Tile International 1/2021

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Thanks to the air chamber below the floor, a micro-ventilation facilitates the drying of the adhesive, even in case of large size tiles, and reduces significantly efflorescence formation and triacetate rising in joints. The uncoupling and vapour management properties of PRODESO® DRAIN allow its laying even on non perfectly cured substrates.

Easy and quick to install, it has an overall thickness of only 5 mm and its application does not require the use of special adhesives. Versatility is a fundamental quality of this product; thanks to its characteristics it is the right solution for installation in any

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environment, indoor and outdoor. PRODESO® DRAIN is a draining and waterproofing membrane composed of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheet, a non-woven water-permeable polypropylene fabric and a non-woven polypropylene fabric.

The cyan-coloured polyethylene sheet consists of conical truncated studs each with a circular base of 4.5 mm height, on which a non-woven polypropylene waterpermeable grey fabric is thermo-welded. The membrane underside has a non-woven fabric in hydrophobic polypropylene glued to polyethylene, which extends on one side by about 7.5 cm; This fabric is waterproof for about 15 cm with a polypropylene film that ensures the gluing of the membrane to the support.

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cross-media product called “Surfaces International”.

This new magazine, published in both printed and electronic format, embraces a full range

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

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therefore shows the flip-side of the world of coverings that we’ve traditionally focused on, thus completing and complementing it.

This is also why we’ve decided to pair it up with Tile International.

By simply rotating the magazine through 180°, readers of the print edition can read the new content, and gain a whole NEW magazine with a simple physical act.

UPSIDEDOWN

!

CONTENTS 8

EDITORIAL - A close look at the trends

Gian Paolo Crasta

10

ECONOMICS - 2020 U.S. ceramic tile market update

Andrew Whitmire

14

DISTRIBUTION - Ceramic distribution in USA: Conestoga tile’s point of view

ECONOMICS:

18 20

European construction industry, complete recovery expected in 2023

24

NEWS

32

FOTONEWS - Marble-effect stoneware for a luxury penthouse in Aalsmeer

PROJECTS:

42

FOTONEWS - A “winning” Sushi Club with Made in Italy ceramics

44

WHAT ’S NEW - Ceramic tiles & laying technologies

Sabrina Tassini

90th Euroconstruct Conference

Overview: trend of the main ceramic markets

Milena Bernardi

34 Park Lane Ala Moana, Honolulu 36 The Space of Stone and Lotus, Shanghai 40 An innovative project for an ever-changing, Jesolo

COVER PICTURE BY: Imola Ceramica • www.imolaceramica.com Photographer: Giancarlo Pradelli @ Cersaie 2019 • ADVERTISER’S LIST: pag. 30

COVER PICTURE: A farmhouse with a rock soul • Design: Alvisi Kirimoto Photography: Serena Eller Vainichery

marble, mosaic, glass, copper and recycled plastic

14 18 22 26 28 30

3 6 12

MATERIC DESIGN - 6 Materic Design novelties: WHAT ’S NEW - New Material PHOTONEWS - Pietre D’Arredo for Orsini Mood’s coverings The domestic landscape of a farmhouse with a rock soul The House of Grain in rural Jutland Sunoo Temple House: where men, environment and spirituality meets PROJECTS: PHOTONEWS - The "Wallpaper Collection" covers the Botanique Eclectique Velvet INTERVIEW - MS International: “Make Dream Surfaces Attainable” EDITORIAL - A close look at the trends

Sabrina Tassini Gian Paolo Crasta

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

CERAMICS OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Via Giardini Nord, 231/233 - 41026 Pavullo nel Frignano (MO) - Italia Tel. +39 0536 301711 - Fax+39 0536 22037 - mail: energieker@energieker.it - www.energieker.it

a close look at the trends This issue is dedicated to the American market, and shines a spotlight on tile industry performance in the USA, as well as in other major ceramic-manufacturing countries worldwide.

We publish the data for 2020 made available by trade associations, which paints a positive and reassuring picture, despite the difficulties faced by businesses during the pandemic, as we look forward to a full-blown recovery this year.

We also take a close look at the trends and prospects for ceramic distribution – and other segments – throughout America, in interviews with two of the industry’s key players. ✕

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

Gian Paolo Crasta g.crasta@tiledizioni.it

UPSIDEDOWN

!

2020 U.S. CERAMIC TILE M A R K E T U PDAT E fig 1

2006 1801

USA: NewAndrew Housing Starts Tile Council of North America (AWhitmire@tileusa.com) Whitmire, 2007 1355

2008 906

2009 554

2010 587

2011 609

2012 781

for the U.S. ceramic U.S. New housing startstile market,

The year 2020 was extremely

2013 925

2014 1003

While some segments of the

fig 1 difficultUSA: Starts which declined for the second for theNew U.S. Housing economy, which economy remained healthy, the 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 nearly2012 2013 impact2014 was devastated by the COVID-19 consecutive year following a pandemic’s sent U.S. gross 2000 1801 1801 906 554 587 609 925 health crisis,1355 and consequently, decade of uninterrupted growth. 781 domestic product 1003 (GDP) to a 3.5% 1800 thousands of units thousands of units

1600 1400 1200

1355

1250 1174 1203

1112 FIG. 1 - USA: NEW HOUSINGstarts STARTS U.S. New housing 1003 925

1290

1380

In spite of the struggling economy, the U.S. hous1801 554 587 609 ing market performed very well last year.

1380 1355 1290 Total new home starts 1203 1250 1112 1174 continued their upward 1003 925 906 trajectory (uninterrupt1000 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 781 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 ed since 2010), reaching 800 554 587 609 600 1.38 million homes, that is 400 the highest annual level fig. 2 USA: New single family home sales 200 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013since 2006.

2014 (fig. 1).

0 The 7.0% 1051 776 485 375 323 306 368 429 437increase from 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2019 was largely driven by an 11.5% increase in FIG. 2 - USA: NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES the single-family marfig. 2 USA: New single family home sales ket, which comprised 20061200 1051 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 201371.7% of2014 total starts. Mul10511000 776 485 375 323 306 368 429ti-family 437 units, on the oth811 er hand, declined 3.1% vs.

776 800 683 the previous year.

613 617 561 Another encourag600 501 485 429 437 1200 ing sign for the residen375 368 1051 323 306 400 tial market was the con1000 tinued rise of new sin200 New Housing 811 fig 1 USA: Starts 776 gle-family home sales, 800 683 2013 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 613 2012 2014 617 which were up for the 0 561 1801 1355 906 554 587 2014 2015 609 781 2019 2020 925 1003 600 501 2006 2007 2008 2011 2012 2013 2016 2017 2018 4852009 2010 ninth straight year and 429 437 375 368 reached their highest 323 306 400 Total Construction Spending (in billions of $OFU.S.) FIG. U.S. 3 - TOTAL U.S. CONSTRUCTION SPENDING (IN BILLIONS $ U.S level since 2006. The 200 811,000 units sold in 2020 fig 3 Total U.S. Construction Spending (in billions of $ U.S.) 1430 represented a strong 1365 2006 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 20111280 1333 2012 2013 2014 18.8% increase from the 2009 2010 2011 2014 20151224 2016 2019 2020 915 1161 11482006 1161 11482007 2008 1077 9122012 2013813 7912017 2018854 1015 1140 1077 previous year (fig. 2).

1015 Looking ahead, the Na915 912 813 791 854 tional Association of Total U.S. Construction Spending (in billions of $ U.S.) fig 3 Total U.S. Construction Spending (in billions of $ U.S.) Home Builders (NAHB), 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 1430 2013predicts2014 new single-fam1365 1333 1161 1148 1077 912 813 791 854 915 1015 ily starts to grow 5% in 1280 1224 1161 1148 2021, multifamily starts to 1140 1077 1015 decline by 11%, and total 915 Total912 U.S. Construction starts to be flat.

854 Spending (in billions of $ U.S.) 2006 2007 2008 2009 813 2010 791 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Key concerns for the thousands of units thousands of units

781

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

ECONOMICS

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

1000 2000 800 1800 600 1600 400 1400 200 1200 0

906

fig. 2

2006 1051

1161 1148 USA: New single family 1077

2007 776

home sales

1224 1140 10 1015

1365 1280 1333

2008 2009 2011 2012 T I L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L 1 / 2 0 2 1 9152010 854 485813 791375 323 306 368

912

1430

2013 429

2014 437

decrease from the previous year (Bureau of Economic Analysis).

This was the country’s worst economic decline since 1946 and

its first contraction on an annual basis since the Great Recession in 2008-2009.

According to the figures provided

housing market include rising prices of building materials and a lack of availability due to the pandemic and tariffs, as well as labor costs and shortages.

These factors, along with record low inventory levels, also impacted affordability for potential homebuyers, as last year the median new home sales price reached a record high of $334,000.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.11% last year, down from 3.94% in 2019 and the lowest annual rate on record. Aided by a government moratorium on foreclosures last year due to the pandemic, foreclosure filings, a key inverse indicator of the residential market’s health, declined to their lowest level since tracking began. The 214,000 filings (0.16% of all U.S. housing units) recorded in 2020 represented a 56.5% drop from the previous year. However, with the

by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pandemic also pushed U.S. unemployment to 8.1% in 2020, its highest level in eight years.

moratorium scheduled to expire at the end of June 2021, unless there is an extension, foreclosures will Chiara Bruzzichelli likely pick up in the second half of the year, as lendc.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it ers begin working through the backlog. Bolstered by the strong housing market, U.S. construction spending (includes both private and public residential and non-residential construction) increased for the ninth consecutive year to its highest level on record.

The $1.43 trillion total represented a 4.7% increase from the previous year (fig. 3).

U.S CERAMIC TILE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

Based on figures from U.S. Dept. of Commerce and TCNA, U.S. ceramic tile consumption in 2020 was 263.6 million sq.m. (2.84 billion sq. ft.), down 3.5% from the TAB. 1 - U.S. CERAMIC TILE SHIPMENTS, SALES AND CONSUMPTION (SQ.M) previous year (table 1).

U.S. U.S. % VAR. IN Despite the many challenges IMPORTS EXPORTS YEAR SHIPMENTS CONSUMPTION CONSUMPTION the health crisis brought, the 2020 83.8 182.7 2.9 263.6 -3.5% volume of domestically pro2019 83.2 193.0 3.0 273.2 -5.4% duced tile continued to grow in 2018 87.4 204.1 2.8 288.7 1.5% the U.S. tile market in 2020. U.S. shipments (less exports) last 2017 92.1 195.0 2.6 284.4 5.7% year increased 0.9% vs. 2019 to 2016 87.8 184.7 3.4 269.1 5.8% 80.9 million sq.m (871.3 million 2015 83,4 174,8 3,8 254,4 9.9% sq. ft.).

2014 75,8 159.1 3.4 231.5 0.5% They made up 30.7% of total 2013 73.8 160.2 3.7 230.2 12.9% U.S. consumption by volume in 2020, up from 29.4% in the 2012 69.5 138.6 4.2 203.9 5.4% previous year and their highest 2011 66.7 131.1 4.2 193.6 4.0% market share since 2017.

2010 60.3 129.6 3.9 186.0 7.7% In dollar value, 2020 U.S. FOB EXPORTS 2009 53.1 123.9 4.2 172.8 -18,1% factory sales of 21.5% domestic ship2008 58.9 156.6 4.7 210.9 -15,2% ments were $1.30 billion, down 2.8% from 2019. U.S. shipments 2007 50.6 202.4 4.4 248.7 -19,3% made up 39.3% of 2020 total 2006 58.5 253.8 4.2 308.1 1,8% U.S. tile consumption by dol2005 61.1 245.1 3.4 302.8 3,5% lar value, up from 37.6% the priValues in million sq.m. Shipments include exports. Consumption = Shipments - Exports + Imports. or year.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce & Tile Council of North America (TCNA) The per unit value of domestic

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

Its position as largest exporter of ceramic tile to the U.S. by volume was conquered, for the first time on record, by Spain, whose sales grew by 16.1% to 37.8 million sq.m., claiming a 20.7% share of total U.S. imports by volume, up considerably from 16.9% in 2019 (table 2).

Mexico, the second largest exporter to the U.S., confirmed the downward trend of its sales (31.1 million sq.m.; -6.9% from 2019), comprising 17.0% of total U.S. imports by volume, down slightly from 17.3% in 2019.

Since peaking with a 31.5% share of imports in 2012, Mexico’s share has steadily declined and was at its lowest point since 2006.

Italy was the third largest exporter with 30.3 million sq.m. of tiles sold in the US (-1,6%), making up 16.6% of total U.S. imports by volume, up from 15.9% the prior year.

Other major exporters registered a double-digit growth in volume: Turkey (23,1 million sq.m; +39.2%), Brazil (21.8 million sq.m; +15.4%) and above all India, whose exports to the US grew in just one year from 6.3 to 18.6 million sq.m (+194.5%), making the largest gain in market share (from a 3.3% share of imports in 2019 to 10.2% last year).

shipments decreased from $16.63/ sq.m ($1.55/sq. ft.) in 2019 to $16.03/ sq.m ($1.49/sq. ft.) in 2020. U.S. ceramic tile exports were 2.9 million sq.m (31.0 million sq. ft.) in 2020, a 2.4% decline from 2019.

The two largest recipients of these exports were our North American neighbours, Canada (73.4%) and Mexico (10.2%). The value of U.S. exports fell 12.6% from $35.7 million in 2019 to $31.2 million in 2020.

U.S Ceramic tile production reached 83,8 milioni sq.m, up slightly from 2019.

ECONOMICS

IMPORTS Though U.S. factories remained open last year, for several weeks during the spring, tile plants in the three countries exporting the most tile to the U.S. (i.e. Spain, Mexico, and Italy) were shut down due to COVID-19. This negatively impacted imports: as of May 2020, U.S. imports were down 22.9% vs. May 2019 YTD. However, imports rallied in the second half of 2020 and ended the year down 5.3%.

The 182.7 million sq.m (1.97 billion sq. ft.) of tile imported in 2020 was the lowest total since 2015.

The year 2020 saw the final exit of China from the US tile market (imports from China fell by 98.1% vs. 2019), as a consequence of the imposition in 2019 of significant anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese tiles.

In 2020, the total value of ceramic tile imports declined by 9.5% to US$ 2.0 billion (table 3).

On a dollar basis (CIF + duty) Italy remained the largest exporter to the U.S. in 2020 (US$ 628.6 million, -4.2%), comprising 31.4% TAB 2 - US CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, IN VOLUME of U.S. imports (up from % on 2019 % on 2020 2020/2019 % 29.6%). It was followed 2 Country 2019 (m ) 2020 (m2) total imports total imports Change

by Spain ($468.6 million, Spain 32,587,592 16.9 37,834,750 20.7 16.1% +5.6%) with a 23.4% share, Mexico 33,449,041 17.3 31,145,433 17.0 -6.9% and Mexico ($224 million, -0.8%) with a 11.2% share.

Italy 30,760,300 15.9 30,280,749 16.6 -1.6% Table 4 shows the averTurkey 16,610,588 8.6 23,119,022 12.7 39.2% age values of tile (CIF + Brazil 18,894,306 9.8 21,813,099 11.9 15.4% duty) from the ten largIndia 6,329,940 3.3 18,641,415 10.2 194.5% est exporting countries Peru 5,344,342 2.8 4,615,395 2.5 -13.6% (based on volume) in 2020.

Malaysia 119,924 0.1 2,733,480 1.5 2179.3% Once again, Italian tiles Vietnam 276,604 0.1 1,553,812 0.9 461.7% confirm the highest avPortugal 931,206 0.5 1,394,707 0.8 49.8% erage price of $20.76/ All Countries 192,963,149 100.0 182,688,556 100.0 -5.3% sq.m, down slightly from Source: US Dept. of Commerce / TCNA $21.33/sq.m, in 2019.

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

The five countries from which the most tiles were imported into Canada in 2020 based on volume were: China (9.1 million sq.m, -27.4% in volume; and -29.4% in value), Italy (7.9 million sq.m, -2,6%; -0,7% in value), Turkey (5.6 million sq.m, +23.9%; +30% in value), Spain (3.8 million sq.m, +5.6%; +13.4% in value) and the United States (2.1 million sq.m, -17%; -11.2% in value). ✕

CANADIAN MARKET UPDATE In 2020 Canadian ceramic tile consumption was 32.6 million sq.m (351.3 million sq. ft.), a 4.3% decline from the previous year (source: Statistics Canada). As there is no significant ceramic tile production in Canada, imports approximately equal consumption

TAB 3 - US CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, IN VALUE 2019 (USD)

% on total 2019 imports in value

Italy

656,168,942

29.6

628,564,234

31.4

Spain

443,786,983

20.1

468,556,063

23.4

Mexico

225,697,007

10.2

223,989,682

11.2

Turkey

128,290,114

5.8

187,703,524

9.4

Brazil

123,931,216

5.6

150,568,515

7.5

India

46,202,698

2.1

135,832,712

6.8

Peru

28,403,253

1.3

24,574,178

1.2

Malaysia

1,086,429

0.0

23,587,082

1.2

Portugal

13,978,809

0.6

18,807,068

0.9

Japan

17,045,821

0.8

16,747,280

0.8

2,213,155,469

100.0%

2,002,787,363

100.0%

Country

All Countries

2020 (USD)

% on total 2020 imports in value

Imports values include duty, freight, and insurance Source: US Dept. of Commerce / TCNA TAB 4 - AVERAGE VALUE OF IMPORTED TILES ($/SQ.M ) 2019 value ($/ sq.m)

2020 value ($/ sq.m)

2020/2019 % Change

Italy

21.33

20.76

-2.7

Portugal

-10.2

Country

15.01

13.48

Spain

13.62

12.38

-9.1

Vietnam

13.04

10.5

-19.5

Malaysia

9.06

8.63

-4.7

Turkey

7.72

8.12

5.2

7.3

7.29

-0.1

Mexico

6.75

7.19

6.5

Brazil

6.56

6.9

5.2

Colombia

5.45

5.33

-2.2

India

Peru All Countries

5.31

5.32

0.2

11.47

10.96

-4.4

Imports values include CIF+duty Source: US Dept. of Commerce / TCNA

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

Sabrina Tassini

CER AMIC DISTRIBUTION IN USA: CONESTO GA TILE’S POINT OF VIEW With an experience of over 60 years in the interior finishing distribution sector, the American Conestoga Tile company aims to represent the most respected and revered tile factories in the United States, Italy and other locations around

the world, supporting customers with a passionate and enthusiastic approach to consulting and sales.

A winning business attitude that is also reflected in the commitment that the company puts into working both on residential

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tile International:Where does Conestoga Tile oper-

or commercial projects with homeowner, contractors, dealers, interior designers, architects or builders, focusing on providing professionalism, expertise and guidance throughout the realizations and beyond.

your strengths, also in terms of services offered to customers? ate and which product segments does it specialize in?

Steve Vogel: Conestoga Tile services the Mid-Atlantic S. Vogel:Through-out the Mid-Atlantic region we are region of the US in Central PA, All of Maryland, Dela- extremely strong in the residential market through floor ware, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia to Char- covering stores and kitchen and bath dealers.

This makes up the largest portion of our sales. lottesville, Virginia.

From the very beginning when Conestoga Tile was We’ve grown this segment of our distribution since the 1st day the company was in existence. To accomplish founded its strength has been in ceramic tile.

Certainly, natural stone has been part of product offer- this we provide professional sales people with an iming but our inventory profile is clearly dominated by mid mense amount of tile knowledge, effective showroom marketing tools and an extremely efficient delivery systo high-end porcelain floor tile and ceramic wall tile.

Our customers see us as the premier supplier of these tem. In addition, we’re strong in the commercial market and have a team of very talentproducts as well as setting materials ed individuals who call on the Baltifrom Laticrete and Schlüter Systems we are extremely strong in the more/Washington DC and Central and tile installation tools.

Tile International: What are residential market through floor Pennsylvania A&D firms. By design, covering stores and kitchen and bath dealers.

This makes up the

largest portion of our sales. we provide professional sales people with an immense amount of tile knowledge,

effective

showroom

marketing tools and an extremely efficient delivery system.

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

We talked with Mr. Steve Vogel, Conestoga Tile’s Executive Vice President, to explore behind the scenes of the distribution activity and deepen the distinctive features of the reference market.

this segment of our business has been where we’ve found the most growth in recent years and we’re planning for more growth in the future. In addition, we have a large customer base of contractors who are in close proximity to one of our three showroom/warehouse branches which are hotbeds of activity and are central to the local tile installation market.

Tile International: Focusing on ceramics, what are the best-selling stylistic effects and formats for residential and com-

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

Steve Vogel

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

mercial applications?

What about the most used laying methods?

S. Vogel: 12”x24” porcelain floor tile is still the most popular size we sell however tile sizes like 24”x24” and 24”x48” are gaining in acceptance and popularity especially in the commercial sector.

For these larger sizes to be accepted residentially the home owner needs to see the tile installed to appreciate the beauty a large tile can deliver and its then that they realize the size is not as overwhelming as they thought it would be. We expect these larger format tiles to continue to gain acceptance and gain popularity as end-users get more exposure to them.

We’re selling a lot of 3”x12” glazed ceramic wall tile for both bathroom installations as well as kitchen backsplashes. In addition, there seems to be a trend moving toward vintage (or distressed) looking 3”x12” wall tile over a simple flat faced, solid color tile.

If there’s a specific color/design that stands out in popularity for the residential market it would be white w/ grey veining marble looks.

We have a large variety of marble looks and it is always interesting to me how much of the white with grey veining is being sold. Cement looks are also quite popular and in a fair amount of residential installations both cement and marble looks are being used in the

same installation. In addition, we’re seeing soapstone and fossil looks gaining in popularity within our market.

In the past 12 – 24 months we’ve seen an interesting trend develop in residential installation designs where the use of a decorative mosaic or tile as an “accent strip” has lost its appeal (after decades of use) in bath/ shower wall installations. Instead of the “accent strip” we’re now seeing homeowners install entire “accent walls” with use of decorative mosaics, 3D relief tiles, bold colors or geometric designs. If they don’t dedicate an entire wall to accent tile they’ll often use this accent tile in the wall niche.

In my opinion this a welcomed change as it’s creating some very dramatic installations and really showcases the beauty and relevance that ceramic tile continues to have after 4000+ years.

In the commercial sector we continue to see high demand for natural stone visuals. We’re starting to see more interest beyond grey for warmer tones and bolder colors. In addition, there’s strong interest in geometric shapes and elongated planks.

Tile International: Given the current state, are you noticing the advancement of new needs and requests accentuated by the pandemic from your customers?

S. Vogel: Throughout the pandemic we offered showroom clients the option to work with us virtually where

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

CONESTOGA TILE • Birth year: 1958 we would meet via video conference Not only are the low mortgage rates • Showroom Locations: for consultations where our designers helping buyers but also those who - Sterling, Virginia and the clients would take turns sharwant to remodel.

- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ing information by screen sharing.

The remodel market is very strong - Columbia, Maryland It would often lead to us sending a due to many homeowners refinanc• Distribution Center: Hanover, sample and the sales process would ing to lower mortgage rates which Pennsylvania continue from there. Although the virfrees up funds or using the equity tual consultations have become less in their homes to invest in remodelfrequent since the lockdowns were ling projects. Historically, higher-end lifted there is a segment of our client that like the abil- products are used in remodelling projects vs more ity to work with us virtually and we’re more than happy so than new home construction which is great for our to work with them that way. business.

Tile International: What is the condition of the real Tile International: In recent years we have witnessed estate market in North East America and what about a rapid development of digital and virtual tools dethe building renovation industry? Is it a real catalyst for signed to support stores in the distribution of finishing the sale of finishing materials? materials and offer the clientele an increasingly interS. Vogel: The real estate market in the US is in what I active and customized purchase experience. would call a frenzy. This is due to near historically low Do you already use these tools in your stores? mortgage rates and because of the pandemic people Otherwise, will you evaluate their use in the future? have discovered the importance of home whether it’s a S. Vogel: We’re currently evaluating augmented reality place that they “live and work” or a place they just love apps to be accessed on our website and showrooms. to hang out at and want to improve the aesthetics. Al- I believe it’s extremely helpful to the end-user to be so, the large US population of millennials are reach- able to envision how a product will look in their space. ing their 30’s which is a typical time for Americans to To date, it’s been difficult to accurately show a product buy their first home. We haven’t seen activity like this varied facial graphics but luckily the technology is imsince 2006. proving and we’re getting closer to utilizing it. ✕

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

E U R O PE A N CO N ST R U CT I O N I N D U ST RY, COMPLETE RECOVERY EXPECTED IN 2023 90th Euroconstruct Conference

The sudden and totally unexpected Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the prospects for the construction market, opening up a new

phase that has totally overturned all estimates. According to the latest Euroconstruct forecast, presented in Munich during the conference

held on 24 November last year, the construction volume in the area is estimated to have slumped by 7.8% in 2020. This marks the second up-

is expected to be much less severe than last spring as safety measures

The consequences of the economic and health crisis for individual countries in 2020 vary significantly, ranging from small growth in Finland and stagnation in Portugal and Norway to a sharp decline of almost one fifth in the UK. Other heavyweights like France and Spain are also strongly affected, whereas the German market performed surprisingly well due to the fact that activities could continue relatively unhindered.

and digital working procedures should enable construction work to conFor additional information please contact: tinue uninterruptedly.

Ludwig Dorffmeister | Phone: +49(0)89/9224-1343 | Email: dorffm Overall, the uncertainties surrounding the evolution of the pandemic mean it is still not possible to make firm predictions for the coming

Total Construc

GDP and Total Construction Output from 2017 to 2023 FIG. 1 - CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT BY SECTOR year to year change in %

Index 2017=100 120

6 4

0

110

‐2 105

‐4 ‐6

100

‐8 ‐10

| Email: 2017 dorffmeister@ifo.de 2018 2019 2020 GDP

95

2021

2022

2023

Total c Non‐re

Total construction output

Total Construction Output by Sector from 2017 to 2023 Source: EUROCONSTRUCT, November 2020 FIG. 2 - TOTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT CUMULATED Index 2017=100

2017

Source: EUROCON

% GROWTH 2019-2022

120

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT The assessment of the further development of construction activity in 2021 is based on the assumption that the economy in the Euroconstruct area will grow by 4.9% following the 8.0% contraction in 2020.

The direct impact on the construction industry

2 0

‐2

‐4

‐6

‐8 2017 GDP

2018

2019

2020

2021

Total construction output

urce: EUROCONSTRUCT, November 2020

OTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT

2022

2023

115

Es

Country/Year

201 7

201 8

201 9

Austria

2.5

3.6

3.6

105 Belgium

1 .9

2.3

0.4

Denmark

3.0

1 .3

9.1

Finland

2.0

2.0

-1 .4

France

3.9

3.3

2.8

2023 1 .8

2.0

Residential construction 1 3.6 1 3.0 Civil engineering

7.5

110 Source: 90th Euroconstruct Conference

4

10

115

2

Source: 90th Euroconstruct Conference

ECONOMICS

As for individual market segments, the civil engineering sector appears to be least affected by the pandemic. Expenditure on infrastructure fell by just 3.8% in 2020 and is expected to expand by 5.2% in 2021.

The negative 2020 trend in non-residential construction (-9.2%) will be followed by growth of +2.5% in the current year, although will not be sufficient to return to 2019 levels. or additional this information please contact: Following the major losses in the residential udwig Dorffmeister | Phone: +49(0)89/9224-1343 segment (-8.6% in 2020), the market will regain significant momentum in 2021 with expected growth of 4.7%.

Due to the lockdowns imposed by numerous DP and Total Construction Output from 2017 to 2023 ar to year change in %governments last spring, renovation projects were also brought to a halt, weakening reno6 vation activities by 7.3%.

100 95

2017 Germany

2018

2019

2020

Ireland Total construction output Non‐residential construction Italy

20212.1 2022

0.5

1 .9

2.9

Netherlands

3.6

6.4

3.1

Norway 18

6.9

-2.8

2.6

Portugal

1 1 .0

9.3

6.0

Source: EUROCONSTRUCT, November 2020

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

(% change in real terms)

ward revision after the -11.5% forecast in June was updated to -9.1% in August. For 2021, the forecast is fairly similar to the August revision

and amounts to 4.1% growth.

The outlook also remains positive for 2022 (+3.4%) and 2023 (+2.4%).

Total construction output in the

Euroconstruct area is expected to reach 1.73 trillion euros by 2023 and to exceed the 2019 level by 28 billion euros (+1.7%).

Bruzzichelli sible to assume that positive factors such as the Chiara need for c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it housing in urban regions, energy renewal and modernisation of infrastructure will give the construction industry a fresh boost in the medium term.

months. Indirect negative effects of the pandemic, such as rising unemployment, falls in turnover and tax losses, will also have to be taken into account, but much will depend on how well the government relief and stimulus programmes work.

✕ In this fragile and uncertain scenario, however, it seems plau-

TAB. 1 - TOTAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IN THE EUROCONSTRUCT AREA (% CHANGE ON REAL TERMS) ESTIMATE COUNTRY

2017

2018

2019

2020

2.5

3.6

3.6

Belgium

1.9

2.3

Denmark

3.0

1.3

Finland

2.0

France Germany

Austria

FORECAST 2021

OUTLOOK 2022

2023

-2.8

2.5

2.1

1.8

0.4

-7.1

8.7

3.2

3.6

9.1

-0.7

1.0

2.3

2.1

2.0

-1.4

1.3

-5.3

-0.2

-2.0

3.9

3.3

2.8

-15.8

13.6

4.7

2.8

2.1

1.8

2.0

-1.6

-0.2

0.4

0.2

13.6

13.0

17.5

-16.0

8.1

3.8

4.0

Italy

0.5

1.9

2.9

-7.4

6.6

4.5

2.1

Netherlands

3.6

6.4

3.1

-2.2

-6.1

4.6

5.7

Norway

6.9

-2.8

2.6

0.1

0.3

4.4

2.4

Portugal

11.0

9.3

6.0

0.1

2.3

2.5

2.7

Spain

5.0

6.4

4.5

-12.5

4.5

3.5

3.0

Sweden

7.3

0.1

-0.5

-0.4

-0.1

0.1

1.8

Switzerland

1.2

0.9

-0.3

-2.0

0.6

0.4

0.5

UK

5.9

-0.2

3.2

-19.5

12.6

8.4

4.8

Western Europe (EC-15)

3.5

2.4

2.7

-8.0

4.5

3.4

2.3

Czech Rep.

4.5

7.0

1.1

-3.9

-1.3

1.9

3.3

25.5

19.8

16.3

-8.3

-4.5

6.2

6.4

Poland

7.3

14.2

5.0

-3.1

0.3

3.0

3.0

Slovak Rep.

3.8

8.0

-4.7

-9.5

1.0

4.5

2.7

Eastern Europe (EC-4)

8.6

12.8

5.2

-4.5

-0.8

3.3

3.6

Total EC-19

3.8

3.0

2.9

-7.8

4.1

3.4

2.4

Ireland

Hungary

Source: 90th Euroconstruct Conference

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

OVERVIEW: TREND OF THE MAIN CERAMIC MARKETS Milena Bernardi

Predictably, at a time when the economy was already seeing signs of a slowdown, the extent and intensity of the global health crisis inevitably took their toll on the 2020 preliminary results of the

major ceramic markets.

The good news, however, is that losses were significantly lower than feared during the lockdown in the early months of 2020.

This is due to the upturn that

started in May, when businesses reopened, and continued into the second half of the year, thus offsetting the losses of the first six months. Analysts estimate that almost all markets will close

ECONOMICS

ITALIAN CERAMIC DOWN LESS THAN EXPECTED From the data emerging from Confindustria Ceramica, at the end of 2020 total tile sales dropped to 391 million square metres, a decrease of around 4% on the 407 million sqm of 2019.

This 16 million sqm decline consisted of 10 million sqm losses in the domestic market and a 6 million sqm contraction in exports. Italian sales dropped to 73 million sqm, a sharp 12% fall with respect to the previous year, while exports held up better than expected and closed the year down 2% to 317 million sqm following a first half decline of 20%.

However, the performance across different foreign markets varied considerably, as Confindustria Ceramica’s chairman Giovanni Savorani noted: “Exports to Europe, which account for more than two thirds of our total exports, have remained largely stable. Sales in Western European markets actually increased by 2.2%, driven by exports to German-speaking countries.

Outside the European Union we suffered heavier losses, not so much in North America where exports remained broadly stable at 2019 levels (-1.7%), but in the Gulf markets, North Africa and the Far East, where we lost 10-12%, and in Latin America where the contraction was particularly severe at around -30%.”

Domestic production fell sharply, dropping by almost 18% from 401 million sqm in 2019 to around 330 million sqm at the end of 2020.

This was a result of the lockdown, which prevented the launch of new products and forced trade fairs to be cancelled, including Cersaie.

So to maintain their sales, sector companies resorted to significantly reducing their warehouse stocks (around 60 million square metres).

One of the critical issues facing the Italian ceramic tile industry is the fact that domestic demand has been stagnant for several years I TA LY now.

The Italian market accounts for just 18.7% of the sector’s total sales, a level that is considered excessively low MLN SQ.M - ESTIMATED and which Savorani believes DOMESTIC should be at least 25-30%.

PRODUCTION The opportunity to revive sluggish domestic demand may come from the expected rebound in construction activity in Italy in 2021 (more than +10% according MLN SQ.M - ESTIMATED to Prometeia).

EXPORTS An extraordinary boost may be provided by the 110% Superbonus for building renovation.

330 317

391

MLN SQ.M - ESTIMATED

THE ITALIAN CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY 2016 MLN sq.m

2017 MLN sq.m

2018 MLN sq.m

2019 MLN sq.m

2020 preliminary

Var. 2020/2019

Production

415.9

422.5

415.5

400.7

330

-17.6%

Total sales

414.6

421.9

410.1

406.9

391

-3.9%

82.9

83.7

82.4

83.5

73

-12.5%

331.7

338.2

327.7

323.4

317

-2.0%

Domestic market Export Source: Confindustria Ceramica

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

TOTAL SALES

73 MLN SQ.M - ESTIMATED

DOMESTIC MARKET

the year with a slight loss or at broadly the same level as in 2019, thanks to an increase in investment in construction, which has boosted demand for ceramics. The summer upturn was therefore the

common denominator that led to a recovery in sales and revenues.

Of the leading ceramic-manufacturing countries, Italy has withstood the shock and reported satisfactory performance, Spain

is doing well and Turkey has even reported double-digit increases in exports. Things have been more of a struggle for Brazil, whose fall in exports is only partly offset by an increase in sales to the US.

SPAIN PASSES THE PANDEMIC-YEAR TEST The Spanish ceramic tile industry has overcome the year of the Covid-19 pandemic with good results. According to the national trade association Ascer, the preliminary 2020 figures suggest that the sector’s total turnover will not differ greatly from the 3,757 million euros of 2019, with a projected year-on-year variation of between -1% and at best +2%. Even a 1% downturn would be a very positive result given the huge hurdles that businesses have had to overcome, especially during the early months of the pandemic. Of course, this result is far short of the 6% growth that the Spanish ceramic tile industry had set itself as an achievable target for 2020 at the beginning of last year, but no one could have imagined what would happen during the year! Ascer’s chairman Vicente Nomdedeu described 2020 as “the year of uncertainty”, while pointing out that after the toughest months (March and April saw a decline in turnover of almost 50%), the Spanish ceramic tile industry has made a steady recovery, especially in international markets.

By contrast, the domestic market experienced a more negative trend and has been unable to return to its normal sales levels. Exports make up 75% of the sector’s turnover and are expected to see between 1% and 4% revenue growth in 2020 compared to the 2,818 million euros of 2019. Domestic sales on the THE SPANISH CERAMIC TILE INDUSTRY 2018 National production (million sq.m)

2019

% change 20/19 (est.)

530

510

-3%

-4%

Total Sales (million €)

3,597

3,757

-1%

+2%

Domestic Sales (million €)

2,727

2,818

-1%

+4%

870

939

-7%

-4%

Exports (million €) Source: Ascer - estimated

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

other hand are expected to close the year with a decline of between -7% and -4%. The Spanish industry also lowered by 3-4% its production volumes (compared to the 510 million sqm of 2019), a move that has enabled companies in the Castellón district to balance out supply and demand and significantly reduce their inventories. Nomdedeu himself acknowledges that the tile industry’s results “are apparently positive, especially when compared to those of other sectors that are going through very challenging times”. However, as Ascer’s chairman points out, because of Covid-19 “the sector has suffered a 5-6 percentage point fall in revenues and the recovery in sales has not been uniform across the sector, with some companies enjoying growth while others experience serious difficulties”. The figures for Spanish tile exports in the first 10 months of 2020 up to October show a sharp rise in sales to the United States (+15.1%), which has become the largest export market ahead of France, which still recorded a positive +1.8%. Spain also registered export growth in Germany (+16.6%), Saudi Arabia (+71.3%, with a further increase in November to +90.8%) and the United Arab Emirates (+52.6%). Regarding Saudi Arabia and the UAE, one of the most important results achieved by Ascer in 2020 was the outcome of the anti-dumping investigations in the Gulf countries, which led to measures being imposed against tile imports from India and China but S PA I N not from Spain. As evidenced by the figures, this has enabled Spanish companies to occupy certain market segments FROM in this region. By contrast, the UK was one of the foreign markets where Spanish exTO ports saw a decline, largely due to the pandemic. Sales were down 9.8% to the MLN SQ.M - ESTIMATED end of October but by the end of NovemDOMESTIC ber had regained a little ground (-4.5%).

490 495

PRODUCTION

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

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR TURKEY, BRAZIL STILL BELOW PAR Despite the pandemic, the Turkish market exceeded all expectations.

Tile exports reached 131.6 million sq.m, marking an increase of 17.8% compared with 2019.

Their value also increased, to 685.8 million euros (up 15.5% on 2019).

Growth was driven by increases in the US (23.5 million sq.m., up 36.1%) and Germany (17.9 million sq.m., up 25.5%).

On the production front, in November 2020, Turkey was forecasting growth of 3% for 2020, to 305 million sq.m.

ECONOMICS

Things were a bit different in Brazil,

where exports stopped at 95.9 million sq.m (down 5.1% on 2019). Their value fell too (by 6.3%) to a total of 288.8 million euros.

Despite growing at double their previous rate (25 million sq.m, up 25.3% on 2019), sales to the USA were not enough to compensate for the ground lost in Paraguay (15.1 million sq.m, down 18.8%) and the Dominican Republic (7.1 million sq.m, down 12.7%).

As for production, last November Brazil was forecasting a downturn of 10% to 20% for 2020 (730 to 820 million sq.m).

TURKEY

305 MLN SQ.M - ESTIMATED

DOMESTIC PRODUCTION

BRAZIL

730 820

FROM

TO

MLN SQ.M - ESTIMATED

DOMESTIC PRODUCTION

grupporomanispa.it

NEWS

Mapei ranked as one of Italy’s 200 most sustainable companies Mapei is one of Italy’s 200 most sustainable companies, according to a study conducted by Istituto Tedesco di Qualità e Finanza (ITQF), in partnership with the Hamburg-based Institut für Management- und Wirtschaftsforschung (IMWF) and the Business & Finance division of the Italian daily newspaper “La Repubblica”.

Using social listening techniques, the survey explored almost 1 million citations in the spheres of technology, innovation, environmental sustainability, green economy and social sustainability, attributed to some 2,000 companies and tracked by a database of 438 million online sources over the course of 2020, including portals, websites, blogs, forums, social media and press releases. The survey’s coverage and its evaluation of sentiment yielded a set of scores that were compiled into a league table.

“By embracing research and innovation, Mapei wants to help continuously improve the environmental credentials of buildings and the health of their users,” explained Mikaela Decio, Mapei’s Corporate Environmental Sustainability Manager. “We believe that extending the life cycle of existing buildings and infrastructure is the best way to reduce our consumption of resources and cut the amount of waste that gets sent to landfill.

Our social commitment translates into practical support for the communities we operate in, through sporting, cultural and solidarity initiatives. This latest endorsement gives recognition to what we have done so far, and encourages us to continue on this path, with a view to achieving increasingly significant results for society and the environment.”

Italcer Group acquires Equipe Cerámicas Having acquired Cedir, a historic company based in Castel Bolognese, in late 2020, Italcer, the high-end Italian ceramic and bathroom furnishings group headed by Graziano Verdi (pictured), has now taken over Equipe Cerámicas, a leading Spanish manufacturer of small-format floor and wall tiles, based in Figueroles (Castellón).

Formed in 2017 and part-owned by Mandarin Capital Partners (MCP), the Rubiera-based group has acquired six other companies in just over three years, namely Ceramica Rondine, La Fabbrica Ceramiche, AVA, Elios Ceramica, Cedir and Devon&Devon, but this is its first acquisition outside Italy, bringing the total number to seven.

Founded in 1999, Equipe Cerámicas has been backed – since 2018 – by the Miura fund, which has supported the growth and development plan that has doubled the company’s sales and production capacity. The company has around 200 employees and sells its products worldwide, but mainly in Europe and the United States.

Adding Equipe to the Italcer line-up not only makes the Group an international player, but also makes it a force to be reckoned with on the European ceramic market, with top-end products and complementary brands in Italy and Spain, including in the small-format tile segment, which is seeing double-digit growth across global markets.

“Integrating Equipe into the Group

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

strengthens the best practices of both parties, by combining Equipe’s production flexibility with Italcer’s quality,” said Graziano Verdi, CEO of Italcer Group.

“Italcer is now a global benchmark in the ceramic industry in terms of innovation, development, sustainability and its unique management team. This is another step forward in the expansion plan we launched in 2017, and further evidence that a strong external development strategy provides unique opportunities in such a fragmented industry. In 2017, our revenues stood at 60 million euros and our EBITDA at 12 million euros, but on the strength of this strategy, we are forecasting revenues of over 220 million euros and EBITDA of 50 million euros in 2021.”

As a result of this acquisition, the Miura fund has become a shareholder in Italcer, alongside the main investor, MCP. Both of these shareholders have already made it clear that they intend to “keep their eyes peeled for further opportunities for growth and development.”

In line with previous acquisitions, Equipe Ceramicas will keep its business and workforce under the leadership of its current CEO, Rogelio Vila, while Graziano Verdi will lead the group as a whole, in his role as CEO. The Italcer Group now has 570 employ-

Discover SUPREME TREASURE collection @ flavikerpisa.it. Brand of ABK GROUP

ees and will produce over 15 million square metres of coverings this year, which will be sold through more than 3,000 distributors worldwide. Its target for 2024 is revenues of 300 million euros and EBITDA of 70 million euros.

The group plans to invest a further 10 million euros per year over the threeyear period 2021-2023, on top of the figure of over 25 million euros that it has already invested in Industry 4.0 technology in recent years.

NEWS

New green investments for Gruppo Romani Gruppo Romani, a well-known manufacturer of porcelain floor and wall tiles, has received a loan of 6 million euros from Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (an Italian state-owned financial institution), with which to expand its programme of technological investments, to help make its production processes ever more sustainable. The company, whose portfolio includes the CIR, Serenissima, Cercom and Cerasarda brands, has almost completed a total renovation of its Roteglia plant, at a cost of 5 million euros.

The work got under way in December and is aimed at cutting the business’s environmental impact and boosting its use of Industry 4.0 automation.

The three old kilns have been replaced

with one large, new, energy-efficient kiln, and the Grading, Packaging and Palletisation Department has installed a range of latest-generation automatic lines that will cut the consumption of packaging materials and enhance the efficiency of the grading of the many non-traditional formats produced by the group.

Now, with the support of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, the Casalgrande-based ceramic group is planning a new round of work at its Rubiera site. The major renovation that has been carried out in the past few years will be completed with the installation of an electricity-generating turbine that will yield substantial energy savings.

“There can be no denying that we are proud to have sealed this deal with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti,” said Giorgio Romani, Chair of the Romani Group (pictured), “because it testifies to the effectiveness of our industrial plans and the solidity of our Group.”

With three production plants, over 400 employees and output of some 8 million square metres per year, Gruppo Romani reported revenues of 100 million euros in 2019, 80% of which were generated in foreign markets, mainly the USA, Germany and France.

Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, revenues dipped by just 1.65% in 2020 compared with 2019.

Cersaie 2021, both physical and online Cersaie, the world’s most important exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings, will be back in the Bologna Exhibition Centre from 27 September to 1 October 2021.

This year’s show will see the return of the physical exhibition, which will observe the strictest safety measures at a time when the vaccination programme should be well underway and restrictions eased.

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

The confidence of exhibitors and their desire to look to the future is clearly demonstrated by the fact that 80% of the total space allocated at Cersaie 2019 has already been booked seven months before the show is due to open.

This percentage, together with the fact that exhibitor applications are arriving from all over the world, promises well for extensive international participation.

It also confirms the appeal of Cersaie and its excellent relationship with exhibitors, boosted by the hard work that has continued uninterruptedly through these difficult months.

One completely new feature of this 38th edition is Cersaie Digital, which will be online for three weeks from 20 September to 8 October.

The exhibitors at the physical exhibition will also be participating in the online event, which is intended to complement rather than substitute the in-person show. In particular, the digital event will fully exploit the potential of information technology, the dematerialisation of information and events and the global reach of the internet to consolidate the role, standing and prestige of Cersaie.

00321 Visual Comunicazione – VE

CONTEMPORARY

MASTERPIECE T H E F I R S T S U P P O RT I N T H E WO R L D

ENTIRELY IN CLASS A1FL T H I S S U P P O R T A N T I C I PAT E S T H E S T R I C T S EC U R I T Y R EG U L AT I O N AG A I N S T F I R E .

S T E E L M A R T H A S A S E L F- L E V E L L I N G H E A D T H AT A D J U S T S S LO P E U P TO 5% , I T C OV E R S A R A N G E O F H E I G H T S F RO M 2 5 TO 3 0 0 M M A N D I T I S S U I TA B L E F O R M I X E D F LO O R S I N S TA L L AT I O N .

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

NEWS

ECO DESIGN marks 30th anniversary ECO DESIGN, a leading manufacturer of display systems for showrooms and trade fairs, with an international reputation for solid technical know-how, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its formation. With its long-standing commitment to offering the most suitable and effective solutions for showcasing tiles, marble, wood flooring, sanitaryware and other construction finishes, the company has two production plants in the ceramic cluster of Sassuolo (Modena, Italy) for metal and wood items - from individual display units to large-scale structures for fitting out stands and showrooms.

The ECO DESIGN team includes architects, designers and engineers, who work together to design, develop and test every product.

The team also makes use of selected external contractors from a range of sectors to provide a truly comprehensive service.

“30 years ago, on 17 January 1991, we set up a company that we hoped would be long-lasting and provide work for young people, and older ones, united by the desire to build a forward-looking company, where the profit motive went hand in hand with a spirit of cooperation and

mutual trust and esteem,” explain the founder-members of ECO DESIGN srl.

“Thanks to all our staff, who interact and work cohesively on a daily basis, we have fulfilled our hopes and achieved results beyond our expectations. Despite the adversity of the current climate, we owe the fact that we can carry on working and looking to the future with optimism to that idea of teamwork, in which we are firm believers.”

Mohawk Industries posts record sales in fourth quarter of 2020 Following sharp growth in Q4 (+9% on the same period in 2019), Mohawk Industries ended 2020 with smaller than expected losses.

Net sales totalled $9.6 billion, a 4.2% decrease on the $10 billion of 2019, while net earnings (excluding restructuring, acquisition and other charges) amounted to $631 million (compared to $725 million in 2019).

This was a more than satisfactory result given the severe challenges faced in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The US giant’s recovery began in the third quarter and continued at a faster pace in the following months, a trend that largely accounted for the end of year result.

“Our fourth quarter results exceeded our expectations as we posted our highest ever quarterly sales,” said Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum, Chairman and CEO of Mohawk Industries (pictured).

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“We ran our plants around the world at high levels during the period. All of our markets saw strengthening residential purchases, with laminate, LVT and sheet vinyl outperforming other flooring categories. Commercial activity remains weak. Our results improved with higher volumes, restructuring initiatives and leverage on costs, while being adversely affected by lower runs and inventory, higher absenteeism and labour shortages in some operations.”

All of the group’s business units reported strong performances in the last quarter of the year.

The Global Ceramic Segment’s sales increased by 7% to $919.6 million, while operating income increased by over 50% to $79.6 million due to improved productivity, partially offset by unfavourable price and mix.

The US business saw excellent results, while the Mexican and Brazilian businesses posted record quarterly sales and expanded margins despite the inflationary headwinds.

Sales also performed strongly in Russia, where the group is ramping up premium sanitaryware production, and in Europe, primarily due to growth in the residential segment.

ADVERTISER’S LIST TILE INTERNATIONAL: Ava........................................................................................................... 69 DR Tecnica..........................................................................................59 Energieker..............................................................................................7

ABK opens the doors of its “virtual villa”

Eco Design...........................................................................................31 Elios Ceramica.................................................................................67 Eterno Ivica.........................................................................................53 Flaviker...................................................................................................25 Gruppo Romani............................................................................... 23 Impertek...............................................................................................27 SapienStone................................................ Inside Front Cover Italgraniti...............................................................................................29 La Fabbrica......................................................................................... 61 Montolit..................................................................................................63 NG Kutahya...................................................................................... 2-3 Piemme....................................................................................................9 Progress Profiles..................................................................... cover Raimondi..................................................................................................4 RAK Ceramics...................................................................................57 Rondine.............................................................. two-sided-insert Schlüter-Systems..............................................................................1 Top Cer....................................................................................................71

Surfaces INTL (Upsidedown!): Cerambath..........................................................................................35 Cersaie....................................................................................................21 Coverings.............................................................................................. 11 Original Parquet............................................................................4-5 Pietre d’Arredo.....................................................................................1 Profilpas............................................................ inside back cover Tecna 2021..........................................................................................39 Turkish Ceramic Federation................ two-sided-insert

Let us imagine a recovery project of a prestigious farmhouse in Versilia, framed by the view of the Apuan Alps and enhanced with precious and unconventional materials, such as a series of marbles and its sophisticated shades of color. Without trade fairs and events for companies, retailers and designers to get in direct contact, the ceramic brand ABK wanted to welcome users in a virtual location to share the emotion of an environment set up with its surfaces through an alternative and interactive way. In the virtual villa, it’s possible to observe in detail and 360° the applications and features of the new materials, starting with SENSI SIGNORIA, the line of marble effects based on color. This initiative confirms ABK among the most advanced companies not only in product research, but in digital communication too. Besides the high quality creation, the virtual project stands out for its animations and visual effects that make the experience even more realistic; a series of pop-up windows also allow the visitor to receive the required product information. This is a new opportunity for the company, also commercially: online meetings can be set with worldwide suppliers, who will have already received a first sample of the product to touch the products seen in the several virtual rooms.

www.surfacesinternational.com

NOW ONLINE

Search Tile Edizioni and MaterialiCasa

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Ceramics becomes furniture with “Atmosfere” by Terratinta Group Despite the difficult situation, Terratinta Group - on the rise in the ceramic industry - does not slow down and announces the birth of Atmosfere.

This is a new brand created in collaboration with the eclectic designer Francesco Lucchese: it celebrates the Group’s passion for ceramics through new proposals for furniture and accessories sector. Born in the places of Italian ceramics but inspired by the Nordic style that marks Terratinta Group, the elements of Atmosfere are designed to suit different styles, with the guarantee of Made in Italy quality.

A great transversality characterizes all the pieces in the range, following the corporate goal of the so-called total look, according to which the collections of each brand of the Group can be perfectly combined, giving life to customized solutions for coordinated environments. The line De Architectura stands out as one of the most representative proposals: it has tables directly inspired by the shapes and geometric harmony of Italian architecture. The line I Geni dell’Arte is as well a true celebration of the Italian genius, personified in Michelangelo and Leonardo, with two consoles for the bathroom, three different ceramic washbasins available in 20 different colors.

FOTONEWS

Marble-effect stoneware for a luxury penthouse in Aalsmeer It is known as the home of the world’s largest flower market and some residences of great appeal, with attention to architecture and design are located in this styled and refined context.

We are in Aalsmeer, a small Dutch town 15 km southwest of Amsterdam, where Carlo Abdul’s Studio Enzo Architectuur&Interieur has designed a private luxury villa.

The choice of materials played a predominant role in defining the exclusivity of a contemporary look in this premium penthouse.

Craftsmanship and innovation have found the perfect union in the combination of excellent raw materials, of which Caesar Ceramiche has become the spokesman, providing the prestige of

Anima porcelain slabs.

Inspiration from the timeless elegance of marble dominates the range of Anima, a noble and sophisticated collection that incorporates seven different marble essences and offers a unique and modern interpretation.

Studio Enzo Architectuur&Interieur chose the Calacatta Oro version in the large 120x120 cm size to floor the living room, kitchen and staircase. The result is a charming environment, where the characteristics of porcelain stoneware emerge predominantly, reaffirming its role as a leading material in terms of simple processing and installation, as well as easy cleaning and resistance to trampling, chemicals and detergents.

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Courtesy of Realtà Mapei

PA R K L A N E A L A M O A N A , H O N O LU LU The Park Lane ala Moana is the newest, most exclusive, luxury beachfront development in a city known for luxury beach-front developments. But rather than add another highrise condo to Honolulu’s

skyline, AMX Partners, LLC decided to build a luxury low-rise community of 217 private residences with floor plans ranging from 150 sq.m to more than 560 sq.m.

Numerous products for plenty of interventions

“This project included almost every type of installation you can think of,” Pazienza says. “It was a completely new build. There was waterproofing and preparation work. The crews worked on masonry and on concrete.

They worked on the building façades and installed coverings. They installed ceramic tiles and stone, wooden flooring, resilient and textile materials.”

The list of specified products is impressive and includes products for building, for substrate preparation, for waterproofing substrates, installing ceramic tiles and stone materials, grouting tile joints, sealing expansion joints, installing textile and resilient materials, bonding wooden floors, and cleaning products.

Most of these solutions are manufactured and distributed on the S. market by Mapei Corp.

PROJECTS

“There was a total of 143,000 sq.m quoted for this project,” says Stephen Pazienza, Mapei Corp.’s coordinator on the project. “It ended up being over 91,000 sq.m of ceramic tile and stone coverings; 349,000 sq.m of wooden flooring; 16,000 sq.m of textile coverings; and 2300 sq.m of resilient and rubber flooring.”

It took a crew of over 100 people to install a variety of 40 Mapei products onto a footprint that covered over 140,000 sq.m. Over the course of two years, crews from A-American Custom Flooring (installer) and AC Kobayashai Construction (contractor) installed a wide variety of Mapei products to match the wide variety of substrates and specified installation needs.

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The Park Lane ala Moana is lush, tranquil, and exclusive and Mapei products were used throughout the entire seven-acre property.

Steps from Ala Moana Beach Park and boasting all of the amenities, including a private elevator connection to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, this property even has a 300-piece private art collection.

Problems and solutions The project’s location (steps from the ocean) necessitated the observance of strict environmental controls. Mapei Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of the Group, was able to supply solutions and materials to meet this requirement and complete many kinds of interventions (preparing and waterproofing substrates, installing ceramic tiles, grouting joints, bonding textile and resilient coverings, installing wooden floors, etc.).

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

✕

TECHNICAL DATA Park Lane ala Moana, Honolulu, Hawaii (USA) Period of construction: 2017-2018 Period of the Mapei intervention: 2017-2018 General contractor: AC Kobayashai Construction Installer company: A-American Custom Flooring Mapei coordinator: Stephen Pazienza, Mapei Corp. (USA) MAPEI PRODUCTS : · CONCRETE REPAIR: Planitop X*, Planitop XS* · SUBSTRATE PREPARATION: Mapecem 102*, Mapecem Quickpatch*, Planiprep SC*, Eco Prim Grip, Primer T*, Primer L*, Primer WE*, Novoplan 1*, Novoplan 2*, Ultraplan 1 Plus* · WATERPROOFING SUBSTRATES: Planiseal VS*, Mapelastic, Mapelastic AquaDefense · INSTALLING CERAMIC TILES: Granirapid System*, Kerabond/Keralastic*, Ultraflex LFT*, Planicrete W*, Adesilex P10 W*/ Keraply* · GROUTING JOINTS: Kerapoxy CQ, Ultracolor Plus FA*, Keracolor S*, Keracolor U* · SEALING EXPANSION JOINTS: Keracaulk S*, Keracaulk U*, Mapesil T* · INSTALLING TEXTILE MATERIALS: Ultrabond ECO 185*, Ultrabond ECO 810* · INSTALLING RESILIENT MATERIALS: Ultrabond ECO 360*, Ultrabond ECO 711*, Ultrabond ECO G21* · INSTALLING WOODEN FLOORINGS: Ultrabond ECO 980*, Ultrabond ECO 985*, Ultrabond ECO 995* · CLEANING PRODUCTS: Ultracare Epoxy Grout Haze Remover*, Ultracoat HeavyDuty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner* *These products are manufactured and distributed on the U.S. market by Mapei Corp., the U.S. subsidiary of the Group For further information on products see mapei.com

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T H E S PA C E O F S T O N E AND LOTUS, SHANGHAI The new project designed by the Minax design studio in Shanghai combines elements of oriental culture with the high-quality Cotto d’Este Kerlite materials.

An exhibition hall with a tea room: a space specifically constructed through a careful use of surfaces, lights and shadows that shape the architecture and create a spectacular setting.

the centre of the space and for the table top in the tea room.

Inside the room, a pond with a lotus flower formed of slabs from the collection mentioned above, here in the Bianco Statuario version, and also from the Pietra D’Iseo collection in the 2600x1200 mm formats, casts small shadows in a dynamic interplay of shapes.

The walls are covered with slabs from the Cement Project line in iridescent colours which, together with the lighting, generate movement in the space.

The open space’s three circular windows offer a glimpse of the wisteria that spreads throughout the garden, providing an evocative view of the tea room covered with the surfaces from the Exedra collection

Material in focus

PROJECTS

Thin Kerlite slabs by Cotto d’Este were used for the entire project: the ultimate expression of beauty and technology.

It was possible to integrate different collections in the project, fully expressing the material, aesthetic and functional potential of this exclusive and valuable range.

Vanity, in the 2600x1200 mm format and Dark Brown colour, is the star of the entire exhibition hall: a collection known for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the most elegant and minimal marbles.

The same choice was also made for the columns in

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The aim was to create a functional space enriched with traditional cultural symbols, such as stone and lotus flowers, in order to produce an immersive and unique experience through materials.

The project was inspired by the term “zhai”, which refers to the studies of Chinese scholars and which, traditionally, evokes elements of meditation and introspection.

Chiara Bruzzichelli c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it

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PROJECTS

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in the Travertino colour and chosen in the 3000x1000 mm size, whose vein patterns feature a three-dimensional effect that conveys extreme visual depth. For the square and rectangular step sections on the floor, the Forest line was chosen in the Cembro version and

in the 3000x1000 mm format, which was also selected for the wall decoration, but in the Noce shade, which reproduces differences in roughness and relief typical of aged and hand-planed wood.

✕

DESIGN STUDIO MINAX ARCHITECTS, founded in 2005, has the national construction engineering grade a qualification.

The practice won many awards from the Ministry of construction, China Architectural Society and Shanghai Architecture Award. Based on the principle of creating quality Chinese architecture, the office explores the expression form and social significance of architecture in Chinese culture and modern context, and strives to make modest contribution to Chinese local architectural design through its own efforts.

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A N I N N O VAT I V E P R O J E C T F O R AN EVER-CHANGING JESOLO Over the last decades, the seaside town Jesolo hosted some of the most important Italian and international architects. The interventions for tourism have involved measures of urban redevelopment, from luxurious

hotels to residences on the promenade, from the green lung to bio-building, from the skyscrapers to the commercial areas. Modernity is melted with the identity of a city focused to the change of lifestyles, to

PROJECTS

Podium overlooking Carducci square, between the very central via Bafile and via Aquileia. It is surrounded by greenery and located a few meters from the seafront of Jesolo, one of the most popular seaside towns in Northern Italy.

This project with a unique design fits perfectly into the surrounding context abandoning the traditional compact shape. The large commercial spaces are situated on the ground floor, over this area there is the first floor, a large common outdoor living area. The eight floors of the residential building are developed over this open space (and it looks like the building is suspended in the air); the residence has an innovative curved shape designed to allow the light and the natural ventilation.

tics thanks to a maximum energy saving that only an “A” class building can reach. The architecture idea recalls the rows of vineyard typical of Basso Piave areas, while the external finishing is characterized by a mosaic of tiles that recalls the colours of the sea, creating iridescent combinations and shades between the floors.

Energy Saving is an issue of international importance: the decrease of emissions into the atmosphere and the reduction of environmental impact are ever more pressing.

The goal of Residence Podium project is to supply to the customer an energy-saving housing unit, thanks to the use of insulating materials and high thermal performance fixtures; in order to eliminate and handle thermal bridges and choosing systems that can guarantee high-performance with low consumption.

Equally important is the choice to focus on exploiting the renewable energy (heat pumps and photovoltaic plans) to reduce the impact on the environment.

Sustainability In harmony with the environment, between sea, lagoon and pine forest, it respects them characteris-

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the principles of sustainability and to the environment quality.

In the city building development we can find Residence Podium, an apartment building with an innovative

design signed by Elesticospa +3 studio and sponsored by Numeria sgr. Impertek contributed to realize supplying Balance supports from the Pedestal Line.

Impertek for the project

ports, the designers could appreciate the great adaptability of Impertek’s system, perfect both for tile and decking floors. Different materials have been laid on Bruzzichelli various areas of the building: ceramic tiles wereChiara chosen c.bruzzichelli@tiledizioni.it for private terraces of the flat and common areas, while decking has been used for solarium and swimming pools areas to add value to all the relaxation zone. ✕

The distinctive trait of this project is the use of every support of Balance family: starting from the smallest PrimeUp line, adjustable from 10 to 25 mm (one of the smallest on the market), up to XL supports with a height of 392 mm. Thanks to the use of more than 20.000 sup-

PEDESTAL LINE by Impertek Balance Family is part of PEDESTAL LINE, a complete modular system of supports and accessories for raised floors, able to evolve according to design needs, to simplify the purchase and the storage of the products and to adapt to laying problems directly at the construction site. Pedestal Line is enriched with recent launch of Balance Pro line, the most versatile and complete product on the market. The revolutionary system “All in one” satisfies every laying issue with 14 items, it covers heights from 25 to 1025 mm, automatically corrects slope and allows to adjust the height from the top thanks to TOPKEY.

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FOTONEWS

A “winning” Sushi Club with Made in Italy ceramics The Italian architect Maurizio Lai shapes the spaces of the Asian restaurant Sushi Club in Cesano Maderno, Milan, as a scenographic backdrop within which to enjoy a renewed gastronomic experience.

An immersive space, characterized by dark colors, lines of light and a theatrical atmosphere, with a clever use of ceramics to emphasize the lighting project. Research, interior architecture and design to rethink the expressive canons of Asian dining. The project is spread over a considerable space of two floors and is characterized by a large central light installation, accompanied by light geometries that create an effect of depth and dynamism. Ceramics are entrusted with a critical role, not only in terms of composition and for the effectiveness of performance, but also for the skillful usage of maxi-formats with wood and concrete effect. Sushi Club project was awarded on the occasion of the ninth edition of “La Ceramica e il Progetto” in the Commercial cate-

gory. The prize promoted by Confindustria Ceramica - the Italian industry association - selects the architectural projects that have stood out for their originality and skill in the use of Italian ceramic coverings.

THE USE OF CERAMICS Ceramics are given a critical role, not only for the effectiveness of performance, but above all for the ability to contrast the expanded lighting project, through compositional and chromatic choices. The porcelain stoneware floor coverings follow the warm and dark tones of the rooms: both the aged wood effect tiles by Ceramica Sant’Agostino, BLENDART Gray collection, which recreate painting superimposed on the wood grain, and the concrete effect tiles by DSG Ceramiche - a division of porcelain stoneware by Decoratori Bassanesi - in the CONCRETE collection, chosen in the large format for the coverings of the stairwells and landing areas.

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ABK

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Luxury and sophistication coupled with colour and modernity are the key characteristics of S I G N O R I A , the latest addition to ABK’s Sensi range of marble-effect surfaces.

Signoria is a “colourful luxury experience”, a collection inspired by Renaissance art that combines multicoloured marble skilfully but in a new and entirely contemporary way, creating a play of contrasts and styles with distinctly modern, geometric lines. To achieve this, ABK selected a series of Italian and exotic marble varieties renowned for their colours and decorative veins.

The collection consists of 6 varieties. Calacatta Vena Oro reproduces a classic white marble with soft, elegant veins. Roma Imperiale is a marble surface with the look of a natural fresco, standing out for its original and sophisticated shades ranging from sugar paper through to sage green and with rust-coloured mottling and white/ beige details. Port Gold reveals a fascinating, almost velvety black background crisscrossed by a web of golden veins. The cool white of Lilac Grey serves as the background to a closely-woven pattern of grey-blue veins, which are echoed in another more exotic and crystalline version: Labradorite, inspired by splendid green-blue slabs. Rounding off the collection is Grigio Siena, an elegant Italian marble with broad golden veins contrasting with a grey background.

The collection comes in large 120x280 cm slabs and a variety of submultiples for installation on floors and walls, as well as exclusive patchwork effect decorations (Opus) and an interesting range of coordinated mosaics (Ventagli and Sticks). The collection comes in a choice of three surfaces: lux, soft and natural.

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DR TECNICA

To allow maximum compositional freedom and give shape to a dynamic and effective showroom, the company presents new and smart D I S P L AY S Y S T E M S fitting every specific need. The Display units are easy to update and add personality to the exposition, enlighting tiles, slabs and little surfaces to the best. The novelties developed by DR Tecnica, such as F R A M E + in different sizes (photo on the left) and C U B E + for loose slabs, aim to create exhibition and sales spaces that enhance the products on display, thus capturing the attention of customers.

All the display systems are the result of the constant company’s research for solutions and materials, but also of the active listening and close connection with the clients.

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P R O F I L PA S

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

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

Classic Cover

Flat Cover

Design Cover

Invisible Cover

of linear drains for floor-level showers, entirely designed and produced

by Profilpas. Made of stainless steel AISI 316 and equipped with removable patented siphon in antibacterial ABS, they are the perfect synthesis of beauty and practicality.

PP Drain Aqua linear shower drains meet any aesthetic taste and perfectly match the latest trends in bathroom accessories thanks to the possibility of choosing between four types of cover, different in design and finishes. Classic Cover, in polished or satin stainless steel, is equipped with frame and, if turned upside down, becomes tileable; Flat Cover, which stands out for its perfectly flat and linear design, is available in several colours ranging from soft touch white to black, passing through chromium-plated steel, gold, pink gold, nickel and graphite; Design Cover, characterized by a thin and elegant central drain, is able to blend perfectly with any covering thanks to its linear design; finally, Invisible Cover disappears under the tile, becoming one with the shower covering.

With PP Drain Aqua, the maintenance and the cleanliness are fully simplified. The siphon, made of antibacterial ABS, is easy to remove and to inspect. Moreover, the base of the drain is composed of a single piece without welds for the best hygiene and efficiency. The version with direct drainage (without siphon) is also available.

PP Drain Aqua linear shower drains have been designed to minimize installation times thanks to the preglued waterproofing membrane, the height adjustment supports from 6 to 18 mm and the bases in polystyrene foam.

How to remove & inspect

Finishing & colors

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RONDINE CERAMICA Trendy like the neighborhood of New York, which it refers to, the new S O H O B R I C K C O LL E C T I O N of surfaces in glazed porcelain stoneware is fashionable and bold.

The texture is glossy, imperfect and characterized by intense colors. The eight different shades of Soho Series allow to create all the possible combinations or contrasts, also thanks to the tile’s format, 6x25cm.

With a view to an intriguing total look, Rondine Ceramica also presents Brick Noho range, perfectly combinable with Soho one: a modern coating that can complete any type of furniture. It is a trendy covering for wall, available in bold or classic tones, even suitable for eclectic mix&match and in contrast with the floor.

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MONTOLIT

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

CGX115

CGX300

Brevetti Montolit, in addition to the super-professional M A S T E R P I U M A tile cutters, offers diamond products designed ad hoc for cutting, drilling and special processing on porcelain stoneware, guaranteeing maximum performances, “Gres… no problem” The diamond blade “FRECCIA ORO” Art. CGX with DNA technology, represents the blade, top of the range, for dry cutting. Produced in diameters 100 - 115 and 125 mm, it is suitable for cutting all types of ceramic or porcelain stonware with high performance in terms of speed and finishing, thanks to the design with Montolit brand “Hybrid” crown, with a height of 11mm and ultra-thin thickness.

As example, as part of a complete range to ensure every specific needs, it is possible to report: The diamond blade “SANDWICH TECH” Art. CX with DNA technology, designed for water tile saws, available in diameters 250 - 300 - 350mm. Thanks to the revolutionary construction technology that allows the positioning of “hard” diamond grits in the center and “fine” grain sizes on the outside, it has been possible to simultaneously give the blades those characteristics that allow very high performance in terms of cutting speed and finishing.

The development of professional diamond tools was not limited to cutting but Brevetti Montolit has put its experience for the creation of high-tech diamond core-drills, which allow dry drilling of any type of ceramic, porcelain stoneware, marble or granite.

“MONDRILLO SERIES” Art. FS, using the controlled spiral diamond deposition technology (Vacuum), working dry, allows to drill fastly the already laid tiles using angle grinders, helping tilers that need to works on very hard procelain stonware tiles. Still in the field of drilling but for use with a common power drill, there were studied the Art.FAJ core bits with “vacuum technology” with diameters from 5 to 12 mm.

The continuous evolution of ceramic materials and the needs to provide effective professional tools, pushes technicians to search new solutions such as the revolutionary “Lamellar diamond blades” Art. FLEXIMONT, available in the three diamond grits: roughing (60), polishing (120), finishing and smoothing (200) perfected for smoothing, make Jolly and modeling all types of porcelain stoneware, as well as granite, marble, natural stone and glass.

Easy to use, mounted on any angle grinder, and used both dry and wet, they guarantee a high removal of the material, with the absence of vibrations thanks to the “Soft Touch” technology that allows immediate feeling with the operator, obtaining a uniform, smooth finishing without scratches or chipping.

Mondrillo JR

FS Gold Fleximont

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ELIOS CERAMICA Versatility, craftsmanship and eight characterful colours are the hallmarks of the T R O P I C A L collection of high-strength glazed porcelain tiles. The cm 20x20 tiles and the cm 6x25 strips are ideal for creative covering schemes that bring new appeal to every environment, and provide stylistic and chromatic continuity because they can be paired with a hexagonal piece that is also suitable for flooring applications.

The wide range of accents helps showcase the collection’s colours and provides a perfect partnership for them, with simple textures embellished with delicate raised effects.

The versatility of the small size and the wide range of possible colour combinations make Tropical an outstanding material for designers, which retains a hand-crafted look by virtue of carefully fashioned irregularities in the surface material.

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W H AT ’ S N E W ?

SCH LÜTE R SYSTE M S Building floor-level showers has never been more versatile: S C H L Ü T E R - K E R D I - L I N E - V A R I O combines the proven efficiency of KERDI drainage technology with elegant, minimalist profiles.

The system is based on the ultra-slim drainage unit Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO-H. It comprises an adapter with an integrated elasticated waterproofing collar and a wave shaped drain with built-in odour trap that can be rotated by 360 degrees. The system enables maximum flexibility for installation and can be variably adjusted to the structural configuration on site. The wave shaped design creates a high water drainage rate, which results in a self-cleaning effect.

The variable drain system is combined with the elegant Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO drainage profiles in the minimalist COVE or WAVE design options. True to the principle of “less is more,” their functional purpose is to reliably channel the water into drain unit via an unobtrusive, intermediate drain opening. The system leaves plenty of individual design options as the 120 cm profiles can be cut to any length over 22 cm and are height adjustable as well.

The COVE and WAVE drainage profiles are available in brushed stainless steel or textured, powder-coated aluminium. The aluminium variant of the drainage profile offers a choice of eight Schlüter-TRENDLINE colour options to perfectly match current styles in ceramic tiles and natural stone. The COVE profile creates especially slim and unobtrusive linear drainage and can even withstand wheelchair use. The supplied end caps create a neat, visually appealing finish for the drainage profiles. Convincing design: Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO has been recognised with the renowned Red Dot Award for Product Design in 2021 in the Bathroom and Sanitary Equipment category. The award went to the combination of the KERDI-LINE-VARIO-H drain with the WAVE drainage profile.

The slim system assembly is an especially attractive choice for renovation and restoration projects. The drainage profiles can easily be combined with further Schlüter solutions such as the convenient wall shelves Schlüter-SHELF. These are also available in WAVE design in brushed stainless steel or powder coated aluminium with a textured TRENDLINE finish. Matching TRENDLINE profiles are also available to create either a consistent tone-in-tone look or deliberate contrasts.

Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-VARIO Cove

Wave

Shelf

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RAK CERAMICS The new ceramic tile collections meet the latest trends, achieving original and eye-catching aesthetic results, with a wide range of structures and colors: from the latest pastel tones to the most intense material effects.

The range of possibilities becomes even bigger, thanks to the wide choice of sizes, from the small brick to the large tile.

M A R A K K E S H and S U B WAY , in particular, are two of the 2021 novelties in Signature Collection - a selection of luxury, stylish and highend products, providing unlimited solutions for any design requirement. Signature Collection captures the essence of quality and showcases the production capabilities of RAK Ceramics, with luxury concepts developed in a vast range of sizes, finishes, colours, effects, and thicknesses to suit every taste.

Better known as subway tiles, this kind of product has been a staple since the early times when it was used in the New York City subway in an effort to create bright stations. Later, it became popular in public bathrooms and kitchens and began appearing in homes because it is easy to clean and stain-resistant. Over the years, subway tile has become a style standard. 12 colors for Marakkesh in 7.5x30cm, 6.5x26cm and 15x15cm. 7 colors for Subway in 10x30, 10x40, 6.5x26, 7.5x15x 15x15 and in bevel décor 7.5x15 and 10x30.

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CERAMICHE PIEMME

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

It is more than just a new collection of porcelain stoneware tiles: this time Ceramiche Piemme is presenting true innovation. Hence the name E V O L U TA (Evolved): the first collection of stoneware tiles created from a completely transformed industrial process; the first in a long series to come, thanks to the digital initiative – developed in collaboration with the major technological players in the sector – named Synchro Digit Piemme.

The new production method effectively uses two parallel processes that were previously separate: the structured surface of the tiles (raised vein patterns, ripples and all the possible three-dimensional and tactile effects) is no longer created during the pressing stage, which is repetitive and therefore limiting, but is digitally printed to perfectly sync with the digital decoration.

Synchro Digit Piemme technology uses special software that manages the first application of relief glazes to create a three-dimensional surface with unlimited variables. This operation is then perfectly synchronized with a second digital application of glazes designed to achieve the desired graphic effects.

Evoluta is therefore the new face of the 3.0 tile, which can reproduce any natural material to an unprecedented hyper-realistic level: every small vein or streak of colour now has a perfectly matching tactile feel, just like in nature.

The Evoluta collection fully enhances the captivating textures of metamorphic rocks, such as Italian quartzite, offering almost unlimited graphic and surface variations.

There are five colours available in three sizes. There are three decorative structures for the coverings: “Cave” is a detailed evocation of the skilled craftsmanship involved in cutting and recomposing small blocks of stone; “Cluster” recalls hexagonal-cut stones, reinterpreting them with a modern twist; finally, thanks to delicate crest-honing, “Forest” makes it possible to create imaginative three-dimensional coverings free from constraints and laying patterns.

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We have reinvented the support for external raised floors; the first support with integrated extension element.

•

Patented Base already cut for one pose much faster.

•

From 30 mm to 420 mm in height with Only three products.

•

Base with slots for fast clip attachment patented.

420 mm

155 mm

30 mm

Time to evolve. Time to PRIME.

www.eternoivica.com

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

L A FA B B R I C A

Different materials and structures, bold colors and size range: this is how A R T I L E collection by La Fabbrica was born. A combination of innovative research and creative flair of the brand’s Research & Development Dept., meeting the most refined contemporary design needs, to “paint” residential and commercial environments. With Artile floor and wall covering collection, the porcelain stoneware takes shape in attractive lighting effects and several perspective tricks. The series is available in 8,8 mm thickness in 4 sizes and 6 colors and in 8 mm thickness in listello size 6,1x37 cm.

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ENERGIEKER

EnergieKer’s Statuario collection has evolved into a new series known as S TAT U A R I O SUPERIORE. The technical performance of porcelain tile combines with delicate textures that give the product a profoundly natural appearance.

Available in matt and polished versions, the series is produced in sizes 30x60, 60x60, 60x120, 120x120 and 120x270.

The brand’s latest products also include the Calacatta Cenerino series, featuring a black background with a rich seam of delicate shadings, interrupted by boldly enchanting vein patterns in a distinctive shade of white.

Available in matt and polished versions, the series comes in a wide range of sizes, from cm 30x60 all the way up to the Ekxtreme format, measuring 120x270.

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ECO DESIGN

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Recognized as leading manufacturer of D I S P L AY- S Y S T E M S and showroom equipment for the tile & stone industry and for wooden floors, ECO Design have been selling, for over 30 years, to the main manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers who can find functional and impressive furniture for shops, showrooms and fairs. From single display-units to turn-key services and complete installations, the company satisfies any request making its expertise available to the customers.

The products are conceived and manufactured in the ECO Design Italian factory and exported all over the world.

The full range is available on www.ecodesignsrl.it and the team offers help and support for any project.

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Wall: Subway

CIR CERAMICHE

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

The classic and fascinating nature of travertine is reinterpreted by Cir Ceramiche in the new collection I N FA L D A , inspired by the characteristic cloudy texture of blocks cut in this direction. The antiqued aesthetics of IN FALDA porcelain stoneware and the selection of elegant, warm and enveloping colours blend with the creative style of the Gruppo Romani brand through the use of small sizes, suitable for both walls and floors, even in decorative and rustic-inspired modular installation layouts.

Travertino Navona, Perlato di Sicilia, Marmo Primavera, Pietra di Rapolano and In Falda blu, the colours of IN FALDA, recreate the typical dominant shades of the material, which vary depending on the quarry of origin, and respect the varied patterns of natural travertine.

IN FALDA clothes the surfaces of residential and commercial interiors, bestowing a timeless atmosphere that is suitable for building restorations as well as a source of inspiration when paired with colours and materials typical of contemporary design.

The range is available in the following sizes: cm 10x10, 20x20, 20x40, 40x40, 40x60.8, 60,8x60.8, Mosaico 5x5, Mosaico Pavé; R11: 20x20, 20x40, 40x40, 40x60.8, 60,8x60.8 A special mention goes to the decorations created on the solid colour basic tiles of IN FALDA. The collection DESIGN ITALIANO is a tribute to the ideas of the great masters, style icons graphically re-elaborated in a play of elegant, fun and minimalist silhouettes featuring black and white.

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design. create. produce.

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

TECNICA

AVA

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

A much favoured stone by the aristocracy of ancient Rome, who lined their palaces with it, the more prestigious varieties of Onyx have been so greatly used over the centuries that quarries are now protected as deposits are at risk of finishing.

From this concept, the new O N I C E S E R P E N T I N O collection by AVA comes to life, inspired by the white onyx extracted from the caves in Mexico, Turkey and Iran. It consists of large porcelain stoneware slabs featuring a white surface with soft orange-golden veins for a very elegant result.

Onice Serpentino is available up to 320x160 cm size, in 6 mm thickness, including also the big size 280x120 cm.

It’s also available the 10 mm thickness in size 180x80 cm and in size 120x60 cm.

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ENERGY SOLIDIT Y PURIT Y AND HARMONY

www.lafabbrica.it

SERENISSIMA

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Classic and elegant, yet also versatile and contemporary, travertine marble points to a new stylistic trend through the T R AV E R T I N I D U E surfaces designed by Serenissima. The skilled Gruppo Romani brand has chosen to use porcelain stoneware to reinterpret a material rich in history and singular beauty, virtually a symbol of classic architecture and intimately connected to the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The delicate and sinuous veins of the limestone highlight the Beige, Bianco and Greige colours of Travertini Due, renderings of the natural shades of the material of inspiration articulated in a trendy palette for today’s interior design.

The rich texture contributes to the expressiveness of the two finishes in the range, Naturale and Lux, which offer different tactile sensations to meet the needs both of environments with a more rustic flavour as well as modern ambiances with a hint of sober luxury.

The decorative and aesthetic value of the Travertini Due surfaces, available in sizes cm 100x100, 50x100, 60x120, 60x60, 30x60 and mosaics, makes them suitable for use on both walls and on floors through an analysis of exquisite modular and multiple-size installation layouts.

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Dry cutting

FRECCIA ORO - CGX

GRES PORCELLANATO

…NO PROBLEM! Wet cutting DNA EVO3 - CX

Drilling

MONDRILLO - FS

Grinding FLEXIMONT

F L AV I K E R

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

The elegance of white marble and the opulence of precious stones and metals come together in the ceramic surfaces of Supreme Treasure collection. Now it has been further expanded with the addition of T R E A S U R E , a collection of carefully selected new varieties with varied but predominantly white backgrounds characterised by different types of veining and sophisticated colour accents.

Treasure comes in six different versions. Greylac Platinum is recognisable for its anthracite-coloured veins and subtle yet powerful lines. Corchia Gold is a variety of arabesque marble enhanced by warm coloured inclusions. The dusty white of Luminous Everose is crisscrossed by an elegant pattern of distinctive pink gold coloured veins. Calacatta Emerald is inspired by a rare and sophisticated variety of marble with a sequence of streaks in different shades of green. Gemstones likewise provided the inspiration for Lasa Sapphire, an elegantly veined white surface with a translucent background enhanced by bluish hues.

Close Drawing inspiration from the world of quartzites, Cristallo Amber reproduces the enthralling sense of depth of gemstones and is enhanced by a pattern of veins in shades of brown.

Supreme Treasure is produced using Flaviker’s innovative manufacturing technologies and comes in large 120x280 cm slabs as well as a variety of complementary sizes for use on floors and walls.

Available in three surfaces: lux, natural and soft.

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Renovating flooring updates the design and enhances the comfort of indoor and outdoor spaces alike. In order to provide new functional opportunities for outdoor environments, Progress Profiles has therefore patented Prosupport Tube System and Prorail System: two modular systems for creating floating floors with heights ranging from 29 to 1000 mm simply and quickly, without demolishing or removing the existing floor covering, while still ensuring perfect, long-lasting results. Suitable for any type of surface – from cement screed to smoothed concrete, wooden floor slabs and old floor coverings – and providing a load-bearing capacity of 1,300 kg per piece P R O S U P P O R T T U B E S Y S T E M consists of just seven elements made of recycled polypropylene: a base, two screws, a ring nut, a rubber noise-damping and non-slip disc and two heads. Thanks to the design of the new heads, the covering can be made self-levelling or fixed, in complete safety: to create floors with a gradient of up to 5%, the two screws need to be screwed in with the concave end facing upwards; for fixed heads, simply turn them over by 180°. Even floors with heights of over 74 mm are simple and practical to install: simply fit a plastic elevation tube of the required length at the base, and adjust the screws until the system is fully stable.

P R O R A I L S Y S T E M , meanwhile, is designed to provide a strong, stable substructure. The installer is supplied with Prorail or Prorail Ret aluminium beams (the former are contoured, the latter smooth), Prorail Rings, for fixing, and Prorail spacers, for the rapid installation of large-format ceramic tiles, marble, wooden floorboards, WPC and other composite materials of any size. The Prorail Rubber elements also have a non-slip and noise-damping function. Latest-generation modular supports are a flexible, high-performance, cost-effective technical solution that is increasingly in demand in private construction: they control heights, eliminate any defects in the planarity of the subfloor, provide seamless continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, and do not require any expansion joints. Raised floors are easy to inspect and allow trouble-free maintenance of the underlying waterproofing system, while the perimeter holes in the bases let water out and prevent the proliferation of bacteria.

PROGRESS PROFILES

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I TA L G R A N I T I O P E N is a collection of technical

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

porcelain coverings, with an oversized thickness of 2 cm, for outdoor applications. From the natural stone look to the cosy feel of wood, Open replicates a selection of unrivalled materials for landscape design. Its practicality and excellent technical properties give it outstanding versatility for use in large public and residential environments. Open is ideal for ultra-strong, multi-purpose areas and garden landscaping solutions.

It can be used for an infinite range of applications and evokes an elegant selection of materials for trend-setting projects.

The Open collection of coverings includes trim pieces and flexible modules designed to give an impeccable finish to swimming pool surrounds, walkways of all types, terraces, gardens, driveways and parking areas.

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TROPICAL COLLECTION

ITALCER S.p.A. - Via Giardini 58 - 41042 Fiorano Modenese (MO) - Italy - Tel. +39 0536 842411- www.eliosceramica.it

ETERNO IVICA

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

P E D E S TA L P R I M E ® is a simple, versatile new collection of pedestals for creating raised

floors, with multiple elements that integrate with each other into a single item, whose innovative character starts from the base: the special patented shape reduces installation time considerably and is perfectly designed to let water out.

All it takes is a single cut, along the pre-scored line on the bottom, to convert it into a corner base. To make installation even quicker and easier, there are two slots for attaching clips, thus ensuring a secure join with the pedestal.

Pre-assembled and ready for installation, “Pedestal PRIME®” pedestals are capable of withstanding exceptional loads, beyond all standard specifications, and look attractive because of their painstaking design.

Compatible with all Pedestal and Woodeck heads: Ø 110 mm head, XL Ø 150 mm head, head for aluminium joist, cross-head for aluminium joist and universal head for wooden joist.

With Pedestal Prime® pedestals, no additional rings, tubes or extensions are required: the extension is already built in.

Benefits: • Heights of 30 mm to 420 mm achievable with just three products • A single product with all the elements built into it • Takes up less warehouse space • 300 cm² solid base with special patented shape • Fast, patented base with slots for attaching clips • Converts into a corner base with a single cut • A single self-levelling or fixed product, by inserting the “head lock” • No additional rings, tubes or extensions required, the extension is built-in and ergonomic • Compatible with all accessories in the PEDESTAL-WOODECK range • Product is supplied assembled, thus cutting transport costs.

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PURIT Y AND LIGHT

www.avaceramica.it

SAPIENSTONE

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

The latest R O YA L S T O N E C O L L E C T I O N of porcelain tile worktop from SapienStone combines the solidity of stone to an attractive surface with all the advantages of porcelain tiles.

The background recreates the pared-back simplicity of stone, accentuating the veining and crystallizations interspersed with lighter tones which give the surfaces a dynamic quality.

The collection features three options, in format 320 x 150 cm and thickness 12 mm: Platinum White, ethereal and sophisticated with lighter white and beige tones, Palladium Grey, a minimalist go-anywhere gray and Black Diamond, bold and intense, illuminated with gold tinges.

A color palette of shades suitable for any context, domestic or otherwise, including private kitchens, restaurants or guest houses, providing an eye-catching, elegant minimalism intensified by the dynamic color.

The natural finish chosen for the Royal Stone Collection accentuates the beautiful texture, giving the surface a velvety touch.

Like all SapienStone worktops, Platinum White, Palladium Grey and Black Diamond offer fundamental advantages in the kitchen such as impact, scratch, weather and UV resistance, long-lasting durability, ease of cleaning and therefore greater hygiene.

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RAIMONDI

W H AT ’ S N E W ?

Tyrrel and Only-One represent the most recent additions to the already wide range of products for installing large format tiles by Raimondi.

T Y R R E L is a transport cart for tiles and slabs with maximum ease of transport and minimum size. On its 6 wheels (4 swiveling of which 2 with brake system) it allows to transport tiles and slabs up to 210 kg (463 lbs) even while traveling on uneven surfaces. Tiles/slabs rest onto a wooden support to prevent accidental damage.

O N LY- O N E is a trolley with 4 swiveling wheels to be used together with the EASY-MOVE handling device. It allows a single operator to collect a tile sized up to 150x150 cm (59”x59”) from the floor and transport it to the installation area, back butter it, and lay it down next to the tile previously installed. On tiles bigger than 150x150 cm (59”x59”), it provides excellent support for handling and installation process.

Tyrrel Only-One

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The sound of water.

Can you feel the sound of wellness?

Of course you can: the sound of water that pours down, descends, flows and leaves behind a sense of well-being and cleanliness.

A real symphony able to extend the pleasure of the shower, transforming a unique moment into sound.

For that to happen, it is essential that the water flows without encountering obstacles: for this reason, we have designed the linear shower drains PP Drain Aqua, where beauty and functionality blend together.

Isn’t this the sound of water?

Collection Olkaria Grigio Chiaro | info@pietredarredo.com | www.pietredarredo.com

CONTENTS

3 6 12

14 18 22 26 28 30

EDITORIAL - A close look at the trends

Gian Paolo Crasta

INTERVIEW - MS International: “Make Dream Surfaces Attainable”

Sabrina Tassini

PHOTONEWS - The "Wallpaper Collection" covers the Botanique Eclectique Velvet PROJECTS: Sunoo Temple House: where men, environment and spirituality meets The House of Grain in rural Jutland The domestic landscape of a farmhouse with a rock soul PHOTONEWS - Pietre D’Arredo for Orsini Mood’s coverings WHAT ’S NEW - New Material MATERIC DESIGN - 6 Materic Design novelties: marble, mosaic, glass, copper and recycled plastic

COVER PICTURE: A farmhouse with a rock soul • Design: Alvisi Kirimoto Photography: erena Eller Vainichery

14 Sunoo Temple House

Surfaces INTL 1/21

18

The House of Grain in rural Jutland

2

22

A farmhouse with a rock soul

EDITORIAL

• A CLOSE LOOK AT THE TRENDS • Gian Paolo Crasta - g.crasta@tiledizioni.it

Following up on our review of alternative coverings for interior design and architecture, we present an array of new products designed to combine strong technical input with outstanding styling. We also unveil a selection of architectural works, who-

se hallmark is an eclectic mix of materials, plus a range of new interior design products that use high-quality materials such as copper, artisan ceramic, concrete and reclaimed cork, to enhance their design concept. ✕

NOW ONLINE: WWW.SURFACESINTERNATIONAL.COM

SURFACES INTL ADV LIST: Cerambath.......................................................... 35 Cersaie....................................................................21 Coverings.............................................................. 11 Original Parquet............................................ 4/5

Pietre d’Arredo............................................................................1 Profilpas.....................................................inside back cover Tecna 2021.................................................................................39 Turkish Ceramic Federation............two-sided-insert

TILE INTERNATIONAL'S ADV LIST (Upsidedown!)........................................................................................30

UPSIDEDOWN

!

3

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QUADRASTUDIO

The CARAVAGGIO COLLECTION is a medium small size pre-finished product that has the appearance of a long and narrow plank that is now very trendy in the world of architecture and design.

www.originalparquet.com SEDE . STABILIMENTO via Dell’Artigianato 18 SHOWROOM via Del Lavoro 4 48011 Alfonsine (RA) - Italia T. +39.0544.80696

DISTRIBUTION

Sabrina Tassini

MS INTERNATIONAL:

“MAKE DREAM SURFACES ATTAINABLE” Manu and Rika Shah, founders of MS International, arrived in the United States from India in the 1970s with little more than a dream: to make a difference in the America of the great opportunities. They wanted to create jobs, build partnerships, and in the process, to treat people as an extension of their family.

For over 40 years, the Shahs have held firm to that dream. Today, MSI has over $2 billion in annual revenues and over 2,000 employees worldwide.

Since its foundation, the cornerstones of the company's philosophy have always been business innovation, the offer of a diverse assortment of affordable and accessible products, geographic expansion, attentive partner support and a culture of respect and teamwork.

Raj Shah

To learn more about the company's mission and distribution activity, and better understand the American sales trends of the surfaces sector, we interviewed Mr. Raj Shah, President of MSI Surfaces since 2012.

stomers as possible. Due to this we are continously looking to grow: we have made commitments to numerous additional distribution centers across the US/Canada and our expectation is that an additional 7 should open in the next 12 months.

SURFACES INTL: Boasting such a widespread presence, do you find substantial differences in terms of demand of materials for indoor wall and floor coverings and outdoor spaces, both in the residential and in the contract market, depending on the geographical area in which you are operating?

If so, could you give us an example? Which material, on the other hand, is the most required transversally?

R. SHAH: There is certainly regional differences in terms of hardsurfacing. Most of this is related to trends.

We do see different trends across the United States.

In addition, we see significantly more remodel activity in the Northeast and Midwest and new construction activity in the South and West. Per capita usage of tile has always been higher in the west. I believe this is true due to weather and the popularity of carpet in colder climates.

SURFACES INTL: In which distribution segments is MSI Surfa-

ces specialized?

RAJ SHAH: MSI is focused on the flooring, countertop and hardscaping markets. Our products are used for residential construction, residential remodel as well as commercial segments.

While we import from over 36 countries our main sales channels are in North America.

SURFACES INTL: In particular, how many sales and distribution centers do you own around the US and Canada? Are you planning to expand your business and open other locations?

R. SHAH: We have over 30 distribution centers across the United States and Canada. Our goal is to “Make Dream Surfaces Attainable”. In order to do this we need to be affordable and accessible. To be accessible we need to be as close to our cuSurfaces INTL 1/21

6

DISTRIBUTION

Most recently we have seen the popularity of outdoor materials significantly increase: Covid has forced a lot of attention to the home and outdoors has been a big beneficiary of this in the past year.

SURFACES INTL: Let's talk about the kitchen environment, one of the sectors in which you are most specialized: which material is currently most requested for the countertop and what do

you think the trend might be in the future?

R. SHAH: Quartz continues to be the dominant player for kitchen countertops. New technology in quartz will enable it to expand its growth with new aesthetics, sizes and finishes.

Porcelain has introduced 2cm material which will help the growth of that category as

We need to be affordable and accessible.

To be accessible we need to be as close to our customers as possible.

Due to this we are continously looking to grow: we have made commitments to numerous additional distribution centers across the US/Canada and our expectation is that an additional 7 should open in the next 12 months.

7

Surfaces INTL 1/21

DISTRIBUTION

MS INTERNATIONAL Which channel do you find most useful for well. Natural stone has been in fashion for Corporate headquarters your business? thousands of years. I believe it will conti& distribution center: Orange, California.

R. SHAH: Digital has been a very important nue to play a role in kitchen countertops. aspect of our business for many years. We SURFACES INTL: What importance do you International offices: • Brazil not only want to make our products accesattach to design consulting and throu• China sible but information needs to be accessigh which “design tools” do you support • India • Italy ble as well. Today we have one of the most your customers in the choice of finishing • Turkey robust and highly used websites in the inmaterials? dustry. In addition to the visualizers, we haR. SHAH: Design consulting is extremely important. It’s very difficult for most homeowners to envision ve many digital tools including the find a dealer, requesting what the final product will look like. In addition, many feel samples, chat box and computer vision (enables a customer to comfortable choosing the tile or countertop or backsplash in upload and picture and see all similar or exact items).

We also are highly active on all of the social sites. We have isolation but putting all three together is a more difficult task.

Nothing will replace human design services. With Covid we noticed that instagram seems to be a very important channel found many customers looking for technological solutions. in today’s home remodelling sector. With Covid all of the aboMSI provides our augmented and visualization tools to help wi- ve trends only accelerated. The move to digital is faster than th this and customers have loved the application. Millions of ever with more and more consumers being comfortable with it. kitchens have been visualized: it’s possible to discover more SURFACES INTL: For a year now it has been almost impossible on our website at this page: https://www.msisurfaces.com/ for all professional categories in the sector to come into direct contact with customers and suppliers. In your case, how did room-visualizer-tools/.

SURFACES INTL: Looking at your social profiles, it is clear that you compensate for the lack of trade fair appointments to keep you are very active on this front: what does digital communica- up with the new proposals of the different companies? tion represent for you and how has it helped you in this pecu- R. SHAH: This was difficult at first and I do believe that innovation as an industry slowed at first. Once we started to underliar pandemic moment?

Recently we have seen the popularity of outdoor materials significantly increase: Covid has forced a lot of attention to the home and outdoors has been a big beneficiary of this in the past year.

Surfaces INTL 1/21

8

Fresh TALKS

Nothing will replace human design services.

With Covid we found many customers looking for technological solutions. MSI provides our augmented and visualization tools to help with this and customers have loved the application.

Millions of kitchens have been visualized.

stand all of the tools availble to us including zoom, webinars, etc.

We have been able to stay in very close contact with our customers and factories overseas. We had spent millions of dollars working on our digital tools and photography in the past to get this right. All of these investments truly paid off during Covid.

SURFACES INTL: What are your goals for the forthcoming periods in terms of product offer and customer service?

R. SHAH: Our goal remains the same as the past: we want to Make Dream Surfaces Attainable. In addition, we want to make Dreams Attainable for our employees, vendors, customers and their families. We continue to expand our product offering. In our current product lines including ceramic tile, quartz, lvt, natural stone and mosaics we continue to add new SKUs that meet today’s trend. In addition, we have added to our Everlife line of products to include water proof wood and water proof laminate. Most recently we added a line of faucets. ✕

9

TRENDS IN FOCUS SURFACES INTL: According to your experience, what could be the current top 3 of design and material trends in America?

R. SHAH: The trends we are experiencing are many, we have selected 5 macros that largely determine the choices of customers: 1. ENCHANTED FOREST - A much-needed ramble into the woods, say hello to the interior design equivalent of forest bathing.

Inspired by lush woodlands, treetop canopies, and all the well-being benefits of connecting to nature, the look is sophisticated, vivid, yet soothing. The green color

Surfaces INTL 1/21

DISTRIBUTION

story - flush with botanical hues like fern, moss, and emerald-add a burst of freshness to interiors.

On floors, furniture, and cabinetry, blonde and ash wood tones elevate the clean, natural vibe.

Moments of black and brushed brass ground the dreamy aesthetic.

2. REINVENTING THE NEST - From kitchen island Zoom calls to DIY classrooms in the upstairs landing, families are doing their best to bait and switch.

Last year was a work in progress. In 2021, designers carve out designated spaces with built-in versatility to create a much-needed separation for parenting, working, schooling, and relaxing.

Approachable interiors tip the scales towards a healthier work-life balance. Waterproof, pet-proof, and kid-proof surfaces like LVT, quartz countertops and porcelain tile play a pivotal role in shaping this trend.

3. WALL STARS - Eye-catching brick, classic 3d subway, book-matched quartz backsplashes: we’re running tile up the walls in delightfully versatile ways in 2021. As designers flex their imagination with innovative tile treatments, and the limits of paint spark countless DIY projects, statement walls remain essential in the home refresh playbook. From indestructible floor-to-ceiling tile in the bath and laundry room to statement-making installations in the entry to decorative mosaics in the kitchen, there’s a breathtaking array of wall tile debuts heading your way this year.

4. THE GREAT ESCAPE - This year brings a newfound appreciation for the great outdoors – whether it’s connecting with nature in the garden, dining alfresco with family and friends, or just taking a moment to exhale.

In 2021, the dream of outdoor leisure becomes a practical reality with pebble pathways, indoor/outdoor tiles, stacked stone firepits, and the latest LVT-inspired pavers that bring wood looks from your front door to the back patio. Eight-room backyard retreats or a postage-stamp-sized yard, the desire to extend our home’s footprint is as important as ever.

5. GOLD WITH ENVY - A favorite the world over, this light & golden color story brings nature’s warmest hues into the 2021 spotlight.

Traditional-inspired neutrals run pale for fresh, bright, and inviting interiors. Warm white quartz countertops- featuring honey-hued veins- sit atop blonde cabinets. Off-white limestone, quartzite, and marble elevate the airy mood.

Underfoot, wood look floors in champagne, caramel, and ash shades create a relaxed, breezy vibe. Cream & white decorative tiles, brushed brass finishes, and over-the-top texture completes the organic look.

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Tile & Stone.

Connected & Together.

Coverings is the preeminent ceramic tile & natural stone showcase in North America.

Here you’ll find tile & stone for any project, from big budget to cost-conscious to LEED certified. Tile & stone offer countless options for colors, shapes, textures, patterns, and styles, and provide high durability and value for applications indoors and out.

Explore the latest trends and global products, network with industry peers, and get educated with more than 50 learning opportunities.

Coverings: where the world of tile & stone does business.

Register at no cost at coverings.com

July 7-9, 2021 Orlando, FL

PHOTONEWS

COSA INTERESSANTE 2 sulla quale fare il focus bla cla jbeqfewfkg w feGEEGASCfbfd -jfhdekwjfewjbfekjf ejfemfnfenbfewjbfefmdf. kjqerffhvfmhfejhfkhf,nfejnfen jfjkhefkje

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PHOTONEWS

THE "WALLPAPER COLLECTION" BY DEVON&DEVON COVERS THE BOTANIQUE ECLECTIQUE VELVET Located in the hub of Bologna, near Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio, Velluto | Botanique Eclectique is a new concept store and cocktail bar: during breakfast, lunch or an aperitif, it takes customers into a fantastic world.

The architecture and interior design studio Atelier Avanzi conceived it as a time and space machine.

Here, jungle inspirations, urban atmospheres and echoes of the colonial style blend with surprising harmony with each other and exquisitely classic elements, such as the vaulted stuccoed ceilings and the marble and wooden floors. Moreover, the bold combination of furnishings (made of natural materials like wood, rattan and stone) and multicolo

red fabrics, as well as real plants and precious wallpapers

by Devon&Devon, are in the spirit of the most successful eclecticism.

Designed by Vito Nesta and selected from the brand "Wallpaper Collection", the different versions stylize vegetal and floral elements in unexpected textures and color palettes.

Botanica Makeup presents a display of flowers, plants and fruits in a rare and amazing extra-large version.

Costa Rica Purple depicts a lively exotic forest traced by the organic geometries of banana leaves. Finally, in Bamboo Sky the supplest plant is transformed into a very neat geometric pattern with the designer's ironic and nonconformist eye.

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PROJECTS

SUNOO TEMPLE HOUSE: WHERE MEN, ENVIRONMENT AND SPIRITUALITY MEETS

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PL AC E WHERE THE R EL AT I O N SH I P BE TWEEN MAN, GOD, A ND TH E E NVIRONMENT IS REDEFINE D H A R MO N I CAL LY: A HOU S E WITH A PR IVATE T E M PL E I N THE COURTYA R D AND A GR E E N R O O F TO P, WHICH BECOMES PART O F TH E N ATURAL L ANDS CAPE , IS THE R E SULT O F A TWO -YE AR-LONG WOR K S IGNED BY TH E I N T E RN ATIO N AL ARCHITECT S A K E T SE TH I, O F S A K E T SE THI DES IGN & ARCHILOGI CS DE SI GN.

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PROJECTS

Photo credits: Fabien Charuau

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Sunoo Temple House is probably India’s largest residential green roof - a prototype of houses that grow their own food and generate their own energy.

Sunoo Temple House is a unique house located on the outskirts of Mumbai, surrounded by acres of paddy fields and with a garden not on the roof, but as its roof. A place where you can walk, lay down, relax, and enjoy time outdoor among the wildflowers.

Because of its peculiar garden, the structure of the Sunoo Temple House required a year to be built - and almost two years to fully set up the garden. During this time, there have been numerous obstacles that were overcome, like pest attacks, heatwaves, and cyclones.

With its creepers all around the house like curtains, Sunoo Temple House turns out to be a magical place in which nature shapes indoor comfort too: the garden acts as a cooling blanket, protecting the house from the sun and keeping the temperature low and pleasant even in the hottest days. Just a few steps away, the one-of-a-kind temple appears: shaped like an egg with a spiral structure inside, recalling an absolute indivisibility, and inspired by the galaxy, the temple is created using Bisazza mosaic tiles.

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PROJECTS

The interior design of the space is based on a seamless dialogue between interior and landscape, peppered with artifacts based on travel from Italy to Bali, and even the clients’ antiques.

The main sofa is John John from Poltrona Frau, while many of the other living room elements are repurposed and repolished old furniture, keeping with the idea of upcycling. The dining table is custom made and designed by Saket using fabricated laser cut components, like a jigsaw puzzle fitting together.

Overall, the focus of the interiors is to keep character but not be overwhelming to compete with the views. All the artwork was sourced from Milan, Naples, Venice, Barcelona, and from local artists.

The project has been the first of a long series of green homes for Sethi, who declared: “We all have to listen to nature and start somewhere, in whatever way we can. Even with a small plot of land, living sustainably is a viable option.” ✕

SAKET SETHI is the Founder and Principal of Archilogics, a collective of designers based in Mumbai and Barcelona (and soon in Milan, too). He is the only Indian architect hosting two TV shows simultaneously: NDTV GoodTimes “Luxe Interiors”, and a makeover show for Fox Life’s “Design HQ” Season 2.

Matching aesthetic and Indian culture in his works, Saket Sethi transforms every space in a dialogue between the material and spiritual world. Saket has a Bachelor of Architecture from Woodbury University, LA; studied Digital Design at UC Berkeley and Interior Design at NYU. He interned with Eric Owen Moss, Frederick Gibson, and KMD Architects.

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PROJECTS

THE HOUSE OF GRAIN IN RURAL JUTL AND

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I TH ITS WA R M, DELICAT E H UE S , THE KORNETS HUS , OR H O USE O F GRAI N, STA NDS OUT A MO N GST TH E G O L DE N WH E AT FIELDS IN THE DAN I SH M U NIC IPAL ITY OF HJØRRING , IN N O RTH E R N JUT L AND, IN PER FECT HARMONY WI TH TH E S U R R OUND I N G L A NDS CA PE .

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Designed by Norwegian architecture firm Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter (RRA), this new learning centre combines tradition and modernity and is inspired by the region’s rich landscape, folk culture and agricultural heritage. Modelled on the shapes of traditional baker’s ovens, it provides locals, visitors and students with a place for activi-

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ty-based learning where they can share traditional breadmaking recipes and techniques and explore new ideas.

With its L-shaped plan surrounded by a garden courtyard, Kornets Hus is built alongside an existing farm and bakery. Its architectural form is the result of research into the region’s landscape and local building tradition. The teaching and exhibition spaces and workshops are positioned at either end of the bu-

ilding beneath two soaring lightwells reminiscent of traditional ovens, which allow natural light to flood into the classrooms.

The public spaces are organised around a large bread oven, while large floor-to-ceiling windows offer splendid views across a vast expanse of wheat fields, which can also be appreciated from the building’s terrace. ✕

MATERIAL IN FOCUS: SK1N TERRA FROM FORNACE S.ANSELMO Kornet Hus is entirely clad with U-shaped Pantheon Nordic Red (or SK1N Terra) façade tiles from Fornace S.Anselmo, a leading player in the international facing brick market. The warm, golden coloured tiles combine the timeless appeal of clay with contemporary ceramic techniques and colours and entirely cover the walls and the roof of the building. Pantheon Nordic Red offers plenty of scope for creativity in many different applications, as in this case where it creates a sense of seamless continuity between the facades and the distinctive lines of the roof.

SK1N Terra’s DNA is closely linked to iconic and timeless European craftsmanship. Combining the enduring beauty of terracotta with contemporary ceramic colours and the renowned quality of Fornace S.Anselmo products, SK1N is a uniquely versatile ventilated façade tile with clean, uniform lines suitable for any type of building envelope, from walls to double-pitched roofs. Designed to be installed on a weatherproofed structure, it is easy to assemble as each tile is simply screwed onto horizontal aluminium or timber battens. The horizontal joints overlap while the vertical joints are staggered for maximum visual effect.

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Bologna from 27 September to 01 October 2021

Follow us on

International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings.

New ideas and products for the evolving world of architectural design.

from 20 Sept. to 08 Oct.

PROJECTS

THE DOMESTIC L ANDSCAPE OF A FARMHOUSE WITH A ROCK SOUL

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M ME RSE D IN THE GR EENERY YE T LO CATE D IN T HE HEART OF T H E C I TY, A FEW M I NUT ES FROM ICONIC SI TE S O F CO N TE MPOR ARY R OME S U CH AS TH E AU D ITO RIUM – PA R CO DELL A MUSI CA BY R E N ZO PI ANO AND THE MAXXI – N ATI O N AL M U S EUM OF THE 21ST CENTURY A RTS

BY ZAHA HADID, THE ARCHITECTUR AL F I R M ALVISI KIRIMOTO HA S COM PL E TE D T H E I N TE RIO R S A ND T HE DES IGN O F TH E O UT DO O R SPACES OF A FARMHOUSE R E BUILT O N THE VOLU ME OF THE EXI STI N G B U I LD I N G , F I RMLY A NCHORED ON A H I L L OVE RLO OKING THE INVIOL ATE L L A B O R GHE SE PA R K , NORT H OF T HE CAPI TAL .

FO R TH E OWNER S , IT WAS IMPORTAN T TO H AVE A HO ME WELL INT EGR AT ED I N TO TH E L A N DSCAPE , WITH BR IGHT ENVIRO N ME N TS A N D A STRON G CONNECT ION WITH TH E O UTSID E , WHER E NATURE CA N B E E N JOYE D WI T HO UT RE L INQU IS HING T HE VIB R AN T PAC E O F TH E CITY. T H I S WE LCOMING , OPEN HOUS E WAS D E SIGN E D PRIMA R ILY FOR MOMEN TS O F CO NVIVI AL ITY WITH FR IENDS , BUT ALSO TO HO ST THE AT ELIER OF T HE OWN E R : A N TON E L L A OF OPIFICIO L AU CHLI, WH O WO RKS IN THEART IS A NAL F I E L D FO R TH E C RE ATION OF CUSTOM-MADE CO M PL E ME NTS AND FU R NITURE , I N TE R I O R D ECORATIO N A ND T HE T R ANS FO R MATI O N O F A NTIQ UE FU R NIS HINGS .

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ARCHITECTURE CONCEPT The archetypal shape of the farmhouse is balanced by the contemporary interiors, which are spread over three floors, in which the architects wanted to enhance the feeling of freedom and space, exploiting the height of the ceilings, limiting the number of walls and leaving the perimeter permeable with a series of French doors leading to a large garden.

"We have divided the space on three levels, working on the 'sky' of each one, to embed three different experiences. On the ground floor, we used white and concrete; for the first we chose the brightness of the yellow; finally, on the top floor, we left the exposed wooden structure. The element of continuity that accompanies the visitor in this sort of architectural promenade is the staircase.

Designed as a single piece, it is made of expanded metal, allowing light to filter through a play of reflections and shadows. The house has an amazing rock soul, like the owners. It is a homogeneous and dynamic space, where materials and surfaces change, extending the emotion from the visual experience to the tactile dimension " - says Junko Kirimoto, co-founder of the studio.

ENVIRONMENTS AND MATERIALS The ground floor is designed as an informal space, with a large living room that houses a TV area with a custom-designed bookcase in natural wood and black iron supports, and a dining area and open kitchen entirely in stainless steel with a central black island, shielded by a stained-glass window. From its central position, the scenic staircase dominates, made entirely of natural iron treated with a slender central support leg and a sin-

PROJECTS

photo ©Serena Eller Vainicher

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green lacquer, a bathroom and a walk-in closet. The top level has a highly material character: the floor, in grey micro-cement contrasts with the pitched roof with wooden trusses and exposed tiles.

A natural OSB tape, treated with a transparent protective coating, and the upper shelf covered in treated black iron, winds along the whole room, wrapping it on three sides. From suspended furniture for the TV, the ribbon transforms into a magazine rack, becomes a bench, folds to take the shape of a chaise longue, rises to become a work surface, then a flap top that conceals a kitchen with sink and stove top, which finally, at 90 °, becomes the covering of the opening door of a piece of furniture.

The porch, designed with a living area and a dining area near the kitchen, blurs the boundaries between inside and outside. The garden with English lawn houses the vegetable garden with corten tubs, projected onto the urban landscape. And it is precisely here, that the synthesis of the versatile proposal of the Alvisi Kirimoto studio takes place, to seamlessly combine city rhythms and a greener lifestyle. ✕

gle sheet of micro-perforated metal sheet that constitutes the steps and the parapet. Light and transparent, the staircase, with its permeable skin, offers unusual perspectives and invites appreciation of the entire stairwell, which culminates on the top floor with a large skylight.

The layout is completed by the owner's laboratory, and a series of accessory spaces, including the laundry room and the guest bathroom, treated with a corten-effect micro cement finish that introduces an additional material element on the ground floor, where ceilings and white walls highlight the structure of the pillars deliberately left in exposed concrete. The same colour choices and finishes are repeated on the first floor, which is dedicated to the children and characterized by an extra note of colour in its yellow ceilings. Along a corridor with a balcony overlooking the staircase, are the retractable doors of the bathrooms and the four bedrooms, with their refined custom-designed furnishings, from bookcases to desks, from blackboard walls to hangers. Wandering further, visitors access an extensive living and study area with a guest bathroom, which acts as a filter for the area reserved for the couple, with a double bedroom with custom-made furniture in OSB treated with glossy

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PROJECTS

from left: Junko Kirimoto, Antonella (Opificio Lauchli), Massimo Alvisi. ©Ilaria Magliocchetti Lombi

ALVISI KIRIMOTO is an international practice that works in the field of architecture, urban planning and design. Founded by Massimo Alvisi and Junko Kirimoto in 2002, the firm stands out for its sartorial approach to design, “sensitive” use of technology and control of space, starting from the manipulation of "sheets of paper".

Dialogue with nature, urban regeneration and attention to social issues make its projects unique in the international architectural scene.

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PHOTONEWS

COSA INTERESSANTE 2 sulla quale fare il focus bla cla jbeqfewfkg w feGEEGASCfbfd -jfhdekwjfewjbfekjf ejfemfnfenbfewjbfefmdf. kjqerffhvfmhfejhfkhf,nfejnfen jfjkhefkje

powered by COLMEF

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PHOTONEWS

PIETRE D’ARREDO FOR ORSINI MOOD’S COVERINGS Completely surrounded by greenery, rises the complex of Orsini Mood, an important accomodation facility recently built in the province of Avellino (Italy), embellished, both internally and externally, with the Pietre D’Arredo (powered by Colmef) finishing elements. The model selected for this project is

the Sakar Caramel stone, which, with its effect of “jagged and rugged stone” and its distinctive rectangular shape, provides naturalness, elegance and refinement to the whole realization. · Realization: Orsini Mood · Planner/ Construction Manager: Arch. Saverio Ciarcia · Designer: Michele Vietri

Pietre D’Arredo, powered by Colmef, was born in the town of Gubbio, Umbria, the green heart of Italy. Colmef, with its 40 years of experience in the area of special products for the building industry, is one of the few companies worldwide that implements autonomously all stages of the production chain, from the selection of the stone for the realization of dies and moulds, up to the production of the stone itself, of the adhesives and of the grouts. The Pietre D'Arredo finishing elements are the result of the union between tradition and innovation, accompanied by continuous research to offer you a unique and valuable product.

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NEW MATERIAL

ORIGINAL PARQUET The CARAVAGGIO collection is a medium-small size pre-finished product that has the appearance of a long and narrow plank, currently very trendy in the world of architecture and design.

The floor is in fact represented by a rustic choice which, through the presence of small natural knots, brings the naturalness of the wood directly into the environment in which it is laid.

The four sides of the element are worked with a “male-female” joint and micro beveled.

Nominal dimensions: • Thickness: mm. 10 (2,5 mm) • Width: mm. 90 • Lenght: mm. 900 Classification - Qualitative choices in compliance with UNI EN 13489 technical standards: Rustic Wooden species: European Oak Finishing and treatments: Brushed, UV varnished Laying: It can be made using either bi-component glue or floating with the acoustic underlay.

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TILE ITALIA 1/2019 NEW MATERIAL

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MATERIAL MIX

M AT E R IC D ESI GN 6 Material Design New Entries Marble, m osaic , glass, copper an d recycled plastic form six contemporar y design complem ents created to sh owcase th e premium materials f rom which th ey originate.

CANNAREGIO: GORDON GUILLAUMIER FOR CIMENTO COLLECTION Sinuous contours, soft shapes and harmonious proportions are the hallmark of a versatile family of furnishings designed by Gordon Guillaumier for the Cimento Collection by CIMENTO®. The line consists of dining tables, chairs, armchairs, sofas and poufs and takes its name from one of the liveliest districts of Venice: Cannaregio.. Expressive power, decorative presence and Cannaregio the light weight of CIMENTO® – an innovative patented material consisting of mineral aggregates (over 90%) mixed with a cement binder – are the hallmarks of the Cannaregio furnishings conceived and designed for livingrooms and other leisure areas.

“This family of furnishings and complements originates from the idea of excavated monolithic shapes, transformed into sensual sculptures,” explains the designer, “which adhere to the same principles as hand-crafted concrete (“CIMENTO” in Italian).

With its almost velvety texture, the cementitious skin accentuates the softness of the contours and softens the hard appearance of conventional concrete furniture. The use of a two-tone finish gives rise to an appealing contrast that brings vibrancy to the pure forms.”

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MATERIAL MIX

MERIDIANE: CERAMIC INSPIRED

BY SUNDIALS The new collection of home accessories by LATOxLATO LATOxLATO,, the design workshop founded by Virginia Valentini and Francesco Breganze de Capnist, Capnist, draws upon the charm of the sundials (“Meridiane” means “sundials” in Italian) that decorate the façades of many Italian mansions.

The sundial is a truly ancient instrument that measures the passage of time with the shadow cast by a central blade (the gnomon) on a painted horizontal or vertical surface.

Shadows and architectures are the stars of this range: linear forms and volumes come together to tell a story, brought to life by the superb skill and craftsmanship of the finest Italian master artisans.

The co-stars of Meridiane are the materials.

White, tactile ceramic brings to mind the classic Italian tradition of glazed majolica and provides the ideal basis for the chiaroscuro effects of the collection’s accents, while precious metals are used to emphasise the vertical elements that cast the illusory shadow.

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MATERIAL MIX

“COPPER AT HOME”: THE DE CASTELLI INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT Building on emerging trends in contemporary living, De Castelli recently forged partnerships with four design duos - Adriano Design, Lanzavecchia + Wai, Martinelli Venezia Studio and Zanellato/Bortotto who have explored the potential of copper, one of the brand’s favourite metals, to create new collections of home furnishings.

The material was chosen with a view to taking full advantage of its antibacterial properties, which have been preserved as a result of the company’s research, and enable copper to be processed and used for interior design applications without altering its intrinsic effectiveness. The new hall stand, card table, drinks cabinet and storage table become stand-out features in multi-functional habitats.

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MATERIAL MIX

OPAL QUIZ: THE BATH TUB WITH A “HYPNOTIC” TEXTURE The new Opal Quiz free-standing bath tub

by Acquabella explores materials and finishes to present a texture made up of hypnotic arrangements of geometric shapes across the whole of its outer surface.

Measuring 180x55 cm, Opal Quiz is designed to wrap its occupant in a warm oval embrace, and features one extra-broad edge for standing bottles and dispensers on.

Opal Quiz is also the first bath tub made of Akron©, a material patented by Acquabella, which combines the properties of polyurethane with mineral fillers.

Akron© is especially recognised for its antibacterial and non-slip properties properties,, which are essential in bathroom environments, but also for its extreme resistance to the kind of scratches and knocks that bath tubs are subject to in everyday use.

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MATERIAL MIX

NEW ECO-STONE TABLE FROM CONNUBIA In line with its parent company’s philosophy and commitment to sustainability, Connubia, a youthful, contemporary brand belonging to the Calligaris Group, has created its first green product. The top of the YO table is made of an innovative, recycled material known as EcoStone, which is made from recycled fibreglass and other post-consumer, fibre-reinforced compounds. Eco-Stone is made by recycling materials used in the production of boats, wind turbine blades, manhole covers and other highperformance products, products, which are granulated and reconstituted at high pressure, making the product strong and stable in all environmental conditions.

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FOSHAN，CHINA

10.18th ­ 21th, 2021 Professional | International | Influential

800+ Exhibitors with 10,000+ Exhibits 400,000+ Sqm Exhibiting Area 120,000+ Attendees Include

Exhibits:

Tiles·Sanitaryware·Unit Bath·Mosaic·Whole-house Customization

·Ceramic Auxiliary Materials·Ceramic Equipment

en.cerambath.org

+86 18925942595/+86 75782525961

cerambath@eccc.com.cn/fair@eccc.com.cn

MATERIAL MIX

MENADI AND MADREPORA

BY STUDIO ZERO Studio Zero Editions is proud to present the Menadi collection of vases and the Madrepora collection of sculptural trays.

These are the first two projects entirely of the firm’s own production. Now free from all external constraints, they express the full depth of their maker’s philosophy and convey its narrative and imagery in unfiltered form.

The terracotta vases draw inspiration from the female figures of Hellenic tradition that depict the mad followers of Dionysus, whose wild dances and initiation rituals caused them to merge and become one with the god himself. Like the maenads (“Menadi” in Italian), Studio Zero’s vases are bodies suspended in the convulsive momentum of a step in an impetuous dance, traversed by the vital energy that makes the world vibrate, and shaken by that divine spark which continuously aspires to elevation. The series is available in five colours and two sizes, so that multiple pieces can be choreographed into dance-like arrangements that exalt the purity of their forms. The trays are hand-made from paper clay, and bring to mind fossilised casings of fanciful sea creatures.

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MATERIAL MIX

THE NEW "CALATEA GREEN" BY CRISTINA CELESTINO FOR PIANCA Calatea Green is a sustainable new iteration of the Calatea armchair designed by Cristina Celestino for Pianca in 2017: this new version, re-designed in terms of both materials and formal expression, is made in full accordance with the principles of circular economy.

Every aspect has been re-designed to reduce the chair’s environmental footprint. footprint. Its padding is made from polyester eco-fibre sourced from recycled PET mineral water bottles bottles.. Made from 100% Virgin Polyester, it is fully recyclable and compostable. The chair’s shell is made from plywood and the legs are made of FSC-certified ash wood sourced from responsibly managed forests forests,, where logging is controlled to prevent deforestation.

Lastly, the upholstery fabric is made using an openend cotton yarn that comes from 100% recycled material certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (Global Recycled Certified 4.0). Celestino has also produced a new graphic design for the fabric of the seat-back, which pays homage to Friuli, her home region in North-East Italy, and to the alder, a tree that is indigenous to the Julian Alps and stands out for its regular vein patterns.

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MATERIAL MIX

ETHICAL CORK FURNISHINGS Suber is the first line of design objects made entirely in Italy from recycled cork deriving from the ETHICAL recycling project.

The entire process was conceived

by Amorim Cork Italia, a leading manufacturer and seller of corks for bottles, which has been collecting used corks, corks, since 2011, and giving them a second life that is now more valuable than their first.

When transformed into stools, small tables, lamps and wine buckets with natural, coloured and animal-motif finishes, cork becomes the eco-chic designer material par excellence.

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