Profil Wall

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

focus on

Coverings 2020 CERAMIC TILES & MORE

picture: ABK @ Cersaie 2019 - photo by: Giancarlo Pradelli

22 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 3 / 2 0 1 9

THE U.S. FLOORING MARKET: WHO IS GOING TO WIN? Joe Lundgren - Joseph Lundgren Consulting, USA

ECONOMICS - FOCUS ON COVERINGS 2020

“The United States is one of the most sought-after markets for ceramic tile producers on the planet. There are a number of reasons for this. The US market has one of the world’s most stable and safest currencies and

“The United States is one of the most sought-after markets for ceramic tile producers on the planet. There are a number of reasons for this.

The US market has one of the world’s most stable and safest currencies and economies.

And the fact that it is one of the smallest users of ceramic tile per capita out of the many industrialized nations means it has enormous potential for growth.

economies. And the fact that it is one of the smallest users of ceramic tile per capita out of the many industrialized nations means it has enormous potential for growth.

The US market amounts to a total

of 288.8 million square metres (2018), of which 72% consists of imports and 28% is covered by eight domestic companies with 11 factories (a figure that will rise to 12 in 2021 with the addition of

The US market amounts to a total of 288.8 million square metres (2018), of which 72% consists of imports and 28% is covered by eight domestic companies with 11 factories (a figure that will rise to 12 in 2021 with the addition of Portobello from Brazil).

With a total capacity of 107 million square metres (of which Dal-Tile accounts for 49%), the US manufacturers would only be capable of supplying 37% of consumption even if all their capacity was fully utilized.

Joe Lundgren

FIG. 1: US FLOOR COVERING IN US $

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

Portobello from Brazil).

With a total capacity of 107 million square metres (of which Dal-Tile accounts for 49%), the US manufacturers would only be capable of supplying 37%

of consumption even if all their capacity was fully utilized.

Over the last 10 years, the share of the flooring market covered by carpet has been gradually eroded by other materials, dropping by

more than 11 percentage points (fig 1). Ceramic has grown to 14.4% and wood 13%, but it is vinyl and particularly LVT that has seen the most rapid growth in share to reach 12.6% of the market in just 4 years.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

Over the last 10 years, the share of the flooring market covered by carpet has been gradually eroded by other materials, dropping by more than 11 percentage points (fig 1).

Ceramic has grown to 14.4% and wood 13%, but it is vinyl and particularly LVT that has seen the most rapid growth in share to reach 12.6% of the market in just 4 years.

NEW DUTIES ON CHINESE IMPORTS

In April 2019, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Ceramic Tile (which is made up of US ceramic manufacturers) filed petitions to introduce antidumping duty and countervailing duty on Chinese tile imports.

The U.S. Department of Commerce concluded its investigations on September 9, 2019 with the announcement in favour of countervailing duty (from TAB. 1 - BREAKDOWN OF US MARKET IN 2018 AND POTENTIAL 103.77% to 222.24%).

INCREASES AFTER ELIMINATING CHINESE IMPORTS This was followed on November 7 by the adopADDITIONAL tion of antidumping duty of between 114.49% SQUARE METERS SQUARE METERS COUNTRY 2018 MIX and 356.02%.

DEC. 2018 YTD OPPORTUNITY BY COUNTRY With China’s exit from the US market now all but certain, the race is on to win a slice of the China 64,325,996 22% 64.3 million square metres (approximately US Mexico 35,231,751 12% 10,096,119 $483.1 million) of Chinese products imported in Italy 33,462,852 12% 9,589,218 2018.

Spain 28,829,794 10% 8,261,555 We will focus on 2018 market share, because we saw large increases in Chinese imports in Brazil 14,830,452 5% 4,249,860 2019 to “beat” the potential duties.

Turkey 11,948,588 4% 3,424,024 The most logical thing would be for the curPeru 5,396,455 2% 1,546,425 rent US manufacturers and existing importers India 1,597,530 1% 457,793 to gain the vast majority of this potential share.

If things remained as they are, the opportuniColombia 1,493,197 1% 427,895 ties available to them would be more or less as Portugal 1,043,485 0% 299,024 EXPORTS shown in Table 1, where the 22% of the US ce21.5% Others 6,015,989 2% 1,723,960 ramic market covered by Chinese tiles would US Manufacturers 84,624,027 29% 24,250,122 be divided up between the other competitors.

But this is only theoretical.

TOTAL US Let’s look at the case of US manufacturers.

Square Meter 288,800,116 100% Consumption As they are currently utilizing only 76% of their capacity, in theory they have the opportunity to US Square Meter Opportunity= 64,325,996 increase their annual output by a further 24 mil-

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

ECONOMICS - FOCUS ON COVERINGS 2020

lion square metres. erating off stable currencies (e.g. the Euro); and the But if this is the case, why are they not doing it already low cost of ocean shipment rates, in many cases lowrather than leaving so much space to importers? In ac- er than the steadily rising costs of road transportation tual fact it is extremely difficult even for within the United States.

US manufacturers to compete with such Given these considerations, I see many a large number of importers who already existing countries winning new market have an extensive presence across the share in the short term: Spain, Brazil, ItTHE FUTURE country. aly, Turkey (depending on the geopolitOF CERAMICS SUMMIT 2019 To understand how the importers are ical situation between the US and TurkInternational Business Forum able to continue to hold on to such a ish governments) and Mexico (if the Mexlarge share of the US market, we can use ican manufacturers succeed in lowering what I call the “cake theory” and analyze the transportation costs for their porcethe key ingredients for success in the US lain production to the US). market (fig. 2).

In the long term we will see new counThese are: established relationships (in some cases tries being able to provide all the “cake ingredients” dating back decades); low price; favourable payment and gaining share in the USA, particularly India, Vietterms (90-120 days); a wide range of products to meet nam, Colombia and Peru”. all the needs of US distributors; the possibility of op✕

FIG. 2 : “THE CAKE THEORY”

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

ADVERTORIAL

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With PP Level DUO, there is the possibility to choose between fixed and self-levelling head in an instant, directly during the installation.

PP Level DUO is the new line of supports for raised floors, designed and produced by Profilpas.

With PP Level DUO, there is the possibility to choose between fixed and self-levelling head in an instant, directly during the installation.

A choice that can be made easily, thanks to the special converter Perfect Ring.

Indeed, if you insert it between the head and the screw, the support becomes fixed.

On the contrary, if there is the need

to compensate the slope of a surface up to 6%, it will be sufficient not to insert the ring to obtain a self-levelling system.

PP Level DUO is a system of supports not only for the installation of ceramic tiles, but also for decking, thanks to the specific head, and for single-format and multi-format ceramic planks.

The latter can be laid with exceptional precision and stability, thanks to the double joist installation system, designed and produced by Profilpas.

This is a system composed of two joists in natural aluminium that must be fixed on a special head, thus creating a rail for the positioning of the spacer.

All the PP Level DUO supports can be adjusted in height from the top thanks to the adjustment key, that allows both to correct the smallest imperfections and to compensate big slopes.

Moreover, there is a full system of clips in stainless steel for the creation of perfect steps and vertical risers.

PROFILPAS Via Albert Einstein, 38 35010 Cadoneghe (PD) Tel. 049 887 8411 www.profilpas.com info@profilpas.com

2019 U.S. CERAMIC TILE M A R K E T U PDAT E Andrew Whitmire, Tile Council of North America (AWhitmire@tileusa.com)

ECONOMICS - FOCUS ON COVERINGS 2020

Although the U.S. had strong overall economic growth last year, the American ceramic tile market did

not follow suit and declined for the first time in a decade.

Many key economic indicators were

Total new home starts, which have risen each of the last ten years, were at their highest annual level since 2007 (1.29 million units) and were up 3.2% from the previous year. Though still down considerably from the record high of 2.1 million starts in 2005, housing starts in 2019 were more than double their level at the beginning of the decade (fig. 1).

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), estimates new housing starts to rise 2% to 1.3 million units in 2020, with single-family starts’ comprising 920,000 units, and multifamily starts’ making up the remaining 383,000 units.

An additional measure of the residential market’s strength, new single-family home sales were at their highest level in twelve years. The 681,000 units sold in 2019 represented a robust 10.3% increase from the previous year (fig. 2).

The NAHB predicts the upward trend will continue in 2020, with new single-family home sales’ reaching an annual total of 708,000 units.

Another good sign for the U.S. housing market was that foreclosure filings, a key inverse indicator of the residential market’s health, fell for the ninth straight year and were at their lowest level since tracking began in 2005. The 493,000 filings (0.36% of all U.S. housing units) recorded in 2019 reflected a 21.1% decline from

positive in 2019, as the U.S. economy experienced its tenth consecutive year of expansion on the heels of the

the previous year.

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.94% last year, down from 4.54% in 2018. This represented the fourth lowest annual rate on record.

Also a significant factor impacting the health of the residential market, U.S. unemployment continued its nearly decade-long downward trend, and in 2019 was at 3.7%, its lowest annual point in 50 years.

U.S. construction spending (includes both private and public residential and non-residential construction) declined year-over-year for the first time since 2011 and was at an estimated $1.3 trillion. Although down slightly (-0.3%) from the previous year, U.S. construction spending in 2019 was still at its second highest point on record.

U.S. CERAMIC TILE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION U.S. ceramic tile consumption in 2019 was 273.2 million sq.m. (2.9 billion sq. ft.), down 5.4% from the previous year (table 3).

U.S. shipments (less exports) were 80.3 million sq.m.

(863.6 million sq. ft.), down 5.2% from 2018. This represented the lowest level of domestic shipments since 2015. Domestically-produced tile made up 29.4% of to-

FIG. 1 - USA: NEW HOUSING STARTS

FIG. 2 - USA: NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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

Great Recession. U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 was up a healthy 2.3% from the previous year.

tal U.S. tile consumption (by volume), up slightly from its share in 2018 (29.3%).

In dollar value 2019 U.S. FOB factory sales of domestic shipments were $1.33 billion, down 4.0% compared to 2018. Domestically-manufactured tile made up 37.6% of 2019 total U.S. tile consumption by dollar value.

The per unit value of domestic shipments increased from $1.53/sq. ft. ($16.43/sq.m) in 2018 to $1.55/sq. ft. ($16.63) in 2019.

U.S. ceramic tile exports were 3.0 million sq.m (31.8 million sq. ft.) in 2019, up 6.8% from 2018. The two largest recipients of these exports were Canada (70.7%) and Mexico (11.0%). The value of U.S. exports

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

TAB. 1 - U.S. CERAMIC TILE SHIPMENTS, SALES AND CONSUMPTION (SQ.M) U.S. CONSUMPTION

% VAR. IN CONSUMPTION

3.0

273.2

-5.4%

204.1

2.8

288.7

1.5%

92.1

195.0

2.6

284.4

5.7%

2016

87.8

184.7

3.4

269.1

5.8%

2015

83,4

174,8

3,8

254,4

9.9%

2014

75,8

159.1

3.4

231.5

0.5%

2013

73.8

160.2

3.7

230.2

12.9%

2012

69.5

138.6

4.2

203.9

5.4%

YEAR

U.S. SHIPMENTS

IMPORTS

2019

83.2

193.0

2018

87.4

2017

EXPORTS

2011

66.7

131.1

4.2

193.6

4.0%

2010

60.3

129.6

3.9

186.0

7.7%

2009

53.1

123.9

4.2

172.8

-18,1%

2008

58.9

156.6

4.7

210.9

-15,2%

2007

50.6

202.4

4.4

248.7

-19,3%

2006

58.5

253.8

4.2

308.1

1,8%

2005

61.1

245.1

3.4

302.8

3,5%

Values in million sq.m. Shipments include exports. Consumption = Shipments - Exports + Imports.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce & Tile Council of North Americam (TCNA)

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

est exporter of ceramic tile to the U.S. by volume, its exports to the U.S. fell dramatically last year, dropping from 64,3 21.2 -36.4% million sq.m. in 2018 to 40.9 17.3 -5.0% million sq.m in 2019 (-36.4%).

16.9 13.1% This was due primarily to the ef15.9 -8.0% fects of a trade remedy case 9.8 27.4% filed by a coalition of several U.S. manufacturers, which peti8.6 39.1% tioned the federal government 3.3 296.4% to remedy unfairly dumped and 2.8 -0.9% subsidized ceramic tile imports 0.7 -14.9% from China.

0.5 -10.7% The effects of the preliminary countervailing duty (CVD) and 100.0 -5.5% anti-dumping determinations, which were announced in Sept.

2019 and Nov. 2019, respectively, are shown in fig. 4. Imports from China made up 21.2% of total U.S. tile imports by volume in 2019, down from 31.5% in 2018, and represented China’s lowest share of U.S. imports since 2008.

As for the other main exporting countries to the U.S., Mexico confirmed the downward trend, with its exports declining to 33.4 million sq,m (-5% on 2018); imports from Mexico comprised 17.3% of total U.S. imports, unchanged from 2018.

Spain surpassed Italy as the third largest exporter of tile to the U.S.: according to the U.S. Dept of Commerce, imports from Spain grew by 13% to 32.5 million sq.m., making up 16.9% of U.S. imports by volume. Italy

TAB. 2 - US CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, IN VOLUME

ECONOMICS - FOCUS ON COVERINGS 2020

Country

2018 (sq.m)

% on 2018 total imports

2019 (sq.m)

China

64,302,627

31.5

40,873,657

Mexico

35,218,952

17.3

33,449,041

Spain

28,819,320

14.1

32,587,592

Italy

33,450,695

16.4

30,760,300

Brazil

14,825,064

7.3

18,894,306

Turkey

11,944,247

5.9

16,610,588

India

1,596,950

0.8

6,329,940

Peru

5,394,495

2.6

5,344,342

Colombia

1,492,655

0.7

1,269,923

Portugal

1,043,106

0.5

931,206

204,101,914

100.0

192,963,149

All Countries

% on 2019 total imports

Source: U.S. Dept. of commerce / TCNA

fell 0.6% from $35.9 million in 2018 to $35.7 million in 2019.

U.S Ceramic tile production decreased to 83 million sq.m (-4.8% on 2018).

IMPORTS The U.S. imported 193.0 million sq.m. (2.08 billion sq. ft.) of ceramic tile in 2019, down 5.5% from the previous year (204.1 million sq.m. or 2.20 billion sq. ft.). Imports comprised 70.6% of 2019 U.S. tile consumption by volume, down from 70.7% in 2018.

As shown in table 4, although China remained the largFIG. 3 - TOTAL U.S. CONSTRUCTION SPENDING (IN BILLIONS OF $ U.S.)

2019/2018 % Change

FIG. 4 - U.S. TILE IMPORTS FROM CHINA IN 2018 AND 2019 (SQ.M)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Source: U.S. Dept. of commerce / TCNA

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

Italy

709,898,735

30.9%

656,168,942

29.6%

-7.6

China

626,339,930

27.3%

449,075,413

20.3%

-28.3

Spain

359,297,060

15.6%

443,786,983

20.1%

Mexico

230,421,036

10.0%

225,697,007

10.2%

Turkey

108,526,735

4.7%

128,290,114

Brazil

101,396,208

4.4%

123,931,216

India

13,804,802

0.6%

46,202,698

2.1%

234.7

Peru

28,294,896

1.2%

28,403,253

1.3%

Japan

15,635,265

0.7%

17,045,821

Portugal

14,901,393

0.6%

13,978,809 2,213,155,469

2019/2018 % Change

2019 value ($/ sq.m)

2018 value ($/ sq.m)

21.33

0.5

14.29

15.01

5.0

23.5

Spain

12.47

13.62

9.2

-2.1

China

9.74

10.99

12.8

5.8%

18.2

Turkey

9.09

7.72

-15.1

5.6%

22.2

India

8.64

7.3

-15.5

Mexico

6.54

6.75

3.2

0.4

Brazil

6.84

6.56

-4.1

0.8%

9.0

Colombia

5.33

5.45

2.3

0.6%

-6.2

Peru

5.25

5.31

1.1

-3.7

All Countries

11.26

11.47

1.9

100.0%

Imports values include duty, freight and insurance Source: U.S. Dept. of commerce / TCNA

Imports values include duty, freight and insurance Source: U.S. Dept. of commerce / TCNA

followed with 30 million sq.m. (-8% on 2018).

The next largest exporters to the U.S. registered strong double-digit growth and were Brazil (18.9 million sq.m. +27.4%), Turkey (16.6 million sq.m., 39.1%), and India, whose exports rocketed in just one year, from 1.6 to 6.3 million sq.m (+296.4%).

In 2019, the total value of ceramic tile imports declined by 3.7% to US$ 2,213 million (table 3).

On a dollar basis (CIF + duty) Italy remained the largest exporter to the U.S. in 2019, comprising 29.6% of U.S. imports. China was second with a 20.3% share, and Spain was third with a 20.1% share.

Table 4 shows the average values of imported tiles (CIF + duty) from the ten largest exporting countries (based on volume) in 2019. Once again, Italian tiles confirm the highest average price of $21.33/sq.m, with an increase of 0.5% on 2018.

approximately equal consumption (table 5). The five countries from which the most tiles were imported into Canada in 2019 based on volume were: China (12.5 million sq.m, -18.9% both in volume and in value), Italy (8.1 million sq.m., -13.1%; -14.2% in value), Turkey (4.5 million sq.m., -26.6%; -24.6% in value), Spain (3.6 million sq.m., -10.1%; -3.8% in value) and the United States (2.5 million sq.m, +9.5%; +8.2% in value). ✕

Country

TAB. 5 - CANADIAN CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS

BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, IN VOLUME

CANADIAN MARKET UPDATE 2019 Canadian ceramic tile consumption was 35.3 million (380.1 million sq. ft.), down 11.2% from the previous year (source: Statistics Canada). As there is no significant ceramic tile production in Canada, imports

2019/2018 % Change

100.0%

21.22

Portugal

201 (SQ.M) 9

2,298,042,045

Italy

2018 (SQ.M)

All Countries

Country

2019/2018 % Change

TAB. 4 - AVERAGE VALUE OF IMPORTED TILES ($/SQ.M ) % on total 2019 imports in value

2019 (USD

% on total 2017 imports in value

2018 (USD)

Country

TAB. 3 - US CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS

BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, IN VALUE

China

15,429,129

12,507,866

-18.9%

Italy

9,376,399

8,145,522

-13.1%

Turkey

6,187,936

4,542,779

-26.6%

Spain

4,044,270

3,636,584

-10.1%

2,253,385

2,466,728

9.5%

39,756,730

35,309,521

-11.2%

United States All Countries

Source: Statistics Canada

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COV E R I NG S 2020 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans T H E S H O W I S N O R T H A M E R I C A’ S L E A D I N G T R A D E S H O W F O R T H E C E R A M I C T I L E A N D N AT U R A L S T O N E I N D U S T R Y. C O V E R I N G S H A S G R O W N Y E A R A F T E R Y E A R , A N D

COVERINGS 2020

NOW HOSTS EXHIBITORS FROM OVER 40 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE.

The 2019 edition played host to 1,100 exhibitors, 26,000 attendees and countless opportunities for training and networking. The event attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, manufacturers, contractors, product specifiers, professional designers and architects, builders and real estate developers, not to mention the press and journalists from other media, who cover this vital, dynamic sector. The exhibition is also a valuable source of ongoing training for all categories of attendees, with accredited seminars and live demonstrations taking place throughout the event.

The trade show is sponsored by: • Ceramics of Italy • NTCA - National Tile Contractors Association • Tile of Spain • TCNA - Tile Council of North America • CTDA

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

AT T H E F O U R T H E D I T I O N O F N AT I O N A L T I L E D AY O N 2 3 F E B R U A R Y, T I L E O F S P A I N , C E R A M I C S O F I TA LY A N D T H E T I L E C O U N C I L O F N O R T H A M E R I C A – I . E .

THE MAIN SPONSOR OF COVERINGS - SINGLED OUT T H E K E Y T R E N D S I N T H E T I L E I N D U S T RY F O R T H E Y E A R A H E A D :

1.

Mixed colour palettes, with a preference for Pantone colour of the year classic blue, blush pinks, sage green and dusty orange.

2.

Natural wood looks.

3.

Designs emulating precious and natural stones, particularly marble, agate and onyx.

4.

Trapezoid, rhombus and diamond-shaped tiles.

5.

The superiority of porcelain tile, chosen for its durability and stain resistance.

6.

Bright, psychedelic colours, playful geometries and trippy patterns.

7.

Industrial chic, including concrete- and stone-look tile options.

8.

Marble, the “shining stone”, is back in the spotlight with its refined exclusivity, and plays a vital role in the interior design trends for 2020.

9.

Modern interpretations of Venetian terrazzo.

10. Large-scale patterns, especially on large-format ceramic panels.

“National Tile Day is an incredible way to spotlight a timeless element of architecture and design that connects members of the tile community and its supporting industries,” said Alena Capra, certi-fied Master Kitchen & Bath Designer and Coverings Industry Ambassador.

“This National Tile Day, we are excited to share with everyone the progress and importance of one of the most practical and beautiful building materials through some highly engaging and unique social media activations and programs.”

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

COVERINGS 2020 NEW PRODUCTS

COVERINGS 2020

L A FA B B R I C A

The C H R O M AT I C collection comes in an immense range of 80 colours (including 18 standard colours available from stock and a further 62 project colours available to order), which can be juxtaposed with vibrant palettes, pastels, neutral tones or different gradations of a single colour.

The surface features a light, coherent pattern, an original texture that is reminiscent of fabric or vegetable fibre, and an application of colour that is soft and natural rather than flat. The colours used in CHROMATIC – which are accentuated by the concept designed by Massimo Iosa Ghini – are outstandingly intense because they are created by newly developed machinery that combines chromatic precision with production flexibility, while delivering the high technical performance that is typical of porcelain tile. The collection offers endless compositional potential thanks to the wide range of formats and the possibility of choosing up to four different colour combinations to create totally original, customised surfaces. The company’s stand at Coverings 2020 – No. 2155 – will be displaying a LEGO sculpture, made in collaboration with BrickVision, specially dedicated to the collection.

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V. E . P. 8 7

Always at the forefront of design, with its innovative display systems for ceramic coverings, V.E.P. 87 is proud to present N E X T , its latest display system made of polystyrene. In addition to its linear, minimalist design, the strengths of this new display system include its light weight, strength and adaptability, which make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. NEXT is formaldehyde-free because it is made with a plastic polymer, offers outstanding value for money and is a higher-performance alternative to traditional display systems in MDF and metal. Lastly, V.E.P.87 works to a tight production schedule, thus considerably reducing delivery times.

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

COVERINGS 2020 NEW PRODUCTS

COVERINGS 2020

FMG

Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti is proud to present A G ATA (photo) to the American market.

The collection reproduces the full expressive power of agate, in which translucency and opacity intertwine to create a deeply decorative effect. A M A Z O N I T E also draws inspiration from the mineral world. The line stands out for its greeny-turquoise background shot through with a pattern of crystalline streaks speckled with white and grey. The brand’s stand at Coverings will also play host to Venice Rialto Villa, which evokes the tradition of Venetian terrazzo, and MaxFine Calacatta Oro and Calacatta Supremo large-format tiles, which express the full power and beauty of the natural marbles they replicate.

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

A secure bond to counteract the effect of the wind.

To anchor, the action that our anti-wind clips perform to hook the head of the support to the flooring plates. A safe and economical system to definitively solve the problem caused by the lifting of the plates caused by wind in extreme weather conditions.

w w w. e t e r n o i v i c a . c o m

PA D O VA ¡ I TA LY

COVERINGS 2020 NEW PRODUCTS

COVERINGS 2020

DR TECNICA

In response to the ever-increasing range of large formats and the need to display them safely and effectively, Dr Tecnica has extended its X X L range of metal display systems.

- M L . X L 0 0 6 / 1 0 T I L E S : a traditional system with sliding, single-sided frames on an ultra-slim stainless steel base, available for the display of large formats measuring 120x240 / 100x300 / 120x278 / 160x320.

- M L . X L 0 0 2 / 5 T I L E S : a system with extractable, rotating, double-sided frames, available for the display of large formats measuring 80x80 / 90x90 / 100x100 / 120x120 / 75x150 / 80x160 Continuous product research aimed at fulfilling customers’ needs is the key strength of the company, which has significantly developed and extended its product range over a short period of time, while also stepping up its coverage of the various markets it operates in.

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

IRIS U. S .

Iris U.S. will be at Coverings with L I Q U I D C O S M O (photo 1), from the D I E S E L L I V I N G With Iris Ceramica collection, in the Liquid Green version, which stands out for its bold, contemporary styling. Iris Ceramica’s wall coverings, meanwhile, will be represented by Blaze, a classic small-format tile available in a range of neutrals; FreeHand, the collection with a waxy surface and aged look that is reminiscent of watercolour paintings, and B E L I K E (photo 2), whose decorations are inspired by the East and evoke the Japanese Kintsugi technique for repairing broken pottery.

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

COVERINGS 2020 NEW PRODUCTS

FERRARI & CIGARINI

COVERINGS 2020

Ferrari & Cigarini offers a range of solutions for machining large-format coverings.

B I G S L I M is a system for cutting, drilling, chamfering and bonding large-format panels measuring up to 360x160cm with thicknesses of 3 to 20mm. It can be used for creating kitchen worktops, bathroom countertops, steps and trim pieces of all kinds.

M F L 0 0 4 S T R A D O R A is a monobloc bridge saw with tilting and 360° rotating head, which cuts large-format coverings and executes sink cutouts and 45° cuts. It can use any of the 200-plus templates pre-installed in the software or new templates added by the user. The machine was designed for large-format quartz and ceramic panels. It has a lowered framework and discs with diameters of 300 to 400mm. The support surface is double-layered (wood and rubber) for enhanced vibration damping and increased grip and stability.

In its various configurations, MFL004 STRADORA can execute: • Right-angle cuts: for coverings, interior furnishings and steps; • Multiple, complex cuts, including round and oval cuts; • Inclined cuts; • Cut-out and nesting with disc and core drill/ finger bit; • Milling.

MTL is an automated machine for making 45° and 90° cuts, single-pass chamfered cuts and, for the slimmest materials, multiple cuts of several panels stacked on top of each other.

The machine is available in two models with maximum cutting length of 320 or 360cm.

MGP is an automated machine for producing steps and profiling on ceramic, porcelain tile, marble, granite and agglomerates. It can perform two different types of machining: • 45° chamfers for steps.

• profiling for skirting boards, plinths, thresholds, window sills, bullnoses and half bullnoses.

BKC is a bench for bonding steps and precision kitchen worktops, which reduces working times to a minimum.

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

D I S P L A Y

S T A N D

S H O W R O O M

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

COVERINGS 2020 NEW PRODUCTS

F L AV I K E R

revisits the aesthetics of rustic French stone by bringing its colours into line with the latest tastes and showcasing the natural variegation of its surfaces.

The collection is ideal for both modern and renovated environments. Produced in four colours – Fog, Mud, Ivory and Rope – in sizes 60x60, 60x120 and 90x90cm, as well as in a pre-mixed range (60x90-60x60-30x60) that is suitable for designing countless different compositions. The vintage character of the product also lends itself perfectly to a creative Mix & Match with the latest wood-, metal- and marble-effect coverings from the Flaviker catalogue.

The RE_TOUR collection also includes the Decor Mix selection for creating decorative accents and ceramic patchworks, and the R11 grip version, with a thickness of 20mm, for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.

COVERINGS 2020

RE_TOUR

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

SERENISSIMA

With S T U D I O 5 0 , Serenissima traces the history of its traditions and its commercial successes by putting a unique and trendsetting new angle on terracotta. It is a modern design, characterized by the textured effect of the surface and unexpected metallic intrusions that transcend the traditional concept of terracotta and take ownership of contemporary design concepts.

Available in six colours, from the traditional Perla, Sabbia and Terracotta, to the new Peltro, Corvino and Verderame, STUDIO 50 comes in a wide range of sizes from 120x120 and 100x100cm to the more traditional 30x60cm. Rounding off the collection is an outdoor version with textured surface, in sizes 100x100 and 60x60cm with a thickness of 10 and 19mm, which is the ideal way to bring an elegant sense of continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, in both residential and public applications, including areas subject to vehicular traffic.

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

RAIMONDI E A S Y- M O V E M K I V (covered by multiple patents) is the

COVERINGS 2020

new device for handling large format tiles, which offers features and performances never reached before, while reducing its weight (compared with previous version) by more than 25%.

Its eight suction cups can be placed in any desired position along the aluminum profiles. Its length is adjustable so as to adapt to any slab size. Also, crossbars have adjustable width which allows both to enter in any crate and to adapt to any slab width. What’s more, crossbars can slide on the main profiles and can be placed diagonally so to give users really the chance to place the suction cups wherever they want according to slab layout (see photos). All movements are exceptionally fluid which makes the frame really easy to place in the desired configuration.

The heart of E A S Y- M O V E M K I V is the brand new vacuum suction cup (RV175) with which it is equipped; suction cup designed to offer impeccable performance and reliability. Both the vacuum gauge (supplied as standard) and the rubber cup are easily replaceable. This means that in the event of damage, only the component has to be replaced and not the entire suction cup. This is a huge advantage over the past when, in case of damage, the suction cup had to be replaced in its entirety. Needless to say, suction cups are designed to work flawlessly on textured tiles as well as on smooth tiles and do not leave stains.

Finally, the high-performance valve allows the suction cup to work perfectly in any position.

E A S Y- M O V E M K I V is available both with and without crossbars, both with vacuum suction cups and traditional double suction cups.

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

ONICE SERPENTINO LA FABBRICA SPA VIA EMILIA PONENTE, 925 48014 CASTEL BOLOGNESE (RA) - ITALY www.avaceramica.it - www.lafabbrica.it info@lafabbrica.it

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (USA) A P R I L 2 0 - 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 / B O OT H 2 1 5 5

DURAL

COVERINGS 2020

D U R A B A S E C I + + underlay mats for the decoupling and waterproofing of tiled

floors.

Problem-solver: cracks in the subfloor, stresses in the subfloor, damp from the subfloor.

Application, function, subfloors: used in conjunction with tiles, DURABASE CI++ decouples the tiles, bridges any cracks and has a waterproofing function. It also facilitates compensation for water vapour pressure if residual moisture is present. DURABASE CI++ decouples the flooring from the foundations.

Any small cracks can also be bridged so that they do not affect the tiled surface.

This makes it ideal for renovation work. With DURABASE CI++, tiles can be laid over screed as soon as it is possible to walk on the screed without causing damage (residual humidity approx. 4%).

Calcium sulphate screeds, which are sensitive to humidity, are protected at the surface from the ingress of further moisture.

With underfloor heating, the air channels created by DURABASE CI++ quickly and evenly distribute heat below the tiled floor. DURABASE CI++ compensates for the temperature-related stresses that occur in balconies and terraces. Used in combination with DURABASE WP or WPFB tape, the installation subsurface is protected from damp and the ingress of moisture.

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

PIEMME The new collection of porcelain stoneware tiles designed

by London firm Benoy. The word “G L I T C H ” refers to the flickering produced on a computer screen by an unforeseen error: a theme very much in line with the design trend that favours imperfection as a sign of uniqueness.

Hence the inspiration of the Benoy designers, expressed in eight colours in various sizes. Glitch focuses on the distinctive irregularities of concrete surfaces, such as cracks, films, scratches and wear, and reinterprets them for ceramic tiles. The result is a contemporary collection ideal for both homes and commercial locations (Benoy’s real expertise).

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

MONTOLIT

COVERINGS 2020

In the beginning when the “X X L L A R G E F O R M AT ” (300cm & over) Porcelain Stoneware Slabs entered the market, Brevetti Montolit, in collaboration with the most prestigious ceramic manufacturers, designed specific machines and equipment for cutting, handling and laying these awesome products.

Here you’ll see only the latest news, but we invite you to check the “Large-format Equipment” section of our website www.montolit.com for a wider view of our range.

L I F T E R S : Our levelling tool has huge lifting capacity and facilitates the wall-tiling process by enabling tilers to lift slabs with micrometric adjustments by means of a mechanical lever designed to ensure correct positioning. Made of steel and aluminium, they are sold in pairs.

S L I M C U T : diamond cutting blades available in 100/150mm need to be used with M O T O - F L A S H L I N E (150mm) or T U T O R - C U T (100mm), the innovative, patented system for obtaining perfect cuts without damaging the blades or chipping the tiles.

The extremely low thickness of this tool makes it capable of fast, accurate cuts on slim slabs.

FSS KIT: core drills designed for slim slabs enable tilers to drill effectively and avoid chipping, even in dry use. Available in a smart, handy kit (F S S - K I T ), which includes 27-25-50mm sizes, all protected in a case.

3 0 0 VA S : As well as our FSS core bits, this kit includes our TCS85 and CGX115 cutting blade, core bits for drilling machines such as FAJ06 and FAJ08, and a diamond sponge: DT060 and DT200 to polish and bevel. This protective case includes all the diamond tools that professional tilers need to tackle large-format tiles with the right “weapons”.

After the great success achieved by the ‘B ATT I L E ’ thumping suction cup, a powerful new ‘B AT T I L E -P R O ’ version has been released. Powered by a 16V lithium ion battery, it is compact, lightweight and enables tilers to position tiles with the suction cup. The vibration then removes residual air bubbles that can cause breakage if left trapped between the adhesive and the tile. The intensity of the vibration is adjustable to three different frequencies.

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

COVERINGS 2020

ECO DESIGN

ECO DESIGN has an in-depth understanding of the display needs of the tile and stone industry.

We sell directly to manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, to whom we supply functional and impressive D I S P L AY S Y S T E M S for shops, showrooms and trade fairs. From single display units to turnkey services and complete installations, we satisfy any request by making our expertise available to customers.

Our products are conceived and manufactured in our own factory in Italy and exported all over the world.

Here you can see our best-selling display systems for slabs: sliding and rotating devices for easy, effective product presentation. The full range can be viewed on www.ecodesignsrl.it

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CERCOM

T E M P E R combines the “industrial� appeal of

steel sheet with the technical qualities of latest-generation porcelain tile.

TEMPER expresses the strength, hardness and wear-resistance of hardened steel through the medium of ceramic, in five on-trend tones for both floor and wall applications. The colour palette ranges from Frost, at the light end of the scale, to Coal at the dark end, via the sumptuous shades of Argent and Golden, the full-bodied grey of Iron and the characterful corten-effect of Rust.

TEMPER comes in a wide range of edge-ground formats, including large-format tiles and original decorative accents in sizes 20x120 and 60x60cm, plus a 30x30cm mosaic. Temper is also available in an R11 grip version, with increased thickness for outdoor use.

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COVERINGS 2020

FUSTECMA

WA L L- I (pictured) and C E R I A are two new

display systems that represent the advanced technological innovation that Fustecma will be showcasing at Coverings 2020.

CERIA is a smart display system developed as part of the Cebra Promotion project, whose aim is to optimise the promotion of ceramic in stores and showrooms.

WALL-i is a modular system of screens with an application that enables users to view and compare different interior finishing solutions designed using products of different sizes and colours. The application builds up a BIG DATA repository by harvesting information from its interactions with users.

Fustecma puts creativity and innovation at the service of every customer, and offers ad hoc solutions. The flexibility of its production systems also enables the company to customise any design by applying new display concepts and advanced materials to the creation of a vast range of projects for different types of display space.

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I TA L G R A N I T I

The new line from the ItalgranitiLIVE programme, designed by Centro Stile Milano Architetti, goes by the name A C Q U A P R O J E C T , and is an extensive collection of washbasins and coordinated complements, in which material effects enhance the seamless, sophisticated simplicity of the forms.

Porcelain tile surfaces, lacquered finishes, wood and tubular metal structures alternate with solids and voids to create single-minded, aesthetically rigorous interior designs that also take account of functionality and the ease of maintenance that are a must in bathroom environments. By retaining all the long-term technical performance of porcelain stoneware, these washbasins and complements offer first-class flexural strength, stain-resistance, colour-fastness and ease of cleaning.

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ARIANA

COVERINGS 2020

The chic, minimalist elegance of the new L U C E collection, inspired by the aesthetics of plaster and produced in a broad palette of on-trend colours, is underscored by the translucent effect of the surface, which varies in intensity according to light conditions.

LUCE is a design surface offered in six refined shades of colour: Perla, Acciaio, Peltro, Piombo, Verderame and Oro. The decorative potential of LUCE finds full expression in the 5x25cm white-body Brick format, with either satin or gloss finish, and is ideal for creating dramatic wall designs even in small spaces. The LUCE line can also be used in conjunction with Ariana Decora made-to-order large-format tiles and panels that enable you to customise your coverings with screen-printed metallic effects, in sizes 120x270 and 60x120cm.

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MARAZZI

COVERINGS 2020

Warm materials. Tactile surfaces. Products with a story to tell. Skilled craftsmanship and industrial technology combine in C R O G I O L O a collection of small-size ceramic and stoneware tiles with a multiple identity. Its seven constituent series – Lume, Zellige, Scenario, D_Segni Blend, D_Segni Scaglie, D_Segni Colore and D_Segni – interpret the craftsmanship and manual skills of traditional potters for contemporary taste, while retaining all their uniqueness. Versatile, distinctive products, incorporating ideas and impressions from past times, reproduce the look and feel of tiles made by hand: inspired by the flaws typical of crafted ceramics, Crogiolo products form a collection with a handmade feel, that expresses the narrative power of surfaces and material.

Carefully graduated colours create intense, constantly changing hues, perfect for intimate, comfortable, authentic interior design schemes.

Crogiolo suggests a return to a human “feel” and human workmanship, in materials that give spaces vibrancy and a warm, welcoming mood, beyond styles and beyond time.

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ETERNO IVICA

Raised outdoor flooring: Eterno Ivica pedestals deliver results with high visual impact, and enable designers to give free rein to their creativity.

The outdoor installation of large-format ceramic panels is an attractive solution and thanks to the ver-satility of P E D E S TA L L I N E pedestals, it can be done without any trouble by means of raised installation on a substructure with aluminium joists. Thanks to the special head that accommodates the alumini-um joist, you can achieve excellent results in terms of safety, speed of installation and stability of the floor covering. The head of the pedestals accommodates the aluminium joists naturally thanks to the fins that stand parallel to the joists and enable them to be anchored easily and reliably.

As well as using aluminium joists, you need plastic spacers for the plates and noise-damping rubber pads, two essential accessories for this type of installation.

Different solutions are available for countless needs: the Pedestal line adapts easily to any situation and fulfils the requirements of the most complicated applications. The system is always up to date and in step with the latest formats (e.g. 20x120, 60x120, 60x60 and 40x80) which often require higher-performance raised systems with a high degree of versatility.

But the Eterno Ivica range is not confined to this and the company also aims to meet the most creative needs. That’s why it developed special clips for the installation of hexagonal tiles. By quickly and simply fitting a small polypropylene clip to the heads of SE and NM pedestals, you can give free rein to your creativity by installing hexagonal tiles for an elegant result showing close attention to detail.

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RONDINE

COVERINGS 2020

The inspiration for this new project called L O F T was born from the traditional industrial concrete flooring.

The natural form of cement has been elegantly mixed in six colors and in different sizes: from 30x60 to the new 100x100cm.

The Loft series is very resistant and adaptable to several design; it allows to furnish your rooms with a minimal style, that will not go unnoticed.

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ENERGIEKER

COVERINGS 2020

The new P A R K E R collection of through-body porcelain tile is now available in five colours, thanks to the recent addition of White to the existing line-up of Silver, Grey, Smoke and Anthracite. The series consists of six formats, ranging in size from 30x60 to 120x270cm. PARKER is also available with an R10 and R11 slip-resistant finish for outdoor applications, includes three different sizes of skirting board (6.5x120, 7.5x90 and 7.5x60) and the Mosaico accent.

M A G N E T I C (pictured), another collection of throughbody porcelain tile, is now available in the new colour Emerald, which complements the existing range of Grey, Dark Grey, Bronze, Blue and Black. The series consists of five formats, ranging in size from 30x60 to 120x270cm.

This series is also suitable for outdoor applications because it is available with an R10 slip-resistant finish.

Rounding off the collection is a 7.5x60cm skirting board and Mosaico accent.

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ELIOS

The M AT E R I C collection of highstrength porcelain tile, compliant with EN 14411 Annex G Group BIa, offers an abundant choice of field tiles, which reflect the company’s know-how and tradition, in a 20x20cm format (thickness 10mm).

The colours and patterns of MATERIC reinvent the texture of terracotta and reproduce the unpredictability of its chromatic variegation. The collection is enhanced by a wide range of accents, created by superimposing glazes that bring transparent, high-gloss and metallic effects to their surfaces. The Antique Warm and Light accents are designed around warm tones and cool tones respectively, while the Geo Metallic accents, available in four colours, create metallic highlights.

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COVERINGS 2020

COVERINGS 2020

R AG NO

C O N C R E T E E F F E C T slim, edge-ground, large-format panels in size 120x278cm are available in white, light grey and dark grey. These panels complement the usual range of formats and now also include M A I O R A C O N C R E T E E F F E C T B O TA N I C A L : a new decoration that is available to order and draws inspiration from floral patterns and the world of nature.

Effect Botanical consists of three modules measuring 120x278cm which can be used both individually and in conjunction with each other: the graphics across the three panels are continuous on the horizontal plane.

MAIORA

ADVERTISING

R O YA L G A R D E N S M A K E S WAV E S IN MONTENEGRO

To achieve this distinctive wave-like effect, the architects chose the compact mineral Krion® interspersed with vertically installed Airslate by L’Antic Colonial.

The decision to pair the two materials was based on a colour study carried out by the Butech technical team. By alternating the pure white of Krion® with the grey of Airslate, the colour scheme reproduces the characteristic palette of the Balkan Peninsula’s landscape.

ogy of Montenegro, where karstic formations interweave with craters and the leafy forests overlooking the Danube and the Adriatic Sea. These natural environments are reflected in the shapes, colours and gardens laid out on the spacious terraces of the residential complex.

The architects, Branislav Mitrovic and Jelena Kuzmanovic, wanted to bring a new concept of space to their design, which would stand in contrast to the other residential areas of Budva, in terms of both architectural shape and vertical spatial layout.

At the same time, they wanted it to reunite the coastal environment with the abundant flora of the inland region of the Balkans, by means of “waves” encapsulating luxuriant gardens.

PROJECTS

The Royal Gardens is an example of a new architectural trend that is taking root in the Balkans.

Inspired by rationalism, it is based on the concept of sustainability, interplays of volumes and minimalist design.

The design also draws inspiration from the morphol-

The facade, which is made from Krion® and Airslate by L’Antic Colonial, is the predominant feature of the Royal Gardens

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This spectacular residential complex was designed by Branislav Mitrovic and Jelena Kuzmanovic of the Mitarh firm of architects. Located in Budva in the south of Montenegro, the building overlooks the Adriatic Sea, whose gently undulating motion it reprises in the shape of its 5,200 square metres of facade.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

When viewed from the sea, the Royal Gardens stands out for its horizontal white lines of Krion®, interspersed with deep, dark shadows brimming with greenery,

which “lighten” the appearance of the structure and help blend it into the background of the hill on which it stands.

Photos by Slaven Vilus

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The Krion® façade Krion® Solid Surface plays an absolutely essential role in the construction of this building: its capacity for heat-bending, its ease of maintenance, its pure white colour and its absence of joints all played a pivotal part in enabling the architects to create a facade with circular volumes. The twisting and turning of the facade was achieved by using the K-Fix installation system by Butech, which anchors and reinforces each of the construction elements without altering the composition of the building.

The interiors

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PROJECTS

Natural materials are used inside the building to strengthen the bond with the Balkan physical geogra-

phy that provides the setting for this complex. This applies to both the Artisan 1L Wilde and Tortona 1L wood flooring, and the natural stone wall coverings by L’Antic Colonial.

For the reception area and corridors, meanwhile, the architects chose XLight Premium sintered mineral surface by Urbatek, in the finishes Savage Dark Polished and Kala White Polished.

The interior design reprises classic Carrara marble and is complemented by Oxford ceramic parquet by ParKer (Porcelanosa) and natural wood furniture by Gamadecor, such as Leaf and a selection of carved stone items (Forma by L’Antic Colonial). The interiors also feature Urban C Cromo taps by the bathware company Noken, which offset the majestic design with more cutting-edge pieces.

The building incorporates a total of over 10,000 square metres

Noken installed 190 complete bathrooms

of Porcelanosa and Venis ceramic, and natural stone and par-

(taps, sanitaryware and showers).

quet by L’Antic Colonial.

Kitchens and furniture by Gamadecor.

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ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 CERTIFIED

www.topcer.com

L O U V R E A B U D H A B I , UA E

and respects cultural and religious differences.”

The Louvre Abu Dhabi complex has 97,000 square metre of overall floorspace and consists of 55 buildings of different sizes and heights, which host exhibition galleries and assembly rooms.

Some of these spaces are also equipped with ornamental pools, finished with materials ranging from bronze to marble, and with lights and furnishings also designed by Nouvel. The complex includes areas that house the permanent collection, areas for temporary exhibitions, a children’s museum, an auditorium, bar, cafeteria, administrative offices and storage rooms for the artworks.

The most spectacular part of the complex is the per-

PROJECTS

The Louvre Abu Dhabi stands as a monument to tolerance and is intended to preserve and exhibit works of art from all periods, all cultural backgrounds and all geographical origins.

The exhibits include a 6th Century Koran, a Gothic Bible and a Torah from Yemen, and under the terms of the partnership agreement with the Louvre in Paris, France has loaned various masterpieces, including “Portrait of an Unknown Woman”, also known as “La Belle Ferronnière”, by Leonardo Da Vinci.

According to Jack Lang, Director of the Arab World Institute in Paris, the museum aspires to be “more universal than the Louvre in Paris, because it incorporates the idea of a museum of different continents and different civilisations. It is a project of hope for the advent of a world that respects the opinions of others

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The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by the French starchitect Jean Nouvel, incorporates products by FILA Surface Care Solutions. The building, which forms part of an agreement signed in 2006 by Abu Dhabi and the French government, stands on the shore of the artificial island of Saadiyat and is the largest museum on the Arabian peninsula.

forated dome, which covers it completely and is reminiscent of the intricate curtain wall that Nouvel designed for the exterior of Arab World Institute in Paris. Engineered and calculated by Buro Happold, the dome has a diameter of 180 metres and consists of a double, completely perforated aluminium roof that has the appearance of being suspended at a height of 30 metres. The two distinct shells contain a dense latticework created by joining eight distinct designs, four for each roof, which form 7,850 stars of different sizes. The interweaving of these creates a tight mesh that nonetheless lets beams of light filter through to the interior, like a “shower of light�, according to the architect.

Like in the medina quarters of North African cities, this roof provides shade for the passage ways below, shel-

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Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

PROJECTS

ters them from direct sunlight and helps reduce the temperature.

The role of FILA As a museum-city built on the sea, the Louvre Abu Dhabi needs the best protection for its coverings, so FILA Surface Care Solutions was assigned the task of protecting the pools and the outdoor paving in grey limestone with HYDROREP solvent-based water-repellent protector, FILAPW10 pre-fixing efflorescence-blocking protector and FILAMP90 Eco Plus water-based stain-proofing protector.

“The task assigned to us at the Louvre Abu Dhabi was very challenging in terms of technical requirements,” explained Fabrizio Nicoli, Sales Director of Fila Middle East. “The brief was to retain the natural appearance of the coverings and provide perfect waterproof protection in an environment that is particularly complicated, because the pools have sea water flowing through them, which has high sodium content, and the climate is very hot and humid. After conducting a series of tests, the contracting authority selected our products because of their high performance and effectiveness in these conditions.”

FILA had already taken part in another, equally criti-

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Jean Nouvel was born in Fumel (France) in 1945. After graduating from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1972, he worked as an assistant to Claude Parent and the urbanist Paul Virilio, before opening his first firm in 1970. He cofounded the movement Mars 1976 and the Syndicat de l’Architecture the following year to counter the impact of corporatism, and in 1980 he founded the Biennale de l’Architecture within the framework of the Biennale de Paris.

The distinctive character of his work helped forge his international reputation. His key works include the Arab World Institute, the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art and the Quai Branly Museum - Jacques Chirac in Paris, the KKL Cultural and Congress Centre in Lucerne (Switzerland), the Torre Agbar in Barcelona (Spain), the Reina Sofia National Art Museum in Madrid (Spain), 40 Mercer in New York (USA), One Central Park in Sydney (Australia), the White Walls Tower in Nicosia (Cyprus), the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis (USA) and the Danish Radio concert hall in Copenhagen (Denmark).

He has won numerous prizes and awards, including: the Aga Khan Prize for Architecture for the Arab World Institute in 1989; a Golden Lion at the 7th International Architecture Exhibition - Venice Biennale in 2000; a Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Praemium Imperiale for Architecture from the Japan Art Association and the International Francesco Borromini Prize run by the City of Rome for the KKL Cultural Centre in Lucerne, all in 2001.

He was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2008.

cal, demanding and prestigious project in the United Arab Emirates, at the new Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, where the company was commissioned to take care of the protective treatment of the indoor and outdoor coverings.

FILAPW10 pre-fixing protector and HYDROREP wa-

ter-repellent protector are two of the leading waterproofing solutions that Fila offers in the Middle East, which is a strategic market for the company. In 2013 it opened a sixth branch there, to help consolidate the brand’s presence in the region and facilitate its expansion into South Pacific Asia. ✕

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A VILLA IN THE PROV I NC E OF BE RGAMO ( I TA LY )

To provide a perfect finish for the edges of the balconies, while also protecting the “flush� floor tiles, the installers used Proterrace Drain Drip edging profile (photo 1), in white. Equipped with a spacer to ensure correct positioning, this aluminium profile (with a powder-coated semi-gloss or embossed finish) is equipped with an adhesive strip made of open-cell polyurethane that prevents the silicone from obstructing the drainage holes.

Once the profile has been fitted, the balcony floor cov-

PROJECTS

The installation work was done by Effegi Pose s.r.l., which opted to use finishing products by Progress Profiles, a major Italian manufacturer of technical and decorative profiles and installation systems for floor and wall coverings.

Thanks to its wide range of products, Progress Profiles was able to supply the ideal technical solutions to ensure perfect installation of the floor coverings for the balconies and swimming pool, and the exterior wall coverings.

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The owners of a private house on Lake Iseo in the Italian province of Bergamo recently remodelled the property, making extensive use of ceramic on the facades, balconies, swimming pool and pool-surround.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

1

3

2

ering installation process involves first applying a waterproofing system and then the covering itself, taking care to leave a gap of 5 mm between the edge of the end tiles and the edging profile. The final step is to apply Proband Fix, which seals the tile and profile. Proterrace Drain Drip is available in two heights - 10 and 12.5 mm - to suit the thickness of your tiles.

Ideal for protecting the outer corners of the wall tiles and closing the perimeter, the Proterminal profile made of chrome-plated brass (photo 2), was fitted around all the edges and corners of the facade, to bring an extra touch of elegance to the villa. Because of its composition, its special L-shaped section and the fact that it is available in four different heights, the same profile adds a very distinctive touch to the de-

sign and also serves as a decorative strip.

To prevent breakage and protect the edges of the tiles laid on the patio and along the edge of the swimming pool, while also preventing direct contact between the screed and the ground, the installers used Proside Walk (photo 3): this edging profile in painted aluminium is equipped with a drilled anchoring tab that fixes it to the substrate and is available in six different colours, including grey, dark brown, anthracite, corten steel and beige.

The use of these innovative solutions by Progress Profiles gives the villa a thoroughly professional finish that combines practicality, attention to detail and a good dose of character. ✕

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CASTEL THUN I N T R E N T I N O ( I TA LY ) Castel Thun is a magnificent medieval building in the Non Valley in Trentino Alto Adige.

Its origins date back to 1267 and it reached the peak of its glory in the 16th Century under the powerful Thun family. One of the best preserved castles in the area, Castel Thun is an imposing but extremely elegant structure,

Now owned by the Autonomous Province of Trento, the castle is open to the public at last. What was once an austere outpost standing guard over the valley is now a “living” museum with over 400 items of original furnishings, including furniture and works of art. It also provides the perfect backdrop for historic theatrical performances and cultural events and initiatives.

mation of the large area known as the “Cantinone”, which used to provide stabling for horses and will now house an astonishing collection of 15 coaches, which belonged to the Thun family and date back to the years 1700 to 1800.

The biggest difficulty in making this ancient bottom floor of the building suitable for exhibiting historic carriages and their original trappings, lay in solving the problem of humidity. This humidity derived from two main factors: the infiltration of rainwater from an outcrop of rock in the wall, which had to be diverted; and the humidity caused by condensation on the floor. To solve this latter problem once and for all, the architects decided to build a raised floor, in such a way as to allow air to circulate beneath the wooden floorboards.

The architect Adriano Conci, who was in charge of the renovation of Castel Thun, explains that the aim of the major works programme was to upgrade the building completely, in order to make it usable for its new functions, while also ensuring its compliance with safety and fire regulations and regulations governing the preservation of cultural and historic assets.

PROJECTS

The “Cantinone” The first step in the restoration process was to remove the existing concrete flooring, which was laid in

One of the most challenging tasks was the recla-

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designed to dominate the spectacular valley below, with a view that spans woodlands, meadows and distant mountain peaks.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

the 1950s, and to insulate the entire area.

The contractors then installed the necessary pedestals to support the new floor, which was to be made with wooden floorboards over a total area of 334 square metres. Since the supporting surface for the

pedestals was very uneven, the contractors had to install approximately 800 PEDESTAL LINE pedestals* by Impertek, as a quick and simple way of compensating for the varying heights of the subfloor.

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*PEDESTAL LINE by Impertek is a system of adjustable, self-levelling pedestals, extensions, levellers and special heads designed for the installation of floating floors with any type of surface covering, including in highly problematic situations (uneven ground, water courses, gravel, membranes, etc.). PEDESTAL LINE pedestals are made entirely in Italy using recycled and recyclable materials. They can be adjusted with millimetric precision to heights of between 10 and 1,020mm and are equipped with special tabs for tile and decking floors. They can also be used with joists and sliding heads for the installation of large-format or mixed floor coverings. Each pedestal has a load-bearing capacity of up to 1,000 kg, making the floor support structure lightweight but extremely strong. The Balance series heads are also self-levelling and offer perfect, automatic levelling of the floor installation surface with a gradient of up to 5%.

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C O N T E M P O R A RY D E S I G N M E E T S E N E RGY E F F IC I E NCY I N V I L L A V E RONA

Villa Verona is a low-environmental-impact home built with a wooden structure. Located in a town on the low-lying plains in the province of Verona, the villa features clean, minimalist forms and elegant white paintwork.

The ribbon windows open up the facades and let in an abundance of natural light. As a low-environmental-impact building, Villa Verona has a high degree of thermal insulation, which cuts the amount of energy needed to heat and cool it.

Underfloor heating

PROJECTS

When choosing an underfloor heating system, Studio Bomer and the villa’s owners wanted the highest possible degree comfort and energy efficiency, so they opted for a patented system by Schlüter® called BEKO-

TEC-THERM*, which brought a major bonus to the project thanks to its slim design (photo 1). This special slim section, which is a unique feature of Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM radiant panels gives the system low thermal inertia and ensures that it reacts extremely quickly to temperature variations because the heating pipes are located close to the surface of the floor.

• From an economic point of view, the low flow temperatures, combined with exceptionally low heat loss, yield big savings on energy bills. What’s more, this underfloor heating system can also be adapted for summer cooling.

• From the point of view of occupant well-being, Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM boosts comfort by distributing heat uniformly, without any perceptible temperature differences between different parts of the house and without stirring up dust, thus avoiding

Photographer: Maurizio Grisa

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Low energy consumption, high levels of comfort and a distinctly contemporary character: this is the concept that underpins the project by Studio Tecnico Bomer - Architects Luigi Merlin and Filippo -.

the adverse health effects associated with conventional systems.

• From a design point of view, installing Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM under a ceramic floor covering means that there are no constraints on the furnishing. Furthermore, thanks to its controlled micro-fine cracks, Bekotec screed does not require any stress control joints, thus avoiding unsightly breaks in the floor surface.

The Schlüter®-DITRA-DRAIN 4 decoupling membrane (ideal for the installation of large-format ceramics) also forms an integral part of the system. Laid over the entire area between the screed and the floor cov-

ering, it absorbs stresses from the subfloor and thus prevents all risk of cracking at the surface (photo 2).

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

Wet rooms The many comforts available at Villa Verona include a wellness area and spacious showers, with no architectural barriers around them. Here too, the developers opted for Schlüter-Systems waterproofing solutions.

The walls were waterproofed with Schlüter®-KERDI 200 membrane, whereas a Schlüter®-DITRA 25 waterproofing and decoupling membrane was installed on the floor (photo 3).

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PROJECTS

Functional and style-oriented design choices were also made in the construction of the drainage systems for the stepless showers: for the showers in the master bathrooms, the developers used the Schlüter®-KERDILINE linear version with concealed grate, while for the technical rooms they opted for the more traditional, centrally mounted Schlüter®-KERDI-DRAIN (photo 4).

Outdoor protection and drainage To ensure effective water drainage, a Schlüter®-TROBA-PLUS 8G membrane was installed under the

screed as part of the layering system for the paving.

A Schlüter®-DITRA-DRAIN 4 decoupling and drainage membrane was then laid on top of the screed to separate the floor covering from the subfloor. By neutralising the stresses caused by the different rates of expansion of these layers, this stops the surface covering from cracking and detaching.

Thanks to Schlüter-Systems products and the skill of Alessandro Menghini, an Assoposa certified Master Tiler, and his team, the owners’ expectations were met at pace and with the use of the best technology for the installation of ceramic coverings (photo 5). ✕

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Fiorano

1979 POLCART La Vall d’Uixó

2006 POLCART IBERIA

Cookeville

2017 POLCART USA

Your accomplishment, our goal display systems & showroom solutions

WE’LL EXHIBIT AT COVERINGS ‘20 APRIL 20 - 23 NEW ORLEANS - USA

Booth #3123

via G hiaro la Nu ova , 1 8 /2 0 - 41 04 2 F i o ra n o Mo d e n ese ( M O) - Ita l y Tel . +39 0 536 9 95 5 11 - i nfo@pol c a rt. i t - p ol c ar t .c om

VIVE COOKING SCHOOL, S Y D N E Y, AU S T R A L I A

VIVE Cooking School courses The pictures on these pages show the kitchen in Artedomus’s Sydney showroom. Made with 6 metres of Calacatta Statuario from FIANDRE’s Marmi Maximum collection of large-format porcelain panels, the kitchen provides the exclusive setting for VIVE Cooking School’s cookery courses.

As Jean-Luc Tan, CEO and founder of the VIVE Cooking School, explains: “Food has the power to bring people together, and sharing the experience of cooking together turns a group into a real team, because cooking enables you to express your personality while working towards a common goal.”

Jean-Luc Tan learned this life philosophy from his parents, who emigrated to France in 1975 after fleeing the Cambodian civil war. Despite the difficulties of hav-

PROJECTS

Artedomus represents 12 leading international brands, whose products it distributes across the country through its four showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

Architects and designers flock to these showrooms because they know they’ll get the first-class professional advice and support they need when investing in truly exclusive collections of natural stone and ceramic in traditional, large and extra-large formats, not to mention exquisitely crafted furniture and bathware.

In addition to this, Artedomus regularly transcends the conceptual boundaries within which showrooms for architectural materials generally operate, not only by enriching their offering with a premium range of interior design complements, but also by bringing the whole place alive by hosting events such as the courses run by VIVE Cooking School.

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The Australian company Artedomus has become one of the continent’s benchmark distributors and leading influencers in top-end, state-of-the-art, international interior and exterior design and finishings.

ing to make their way in a foreign country, they always found time to cook and share an evening meal with the family, and it was the strength of that family that helped them face up to the challenges of their everyday work.

“Just as my parents taught me,” continues Jean-Luc, “by demonstrating the importance of the family and its everyday rites and routines, the aim of the VIVE Cooking School is to strengthen bonds between people by cooking and sharing food. When you’re part of a friendly work team, by the end of the evening you know much more about your colleagues and the other team members.”

Five chefs take it in turns to run courses at the VIVE Cooking School: Julien Vasseur, Steffen Achtmann, Buster Brown, Carlos Heng aka MakDaddy and Matt Rothman. ✕

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Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

F O U R R O M A N N I G H T- S P O T S , O N E C O M M O N M AT E R I A L

All these new night-spots are surfing the wave of industrial styling and feature interiors that take their character from the iconic feel of brickwork.

Their wall coverings consist of soft-mud facing strips

measuring 25x5.5cm, with a thickness of 1cm, from the Decor-Living wall line, which features a distinctively variegated look that replicates the effect of traditional masonry.

PROJECTS

The Tyler, near Ponte Milvio, provides our first example of effective use of brick. Designed by the architect Francesco Cotone and occupying the former site of the Crazy Bull CafĂŠ, it revisits the styling of 1950s American diners. Now totally remodelled, the venue incorporates a blend of vintage allusions that reflect the current interpretation of the American dream and extend from the interior decor to a menu that is also inspired by the classics of American casual dining.

Terracotta is the perfect accompaniment to an industrial-style interior design, made up of industri-

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Four recently opened venues set to become key players in Rome’s night-life have a single common denominator, in the form of terracotta bricks by SanMarco Terreal. The venues in question are the Tyler at Ponte Milvio, the Lievito in the Prati district, the Bulldog behind Piazza Cavour and the Brado just off Via Tuscolana.

al lamps, brushed iron tables and red leather sofas.

Next up are the Lievito, in the Prati district – a safe haven for pizza-lovers – and the Bulldog, behind Piazza Cavour: both venues have wall coverings made of Decor-Living strips in the Dogi 2.0 version. The architects from Studio B3D Architectuur, who designed the Bulldog, explained: “Our ambitious aim was to export the characteristic atmosphere of the Bulldog in Amsterdam - the quintessential Dutch coffee shop - to Rome, so we decided to use brick wall coverings to evoke the atmosphere of that northern city. We opted for Terreal SanMarco products because they embody all the necessary characteristics and are adaptable to any

kind of space: so the walls took on that “unrefined” character that typifies old brickwork, with an irregular pattern that brings warmth and life to the environment through the interplay of dark and shade generated by the recesses and protrusions.”

Dogi 2.0 terracotta bricks also put in an appearance at the Brado craft beer & wild food eatery just off Via Tuscolana.

The materials used in this simple, cosy venue help transport visitors from the city centre to the mood of a mountain retreat. So for the interior design, nothing could be better than drawing inspiration from the rural tradition, and using bricks with highly variegated shades, irregular shapes and a slightly vintage look. ✕

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Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

Essential design to exhibit high range products

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