news in brief - Tile and Stone Journal

May 2012
Volume 9 Number 5
Editor
Joe Simpson
tandsjournal@aol.com
M: 07885 294814
Advertisement Director
Stuart Bourne
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T: 01892 752400
Production Director
John Heath 01892 752400
Editorial Director
Alan Bakalor 01892 680816
Editorial Administration
Elaine Hudson 01892 752400
Designer
Neil Owen 01892 752400
Production and Design
Janet Purchase 01892 752400
Print Management
DPI Print and Production, Tonbridge, Kent
01732 371271 www.dpi-print.co.uk
GEnErAL EnquiriES
Editorial
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T: 07885 294814
E: tandsjournal@aol.com
CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO: PCI GEOFUG P60
NEWS
Fila protects Square nine, n&c Group’s St George’s Day
event for charity, nick ounstead steps down at topps,
the latest construction statistics, and much more 4
TTA NEWSLETTER
the tile Association Awards 2012: all the winners in detail 18
IN BUSINESS
cool Earth partners with the Fuelcard people 30
REVIEW: CEVISAMA
nadia Mladenova explores Spain’s latest tile design trends 32
SITE REPORT
Michael pallerino is wowed by a water park in oregon 36
CASE STUDY
Zaha Hadid’s stunning design for the roca London Gallery 40
DESIGN TRENDS
rAK’s Abdulla Mahmood looks at novel applications for tiles 46
SURFACE PREP
Equipment and products to ensure a secure base for tiling 48
ARTISAN TILES
profiles of some uK pioneers in hand-made ceramic tiles 54
PORTFOLIO
What’s new in tiles, tools, natural stone and fixing materials 60
Advertising and subscriptions
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MAY 2012 TSJ 3

NEWS & COMMENT
EDITOR’S COMMENT
Fila protects surfaces at Square Nine
“This issue of Tile & Stone Journal is all about
ambition: the desire for personal achievement.
And ambition, it seems, comes in many forms. There
is the creative ambition of the outstanding artisan
tile studios covered in this issue, where vision and
technique go hand in hand to produce beautiful and
inspiring ceramic tiles. And then there is the
ambition of the TTA Award winners covered here.
There is also corporate ambition as exemplified by
the Roca London Gallery, a futuristic space designed
by that most iconic of architects, Zaha Hadid, with
the aim of projecting Roca’s global ambition.
At its most extreme, there is the example of Delford Smith, the American entrepreneur
with a seemingly impossible dream for a water park in his hometown of McMinnville,
Oregon. The result: a fantastic space with an actual Boeing Jumbo Jet on the roof and a
helicopter suspended internally acting as an anchor for a water splash.
Delford Smith’s dream reminded me of World’s End Tiles in the days of Paul
Portelli, with its Skylon rocket and other wacky artefacts providing an inspiring
backdrop for what was at the time the finest selection of ceramic tiles in London.
In this Olympic year, it is an apt time to consider the positive impact of ambition;
particularly in times of economic stress. A person without any ambition is like a
yacht without a rudder. It is hard to get going, there is no known destination and
the individual is left at the mercy of the winds and tides of life.
It is a common thread among those that achieve excellence in business, politics,
sport and every aspect of life that they not only have ambition but back it up by
continuous efforts to achieve it. Without this disciplined follow through, ambition
is little more than a pipe dream or a pious resolution.
As the examples in the issue show, ambition varies greatly from person to person.
It will be influenced by family background, upbringing, social status, economic
conditions and many other factors. And ambition, even in business, need have
nothing to do with wealth. It can be about community service, job creation,
legacy, creativity or simple an overwhelming belief in a product or service.
I hope the examples in these pages will inspire every reader to seek and focus on
their ambition, and then to find from within the dogged effort and firm
determination to make it happen.
Joe Simpson
Square Nine, Belgrade’s first international luxury hotel,
has specified Fila’s surface care range. Used to protect
almost 4,000 sq. metres of Italian beige limestone on
floors, walls and surfaces, Fila’s products specified
included Fila W68, Fila MP/90, FilaMatt wax, Fila
Hydrorep and FilaFob. FilaService, the firm’s corporate
division, supervised all aspects of treatment, from testing
and mock-up to final application.
Designed by renowned Brazilian Architect, Isay
Weinfeld, Square Nine is a contemporary boutiqueinspired
hotel located in Belgrade’s historical centre.
Throughout the hotel, natural-effect Fila W68 was used
to treat walls requiring water and stain protection.
Internally, Fila MP/90 natural stain protector was
applied to white polished stone bathroom surfaces,
whilst floors received a basecoat of Fila W68 protection,
followed by natural effect FilaMatt wax. Meanwhile,
Fila Hydrorep and FilaFob were used to treat the poolside
relaxation area from continual contact with chlorinated
water, within the hotel’s stunning Wellness
Centre and Spa.
Fila offers a wide range of surface care products
designed to provide high performance, whilst protecting
the natural characteristics of marble, granite, natural
stone, porcelain stoneware, terracotta and wood.
Products span from pre-grouting protectors, detergents
and sealants, to after-care maintenance and stain
removal solutions.
For more information, please contact Lisa Breakspear
at Fila UK on tel. 01584 877286, email
filaUK@filachim.com or visit www.filachim.com.
4 TSJ MAY 2012

N&C family charity event celebrates St George’s Day in style
On Saturday, 21st May, Nicholls & Clarke’s six acre head
office based in Chadwell Heath was transformed into a
fun filled, community family fun day event to celebrate
St George’s Day for the charity, Children Today.
As annual sponsors of Barking & Dagenham’s St
George’s Day events, N&C hosted a themed fun day for
the local community, including a themed dragon bouncy
castle, inflatable pole jousting, face painting, balloon
modelling, giant snakes and ladders, penalty shootout,
a popcorn machine, hook a duck, book and cake stalls,
refreshments, and much more!
The event was not only held to celebrate the patriotic
day, but to also raise donations for Children Today; a
charity that raises funds to provide specialised equipment
for children and young people with disabilities
throughout the UK. Their aim is to ensure that every
disabled child and young person fulfils their potential
and leads an active childhood.
The local Fire Brigade from Dagenham Fire Station
were present on the day, allowing children to explore
the engine. The team distributed free fire alarms to
help raise awareness of fire safety. Mayor Milton
McKenzie was present at the event.
David Forbes, Chief Executive Officer of the Nicholls
and Clarke Group of Companies said, “We are delighted
to be sponsoring the St George’s Day local community
events for a third year running. St George’s day represents
a time where the local community can get
together and celebrate a wonderful occasion. As a
British manufacturer, retailer and distributor, we are
proud to be a part of it. As the turnout increasingly
exceeds our expectations and with all the activities
proving very popular, we anticipate the annual St
George’s Day event to get bigger and bigger each year
with more activities for all members of the family to
enjoy.”
Cover Story: Mapei’s simple yet perfect solution to ‘tile on tile’
This month’s front cover demonstrates how Mapei have simplified ‘tile on tile’ application utilising Eco Prim
Grip primer to create a powerful grip and Adesilex P9 adhesive to create a strong bond.
Mapei’s multi-purpose primer and adhesion promoter Eco Prim Grip is a ready-to-use product suitable for
renders, smoothing / levelling compounds and existing glazed ceramic tiles. It can be applied both internally
and externally to floors and walls and carries Mapei’s ‘Green Innovation’ logo which means that it
emits an extremely low level of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Eco Prim Grip provides a rough surface ensuring an excellent bond which is resistant to water and ageing.
Eco Prim Grip adheres well to both smooth substrates and those with low absorbency.
Eco Prim Grip is versatile in its application. Once dry, it guarantees a tough bond with most cement based
adhesives on various types of substrate: lightweight cellular cement blocks, bricks, stone, plasterboard,
wood, ceramic, metal, render and gypsum. In addition to this, Eco Prim Grip also bonds well when applying
smoothing and levelling compounds on old internal ceramic, terrazzo and natural stone floors and when
fixing ceramic and natural stone tiles directly on top of existing ceramic finishes.
As demonstrated on the front cover; following the application of Eco Prim Grip over existing ceramic tiles,
Mapei’s high strength, polymer modified adhesive Adesilex P9 can then be applied. P9 is suitable to adhere
new tile finishes to existing wall or floor tiles primed with Eco Prim Grip. The adhesive is available in grey
and white and is ideal for installing ceramic & porcelain tiles and mosaics in both interior and exterior applications.
Adesilex P9 also emits very low levels of TVOC being classified as EC1R.
Adesilex P9 is easily workable and is highly thixotropic – it can be applied on a vertical surface without
sagging or slipping even with heavy tiles. It has an extended open time and hardens to form a strong bond.
Adesilex P9 is water and frost resistant and is perfectly suited to wet environments such as showers and wet
rooms.
Adesilex P9 is a long established tile adhesive with a tried and tested pedigree. It can be used to bond tiles
to a wide range of substrates including sand:cement render, plaster, plasterboard, tilebacker boards,
sand:cement screeds, calcium sulphate screeds and concrete.
For more information about Mapei products and solutions call 0121 508 6970 or email
technical@mapei.co.uk. Technical data sheets are also available online at www.mapei.co.uk.
NEWS & COMMENT
NEWS IN BRIEF
Richard Barham has
joined Xaar, the world’s
leading independent
supplier and manufacturer
of industrial inkjet
printheads, as Sales and
Marketing Director.
Barham comes to Xaar
from Agfa Graphics
where he held a range of
senior sales, marketing and management positions
for over 25 years. Most recently, as Vice President of
Agfa’s Inkjet Division, he was responsible for driving
growth, quadrupling turnover to over €150 million
and integrating a major acquisition.
Laticrete has promoted
Wayne Hoerning to a new
role with responsibility
for sales and business
development in Central
America and Mexico. This
will be in addition to his
existing responsibilities
as the Training Manager
for the International division.
“With his technical background, strong interpersonal
skills and persuasive behaviour, I am very confident
that Wayne will support our partners in the
region more efficiently and take the business to the
next level,” stated Faisal Saleem, Laticrete’s Senior
Director, International Business Development.
The collaboration between Kravitz Design Inc. and
Lea Ceramiche has led to Goccia, a new wall tile collection
that offers a personal and contemporary interpretation
of tridimensional decor. With the Goccia collection
the decor of the surface becomes the centrepiece
of the project. The tiles serve as modules that create
different tri-dimensional shapes, concave and convex,
realised in black and white.
“I wanted to create a design element that provides
texture and movement to the living environment,”
said Lenny Kravitz, President of Kravitz Design Inc.
The 3D tiles, with gloss and matt glazes, utilise Lea
Ceramiche’s textile know-how, creating ceramic
sculptures that combine sinuous and circular lines to
create a sophisticated aesthetic.
MAY 2012 TSJ
5

NEWS & COMMENT
RAK Ceramics is sponsoring Sussex County Cricket (Sharks) Club’s CB40 match
against the Kent Spitfires. The annual Arundel Festival of Cricket opening match will
take place on Monday 16th July at Arundel Castle Cricket Club. The Arundel Festival
of Cricket is a prestigious annual sporting event, during which Sussex play for a week
in the Castle’s picturesque grounds. The event takes place prior to the Arundel
Festival which includes community and cultural events, street theatre and concerts.
Rob Jull, RAK Ceramic’s Managing Director commented, “Forty years ago I played at
Arundel Castle, so I’m delighted that the RAK Ceramics brand can now have an association
with Sussex County Cricket Club, all these years later. For further information
about the match, call Sussex County Cricket Club on 01273 827126 or visit www.sussexcricket.co.uk.
For more information about RAK Ceramics and the event, call
01730 237850 or email Bianca Herd at bianca.h@rakceramics.co.uk.
Mapei sponsors Aedas Cycle to Cannes initiative
Mapei has sponsored design practise Aedas Architects’ cycling team in the ‘Cycle to Cannes’ challenge: a
fundraising charity and annual bike ride from London to Cannes, France. The event is principally sponsored
by Aedas, the world's largest design practice in the BD World Architecture 100 survey. The motto
for the event ‘1500km • 80 riders • 100% challenge’ describes the tough task that the cyclists were presented
with. Cyclists tallied a total riding time of 56 hours 43 minutes over the 6 days, at an average speed
of 15.8mph with 242km covered daily on average.
Marcus Wilkins, Studio Director from Aedas Architects, was one of five who completed the challenge from
Aedas, commented: “It was a fantastic trip and one to never forget. This is an amazing charity venture and
I am delighted to be part of it for the first time.” For more information visit www.cycle2cannes.org.
Nicholls & Clarke has announced that Tile Shapes has
sold its trading activities to the Nicholls & Clarke
Group of Companies. N&C Tile Shapes will continue
to trade from the existing site at Hemel Hempstead
in Hertfordshire, where customers will benefit from
access to a wider range of products within the
Nicholls & Clarke Group.
Tile Shapes is a tile and bathroom retailer and distributor
founded over 30 years ago. The company
also has a quality domestic and commercial tile fixing
service.
All members of staff will be joining the Nicholls &
Clarke Group of Companies in their existing posts.
J P KENNEDY
“With the recession continuing
on its merry way and little control
over the big issues like consumer
confidence, unemployment and
the global financial markets, the
focus for the team here in
TileStyle is concentrating on the
things we can influence and to a
certain extent control.
With nothing new under the sun,
the things we are working hard
on are the quality of the shop
floor in terms of quality of display and quality of product.
Improving the effectiveness of our sales team through
better product knowledge and training. From a marketing
perspective we have invested significantly in our on line
presence primarily through our website www.tilestyle.ie.
We are still trying to get to grips with the Hydra's Head of
social media. Our next big thing on line is to launch an e-
commerce platform where there is a relentless growth and
expectation by customers.
I have attended several conferences on the successful
future of retail over the last two years and a number of key
messages are repeated both within Europe and globally.
The top three are:
1. The customers experience, successful businesses and
retailers in particular must create a relevant and positive
experience for the customer so what does this mean? From
my perspective it means communicating in plain language
and talking directly to the customer in a language they
understand and relate to. This can mean simply, very clear
price labels in your showroom to more comlex issues such
as having your sales team continuously trained in the
products you sell.
2. Having a strong on line presence, with most customers
starting their research process on the website using the
omnipresent Google. Having a website that reflects your
showroom and delivers as good a virtual experience as it is
or should be in the real world is critical. Customers are
increasingly expecting to buy from customers in a number
of ways including traditionally calling into your shop but
also on line and in many cases using their brand new Smart
Phones.
3. Change, the only constant in life. All companies that want
to survive and thrive now and in the future need to plan for
change and just as importantly embrace it, easier said than
done.
Here in TileStyle we have for most of our 30 years sold only
tiles however over the last three years we have put a lot of
energy in selling new but related products including hard
wood flooring and bathrooms. While this may not seem
that revolutionary, selling these new products to the
highest levels requires a total commitment to change.
So to end, the light at the end of the tunnel I hope is not that
of an on coming train. Business here in TileStyle has begun
to stabilise in an unstable environment and as we bump
along the bottom the only way up is to change.
JP Kennedy is Managing Director of TileStyle, one of
Ireland’s leading companies specialising in tiles, stone,
bathrooms and wood for the retail and commercial sectors.
Contact JP at jp@tilestyle.ie.
1
TSJ MAY 2012

NEWS & COMMENT
Ecobuild proves a success for Trade Price Stone
Trade Price Stone has reported a great deal of interest following its appearance at Ecobuild, particularly
from the construction and distributor sectors.
“The nature of the show and the industry we trade in meant that we did not expect to make
sales at the show,” explains Managing Director, Simon Lloyd-Jones, “but we're delighted to
report that we most certainly did. What's more, we ended up with over 1,000 leads,
including requests for brochures and samples - a phenomenal response.”
“There was huge interest in our range of limestones, especially the new Jerusalem Range. We
think the limestone range proved to be so popular because we had actually tiled the floor of the
stand with it, which showed just how beautiful and resilient limestone really is.”
“Special thanks have to go to the staff of Tile & Stone Journal and The Tile Association. Their
knowledge of this industry and allied sectors, and understanding of the challenges we all face,
is incredible. They took the time to listen and discuss in length some of the ideas we have to
help our customers with a roll out programme of PoS and marketing support throughout 2012
and we have taken on board their thoughts.”
Following the show Lloyd-Jones has written to all Ecobuild prospects offering further information.
“We are on hand to give you all the support you may need - over the phone, via our website
or, if you're in the neighbourhood, drop in at our facility for a chat and a coffee/tea,” concludes
Lloyd-Jones.
www.tradepricestone.co.uk
Fap Ceramiche adds finishing touch at L’Incontro Uomo
Ceramics are so beautiful and versatile that they can
be used in the most unexpected of settings. A few
months ago Fap Ceramiche undertook a very satisfying
joint venture with a store named L’Incontro
Uomo. Visitors to the historic centre of Modena can
now admire Fap’s ceramics outside of their more usual
context, setting off to perfection the glamorous clothing on display in the windows of L’Incontro. The photograph
show the Istanbul carpet from the FapNatura porcelain stoneware flooring collection, and the Gong
decoration in the Papavero shade from the Cielo white body wall tile collection.
Dominic Crinson helps create stunning Stockholm restrooms
MADELEINE HARRINGTON
“Do you still use the fax as a
means of communication?
I’d thought that it had gone
the way of the telex and was
more or less obsolete. I’ve
still got a fax machine, but no
longer have a line that I can
use it with. But even before
the line went, I didn’t have it
plugged in.
On the rare occasions that someone wanted to send me
a fax that they couldn’t email, I had to dig it out from the
back of the cupboard, dust it off and plug it in. I’d
assumed that everyone else was the same, so I had got
into the habit of dropping the fax number when
sending out press releases and designing ads for
clients.
However one of my clients informs me that they still get
orders faxed in every day from customers in the tile
industry. Apparently he’d tried to remove the fax from
the sales office and was told in no uncertain terms that
he could not, as it was still one of the main ways of
receiving orders.
I learnt my lesson and now make sure that the fax is on
the website and adverts.
Do we work in a dinosaur industry with an aversion to
modern technology?
You might think so given the reluctance to move away
from the old methods of communication and to
embrace new technology and marketing techniques.
The 23rd March saw the opening of AMF Fastigheter
in Stockholm. Dominic Crinson has hailed this project
as one of the company’s most exciting to date, with
the London-based studio’s tiles and wallpapers
installed in what Crinson has called “the grandest
restrooms you could imagine.”
Located within Mood Stockholm, a boutique-styled
shopping mall in central Stockholm, the work was
installed in three themed restrooms using a mix of the
latest Crinson designs plus older editions. The aim
was to create an ambience unlike any other in
Stockholm and, surely, much of the rest of the world.
Dominic Crinson and Interior Designer, Lena Eskedahl, worked together to produce a suite of stunning restrooms
that were themed according to the three shopping zones; Everyday, Wishing and Desire. The mix of current
and older designs were installed in imaginative ways to enhance the overall experience.
Do most independent retailers really still use paper and
pen to keep abreast of stock levels and work out what
they need to order or is it just that they find it quicker
and easier to print out an order and fax it, than to attach
it to an email and press send?
Or perhaps it’s just natural inertia to change. The fax is
the way that it has always been done, and why change
just for the sake of it? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Whatever it is, I find it bemusing to say the least, but
then I spend my day in front of a computer working
with technology, and I couldn’t do my job without it, so
maybe I’m biased and the old ways are still the best.”
Madeleine Harrington is a director of McMullin
Harrington Limited, a marketing consultancy specialising
in the tile and stone industry. She can be contacted
on madeleine@mcmh.co.uk.
8 TSJ MAY 2012

NEWS & COMMENT
Ultra Tile enables ‘speedy’ installation
Speedy Cash branches across the country
have been fitted out by The Great
Northern Tiling Company using Ultra
Floor Level IT leveller from Ultra Floor
and Ultra Tile ProFlex SP adhesive from
Ultra Tile. The Great Northern Tiling
Company has tiled over 15 branches
owned by the chain across the country,
with the most recent projects completed
in Doncaster and Bromley.
Preferred by many tilers, Level IT one HDB is uniquely formulated for the preparation
of all types of cementitious subfloor. A self-levelling base compound , the product
is designed to smooth undulations in substrates and to build depths of up to
50mm. Ultra Floor Level IT one HDB has a working time of 20-30 minutes and will set
within 2 to 3 hours. It can be applied at thicknesses from 3-50mm and a 25kg bag
covers an optimum 5 sq. metres at 3mm. The product is protein and ammonia free,
shrinkage compensated and polymer modified.
Ultra Tile ProFlex SP is a single part, rapid setting cementitious adhesive which is
firmly established as one of the brand’s leading products. The adhesive is specially
formulated to achieve enhanced adhesion and flexibility making it ideal for areas
where slight movement or vibration can occur.
Ultra Tile meets the requirements of many tiling installations with ProFlex SP due to
its extensive compatibility. ProFlex SP is a floor and wall tile adhesive that can be
used on interior or exterior applications both in wet and dry conditions. The product
is polymer modified and can be used in conjunction with underfloor heating systems.
ProFlex SP has recently been given a makeover; look out for the product in its forthcoming
flashy bag! Due to the product’s popularity and for job suitability, 5kg, 10kg
and 20kg bag sizes are all available.
All Ultra Floor and Ultra Tile materials are manufactured in the UK under the exacting
requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. The premium products
have been chosen by many for an ever-expanding portfolio of major installations
across the country such as the Speedy Cash contract.
For more information on the Ultra Tile range of adhesives, grouts and ancillaries,
please visit www.ultratileadhesives.co.uk or call 01827 871871. Visit www.gntc.co.uk
for more information from The Great Northern Tiling Company.
The Flooring Show will celebrate 50 years at Harrogate
The Flooring Show, which will take place from 2nd to 4th September 2012 in
its usual home at the Harrogate International Centre, will this year celebrate a
special anniversary – 50 years since the first ever event in the series.
“Launched in 1962 as the Northern Floor Coverings Fair, the Harrogate event
has proved its durability by outlasting a number of competitors in venues as
diverse as Blackpool, Brighton, Earls Court and Birmingham. With a host of
new features and developments and backed by a new management team, we
intend to make 2012 a very special year,” said Wendy Adams, the show’s
Event Director.
As well as the excellent networking opportunities that Harrogate is ideally
equipped to offer, the show will include a new Design Platform; a British
Pavilion; a much-enhanced seminar programme that includes CPD-qualifying
streams relevant to the contract market; plus a stream designed to help retailers
maximise the potential of their businesses in tough times. Already, more than 100 exhibitors have signed up,
covering the entire spectrum of floor coverings and related products and services.
The Harrogate show – regarded by many as ‘the AGM of the flooring industry’ – will more than ever this year
focus on product innovation, business opportunities and market trends. Add to this the attractions of Harrogate in
the late summer and you have an unmissable event for your calendars.
For further information please contact Georgia on Georgia@theflooringshow.com or call 01423 779967.
JOSS THOMAS
“Demand for stone tiles
for gardens and patios
seems to be increasing –
and not just for
seamless ‘inside and
out’ installations. For
so many years, raised
timber decking was the
popular choice but
there definitely seems
to be a shift. But the
problem is that while
standard decking pretty much ‘fits all,’ selecting a
stone takes more consideration. There’s no
shortage of options; it’s just important that the
material specified is fit for purpose.
When it comes to an external application, the
manufacturer is always my first port of call – to
confirm suitability of a material, availability in a
correct thickness and to check associated test
results. Despite this, I was recently contacted by a
customer about some shaling issues, which
perfectly illustrated potential pitfalls.
On inspection, the stone was indeed shaling. I
assured the customer that this would calm down
but they requested that the material be removed
and replaced free of charge. Keen to sort out the
problem as quickly as possible, I once again
contacted the manufacturer. They were aware
that I’d thoroughly researched the material
beforehand, requesting all of the typical
information, but they weren’t prepared to take any
responsibility. They knew that the stone was
being used externally and had provided external
test results. However, unbeknown to me at the
time of specification, it transpired that the tests
results related to an external application in the
USA, rather than the UK. Expert stone consultants
have now been called in and whilst there may be
some questions as to the application, in view of
the USA data, the fact remains that there’s still
some shaling on the surface.
This has left me in a difficult situation which will no
doubt have to be settled through insurance…
Although red tape can be frustrating, situations
like this make me start to appreciate that CE
certification may be a good thing after all,
especially with external applications on the up,
and our seasonal weather as unpredictable as
ever!”
For more information, call 01993 824200 or
email enquiries@indigenousltd.com.
10 TSJ MAY 2012

NEWS & COMMENT
ALAN REYNOLDS
Solid rise in construction output and new work
UK construction companies indicated a continued recovery in business activity and new order inflows
in April, again led by work on commercial projects, says the latest Markit/CIPS UK Construction
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) . This in turn contributed to employment growth for the second
month running, and confidence in the 12-month outlook remained much stronger than throughout
much of 2011. Three key points emerged from the report. Firstly, output growth eased in April from
21-month high seen in March. Secondly, moderate job creation noted earlier was maintained in April.
Thirdly, input cost inflation currently stands as its lowest level since March 2010.
UK construction companies indicated a continued recovery in business activity and new order
inflows in April, again led by work on commercial projects. This in turn contributed to employment
growth for the second month running, and confidence in the 12-month outlook remained much
stronger than throughout much of 2011.
April’s PMI signalled that activity grew at a slower rate than the 21-month high seen in March,
when good weather had helped boost activity levels. However, at 55.8, down from 56.7 in the previous
month, the latest index was still comfortably above the 50.0 no- change mark.
Higher levels of business activity were recorded in all three broad areas of the construction economy,
with the strongest pace of expansion again seen in the commercial sector, followed by civil engineering.
In contrast, growth of residential building remained only marginal and, despite picking up
since March, remained much weaker than the overall UK construction sector trend.
Improving new order books underpinned the latest solid expansion of total construction activity in
April. The rate of growth of new business remained strong, albeit less marked than the four-and-ahalf
year high registered in March. Anecdotal evidence from survey respondents suggested that
improved confidence among clients had supported the latest rise in new contracts.
April data pointed to a moderate increase in staffing levels in the construction sector, thereby
extending the current period of growth to two months. While the present trend compares favourably
with the job cuts seen throughout much of the past four years, the rate of employment growth in April
was much weaker than the pre-recession average. Increased staffing levels reflected a combination
of rising workloads and resilient confidence in the outlook for business activity over the next 12
months.
Reacting to the figures, Tim Moore, Senior Economist at Markit said: “April saw another generally
buoyant UK Construction PMI survey, with rates of output and new order growth close to March’s
recent highs. Improved inflows of new work have also helped raise business expectations in the sector
from the three-year low seen last Autumn. The upturn in businesses’ expectations on a yearahead
horizon represents something of an antidote to the news that the construction sector doubledipped
in Q1. However, it should be noted that since the 2010 government spending review, the level
of confidence in the construction industry has consistently run well below the average seen in the
decade before the financial crisis, suggesting there has been a widespread loss of optimism since the
deficit-fighting austerity measures were first announced. The worry is that the sector may suffer from
a lack of large-scale new projects once current undertakings such as the Olympics are completed.
Further evidence of underlying fragilities also persisted in the beleaguered housing sector where
activity growth fell well short of the trend in the wider construction economy.”
Commenting on the report, David Noble, Chief Executive Officer at the Chartered Institute of
Purchasing & Supply, said: “This month’s Construction PMI figures point towards the continued
recovery of the construction sector. However, despite good news for order books and a rise in purchasing
activity since the start of the year, it’s worth remembering that there is still a long way to go to
match the expectations of growth seen before the 2010 spending review.”
“Performance in housing, although slightly higher than last month, remains the poor relation to
commercial and civil engineering. Suppliers too are under pressure, having reduced capacity during
the downturn, they are now struggling to replenish inventories.”
“I’m not in the habit of talking myself
out of work but sometimes it pays to
state the bleeding obvious even if it
means sounding negative and risks
losing you the job. A good example
of this occurred a while ago when an
existing customer contacted me to
see if I would be interested in tiling
two bathrooms, a kitchen and a
large conservatory floor in a holiday
home they had just purchased in a
prime location in Abersoch.
As I’m always up for something like
this, I immediately answered yes and was halfway into
scheduling a day when I could drive over and have a look-see
when it suddenly occurred to me to ask about
accommodation. If there’s one thing I hate when I’m working
away from home it’s staying in rubbish digs. Personally, I
prefer a traditional pub where I can unwind in the evening
with a few well-earned sherbets or, if that’s not possible, a
nicely appointed B&B offering a decent ‘full English’ to set me
up for the day ahead.
The customer seemed surprised at this question, stating that
she had imagined I would be happy to stay on site. Now it was
my turn to sound surprised as I had gathered from our
conversation that the house was undergoing a major
refurbishment. Obviously I had misunderstood and a few
rooms must have been kept intact, ready and furnished for
such an eventuality. Not so. The house was in fact a bomb-site,
though the services, she was pleased to point out, were still
connected and included a functioning toilet. Quite simply the
customer had assumed that I would turn up with my sleeping
bag and kettle and doss down among the plaster and the
rubble for the duration of the contract. This assumption, I
might add, had nothing to do with the current state of play in
the building game. It was – incredible as it sounds – how she
believed tradesmen operated, which says a lot for the way
some people view the working man.
Resisting the urge to vent my indignation and ever mindful of
future work and recommendations I immediately started
backpedalling by pointing out the benefits of engaging
someone local. At first she took some convincing but once I
mentioned the magic words: ‘saving money’ she became
more receptive to my suggestions and we concluded our
conversation with an undertaking on her part to ‘do
something for the local economy’.
Five months later I received a tearful call from the lady in
question. It had all gone terribly wrong. The builder she had
contracted to do the refurb had decided to attempt the tiling
himself rather than employ a professional fixer and from her
description of events, had succeeded in creating a veritable
pig’s ear of it. Would I be prepared to come and sort things out
she nervously enquired? Certainly I answered but only on an
hourly rate plus expenses up front.
The silence that ensued was deafening.”
Alan Reynolds is the proprietor of Wilmslow Ceramic Tiling.
01625 434093 alan.reynolds23@ntlworld.com.
12 TSJ MAY 2012

NEWS & COMMENT
Ultra Tile in pole position at Silverstone
Ultra Tile ProFlex SP adhesive and FlexJoint grout have
been used in the new Ducati UK headquarters at
Silverstone Circuit, with Ceramica Fix impressing the
client with a professional finish and fast-track installation.
All tiling was completed using one of Ultra Tile’s
best-selling cementitious adhesives, ProFlex SP; a single-part
product, polymer-modified for increased bond
strength and enhanced performance. The adhesive’s
performance is rapid setting for faster completion, and
it accommodates movement due to the product’s S1
classification. ProFlex SP is ideal for use with low- absorbency tiles such as porcelains, and has exceptional
water resistance making it suitable for use in wet areas and swimming pools.
The adhesive allows a 40 minute pot life and for grouting to begin after only 2.5 hours. Due to the product’s
popularity and for job suitability, 5kg, 10kg and 20kg bag sizes are all available.
Almost 300 sq. metres of porcelain floor tiles and ceramic wall tiles were installed by Ceramica Fix’s team
of fixers. These areas were then finished using Ultra Tile FlexJoint in grey. This grout has a super fine texture,
is polymer-modified for ultimate flexibility, repels water and fights mould. FlexJoint can be used
with underfloor heating and can be used on joint widths from 1 to 20mm.
The new 8,000 sq. ft premises, housing offices, a warehouse, dealer training rooms, a workshop and a
retail area, was officially opened in September 2011.
Ultra Tile: www.ultratileadhesives.co.uk 01827 871871.
Ceramica Fix: www.ceramicafix.co.uk 01933 665222
Tiles UK’s Ian Kershaw appointed TTA Chairman
At the Annual General Meeting held on 21st
April 2012, Ian Kershaw was elected
Chairman of The Tile Association. In taking
over the chair from Ian Crowther, Ian
Kershaw said that he was looking forward
to taking the Association forward over the
next two years. Currently the Director of
Tiles UK, one of the country’s leading
ceramic tile distributors, Kershaw has over
20 years of experience within the tile industry.
Kershaw has played an active role in The
Tile Association’s development having sat
on the board as Chairman of TTA’s Supply
Training Committee, with the responsibility
of working with training organisations such
as Association for Ceramic Training and
Development on all matters relating to training for the supply chain.
With the industry operating within recession, Ian takes over at a time when
TTA members need the support of The Tile Association more than ever.
Speaking on his appointment Ian said: “The signs of recovery are there for all
to see, but it is The Tile Association’s responsibility to steer the ship by continuing
to promote professionalism and technical standards within the tiling
industry. As we look towards the future, we endeavour to emerge from this
recession stronger than ever.”
“The exceptional standards within wall and floor tiling were evident at the
recent TTA Awards Dinner, and with over £75,000 available in Qualifying the
Workforce funding we are striving to ensure that all our members have staff
equipped with the knowledge to face the challenges of an ever-evolving
industry. With that in mind we look to move forwards as an Association priding
itself on providing quality, knowledge and confidence.”
Also appointed as new Directors at the AGM were Tony Cotton, Paul Luff,
Henry Williamson and Billy Valler.
LISA BREAKSPEAR
additional revenue source.
“Maintenance of outdoor
stone is something that’s
often overlooked. Rather
than viewing it as we would,
say, a kitchen floor, we often
only focus on it when there’s a
specific problem – like a
slippery area of algae that
needs addressing. Yet, a short
cleaning stint using the
correct materials can
transform a patio or path –
and provide a valuable,
Before any treatment or sealants are applied, you should
first determine what type of stone is laid and thoroughly
clean the surface with a suitable product, to remove
ingrained dirt. Acid cleaners should be used for acidresistant
tiles, like quarry, porcelain, terracotta, glazed
ceramic and some natural stones. A quality, concentrated
cleaner, like Fila Deterdek, is a welcome substitute to
muriatic-acid based formulations, as it doesn’t emit fumes
that are harmful to both users and the environment.
Deterdek also thoroughly cleans without altering the
stone’s colour or appearance, and will remove hard-to-shift
saline efflorescence. Acid-sensitive tiles should be cleaned
with a pH neutral or mild alkaline product.
If there’s moss or algae formation, a specific product should
be used, carefully following manufacturer’s instructions.
Fila No Algae will eliminate algae, moss and lichen from
external surfaces, and any residues of the product will
penetrate the stone and continue to act, preventing further
build-up.
Once the stone is thoroughly clean, an impregnator can
then be applied to provide stain proofing. Water-based
impregnators, like Fila W68, are especially useful as they can
be applied even when there’s some residual moisture
present. Solvent products can also be used but the surface
must be thoroughly dry before, during and after
application – a tall order in the UK! Aesthetic sealers can
also be used, which change the appearance of a stone and,
in some cases, offer additional benefits. For example, Fila
PT10 is a water-based sealant that provides water, frost and
stain protection. It can be used on all unpolished stone,
agglomerates and terracotta, including unpolished slate
and marble. When used on surfaces with low absorbency, it
should be diluted 1;1. As well as sealing, it provides a
colour-enhanced wet look, so it’s great for BBQ areas, where
food residues and grease deposits can be easily wiped
away.
Having renovated a patio, it’s important to ensure that any
maintenance products used won’t undo all the good work
done. Unlike many general household cleaners, a quality
pH neutral product, like Fila Cleaner, will keep the surface
clean, without damaging the stone, or the sealant.”
Lisa Breakspear is Sales & Technical Director of Fila UK.
For more information on Fila’s range of surface care
products, please contact Fila UK on 01584 877286 or visit
www.filachim.com.
14 TSJ MAY 2012

NEWS & COMMENT
NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS
Topps Tiles has announced that Marketing Director, Nick Ounstead, who
has been with Topps Tiles for 15 years, will retire form the board with
immediate effect. Group Chairman, Michael Jack, said: "Nick made a very
significant contribution to Topps during the last fifteen years, being part
of the management team that floated the business in 1997 and then
leading the business as chief executive between 2002 and 2007. All of
us will miss his wise counsel around the board room table and throughout
the business. On behalf of everyone at Topps, I would like to send
Nick our very best wishes for his future."
Topps Tiles plc said it is expecting to appoint a senior executive with responsibility for its marketing
function "in due course."
The showcase event for the UK stone industry will return to London's premier exhibition venue, ExCeL
between 30th April and 2nd May 2013. The natural stone market in the UK has grown enormously over
the past decade as architects, designers and clients have made stone the material of choice for all kinds
of construction, hard landscaping and interior design. Now entering its 19th year, The Natural Stone
Show is the only UK event to focus exclusively on natural stone and directly related products and services.
Exhibits will include a vast range of stone from all over the world, including granite, marble, limestone,
sandstone, travertine and slate for use in all types of work; together with fixing systems, sealants,
adhesives, cleaning, materials, stone working machinery, tools and other related products and services.
Urbatek, part of the Porcelanosa Group, has launched its new Fossil series, a collection available
in two colours (Beige and Grey) and three finishes (Nature, Lappato and Texture). The Texture
finish has the additional advantage of providing a non-slip surface, meeting currently applicable
standards requiring a class 3 slip resistance. With a stone-effect surface and sophisticated
modern tones, the Fossil collection was presented at Porcelanosa Grupo's 19th international
fair, and will be arriving in Porcelanosa showrooms all over the world in the next few weeks.
The range is available in modular 600mm formats (600 by 600, 600 by 300, 600 by 150, 600 by
100, 600 by 50 and 300 by 300mm.
CSCS has named Graham Wren as its new Chief Executive with effect from 1st
May. Wren has worked at Balfour Beatty for 29 years, latterly as Managing
Director of Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering. He is currently a board member
of ConstructionSkills and chair of its Finance Committee. In the past he has
been chairman of the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), president of the
National Specialists Contractors Council (NSCC) and also sat on the Strategic
Forum for Construction.
Commenting on his appointment Wren said: "I was keen to continue my career in a role that involves
the wider construction industry. In addition, I am very supportive of an industry that recognises the
importance of training and qualifications to improve performance and to attract new recruits. On this
basis the chief executive role in CSCS is ideal and I very much look forward to the challenges and eventual
rewards."
100% Design, the UK’s most visited contemporary design event, is entering its 18th year in
2012 and is set to reinforce its position of influence by delivering the most successful edition of
the show staged to date. Last year’s event attracted over 18,000 visitors. This year, with former
Deputy Director of the London Design Festival William Knight at the helm, a new layout and a
broad spectrum of new talent, fresh ideas and innovative design, 100% Design 2012 will again
be the essential event for the industry diary.
This year’s show has attracted a significant range of UK and international brands.
Furthermore, a dedicated group of countries, including France, Korea, Chile, Czech Republic,
Hungary and Austria are being showcased, alongside contributors from Italy, Germany,
Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
100% Design’s consumer day will now be held on Saturday rather than Sunday, adding an
additional business day to the four-day show. The new 100% Design layout will revolve around
a central bar, making it an ideal location for business networking. There will be four new areas:
Interiors, Office, Kitchen & Bathrooms and Eco Design & Build.
SEAN MCPHEAT
“If you had the chance to listen in to
the salespeople who made the least
sales, and learn from them what not
to do, would you take it? You bet your
Granddad's last Werther's Original
you would!
People make decisions based on
emotional connection then justify
them by logic. But poor salespeople
make the mistake of little or no
emotional connection. Remember
the radio station that every buyer
tunes into ... WII fm. Yes, the buyer's antennae tunes in when they
hear something that generates interest at an emotional level, and
you answer the question "What In It For Me?"
So, tune into your buyers' imaginations and make the
demonstration come alive. It will give you the unfair advantage of
building the emotional connection, that they can them justify
afterwards with logic.
Talking at the wrong level. What I'm referring to here is the level
that your prospect is thinking at. Have you looked down from a
plane and seen how small whole cities look from up there? You
have a fantastic, big picture view, but you can't make out any
houses or cars. Conversely, the people on the ground can see car
number plates and shop signs.
Speak at the level that your customer is thinking. With big decisionmakers,
they may not want to know the detail of how your widget
works, but they may need to know how selling 10,000 of them to
their customers would raise their operating profit by 6.5%.
Having a poor opening and close. In psychology, there are two laws
called the Law of Primacy and the Law of Recency. Both have an
impact, particularly in demonstrations.
The Primacy Law talks about how people remember the first and
important aspects of a meaning they give to something. If your
opening is shallow or weak, it will be lost. Say something you have
found out about the success of their company. Congratulate them
on a new contract or on their expansion. Make the opening come
alive so they remember it.
The same goes for the summary or close. This is the last, or most
recent, thing the client hears and so should stand out, as the Law of
Recency dictates it will be remembered. Practice asking for
commitment, out loud, in front of a mirror, so it becomes natural
and you don't fluff it.
Not learning from mistakes. This last one is a real biggee! If things
go wrong for poor salespeople, they won't always have the
business acumen to understand exactly what it was that made it go
pear-shaped. By not learning from what goes wrong, you run the
risk of repeating the mistakes and undermining the relationship
with the next customer, too
Identify what went wrong and convince yourself that you will
notice when it happens again. Remember: repeating the same
mistakes and expecting a different result is a sign of insanity.
These top mistakes can be avoided if you pay attention, prepare
well and take the opportunity to learn from every experience. ”
Sean McPheat is Managing Director of MTD Training. For further information please
contact: 0800 849 6732 www.mtdsalestraining.com
16 TSJ MAY 2012

TTA NEWSLETTER
TTA Award winners announced
““Welcome to the latest edition of The Tile
Association (TTA) Newsletter. Following the
success of the prestigious Tile Association
Awards, this month we take a look at the winners
who took home the coveted TTA Award trophies
at the recent Gala Dinner, and offer our
thanks to all those who helped raise money for
the Children Today Charitable Trust.
We also offer a warm welcome to our new
Chairman, Ian Kershaw, and wish him the best
for the forthcoming year, while at the same time
offering our thanks to outgoing Chairman, Ian
Crowther, for all his hard work.”
Les Rolt
PR & Marketing Co-ordinator
The Tile Association
A night to remember
On Saturday 21st April the Birmingham Hilton
Hotel hosted the 14th annual TTA Awards, honouring
the very best of the wall and floor tile
industry, and celebrating excellence throughout
the past year.
Presented by the fabulous Emma Jesson, the
Las Vegas themed awards ceremony not only
raised money for the Children Today charity,
but also provided an exhilarating night of entertainment
and excitement, as the glitz and glamour
of the City of Sin was brought to
Birmingham with Vegas showgirls greeting
guests on the doors, Casino tables for those
feeling lucky, and Chinese Elvis providing an
outstanding performance before our DJ took us
through to the end of the night.
It was truly a fantastic occasion. However, the
legacy of the Awards runs far deeper. Winning
a TTA Award is a statement of excellence unparalleled
in the wall and floor tiling industry. It is
an achievement that provides a platform for
success, elevating the winner’s standing within
the industry, and providing not only the opportunity
for them to proudly display the TTA
award-winners logo, but also recognition from
their peers.
Being named as a winning entry in one of the
22 categories at the premier night in the tile
industry calendar is truly an accomplishment to
be proud of. Having been carefully checked for
financial, technical and service standards members
of The Tile Association are the best in the
industry, and those that won the prestigious
TTA Awards can proudly be acclaimed as the
best of the best.
With The Tile Association Awards wrapped up
for another twelve months, the challenge is set
18 TSJ MAY 2012
Above: La Dolce Vita by Elios Ceramics.
to see who will emerge as the standard bearers
for the industry for the forthcoming Olympic
year. But for winners, finalists, and all in attendance
the 2012 TTA Awards were certainly a
night to remember.
All the winners and shortlisted nominees are
detailed below. Visit www.tiles.org.uk/winners2012
for further information.
The Tile Association wish to thank Platinum
Sponsors for supporting this event: Fila
Industria Chimica, Shackerley (Holdings) Group,
Lithofin, Rubi (UK)., Schlüter-Systems and Mapei
(UK).
Outgoing TTA Chairman addresses
the tile industry on 21st April
Ian Crowther, the outgoing
Chairman of
The Tile Association,
addressed the tile
industry at the 2012
TTA Awards on 21st
April.
“The Tile Association
is ready for the recovery.
Over the past few
years, UK PLC has
been well and truly in
recession. In the tile
industry businesses across all sectors have
closed their doors and many employees have
lost their jobs. However, the signs of recovery
are there for all to see and at this time, it is
important that your business is ready for
improved trading conditions.”
“The Tile Association recognises the importance
of a skilled workforce and I was delighted
that earlier this year we were able to announce
that our Members could apply for grants which
would allow them to take on tiling apprentices
and to qualify fixers and showroom staff to NVQ
Level.”
“Our Technical Committee continues to work
on the British Standards for tiling, tiles, adhesives
and grouts on your behalf, as well as publishing
technical documents to ensure our
members are up to date with best practice
advice.”
“The Tile Association continues to promote
our members to customers in the contract and
consumer sectors as good quality operations to
do business with.”
“As I step down from the Chairmanship, I
should like to wish my successor well and to
thank my fellow board members for their support
over the past two years, the TTA committees
and working groups, all of whom give their
time for nothing; Lesley, Phil, Les and Carole for
their hard work and to every TTA member for
putting their faith in The Tile Association.”
Ian Crowther
Chairman, The Tile Association

TTA NEWSLETTER
TTA Awards Dinner raises
thousands for Children Today
Children Today Charitable Trust is The Tile
Association’s nominated charity for 2012. Since
2010, donations and pledges from attendees at
the TTA Awards Dinner have raised over
£20,000 for this very worthwhile charity and
donations are still coming in.
On Saturday 21st April the tile industry once
again dug deep to provide the money that will
make a real difference to the lives of children
and young people with disabilities. The money
came from pledges and a collection at the
tables by Awards’ host, Emma Jesson, and the
Las Vegas Showgirls.
Prior to the event Children Today representa-
TTA Awards 2012: All the Winners in detail
Special Achievement Award
Stan Valler
Stan Valler was named as the recipient of the
prestigious Special Achievement Award. Made
by The Tile Association itself on behalf of the
industry, it recognises a special achievement by
an individual who has made a difference to the
wall and floor tile industry as a whole.
In making this award The Tile Association are
recognising a career in the tiling industry that
20 TSJ MAY 2012
tive Emma Fawcett provided TTA with the following
statement:
“Relying entirely on voluntary donations,
Children Today helps disabled children and young
people up to the age of 25 enjoy a better quality of
life by providing them with the specialised equipment
they need.”
“Often children and young people with disabilities
remain excluded from a lifestyle which other
people may take for granted. They want to join in
and take part in the same sorts of activities, within
their capabilities, as other children. They want to
gain more independence from their parents as
they get older, but are often prevented from doing
so.”
“We believe the provision of specialised equipment
has a direct and immediate impact on a
child's quality of life and independence, and is vital
in helping them to overcome obstacles and
achieve their potential. Equipment includes
wheelchairs, walking frames, tricycles and other
mobility aids, as well as communication aids,
multi-sensory equipment and information technology.”
“The money raised at last year's TTA Awards has
enabled us to give equipment to 14 children. The
equipment you have provided can make an enormous
difference, in some cases really changing
spanned over 55 years. Stan Valler’s connection
with the tile industry began when, as a school
boy, he went to help his stepfather, who was a
tile fixer.
In 1956, after leaving school, Stan joined WB
Simpson & Sons Ltd as a trainee measuring surveyor.
From that time on he progressed
through the company, becoming joint
Managing Director in 1980, eventually stepping
down from the position in 1998. During this
children’s lives and that of their families.”
“One of those is Laura who is now 14 years old
and had a brain tumour when she was only two.
The surgery and treatment affected her balance,
perception and vision so she has never been able
to ride a bicycle. However, her physiotherapist
suggested that a specialised tricycle would enable
her to safely get the exercise and social benefits of
cycling and help her to build her confidence, so her
family approached Children Today for help.
Following Laura’s first trip to cycle in the woods
her mother said, “Thank you all so much and especially
to all those who have raised funds for
Children Today. The trike is fantastic and will help
enormously in building up Laura’s muscles and
helping her balance and coordination – as well as
being lots of fun for her, and particularly enabling
us to go cycling together as a family."
“The current economic situation means it is
harder than ever for families with disabled children
to find the support they need to give their
children the best quality of life they can.”
“Your support helps us to be there to help them.
From the children, their families and from all of us
at Children Today, thank you for your care.”
For further information on Children Today
please visit: www.childrentoday.org.uk.
time WB Simpsons & Sons Ltd worked on many
major construction contracts in London and
the South East.
As well as running a busy contracting operation
Stan became involved in the activities of
the National Master Tile Fixers Association. He
was an active member of the Council and
became Chairman in 1990, and went on to
become President.
Stan represented NMTFA on The Tile
Promotion Board, whose role it was to increase
the profile of the tile industry, and was an active
member of the NMTFA technical inspection
panel. He also represented UK tiling contractors
at the European Union of Tile Fixers.
In 2000 the tile industry associations amalgamated
to form The Tile Association and Stan
was elected to the Board as a specialist contractor
representative. He has served 12 years on
the Board until he stepped down at the AGM
on 21st April 2012.
It is recognition of the work that Stan has
undertaken on behalf of specialist tiling contractors
in the UK industry over the past 55
years, that The Tile Association presented Stan
with this Special Achievement Award.

TTA NEWSLETTER
Impact range from the Cookhouse Collection by CP Group/British Ceramic Tile.
Slaty by Edimax from Craven Dunnill & Co
Wall Tile of the Year
Impact range from the Cookhouse Collection
CP Group-British Ceramic Tile
The new impact range from the CP Group’s
Cookhouse Collection is an inspiring collection
of glass wall tiles. Created to make a real style
statement in the kitchen or bathroom, these
glass wall tiles bring something completely
new and fresh to the market, with on trend
designs and borders sitting side by side with an
extensive colour palette and a variety of size formats
for maximum choice and flexibility. Not
only incredibly stylish, these tiles are also an
extremely practical choice for consumers as
they are easy to maintain and heard-wearing,
making them an ideal addition to any contemporary
home.
Finalists
Hinton from the Laura Ashley Collection
British Ceramic Tile.
La Dolce Vita range
Elios Ceramica
Tones from the Neutrals range
Johnson Tiles
WeeKend serie by Marazzi Italy
Craven Dunnill & Co
Floor Tile of the Year
Slaty by Edimax
Craven Dunnill & Co
The Slaty range is inspired by the natural metamorphic
stone slate and is characterised by
photo realistic variation created by the Edimax
design team. Available in three colours the
most striking is the Multicolor which has the
appearance of an Indian Slate. The two other
colour options are more muted: Ochre, which
has an earthy hue and Almond, which has a
pale almost bleached look. The surface has a
gentle riven texture and there are several different
structures which when combined with the
22 TSJ MAY 2012
random ink jet patterning result in a highly varied
and realistic slate effect.
Finalists
The Loft Collection
Peronda Ceramicas
Nicobond Steelker
N&C Nicobond
Woodker by Edimax
Craven Dunnill & Co Ltd.
Best Innovation
Taptile Bathroom by Taptile
Taptile Bathroom is an innovative touch-sensitive
bathroom lighting system that allows the
user to control three different lighting circuits,
plus appliances such as extractor fans and
sound systems. It is 100% waterproof – effectively
allowing users to ‘ditch the switch’ and is
unique within the bathroom sector; its technology
having been patented.
Affordable and simple to install, Taptile comprises
an 8mm thick panel that is fitted behind
the tiling or wall covering. No complicated
wiring is required as Taptile is wireless. The
panel projects touch sensitive ‘spots’ thorough
the wall, allowing the user to control their bathroom
lighting by touch alone.
Finalists
Aluminator range of products
Genesis APS International
Mapelastic AquaDefense
Mapei UK Ltd.
NicobondGypfix
N&C Nicobond
Best Natural Product
Precious Polished Stone from
the Designer Stone Collection
N&C Nicobond
Precious Polished Stone is a range that boasts a
touch of modern vintage combined with true
elegance for an opulent appeal. Part of the
Designer Stone collection, it has a high quality
series with a unique combination of colours,
textures and sizes, finished off with a high polish
finish.
This classic yet contemporary series breathes
new life to natural stone, bringing a classic
genre of tiles into the modern era. There are no
two pieces alike, bringing out the naturally
abstract composition of natural stone, and
inviting the great outdoors into the home,
commercial area or exteriors.
Tile Fixer of the Year
Ian Harrison: Ian Harrison Tiling
Ian Harrison is known for his high standard of
work and friendly, professional tiling service.
The quality of his workmanship is acknowledged
by customers and trade press alike.
Receiving glowing customer testimonials and
winning TilerWorld ‘Tiler of the Month’ several
times is tribute to his skills, with existing customers
returning time and again for his service.
A keen advocator of learning new tiling techniques
and a member of the TTA; his passion to
extend his knowledge is clearly evident both in
the amount of qualifications gained and also
applying his skills and knowledge to a variety of
successful tiling projects.
Finalists
Nick Carrier: The Natural Tiler
Leon Allen: Tilings Finest!
Employee of the Year
Paul Salmon: Colchester Tile
Paul Salmon has worked in the tile industry for
10 years, nine of which were with Pentagon
Tiles before moving to Colchester Tiles as
Contracts Manager in London and East Anglia.
Speaking about his outstanding employee,
Ian Crowther, Managing Director of Colchester

TTA NEWSLETTER
Taptile Bathroom by Taptile.
Precious Polished Stone from the Designer Stone Collection by N&C Nicobond.
Tile, commented: “Paul’s dedication to excellence
is unparalleled in the tiling industry; he
prides himself on an outstanding level of customer
service and is available to his customers
24/7, even when he’s in the shower!”
Beyond his dedication to the tile industry, Paul
will also be a 2012 Olympic Torch bearer, having
been nominated by the Village School in
Colne Engaine as a result of the work that he
undertakes for the village and the local community.
Over the past few years he had helped the
local Brownies, raised fund for the local community
and swum the English Channel as part
of a relay team raising £5000 for three charities.
Finalists
Ann Moult: Johnson Tiles
Trainee of the Year
James Belcher: Tiles UK
Since starting work with Tiles UK in
Nottingham, James Belcher has learned all the
necessary computer skills to work in a busy
retail outlet, and has developed his knowledge
of tiles to such an extent that he is able to work
on the trade counter, and help retail customers
chose tiles and related products for their tiling
project.
In January 2012 James contacted Tiles UK
Director Ian Kershaw about a lady in
Nottingham who had been diagnosed with terminal
cancer and was currently in hospital. He
knew that there were plans for local builders to
refurbish her home in the style of the BBC programme
DIY SOS. James asked if the company
could supply the tiles and adhesive for the
bathroom and, before asking, he had worked
out how much it would cost the company. Ian
Kershaw immediately agreed and the tiles were
subsequently supplied for the project.
“James has excellent customer service skills, is
smart, pleasant and polite to all our customers.
24 TSJ MAY 2012
He plans to begin working towards the NVQ in
tile retailing as soon as it is launched,” stated the
company.
Excellence in Independent Retailing
East Midlands Ceramics
East Midlands Ceramics has an outstanding
record of delivering excellent retail service to
domestic, trade and commercial customers for
more than thirty years.
The cornerstone of EMC Tiles’ appeal is the
way in which domestic customer showrooms,
trade facilities and warehousing are beautifully
designed and integrated all on the same site.
Domestic customers are offered more than
fifty glamorous room set displays, expert help
from well informed and friendly staff, plus a
huge selection of attractively presented floor
and wall tiles. Trade customers have their own
dedicated trade centre and the whole operation
is underpinned by a well-stocked and
organised warehouse.
Finalists
Creative Stone and Tile
Tile Mart
TileStyle
Excellence in Multiple Retailing
Tile Choice
Tile Choice boasts 14 individually designed
stores ranging in size from 5,000 sq. feet up to
19,000 sq. feet, and a 30,000 sq. feet centralised
warehouse and distribution centre with a £1.5
million stockholding of ceramic and porcelain
tiles, along with a vast selection of natural
stone.
Tile Choice prides itself on selling the highest
quality products, sourced from some of the
world’s leading manufacturers. With a hard
earned and enviable reputation for quality and
diversity in its product range along with the
highest levels of customer service, Tile Choice is
convinced that its stores and website will continue
to meet the requirements of both the
general public and local trade.
Finalists
Armatile Limited
Excellence in Tile Distribution
Minoli
Established in 1960, as one of the UK’s original
tile distributors, Minoli remains steadfastly
focussed on excelling in that field. Unlike many
other industry competitors, Minoli has resisted
diversifying into retailing, purposefully choosing
to supply and support a network of resellers
and corporate clients as their preferred route to
market.
Relentlessly pursuing this strategy over the
years, Minoli has become renowned throughout
the sector for their ability and reliability in
supplying tiles, mosaics, adhesives and grout,
the vast majority of which is held in plentiful
stock at their purpose-built, Oxford based distribution
centre for next-day delivery.
Finalists
Craven Dunnill & Co
Excellence in Tile Contracting
Avantgarde Tiling
Avantgarde Tiling was formed in 2005 by the
current Directors to consolidate their collective
experiences within the industry over many
years, and in response to its clients who were
looking for a different approach to tiling and
stone works.
Since its inception, the directors’ target was to
mark a way through the construction industry
and gain credibility as a trustworthy organisation.
More than just a traditional contracting
organisation, their background and experience
has given them a wealth of knowledge of a

TTA NEWSLETTER
wide range of products and techniques, allowing
them to provide comprehensive advice on
specifications and material selection. Their key
objective is simple: to provide uncompromised
quality with value for money.
Excellence in Manufacturing
Craven Dunnill Jackfield
Driven by shared passion for the product, the
Craven Dunnill Jackfield manufacturing team is
committed to the use of traditional craftsman
skills. The Jackfield Tile Works is very flexible
and best suited to responding to the challenges
from heritage organisations requiring
authentic restoration of original period ceramics.
No project is deemed too large or too small
and, if a project requires a particular method of
production or an application to a tile has not
previously done by the Jackfield team, they will
research and develop a method to ensure the
product can be matched and the project successfully
restored.
Finalists
Mapei UK
N&C Nicobond
Ultra Tile
Best use of Tile in the Public Sector
St Andrews Cathedral
Mapei UK - Tilecraft Paisley
Tilecraft Paisley undertook the challenge of creating
the new floor for St Andrews Cathedral in
Glasgow during its recent renovation. Using a
combination of varying sized Burlington slate
and Carrera marble tiles they created a durable,
distinctive and attractive floor.
The new Cathedral floor boasted a unique
mosaic featuring the Archdiocese of Glasgow’s
crest. This circular mosaic had been crafted by a
family in Jerusalem and commissioned by the
Archbishop whilst on a visit to the city.
A professional installation and use of a complete
system of Mapei products ensured that
Tilecraft was able to create the high spec floor
that the project required.
Finalists
James Cook University Hospital, Oncology Unit
P Plunkett Tiling Contractors
Blackpool Winter Gardens
Mapei UK - Lancashire Tiling
St Rafael’s Church, Kingston, Surrey
Castelnau Tiles
Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne
Craven Dunnill Jackfield
Best use of Tile in the Private Sector
McLaren Production Centre
Avantgarde Tiling
The McLaren Production Centre is a quantum
leap in car manufacturing facilities, custombuilt
to produce a quantifiably better kind of
car: lean, efficient, dynamic and innovative –
but above all, committed to excellence.
The scale and the grandeur of the project
shares Avantgarde’s vision in achieving something
truly exceptional and inspiring.
Avantgarde’s commitment to technical excellence
and meticulous attention to detail concluded
in delivering a unique project.
Avantgarde shares McLarens belief that attention
to detail is vital to delivering a high quality
product with the standard of the raw materials
matched by the excellence of the execution.
Finalists
Gatwick South Terminal
Mapei UK - Dyson Briggs & Sons
Magheralin Parish Church
Trainor Contracts
St. Peter’s Church, Lurgan
Armatile
Best use of Tile by a House Developer
Friary Road, Ascot
Minoli
The Style range of Italian porcelain tiles was officially
launched in the spring of 2011, having
been very well received when previewed at
Minoli’s 50th Anniversary event at the
Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
The range proved an immediate success with
developer clients who recognised both its
beauty and practicality.
One of these customers was the leading luxury
developer, Richard Finlay Homes, who has
specified the Minoli Style series in several prestige
developments but mostly notably at the
Friary Road site in Ascot.
Finalists
7-5 Whitfield Street, London
Stone & Ceramic
Best Technical use of Tile in a Contract
St Peter’s Church, Lurgan
Armatile
The design, complexity and technical detail
involved in all aspects of this renovation, meant
Armatile had to use all aspects of the company’s
manufacturing and contracting expertise.
Throughout the process of this innovative tile
installation at St Peter’s Church, Armatile
brought together all aspects of the company’s
capabilities resulting in a floor covering with
character and technical excellence for future
generations to enjoy.
Finalists
The Beamish Fish and Chip Shop
John Foley & Sons (Tilers)
Gatwick South Terminal
Mapei UK - Dyson Briggs & Sons
Magheralin Parish Church
Trainor Contracts
Excellence in Tile Contracting: A project by Avantgarde Tiling
Best use of Tile in the Private Sector: McLaren Production Centre by Avantgarde Tiling
26 TSJ MAY 2012

TTA NEWSLETTER
Above: David Bowie - Pin Up (detail).
Best use of Tile within
the Leisure or Hospitality Industries
London Olympic Aquatic Centre
Ardex UK - WB Simpson & Sons
Established in 1833, WB Simpson Specialist
Contractors are a specialist tiling contractor in
the supply and installation of hard wall and
floor tiling on commercial, industrial, leisure,
retail and residential projects. They teamed up
with Ardex UK to provide the perfect finish to
the 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre pools and
surround. The aquatic centre in the Olympic
park with a distinctive curved roof will be the
first venue visitors see upon entering the
Olympic Park and these pools will be the focus
of the world’s attention during the London
2012 Olympics.
Finalists
The Beamish Fish and Chip Shop
John Foley & Sons (Tilers)
London Syon Park Hotel
Stone & Ceramics Ltd.
Nando’s Restaurant
Parkside Tiles
St Pancras, London
Trevor Caley Associates
Best use of Tile in a Private House
Private House, County Tyrone
Creative Tile & Stone
Creative Tile & Stone, nominated County
Tyrone private home is a spectacular stage of
original style with beautiful colours, shapes and
decorations. The tiles selected for this project
were from exclusive, design-led factories and
truly blast away all that is boring or predictable.
The daring combinations excite, delight and
28 TSJ MAY 2012
create a talking point; showing that this house
is truly in a league of its own and reflecting the
strong, bright and energetic personality of its
owners. Creative Stone and Tile thoroughly
enjoyed working on this project; bringing
together truly unique products and fulfilling the
design vision of their client.
Finalists
6 Old Pond Place
Ian Harrison
Private House, Keyworth
East Midlands Ceramics
Private Pond Installation, Surrey
The Mosaic Restoration Co.
78 Hayburn Avenue
Ian Harrison
Most Innovative Tile Installation
David Bowie Mosaic Portrait
Ed Chapman
David Bowie became a pensioner on January 8,
2012. To mark this event, UK mosaic artist Ed
Chapman created a mosaic portrait of Bowie
from stone floor tiles. It is the latest of the
artist’s creations in mosaic, as well as tile he has
used coins, paper, glass and even chewing gum
to make accurate likenesses of famous subjects
ranging from Nelson Mandela to Albert
Einstein, Princess Diana to Lemmy from
Motorhead. The portrait is made from hundreds
of pieces of hand-cut tile fragments and
measures 92x62cm and took four weeks to
make. It garnered worldwide media attention
when it was unveiled on January 7, 2012.
Finalists
McLaren Production Centre
Avantgarde Tiling
The CoppaFeel! Garden
Mapei UK
St. Peter’s Church, Lurgan
Armatile
Excellence in Marketing
New-look Grout Range Launch Campaign
Ultra Tile
For Ultra Tile’s launch campaign for its new-look
grout range and its improved FlexJoint formula,
a combination of innovative marketing activities
was used to promote the range, incorporating
the Flex Factor concept, and a text to win
promotion with suitably themed prizes. The
Flex Factor combined originality with a clear
message, incorporated interactive media, and
provided an opportunity to win with an eyecatching
memorable concept. The entire
launch was developed within budget and generated
an above target return.
Finalists
The Enki Collection
CP Group
LoveWeber Marketing Campaign
Weber
Tile Choice Marketing Strategy
Tile Choice
Best Environmental Initiative
Saving the rainforests
Building Adhesives - Cool Earth
Building Adhesives Limited is the first tiling
company to partner Cool Earth, which protects
threatened rainforests by working with indigenous
communities to prevent deforestation. A
donation for every pack sold from the BAL Go
Greener range of environmentally responsible
tile adhesives helps to fight climate change by
preventing rainforest clearance. Using BAL Go
Greener products goes beyond mere campaigning,
delivering real, measurable action
with a positive environmental impact: 1 sq. m
tiled with any BAL ‘Go Greener’ product equals
1 sq. m of threatened rainforest protected.
Finalists
Mapei UK
Integrated Management System
Ultra Tile
Reducing our waste to landfill
Johnson Tiles
Company Recycling Policies
TTA welcomes new members
The Tile Association would like to offer a warm
welcome to our newest members: Stone-Style
(UK), Villeroy & Boch (UK) and Aurea Design.
TTA Tweets
With a twitter following now over the 550 mark
@tileassociation is the best place to keep up-todate
on the latest developments in the tile
industry. Visit www.twitter.com/tileassociation
to follow.
I f y o u a r e i n t h e t i l e i n d u s t r y , y o u n e e d t o b e i n T h e T i l e A s s o c i a t i o n .
The Tile Association
Forum Court
83 Copers Cope Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 1NR
T: 020 8663 0946
F: 020 8663 0949
E: info@tiles.org.uk
W: www.tiles.org.uk

IN BUSINESS
Significant industry first
for emissions service
Cool Earth appoints The Fuelcard People as official
Partner, reports Colin Appleby for Tile & Stone Journal.
Top: Steve Clark. “Whether
managers are running a couple
of vans, dozens of cars or
hundreds of trucks, they all face
growing pressure to reduce
their fleets’ carbon footprints.
That has to start with
measuring emissions.”
Top right: This initiative is one
way in which UK businesses can
contribute towards global
efforts to protect the world’s
vital rainforests.
Business road users nationwide have welcomed
CO2Count, the new service which provides accurate
reporting of vehicles’ greenhouse gas emissions.
CO2Count was introduced to existing customers of The
Fuelcard People at the beginning of 2012 and is already
delivering essential information for fleets across the
country.
Steve Clarke, head of marketing for Fuel Card Services,
said: “Whether managers are running a couple of vans,
dozens of cars or hundreds of trucks, they all face growing
pressure to reduce their fleets’ carbon footprints. That has
to start with measuring emissions.”
Alongside each regular invoice, a customer receives a
corresponding emissions report in the form of a
CO2Count Certificate. This encompasses their whole fleet,
split by vehicle fuel types: diesel, petrol, gasoil and LPG.
For each of these, it shows the greenhouse gases produced
during the invoice period: carbon dioxide,
methane and nitrogen dioxide (CO2, CH4 and N2O). The
fleet manager can see, at a glance, the fleet’s emissions of
each gas and the combined emissions total. “Your first
CO2Count Certificate gives a starting point,” said Steve
Clarke, “and from there it is simple to track emissions
across the fleet, and match them against any emissions
reduction initiatives. This is an instant and continuing gain
for the customer, but the enduring global benefit comes
from our partnership with Cool Earth.”
Cool Earth, Europe’s fastest-growing environmental
charity, has underlined the ecological value of CO2Count
by appointing The Fuelcard People as its first official
Partner from within the automotive industry. For every
CO2Count Certificate issued, a donation is made to Cool
Earth to further its work in protecting threatened rainforests.
Backed by both David Attenborough and Lord
Stern, Cool Earth works with local communities to protect
rainforest in imminent danger of being cleared. It does so
in such a way that the protected area then blockades tens
of thousands of acres of adjacent forest. Cool Earth funds
a local trust, making the local community the legal custodians
of the land, and uses community rangers and satellite
imagery to monitor and protect the rainforest 24/7
from illegal activity. It also institutes sustainable employment
programmes, and supports schools and clinics, so
that indigenous rainforest communities do not suffer
from lost logging income.
Matthew Owen, Cool Earth director, said: “After checking
the environmental credentials of the CO2Count service,
we are happy to recognise its importance. Reducing emissions
of greenhouse gases is vital for the planet’s future
and independent emissions monitoring is key to tracking
the results of any reduction initiative. The automotive sector
is not known for being particularly green, so
CO2Count stands out as a serious measure in its own
right. The donation to Cool Earth is a welcome bonus,
which should protect vast stretches of threatened rainforests.”
Working with local people, Cool Earth halts deforestation
by keeping custodian communities intact, ensuring
that the forest is worth more to them standing than
cleared. Cool Earth ensures that donations have maximum
impact, focusing on areas in imminent danger and
able to blockade huge neighbouring areas, with community-led
and –owned projects. With over 100,000 individuals
and businesses from 16 countries behind it, Cool
Earth is becoming a key tool in tackling rainforest destruction.
Every single minute Cool Earth has existed, it has
saved enough rainforest to prevent 14 tonnes of CO2
emissions.
Readers can find out more about CO2Count at www.co2count.org.uk
or by calling 0844 870 7893.
30 TSJ MAY 2012

CEVISAMA REVIEW
Natural inspiration
While natural materials still provide the primary
inspiration for the current generation of Spanish tile
designers, other influences, such as sustainability, now
have a significant impact, reports Nadia Mladenova.
Left: Soft finish by Ceracasa. Middle: SlimmKer-Floor by Inalco. Right: Soft finish by Ceracasa.
Left: Coverlam by Grespania. Right: Soft finish by Ceracasa.
Above: SlimmKer by Inalco.
Spanish style, skill and innovation in architectural
tiles was represented by new designs at the recent
Cevisama fair in Valencia, reports Quick Step’s
Nadia Mladenova for Ascer. Emerging trends reflected
not only intriguing aesthetic effects but also key technical
advances that make Spanish tiles an elegant and
sustainable solution to a wide range of applications.
There follows a round-up of some of the key trends
from the 2012 exhibition.
Decorative finishes take on a durable new life, courtesy
of the Spanish tile industry’s expertise in manufacture.
Ideal for adding interest and intrigue to feature walls,
these appealing 3D effects offer an enhanced textural
palette to design.
Grespania’s Futura is a ground-breaking range with
outstanding design potential. The season’s most sophisticated
collection will lend a distinctive touch of textural
elegance to interiors. The 300 by 900mm format is available
in the fashion tones, such as mother-of-pearl, black,
silver, red, platinum and gold. The surface offers a striking
sense of movement, with colours and reflective effects full
of vibrant energy.
Inspired by the avant-garde architecture of modern
cities and memorable historic monuments, Skyline, a new
collection from Colorker, offers character to individual
spaces. Providing a choice of both sober and bold
colours, combined with elegant texture, Skyline is offered
in a variety of formats. Three range - Shanghai, Sakkara
and Mandalay - make up the Skyline collection, creating
wide design options.
The Explend and Jazz ranges by Saloni play with subtle
textures and graduating natural tones. These white body
wall tiles come in the popular 250 by 750mm format and
are complemented by plain colour floor tiles for a subtly
sophisticated finish.
Aparici offered a wide range of new white body, double
fired, rectified tiles with stunning 3D effects, accentuated
by a range of bold colours and luxurious finishes, such as
silver and gold.
Rosa Gres launched a new tile collection with a basrelief
pattern consisting of bubbles in different sizes. The
range is ideal for cladding applications as well as floors.
The paving finish has a soft undulating texture and a nonslip
surface. This aids safety and also offers a gentle massage
underfoot. The new range offers both a matt and a
high-gloss finish and is available in hues of violet, emerald
green and petrol blue.
The latest range from Peronda offers chic, subtle textures
in a palette of classic colours (black, grey and matt
white) inspired by the latest fashion collections of Chanel.
Transcending fashion, however, these beautiful tiles are
built to last, offering timeless interior elegance.
Apavisa has added three new colours to its acclaimed
Nanoeclectic range: copper, black and white, in two finishes:
natural and décor, and in a 300 by 600mm format.
Nanoeclectic also presented the Mohave colour in 300 by
600mm, which recreates the appearance of natural stone,
in a wide variety of textures and hues. This finish harmonises
beautifully with the other metallic colours, creating
many combination options. Enhancing the offer are
decorative mosaics, mixing different glazed effects of red,
black, silver and gold for the realisation of unique design
schemes.
Today’s many wood effect tiles offer the best of both
worlds – the elegant and warm aesthetics of wood and
the easy-clean durability of porcelain - plus compatibility
with under-floor heating. This trend spans a range of
wood grain options – from subtle to realistic, through rustic,
to wood relief and metallic finishes.
Aparici’s Savage comes in four sizes and two wood
grain effects: Walnut and Oak. The highly-resistant porcelain
floor tiles in this range are complemented by matt
wall tiles with a relief pattern in Savage Walnut Bosco in a
297.5 by 894.6mm format. The Natura Mobila range also
32
TSJ MAY 2012

CEVISAMA REVIEW
Above: Savage, Natura Mobila and Valmont by Aparici
Left: Foresta and Povera decor by Peronda. Middle: Natura by Colorker. Right: Natura Mobila by Aparici.
Left: Timber by Ceracasa. Mid left:
Prints Vestige by Inalco. Mid right:
Salonga by Vives. Right: Valmont by
Aparici.
offers a more rustic timber feel, while the Valmont line features
glazed porcelain tiles (147.4 by 595.5mm) in five
wood effects with great chromatic variation.
Inalco’s Prints Vestige 2.0 has been created to capture
timber’s authenticity and is suffused with craftsmanship,
and care. Created using new materials and processes, the
range is squarely focused on quality and durability, capturing
the essence of reclaimed wood that has been
weathered by the passage of time. Prints Vestige creatively
reinvents this notion with modern tones and formats to
make a durable product designed to last a lifetime. This
range includes wood effect finishes in five neutral colours
- Blanco, Nuez, Gris, Negro and Fresno - with a subtle
wood grain texture achieved despite the slimline format.
This range is available in various sizes from 1,000 by
1,300mm to 500 by 1,000mm.
Colorker’s Natura range features subtle wood motifs in
an elegant silver finish. Colorker reproduces these timber
effects with striking realism. Natura takes this trend one
step further, capturing a sense of both the craftsman’s
touch and the passage of time. The Block range comes in
formats of 295 by 595, 445 by 893, 220 by 893 and 595 by
595mm and Natura in 220 by 893mm.
Peronda’s flagship Foresta brand has been extended
with the Timber range, featuring aged and weathered
wood effects that offer a sense of natural elements such
as salts and oxides. The range’s appeal lies in the variations
of tone and visual imagery. The Povera décor takes
its inspiration from graffiti, typography and traditional
stamps that are applied to wood for industrial use.
Ceracasa has gathered together all of its wood effects
into a single collection, thus creating the new Timber
range in six colours: Arce, Fresno, Haya, Sauvage, Roble
and Merbau. The collection is available in two formats:
245 by 982mm and 160 by 982mm. The range is billed as
a modern and ultra-functional floor covering for homes,
businesses, high traffic areas and wet zones, offering natural
aesthetics combined with high-performance.
Vives, renowned for its innovation, offered the latest
wood-ceramic aesthetics as a design resource that offers
verve, panache and excellent performance. The Sutton
collection captures the beauty of a timber end-grain
effect, with stylish and durable square floor tiles; while
Salonga (in Blanco, Miel, Cerezo and Antracita colours)
offers a striking wood effect with a subtle metallic finish in
200 by 1,200mm porcelain planks. Also from Vives,
Paramo - available in a range of colours from beige to
anthracite and in 150 by 1,200mm and 200 by 1,200mm
rectilinear formats - offers a subtle wood effect finish.
Tau displayed wood-effect tiles in an on-trend grey
palette as part of the company’s new urban-inspired
Lenyo collection. The floor tiles from the range come in
six easy to mix and match sizes, plus a rectified version
(145 by 900mm); ideal for high traffic areas.
Anti-slip and low maintenance finishes, rectified formats
allowing for minimal grout and slimline tiles (less than 3.5
mm thick), which can be installed over other tiles represent
a key renovation trend. Strong yet lightweight, stylish
and practical, the new generation of slimline tiles can
reduce installation time, costs and grouting and can be
used for floors, walls, decorative ceilings and even kitchen
and furniture benchtops.
As with all good ideas, the technological innovation of
Inalco’s SlimmKer/SlimmKer-Floor collection open up a
world of design possibilities, pushing back the boundaries
of tile installation. Inalco impressed with its distinctive
style in these characterful tile collections. Following
exhaustive market research and the application of pioneering
manufacturing processes, Inalco has specialised
in the development of large-format slimline products.
Versatile, decorative and lighter in weight,
SlimmKer/SlimmKer-Floor tiles represent a dynamic way
to revamp living spaces, while staying ahead of the curve
for trends in architecture and interior design. Inalco’s collections
are characterised by neutral colours, with contrasting
pale and dark shades. The colour spectrum spans
from black to white, while featuring warmer hues like walnut,
stone and caramel.
This season, Inalco chose classic materials, such as stone
or wood, as a source of inspiration, in addition to other
new products featuring trend-setting textures evocative
of cement. These offer new uses and applications. In
addition to SlimmKer’s numerous benefits (an easy-tohandle,
easy-to-install material with a slimline, lightweight
34
TSJ MAY 2012

CEVISAMA REVIEW
Top left: Gold mosaic from
Nanoeclectic by Apavisa.
Top right: Skyline by Colorker.
Bottom left: Explend and Jazz
by Saloni.
Bottom right: Chanel by
Peronda.
structure and a variety of large formats ranging from 1,000
by 1,300 to 500 by 1,000mm), SlimmKer-Floor offers the
added advantages of high mechanical resistance and
breaking strength that is said to be far superior to conventional
thicknesses. This makes SlimmKer-Floor ideal for
both refurbishment and new build projects.
Offering innovative architectural tiles, Grespania’s new
Coverlam collection comprises laminated and rectified
porcelain stoneware tiles, manufactured using a new production
process. The thickness of the tiles has been
reduced to just 3.5mm, making it possible to produce
large-format, lightweight tiles with all the features of
porcelain stoneware: strength, impermeability and durability.
Any surface, claims the company, can now be covered
with ceramics including floors, ceilings, walls, furniture
and countertops.
Grespania added three new ranges to the Coverlam collection.
The new Travertine marble series offers a subtle
interplay of gloss and matt in anthracite and white, while
the elegant Basic series, with its delicate palette of neutral
colours (white, grey, black and tobacco), and the beautiful
combination of stone and metal in the Oxido series (available
in a soft ivory tone) add to the versatility on offer.
These new products are available in three formats: 1,000
by 3,000mm, 1,000 by 1,000mm and 1,000 by 500mm.
Ceracasa presented the 491 by 982mm format with a
variety of textures, colours and finishes, plus the new
technically advanced Soft finish (a silky texture that facilitates
maintenance and reduces the amount of water
needed for cleaning) applied on many ranges such
Sandstone, Indus, City, Cuarcita and Filita, plus metallics
like Evolution. The Soft ceramic finish is a further development
in the eco-design programme championed by
Ceracasa. Once laid, and after the initial post-installation
cleaning, Soft is said to save up to 50% of the water used
for maintenance as it does attract or hold dirt like many
standard floor tiles. Its manufacturing process uses a variety
of high quality raw materials that fuse at around
1.200°C and thus create a quality that is bound to be popular
among end-users. The Soft finish, despite its silky texture,
also offers good slip resistance, making it suitable for
high traffic areas, outdoor use and commercial spaces.
Visit www.spaintiles.info for further information about the Spanish
tile sector and its manufacturing members.
MAY 2012 TSJ
35

SITE REPORT
The completed water park features an
actual Boeing 747 jumbo jet on the roof,
and a helicopter suspended internally as
the anchor for a splash bucket.
Imagination on a Jumbo scale
Michael Pallerino reports on Laticrete’s involvement in the realisation of
Delford Smith’s vision for a water park in his hometown of McMinnville, Oregon.
Delford Smith returned from a business trip one day with
an idea. He wanted to build a water park in his hometown
of McMinnville, Oregon; the historic city located in
the heart of Willamette Valley’s wine country, and strategically
nestled between the Pacific Coast and Portland.
Delford. Smith wasn’t talking about just any water park. After all,
this is the entrepreneur who had purchased Howard Hughes’
famed Spruce Goose so that he could add it to his Evergreen
Aviation and Space Museum, which features more than 200
exhibits, including military aircraft, helicopters, commercial and
private aircrafts. The museum was built in honour of his son, the
late Captain Michael King Smith.
Delford. Smith thrives on being unique. So he called a meeting
with some local project managers to bounce around the idea.
He told them he wanted something to complement his aviation
collection. Delford Smith sought a structure that would not only
get people talking, but something they would have to see and
experience for themselves.
When one of the project managers mentioned putting an airplane
on the roof, Delford Smith loved the idea. However, his
vision went further: he wanted a 747. The entire room was skeptical,
but Delford. Smith was convinced that it could be done.
Sure, for a German aviation museum outside of Berlin, put a 747
on stilts outside its building; but an airplane on top of what
would be a 60-foot building, with a series of water slides running
in and around it, too?
They called it "the pick." After nine months of engineering and
design work, construction crews secured two massive cranes on
a near-windless morning in May 2010. Employing one of only
seven Boeing recovery slings in the world, they began hoisting
the Evergreen International Aviation B747-100. One hour and
eight minutes later, the 328,000-pound plane was bolted cleanly
into place.
36
TSJ MAY 2012

SITE REPORT
The wave pool
Delford Smith’s entrepreneurial vision struck again. The massive
plane became the anchor for the Evergreen Wings & Waves
water park, located about one-quarter mile west of the Spruce
Goose. It is billed as "the only water park that comes with an aviation
and space museum" – the first in the country to combine
water-borne fun with educational themes that help visitors learn
about the power of water and its effects on the world.
The 71,350-square-foot park features 10 water slides – four of
them exiting directly out of the fuselage of the Boeing 747 sitting
atop the roof – a wave pool and the children’s museum. The
fastest of the slides is the Nose Dive, a two-person inner tube ride
that combines a fast initial drop into a high rate bank turn. It
leads the riders into a dark oscillation section before "breaking
out of the clouds" through a hologram image and into the circular
bowl below. Other slides include the Tail Spin, Sonic Boom
and the Mach 1.
Today, the water park and museum park have become one of
the most popular tourism attractions in the state. "Helping turn
this vision into a reality was one of the coolest things we’ve ever
done," says Dave Garske of Hoffman Construction, Portland.
Protecting the building from water damage
Reflecting on the project, Garske says one of the more interesting
challenges was how to figure out a way to protect the building
from all the water. "Tile was a major part of this project. Basically,
the entire inside of the building is a big swimming pool. There is
water and tile everywhere – in the pool, in the bathroom, along
the walls. Chlorine can be very corrosive. So we had to figure out
a way to keep the building from rusting from the inside out. We
had to manage the chlorinated water. We spent a lot of time
working on keeping the water safe for the visitors and the
employees."
Hoffman worked closely with Paragon Tile of Tigard, Oregon.
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38
TSJ MAY 2012

SITE REPORT
As Paragon began to map out the project, they knew what the
needed. That’s when Paul Luttrell, VP of Sales for Paragon Tile,
called Laticrete sales representative Mike Werner. Paragon ended
up selecting a number of Laticrete products for the job, including
Laticrete SpectraLoc Pro Grout, Laticrete 4-XLT, Laticrete 254
Platinum, Laticrete 255 MultiMax and Laticrete Latasil
"In particular, we used Laticrete Latasil because we needed
something that would not crack or deteriorate in the wet coved
areas and corners for the life of the installation," Luttrell says. And
with the amount of tiling prevalent throughout the facility,
Luttrell used Laticrete SpectraLock Pro Grout, a product designed
to be used for swimming pools and other wet area applications.
Paragon used the products in the entryway, in each of the restrooms,
in the water lines in the pool, in the mezzanine and on a
lot of the wainscoting throughout the building. "Everything
needed to be waterproofed or have crack isolation. So we chose
Laticrete Hydro Ban to use behind all our tile." Hydro Ban is a
thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that
does not require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners.
"In the pools," continued Luttrell, "we used Laticrete 4-XLT. On
the water lines we used Laticrete 254 Platinum, and for the floors,
etc., we used the Laticrete 255 MultiMax. Everything was grouted
with Laticrete SpectraLock Pro Grout. It's a such a strong, high
performance product; we couldn't use anything else."
The job took Paragon nearly five months to complete on their
end. "It was job like nothing else," Luttrell says. "The pools and
the shapes were pretty unique. At some of the counters, you
have half of an airplane sticking out of the wall. It’s an eye-catcher.
As far as the installation of the tile, it was a pretty standard
install, except for some of the custom mud floating work we had
to do. We were confident to use Laticrete product as we know
they perform at high levels, and the company stands behind its
products as well.”
The water park’s striking
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MAY 2012 TSJ
39

CASE STUDY
Mapei products were used throughout the Roca London Gallery. Mapei’s Ultratop cementitious flooring
system and Keraflex ceramic adhesive were used across the 1,100 sq. metre single floor in the
project designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and installed by Resin Flooring Specialists.
Inspiration was taken from the element of water; transforming both the exterior and interior into a
The Ultratop flooring system provided a fluid final aesthetic that was integral with the theme, offering
a highly polished look. The Ultratop cementitious flooring system comprised of Primer SN; a two
component epoxy filling primer, Quartz 1.2; Ultratop Anthracite, Keraseal transparent sealant and
Mapelux wax. Ultratop is a quick setting, self-levelling mortar based on special hydraulic binders,
with a high mechanical strength for abrasion-resistant floors from 5 to 40mm. It can be left as a finished
floor and is perfect for areas subject to heavy pedestrian use such as busy retail outlets.
Available in a range of colours, Ultratop provides a perfect palette for designing strong and aesthetic
floors for retail, supermarket, restaurant and showroom use. Mixed with Dynastone Color or natural
aggregates, Ultratop may be used to create floors similar in appearance to Terrazzo. After three days
it can be dry polished to a completely smooth finish, as was desired at the Roca London Gallery.
Tiled areas of the Gallery were installed using Mapei’s high performance, flexible adhesive Keraflex.
The cementitious adhesive, which has no vertical slip and an extended open time, will be ideal for the
high levels of foot traffic expected.
www.mapei.co.uk 0121 508 6970.
interpreted all our brand values as well as our company
philosophy in a singularly exciting and tangible way.”
Zaha Hadid elaborates: “Our work imbues architecture
with the intricacy and beauty of natural forms.
Using a formal language derived from the movement
of water, the Roca London Gallery has been eroded and
polished by fluidity; generating a sequence of dynamic
spaces carved from this fascinating interplay between
architecture and nature.”
The Roca London Gallery consists of a single floor
where it appears that water has sculptured and defined
each and every detail of the space. Rocas commitment
to design and innovation is clearly visible in the exterior
of the building with its distinctive facade. Three almost
organic portals which appear to have been shaped by
water erosion open up this space to the city.
The interior is sculptured white concrete and its state
of the art lighting connects each of the different areas
whilst serving as a central axis around which the Roca
London Gallery revolves.
The interior is fabulous, functional and flexible, featuring
cutting-edge, modern, audiovisual, sound and
lighting equipment. This technology provides interaction
with the brand and the opportunity to discover the
companys history, its landmark achievements and the
values on which all of Rocas work is based: the commitment
to sustainability and, particularly, to innovation,
design, wellness and saving water.
The Roca London Gallery is intended to be much
more than just a display space. Available to an extensive
audience that will include everyone from designsavvy
architects to design-hungry students, it is
designed to become a London hub hosting a wide
range of activities such as exhibitions produced inhouse
or externally, meetings, presentations, seminars
and debates, the criteria being a celebration of design
in keeping with the Roca brand and company values.
The Roca Galleries represent an investment in the
brand on a global scale, with the aim of creating unique
spaces facilitating social and cultural encounters in the
cities that play host to them. The Roca London Gallery
joins a select group of Roca Galleries in Barcelona,
Madrid and Lisbon.
The geometry of the three display environments at
the front of the Gallery form a continuous surface with
the façade creating a single uninterrupted space that
interweaves exterior and interior, while the strong
material logic of the façade is maintained in exposed
concrete.
The white space of the main gallery is shaped by the
continuous logic of the illuminated water drops that
seamlessly connects the different areas. The array of
glowing ‘pods’ builds the spine of the central space
that is further defined with its final spiral move, which
leads to the knowledge, research and and multi-media
seating area next to the main reception.
The bold spatial concepts of the display environments
stand out as dark grey concrete in contrast with the
42 TSJ MAY 2012

CASE STUDY
white central spine of the Gallery. Their form has been
sculpted as if by the properties of erosion combined
with the functional considerations of the gallery to
allow flexibility. The continuing variety within the five
distinct bathroom areas evolves along the backbone of
the main Gallery.
Showcase for top international designers
The Gallery allows Roca’s most emblematic products to
be displayed in different areas or environments.
Exhibits include products and collections created by
top designers like David Chipperfield, Jacques Herzog &
Pierre De Meuron, Ramón Benedito, Mariscal, Alvaro
Siza, Belén and Rafael Moneo, Schmidt & Lackner and
Marcello Cuttino.
One of the most eye-catching elements of these environments
is the tiled floor. Composed exclusively of
Roca ceramics, the floor is a mosaic of unique, individually-designed
and manufactured pieces which together
create a striking visual effect. Each tile was designed by
ZHA team and water jet cut from a standard 600 by
1,200mm Roca tile.
The complex free-form architectural language reflecting
fluidity and nature is driven by the new digital
design tools and the constant evolution of digitally
controlled manufacturing, fabrication and contemporary
construction mechanisms, processes and methods.
In order to achieve the complexity of the design and
do justice to the original concept, engineers, consultants
and fabricators were consulted at an early design
stage. GRC (glass reinforced concrete) and GRG (glass
reinforced gypsum) were specified as the materials that
best met the challenge of translating the fluid forms
into built environment.
The limits of GRC and GRG fabrication and installation
were explored: a process that informed and developed
the architectural concept. Straight vertical joints and a
horizontal joint at 2.20m were implemented to meet
the consutction challenge.
The maximum size of the interior GRC panels is 3 by 5
metres and the full height facade panels are 2 by 4
metres. The two materials were used in harmony,
resulting in the continuous white surface of the GRG
curved gallery walls and the exposed natural concrete
GRC panels within the product display environments
and the facade.
Roca Limited
Samson Road, Hermitage Industrial Estate
Coalville, Leicestershire. LE67 3FP
01530 830080 www.uk.roca.com
Above: GRC (glass reinforced concrete) and GRG (glass reinforced gypsum) were specified as the
materials that best met the challenge of translating the fluid form required by the architect. The limits
of GRC and GRG fabrication and installation were explored: a process that informed and developed
the architectural concept. Straight vertical joints and a horizontal joint at 2.20m were implemented
to meet the construction challenges.
Roca London Gallery
Station Court, Imperial Wharf, London SW6 2PY
www.rocalondongallery.com
Open Monday to Friday 09.00 to 19.00
Saturday 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: Free (guided tours available on request)
44 TSJ MAY 2012

DESIGN TRENDS
Why tile specifiers should
think outside the box
In the fourth in a series of exclusive articles for TSJ, Abdulla
Mahmood, Head of Marketing & Communications at the
world’s largest tile manufacturer, RAK Ceramics, looks at
the sales potential of the growing range of potential
external and internal applications for ceramic tiles.
Above and right: Typical
exterior applications for
ceramic tiles . RAK Ceramics’
porcelain slabs were specified
for the UK’s biggest
largeformat ceramic cladding
installation. Designed by
Domus Facades, and installed
by Cladding UK for main
contractor Higgins
Construction PLC, the 7,654 sq
metre installation forms the
exterior of Streamlight Tower,
in London’s docklands. A
residential scheme, for Swan
New Homes, the development
was designed by Barrett Lloyd
Davis Associates Ltd and
Hunters Architects.
Those of us who sell tiles everyday can easily fall
into the trap of offering customers the same solutions
for the same areas, day in and day out. But do
these familiar routines blind us to other routes to
sales success?
Recently, there have been welcome attempts by forward
thinking manufacturers to promote the use of
tiles in areas where they wouldn’t normally be considered,
like living rooms and bedrooms.
Modern fixing and complementary products, like
underfloor heating, have increased potential even further.
Thinking outside the box can often lead us down a
path toward new sales opportunities. And, as well as
expanding our thinking to include different internal
locations, external applications offer great potential too
– from walkways and balconies to patios and facades of
commercial buildings.
In addition to aesthetic qualities, tiles offer a myriad of
benefits for outdoor application. Porcelain tiles are
durable, weather resistant, can offer good levels of slipresistance
and they can work equally well on external
walls and floors.
In domestic situations, tiles allow living areas to be
extended into the garden; using the same tile inside
and out creates a seamless transitional flow, maximising
a home’s perceived footprint.
Quality porcelain tiles, like RAK’s Lounge Series,
includes tiles that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor
use. The unpolished Lounge tiles have an
extremely low absorption rate of below 0.5% which
means they won’t crack during the winter freeze/ thaw
cycle.
Porcelain tiles are extremely durable; during manufacture
tiles are formed at high pressure and fired at over
1200°c. This creates a product with excellent wear characteristics,
making it an ideal material for walls, floors
and cladding.
When choosing a floor tile for external application,
consideration should be given to the surface finish.
Tiles with a matt or riven finish, like RAK Porcelain Slate,
offer a good compromise between slip resistance and
ease of cleaning. Also, unlike natural stone, porcelain
tiles suited to outdoor use don’t need to be sealed, so
fixing can be completed in a shorter timescale and
ongoing maintenance is eliminated.
During application, a few basic considerations should
always be borne in mind. Cement-based adhesive
should be used and preferably one that is polymermodified,
as this will provide enhanced bond strength
and reduced porosity. Solid bedding is important too.
Any voids behind the tile present an opportunity for
46 TSJ MAY 2012

DESIGN TRENDS
Above: Earth Stone porcelain wall and floor tiles for iInternal and
uxternal use. They are available in 295 by 595 and 600 by 60omm,
plus 300 by 300mm mosaic. With a matt finish and rectified, edges,
the tiles have good slip resistance. Available colours are Talc Ivory,
Monazite Brown, Charcoal Clay Grey and Charcoal Black .
Left and below left: In addition to aesthetic qualities, tiles offer a
myriad of benefits for outdoor application. Porcelain tiles are
durable, weather resistant, can offer good levels of slip-resistance
and they can work equally well on external walls and floors
water to gather which could cause the surface to break
if the water freezes.
When tiling onto a concrete or sand/cement screed,
sufficient drying time should always be allowed prior to
fixing. In addition, specialist fast drying proprietary
screeds are available that allow tiles to be laid just a few
hours after screeds have been laid.
External wall applications are often overlooked and
yet their scope is enormous too. As a cladding material,
porcelain is an exceptionally hardwearing and cost
effective method of both protecting a building and
improving appearance.
Often designed to replicate the beauty of natural
stone, porcelain slabs are impermeable, fire proof and
offer exceptional mechanical strength. They’re an ideal
surface option for specifiers looking to create a ventilated
façade system.
Outdoor specification really does provide a great sales
opportunity and, with their wealth of performance features,
ceramic and porcelain tiles offer exceptional benefits.
In today’s tough climate, it’s an area that’s waiting to
be exploited, allowing us to not only think outside the
box but outside the building too!
For more information, contact Kevin Jackson, UK National Tile Sales
Manager, on 07891 475364 or email kevin.j@rakceramics.co.uk. Or
RAK Ceramics UK: 01730 237850
www.rakceramics.co.uk
MAY 2012 TSJ
47

SURFACE PREP
Techniques for tiling on solid foundations
The Preparation Group is offering a demonstration of its range of Multistripping
machines in its Lincoln training centre, where various tile and
stone test pads are available to emulate site conditions.
T: 01522 561460. W: www.thepreparationgroup.com
TSJ examines a range of products and systems designed to
ensure a firm base for ceramic tiling.
Above: Vinyl removal using a
PPC multi-stripping machine.
The Preparation Group’s (PPC’s) Tile-strippers are more accurately named
Multi-Stripping machines as they offer a complete, cost effective surface
preparation solution - they are capable of removing not only floor coverings
such as wood and carpets as well as vinyl, stone and ceramic tiles, but also
their underlying adhesives and levelling compounds. They will also effortlessly
tackle latex, screeds; waterproofing membranes, asphalt and bituminous
materials; epoxies and urethanes, sticky residues and thermoplastic
materials.
PPC’s Multi-Stripping machines are built by its in-house team of skilled
engineers and have been developed to withstand the daily rigours of the
companies UK leading Contracting operation.
There are walk behind and ride on models available to suit the size of
project, site access and operator experience.
PPC’s walk behind Liberator 75 and 110 Multi-strippers have been
designed to lift a wide range of floor coverings with minimal effort. The
tempered steel blades ensure optimum cutting results, capable of lifting
50m of vinyl tiles per hour. These machines are lightweight, easy to operate,
maintenance free and ideal for use in confined areas and for edge
removal where larger sit-on machines are unable to access.
For clearing large areas and for the major contractor, there is PPC’s
Liberator 600 Ride-on Multi-stripper. Powered by propane, electric or battery
driven motors, it is capable of production rates of up to 400 sq. metres
per hour. Hydraulic controls allow the operator to move the machine forward,
lowering the blade or pick and adjusting the cutting angle. Operation
up to perimeter walls is possible to eliminate edge preparation and its compact
design ensures access through a standard door. Only one easy application
is needed, leaving a clean surface ready for any new flooring system.
The type and size of the machine selected and chosen accessory will
determine production rates achievable and degree of removal of the specified
material.
PPC’s accessories include flexible steel cutting blades available in flat and
curved; flat to remove standard tiles and curved for sheet material where
the blade cuts as it strips. For removal of hard ceramic and quarry tiles, PPC
recommends its heavy duty cast picks.
Ultra Floor’s DPM IT one coat, Prime IT N and Level IT SmoothFlow have
been used to transform part of the Travelodge at Gatwick Airport.
CFA members, T C Carpets & Flooring, have recently finished 700 sq.
metres of sub-floor preparation and Amtico floor covering installation in
the hotel’s restaurant and kitchen areas using Ultra Floor products.
Gatwick Airport Travelodge, a 3-star hotel, is part of the fastest growing
and second largest budget hotel chain in the country, with over 470 hotels
across the UK. The hotel is one of several sites servicing this, one of the UK’s
largest airports, with some 33 million passengers travelling through every
year.
Ultra Floor DPM IT is a two-part epoxy resin damp proof membrane system
available as a one coat or two coat with an optional accelerator additive.
The product cures to provide a waterproof surface membrane that
allows fast installation of cement-based surfaces. DPM IT one coat reduces
waiting time and costs significantly and strengthens the surface of almost
all substrate types. It was used on this project prior to priming with Ultra
Floor Prime IT N.
Ultra Floor Prime IT N is a polymer emulsion primer designed to promote
the adhesion of Ultra Floor smoothing underlayments to smooth nonporous
substrates with a relative humidity of up to 92%. It was applied to
the treated substrate and left to dry for up to an hour before levelling with
Level IT SmoothFlow.
Level IT SmoothFlow is a single-part concrete floor leveller. The product
contains a blend of specially graded fillers, fine cements and polymers for
smoothing and levelling uneven internal floors, prior to the application of
decorative floor coverings. Level IT SmoothFlow is suitable for trowel application,
yet formulated so excellent flow can be achieved when applied by
pump, maximising the product’s usage. Such flow characteristics allow for
optimum coverage, of up to 5.5 sq. metres at 3mm thickness, resulting in a
thin, exceptionally strong and perfectly level underlayment.
This project is one of several that T C Carpets have completed at Gatwick
Airport using the Ultra Floor range. Tony Morbey, T C Carpets’ Managing
Director, commented: “We are always happy to use Ultra Floor products
because of their excellent performance and workability.”
T: 01827 871871 W: www.ultra-floor.co.uk
One of the most important factors concerning the success of a tiled installation
has always been the preparation of the substrate. With the ever growing
trend for wet rooms, larger and consequently heavier tiles in addition to
an increasing need for acoustic membranes to deaden impact sound, the
stresses and strains placed on the substrate are greater than ever. Products
that of one time were considered to be speciality products are now becoming
commodity items.
Fortunately there are solutions to many of these modern day challenges.
It must be ensured that the substrate is suitable for the envisaged service
conditions and that it provides a stable support for the tiled finish. To
achieve these goals it will always be necessary to prepare the substrate.
However before committing to a preparation regime, consideration should
be given to a manufacturer’s product portfolio.
Although it is true to say that the removal of an existing tiled finish and
48 TSJ MAY 2012

SURFACE PREP
Ultra Floor’s DPM IT one coat, Prime IT N and Level IT SmoothFlow have been used to transform part
of the Travelodge at Gatwick Airport. The restaurant at Travelodge Gatwick Airport, now features
flooring laid by T C Carpet using Ultra Floor flooring system.
CR is a thin section membrane,
available in either 2mm
or 4mm thickness, offering
significant impact sound
improvement
its replacement with a brand new substrate would provide the ultimate
and logically the most sensible solution, it may not necessarily be the most
practical one. Modern advances in polymer technology permit the bonding
of most tile types to an existing tile. A simple roller application of Mapei’s
Eco Prim Grip primer provides a coarse, high grab intermediate surface
upon which to tile. The primer can also be used onto other impervious substrates
such as flooring grade asphalt and well anchored coatings such as
epoxy resin finishes.
In certain circumstances, floor substrates which may have been considered
totally unsuitable in the past may be ‘rescued’ using appropriate
measures. For example, substrates which contain cracks or those in less
than perfect condition may still be fit for the installation of tiles. Mapetex
is an anti-fracture membrane, which helps to dissipate stresses encountered
within such substrates. Where possible, cracks should firstly be
repaired with a suitable epoxy resin based material. Mapei’s Eporip crack
repair, for example, can help to increase stability, however, provided that
there is no vertical movement involved and that the cracks do not penetrate
through to the base. Mapetex should assist in the creation of a sound, long
lasting finish. Mapetex is supplied in rolls and is simply cut to size and
adhered to the floor substrate using Keraquick mixed with Latex Plus or
Elastorapid. Mapetex is suitable for concrete, screed and timber substrates
and fully compatible with underfloor or undertile heating systems.
Anticipated sound impact should also be taken into account. Noise
caused by footsteps, music, hammering etc can cause buildings to vibrate
which produces sound waves. These undesirable noises are then transmitted
to adjacent rooms through the floor or those directly below the source.
To impede the passage of impact sound through tiled floors, an acoustic
membrane such as Mapei’s Mapesonic CR can be installed. Mapesonic CR is
a thin section membrane available in either 2 mm or 4 mm thickness. The 2
mm material, when tested with an 8 mm ceramic tile to ISO 148-8 showed
an impact sound improvement index ΔLw = 17 dB. The 2 mm acoustic matting
is supplied in 30 m rolls and is quick and easy to install. Simply bond
the Mapesonic CR to the substrate using Mapei’s Ultrabond Eco VS90,
rolling the acoustic membrane into the adhesive bed to ensure a complete
transfer of adhesive.
As part of the sound impact reduction system, it is necessary to fix the
Mapesonic Strip to the perimeter walls, around any columns or pillars and
other interruptions in the floor. This strip isolates the floor finish from the
walling and helps prevent acoustic bridging. To compliment Mapesonic CR,
Mapei’s Ultraflex S2 Quick adhesive can be utilised to bond the tiles. The
advanced formulation of Ultraflex S2 Quick will absorb a certain degree of
transmitted sound. In addition to this, both Mapesonic CR and Ultraflex S2
Quick also have credible eco performance being produced with 80% and
20% recycled content respectively.
Ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles can be bonded directly to the
Mapesonic CR. Mapei have a range of adhesives, in addition to Ultraflex S2
Quick, to suit the tile selected, the sub-floor construction and the service
conditions envisaged. Adhesives such as Mapei Elastorapid, Granirapid or
Keraquick mixed with Latex Plus provide a strong, flexible bond to the
membrane.
T: 0121 508 6970.
Tilemaster Adhesives has the solution when preparing all types of substrate
prior to the application of a decorative flooring finish in Levelflex and
Fineflow 3000.
Levelflex is a fibre reinforced and flexible self levelling compound that is
very versatile. It can be applied to a whole variety of substrates including
sand/cement screed, existing tiles, under floor heating, bitumen & asphalt,
plywood overlay and directly to T & G floorboards to name a few. Levelflex
can be applied to depths of 2 to 50mm in one pour and its rapid setting
capabilities allow for light foot traffic and the fixing of tiles after 3 hours.
Fineflow 3000 is a highly flowable self levelling compound which provides
an exceptional, smooth, flat finish. Fineflow provides the perfect surface
for the laying of decorative vinyls, laminates and ceramic tiles without
the need for extra preparation. It is also very versatile, suitable for use over
a large variety of substrates including under floor heating systems.
Tilemaster Adhesives, like many under floor heating companies, recommends
that electric under floor heating elements are embedded in a thin 4
to 5mm layer of self-levelling compound. By doing so, it provides a smooth
surface on which to tile and avoids damaging the under floor element with
50 TSJ MAY 2012

ARTISAN TILES
Individual inspiration
TSJ profiles a selection of the UK’s leading specialist tile
studios and artisanal tile producers who bring individual
flair and considerable skill to the UK ceramic tile market.
Above: Tree of British Birds by Art on Tile. This 30 tile panel, measuring 25 by 30ft, wholesales for £240 with a RRP of £510.
Above: Art on Tiles – the bespoke hand painted tile company – has noted a sharp upturn in orders for traditional Victorian alphabet
designs over the last year. The hand painted 5 inch tiles can be ordered for £17 each and blank matching tiles are also available for
£1.20 each. In addition,a limited range of the most popular designs are available as digitally printed tiles practically
indistinguishable from the hand painted option and available to order for £8 each.
Art on Tiles
01243 552346
info@artontiles.co.uk
www.artontiles.co.uk
Art on Tiles is a UK based company specialising in
bespoke hand painted tiles. Owner and tile artist
Jonathan Waights has recently launched a limited range
of digitally-printed tiles for tile retailers. Almost indistinguishable
from the hand-painted originals and based on
his most frequently requested designs, the tile panels, in
standard sizes to fit most situations, wholesale at around
£8 per 5 inch tile with a recommended retail price of £17
per tile. Matching plain tiles also available. Tile shops are
invited to contact Jonathan to discuss display and stock
requirements. Art on Tiles also offers generous wholesale
discounts on bespoke hand painted commissions.
Art on Tiles has noted a sharp upturn in orders for traditional
Victorian alphabet designs over the last year.
Jonathan Waights, says: “Because everything we produce
is bespoke, we can often see style trends emerging
from the requests we receive. There has been a significant
revival of interest in Victorian alphabets and there is a
huge choice of charming designs available allowing
clients to choose their favourite individual designs from
more than one set. The examples pictured left are especially
popular at the moment and are being requested for
everything from kitchens and children’s bathrooms to
Victorian fireplaces.
The hand-painted 5 inch tiles can be ordered for £17
each and blank matching tiles are also available for £1.20
each. In addition,a limited range of the most popular
designs are available as digitally printed tiles practically
indistinguishable from the hand painted option and available
to order for £8 each.
Decorum Tile Studio
01844 338882
www.decorumtiles.com
www.qubemosaic.co.uk
Established in 1992, Decorum Tile Studio has a wealth of
experience in supplying ceramic and porcelain tiles along
with a variety of glass mosaics to customers nationwide.
Decorum offers an exceptional portfolio of products
sourced directly from leading factories in Italy, Spain and
Portugal.
Decorum has been producing and designing high quality
hand-painted tiles for twenty years. The latest range,
Calligraphy, offers to hand-paint personalised words and
phrases on to a choice of wall tiles.
Decorum offers a solution for all aspects of the living
space; a stylish collection that encapsulates classic and
contemporary designs to suit designers, architects and
home owners alike.
When Ray Koomen started Decorum in 1992, traditional
Mexican, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian tiles were everywhere;
the English craft tiles movement was very much in
its infancy and there were very few innovative tiles available.
Passionate about tile design, Decorum was determined
to change this and set about taking the centuries-
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ARTISAN TILES
Above: Calligraphy by Decorum Tile Studio.
Above: Calligraphy by Decorum Tile Studio.
Above: Battleships by The Douglas Watson Studio.
old art of ceramic hand-painting and making it more
appealing to modern-day home owners. Over the years
Decorum has gained a reputation second to none for
exceptional design and beautiful hand-painting at affordable
prices.
Now a great many trends abound, sleek, sophisticated,
minimal natural, textural, floral, pretty, vintage, glamorous,
decorative eclecticism; (almost) anything goes! Decorum
Tile Studio has risen to this challenge, introducing many
new and innovative tiles into the range, from glass to
stone, ceramic to metal and from traditional to handpainted
designs. However, at the heart of the business,
the objective remains the same: to offer exceptionally
designed tiles that are as individual as each and every one
of our customers.
For further information telephone 01844 338882 or visit
our websites www.decorumtiles.com and www.qubemosaic.co.uk
for a list of specialist suppliers across the UK.
The Douglas Watson Studio
25 Greys Green Farm
Henley on Thames Oxon RG9 4QG
T: 01491 629960 F: 01491 629961
info@douglaswatsonstudio.com
www.douglaswatsonstudio.com
The Douglas Watson Studio, established in 1976, is dedicated
to the production of beautiful hand made and
hand painted tiles.
“As a perfectionist, I rarely encounter what I consider to
be a perfect job – the tiles you made for me were perfect
in every respect” this comment from a client in San
Francisco reflects the quality of our tiles.”
“In our studio, starting with raw clay, we hand make our
tiles, in a variety of sizes and shapes. Using our own glaze
recipes and traditional inglaze hand-painting methods,
we produce a wide range of decorated tiles, from historical
Delft to contemporary designs, from individual tiles, to
large panels and murals.
We also have ranges using interesting glaze effects,
which are very popular in contemporary bathrooms and
as back splashes.
Our tiles have been used in kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces,
swimming pools, restaurants and hotels, as well as
for restoration projects in historical buildings. We have
also had tiles commissioned by Tate Modern for one of
their exhibitions.
We work with architects, designers and individuals, from
all over the world, by phone and e-mail, offering a
bespoke service which responds to clients needs. We
welcome visitors to our working studio, just outside
Henley on Thames.”
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ARTISAN TILES
and internationally. He has been featured in the national
press and design journals in Tokyo, New York and Italy.
He provides a range of services to the tiling industry for
the fabrication of feature panels, bespoke patterns and
blends using clients own ceramic, glass and stone materials.
A design service and technical advise are available to
tile suppliers and contractors for the application and
installation of mosaics.
Above: Paul Marks’ work has been used for commercial and domestic projects throughout the UK and internationally.
Above: Gabrielle Dudley always wanted her art to be more than just decorative.
Paul Marks
21st Century Mosaics
17 Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT
020 8469 0260
www.21stcenturymosaics.com
info@21stcenturymosaics.com
Paul Marks is a London based artist with over 25 years’
experience making mosaics. His work has been used for
commercial and domestic projects throughout the UK
Gabrielle Dudley
Studio/workshop 01239 710242
Home 01239 711869 (after hours)
M: 07854 679185 anytime
W: www.gabriellesgallery.co.uk
E: mail@gabriellesgallery.co.uk
Fb: www.facebook.com/gabrielles.gallery
Gabrielle Dudley always wanted her art to be more than
just decorative; she wanted it to be used in a practical
way. Having experimented with furniture making and
painting, printing and all things in between, she discovered
tiles and mosaics. They served a purpose as well as
decorating surfaces and were to be the answer for her,
although she still paints and manipulates photography as
a hobby.
She launched her business in 2000 and began making
tiles for peoples kitchen and bathrooms. Making tiles to
commission each customer had different design requirements
and subject matter and soon a wide range of styles
develop.
Gabrielle has crossed the boundaries of mosaic and
tiling and developed her innovative 'jigtiles' where the
design dictates the shape of the tiles and the grout
becomes a big part of the 'painting'. This has allowed the
grout to be as much a part of the finished artwork as the
tiles themselves. The result is a spectacular artwork that is
both useful and beautiful and is totally unique.
All the ‘jigtile’ murals are made to measure their intended
location, the frieze fits the space it is made for. The
original templates are kept and the glazes used recorded,
so that even in the event of accidental damage, a replacement
tile can always be supplied.
This year Gabrielle has concentrated her efforts on her
modelled tiles that carry detailed 3D illustration of a wide
range of natural subjects. There is now an extensive variety
of ready fired tiles to choose from to complement regular
bought tiling.
If the range available doesn’t suit your project, new
designs can be created by copying an image from a photograph.
Recently that has even included a portrait commission
on a 6 inch tile. The modelled tiles are glazed in
a single colour or realistically hand painted in multiple
glaze colours and can even be finished with a frame and
hung like a painting for use where paintings might fade.
There are also high quality hand-made plain tiles to
order in any size or shape up to 150mm. A colour matching
service is also offered, and although exact glaze replication
is not possible, the colour can almost always be
matched successfully. Gabrielle can also hand glaze and
illustrate on bought-in plain tiles.
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ARTISAN TILES
She has changed the name of her business from The
Red Cow Gallery to Gabrielle’s when expanding to a much
larger studio and showroom in Newcastle Emlyn.
Situated on the border of Carmarthenshire and
Ceredigion her business has carved a unique niche for
itself. Visitors can visit the workshop/studio between
11am and 5pm daily from Monday to Saturday.
William Morris Tiles
Nina Necak, Lewisham Arthouse,
140 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6PD
E: mail@williammorristiles.co.uk
T: 07719 871 419
A selection of recreated William Morris tiles from
Kelmscott Manor and Labours of the Month from Queen's
College Cambridge and The William Morris Gallery are
now available to buy online at William Morris Tiles. The
tiles come in two grades, standard and a thicker tile that is
suitable for use in fireplaces.
All the tiles are faithful reproductions created by expert
ceramicist Nina Necak with the full permission from
Kelmscott Manor and The William Morris Gallery.
Over the years Nina has been involved in many tile projects,
winning The Tile Association Award for best tile
launched onto the UK market in 2005 for her Charles
Rennie Mackintosh designs.
Above: Four designs from William Morris Tiles.
She has been influenced by the knowledge of curators
at the William Morris Gallery and is indebted to Richard
and Hilary Myers, the authors of the book 'William Morris
Tiles'.
For the project shown above, she selected materials and
techniques to make reproduction tiles affordable. Screen
printed images are fired on to white 150 by 150mm tiles.
manufactured in the UK.. The image can be fired on to
coloured tiles and works well on cream/beige colours giving
a softer tone on the Daisy and the Kelmscott Manor
fireplace tiles. Customers wanting replacement tiles for
Victorian fireplaces are offered 6 by 6 inch tiles manufactured
by Craven Dunnill Jackfield.
MAY 2012 TSJ
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PORTFOLIO
Hygienic tile joints with PCI Geofug
Grouted joints may harbour dirt, often becoming stained over time
and, worse, acting as a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly
cleaned. BASF’s PCI brand has exploited new technology to rise to the
challenge of hygienic grouting with PCI Geofug, a virtually self-cleaning
ceramic joint for all indoor ceramic tile coverings, even when
cleaned with water alone. This cleanability, thanks to its superhydrophilic
surface, makes it particularly appropriate for tiled floors
frequently exposed to acidic sanitary cleaning agents. PCI Geofug also
repels oil, fat and dirt. Importantly for hygiene, it is photocatalytic and
acts against certain moulds found in moist areas.
Available in 12 colours, PCI Geofug has a fine-grained surface and
homogeneous colouring and cures without efflorescence or staining.
It provides a long open time, has a dust-reducing formulation and is
temperature resistant to over 500°C, making it steam cleanable.
For more information on PCI Geofug, call PCI Technical Services on
0161 485 6222 or log on to www.pci.basf.co.uk.
Ariana’s Convivium range combines numerous textures with colours inspired by
different natural surfaces. It recreates the appeal of timeworn artisanal terracotta,
the warmth of stone and the modern character of concrete. The collection comes
in six colours - Bianco, Beige, Cuoio, Cenere, Cemento, Nero - each representing a
different material. They can be used individually or in two-tone combinations,
complemented by a wide range of accents. The through-coloured porcelain tiles
are available in 300 by 600, 600 by 600 and 415 by 810mm with natural edge, 300
by 600, 600 by 600 and 150 by 600mm rectified, and 300 by 300mm mosaic.
E: info@ariana.it W: www.ariana.it
On-trend urban look with RAK’s new Earth Stone tile collection
Noa offers a timber-effect tile with a twist
Novoceram’s new Noa range represents the evolution of ceramic
wood, with a hyper-natural interpretation of four types of treated natural
wood identifying an equal number of living styles: Blanchi,
bleached oak; Naturel, brushed oak with a particularly neutral natural
style; Flotté, brushed oiled oak with nuances of grey and Bruni, walnut
reminiscent of old restored floors.
Special attention has been paid to reproducing the material quality
of the wood. The matt surface is slightly wavy with raised areas created
by the brushing and planing. Controlled colour variations with both
straight and curved veining creates an extraordinarily natural result.
As well as 15 0 by 900 and 225 by 900mm strip tiles, Noa is available
in a square 450 by 450mm format, and in a 300 by 600mm size that is
said to be an innovation for top of the range ceramic wood tiles.
For outdoor areas, Noa is offers in a 450 by 450mm size with prescored
strips and suits the glueless Novoceram Outdoor system.
E: contact@novoceram.fr W: www.novoceram.fr
60 TSJ MAY 2012
RAK Ceramics has introduced its new
Earth Stone range of porcelain tiles.
Featuring a stunning mottled matt surface,
the tiles have a distinct concretelook
and are available in a range of formats
and neutral tones. Earth Stone tiles
are suitable for walls and floors, in both
interior and exterior applications.
On-trend Earth Stone colour options
include Talc Ivory, Charcoal Clay Grey,
Monazite Brown and Charcoal Black. All
shades are available in 295 by 590mm
rectangular and 600 by 600mm square
formats; as well as 300 by 300mm mosaic
designs.
Earth Stone porcelain is almost impervious
with liquid absorption of just
0.05% and is virtually stain/scratch proof.
Risk of thermal shock is eliminated as
this range is fired at 1200°C during manufacture,
and the low absorption rate
ensures that the tiles will not crack during
the winter freeze/ thaw cycle.
Other new tiles to join RAK’s range
include classic white statuario marbleeffect
White Smoke in a 600 by 600mm
design; the 100 by 300mm Classic Series
which features both matt and gloss finishes
in a broad spectrum of plain
colours and new Lounge Listellos: an
attractive range of glass and porcelain
decorative borders.
T: 01730 237850 E:marketing@rakceramics.co.uk
W: www.rakceramics.co.uk

PORTFOLIO
Dolmen by Azulev offers stone look in many formats
The Dolmen range from
Azulev is a high quality
stone effect tile distinguished
by the subtlety of
its surface variegation.
There are two colourways,
noce and snow; thee former
offer mid tones and
the latter light tones. The
porcelain floor tiles are
available in 225 by 225,
225 by 450, 450 by 675,
450 by 450 and 333 by
333mm, plus 300 by
300mm cut mosaic effects
in both colours. Matching
wall tiles, both plain and
scored, come in 200 by
400mm, with a range of
decorative options.
For further details contact Paul Berry of Agencies International GB on 01273 695208 or e-mail
pauljberry@btconnect.com.
Strong grab adhesive from Sika is highly versatile
Sika has recently launched Sika MaxTack PRO-50, already fondly known as ‘Grip n Grab: a tradestrength
grab adhesive developed for use by professionals. Suitable for use with most building
materials, Sika MaxTack PRO-50 is strong enough to replace the need for mechanical fixings
due to its very high strength grip and holding powe. Suitable for both interior and exterior
projects, fixing even the most industrial of materials to almost anything else, MaxTack PRO-50
is ideal for use on large projects where an adhesive may be needed many times over for different
jobs.
MaxTack PRO-50 is incredibly easy to apply and all cartridges are supplied with an integrated
nozzle to make use as simple and straightforward as possible. Fast drying, over-paintable and
suitable for gap filling too, MaxTack PRO-50 is the perfect builders’ mate and is widely available
in professional merchant stores.
Jayne Hasoon, Product Manager from Sika, said: “In accordance with feedback from professional
builders and DIY’ers, MaxTack PRO-50 has been developed to offer a trade strength version
of our already popular MaxTack adhesive product. Adhering materials in no time at all,
MaxTack PRO-50 is suitable for such a wide variety of jobs that it can be kept in the back of the
van, ready for use on upcoming jobs. From a usability perspective, the ergonomic cartridge helps
make light work of application meaning jobs can be finished both quickly and professionally.”
T: 01707 363810 E: distribution@sika.co.uk W: http://gbr.sika.com/builder
Stone finishes that can add a real wow factor
Surface material expert Fameed Khalique has introduced an extensive range
of quality stone finishes including laser-cut marble and stone, ceramic
mosaics and semi-precious stones.
Khalique and his team works in partnership with their clients to deliver an
exceptional level of service and will see the project through from selection
and ordering to installation and sign-off from the client. Their mission is to
find and create exquisite and rare finishes that provide the wow-factor in a
project.
The collection of laser-cut marble and stone is at the forefront of revolving
laser saw technology. The effects yield dramatic 3D applications for interior
and exterior use. The effects of light and shadow give the tiles a highly decorative
value, transforming a wall into a sculptural masterpiece. The technique
used to create the designs has been developed to create curved tiles
which were recently added to the collection for the first time. The laser-cut
natural stone has excellent sound absorbency properties, making the material
an ideal application for walls in theatres, cinemas and libraries in commercial
projects or within the home.
The Mosaics and Ceramics collection is expertly crafted in India combining
metals with stone, including, brass with sandstone and steel with marble.
This unusual way of combining materials and patterns produces an outstanding,
contemporary range of wall coverings.
Also available is an unrivalled collection of over 50 Semi-precious
Gemstones, available in numerous styles from small mosaics tiles to large
slabs (max size 2,400 by 1,200mm) and finished products. The dazzling
stones are solid or veneered onto a variety of substrates and are hand
assembled by the finest craftsmen ensuring the highest quality product
offered in the UK. The beautiful yet resilient properties of the gemstones
make the collections suitable for numerous applications including walls,
floors and as counter- and table tops.
T: 020 7490 5524 W: www.fameedkhalique.com
MAY 2012 TSJ
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PORTFOLIO
Glass wall tiles for every interior style
Original Style's new Glassworks Collection features beautiful glass wall
tiles designed for all styles of interiors. The collection is also ideal for
all manner of living spaces, including bathrooms, kitchens and dining
rooms.
A host of versatile sizes, innovative textures and eye-catching
colours is available allowing for unlimited design permutations. Glass
can be used to cover large areas or to create striking feature walls, as
well as providing accent colour against white or natural tones.
The new Decorative Effect range of large format (600 by 300mm)
glass tiles includes the sumptuous 24 carat gold Cleopatra and the
shell effect Crushed Black Pearl, two designs ideal for creating a striking
feature wall.
Interiors in need of an instant refresh will benefit from the glamorous
new Metallic & Sparkling range that offers a variety of subtle
metallic glows and bold sparkling colours in a choice of two sizes (48
by 48mm and 150 by 75mm).
New 200 by 100mm Bevel tiles and Bevel finishing tiles (100 by
100mm) are offered in both clear and metallic formats. These retro
style products provide an on trend brickbond pattern for kitchens.
Over 40 Clear and 25
Frosted colours are available,
including Rio
Grande, a striking new
plum shade. Choose
from muted aqua shades
inspired by rivers and
seascapes or from the hot
neon brights designed to
awaken the senses. Sizes
range from 48 by 48mm
to 900 by 750mm glass
Splashbacks.
Co-ordinating borders
are also available to add
that all important finishing
touch to a design
scheme or to add a splash
of colour to a more simple layout.
The 100 by 100mm clear glass tiles from the range have been especially
designed to complement and coordinate with Original Style
Serenity ceramic wall tiles.
Glossy Splashbacks are also included in Glassworks.
T: 01392 473000 W www.originalstyle.com
62 TSJ MAY 2012
Hand-finished wall tiles provide a touch of glamour
The Residence range from The
Winchester Tile Company offers
many new decorative additions to
this collection of beautifully crafted,
hand-finished wall tiles. The
range consists of field and half
tiles (130 by 130 by 10mm and 130
by 63 by 10mm), as well as complementary
mouldings designed
for both traditional and understated
contemporary interiors. These
beautifully crafted rustic tiles with
a lustrous, crackle or high gloss
glaze are ideal for injecting colour
into bathrooms and kitchens, or
any other interior in need of a
revamp.
The Residence range comprises
the three field tile collections.
Metropolitan has a unique lustrous
finish. These iridescent tiles
refract light to provide an
unmatched brilliance to the home. Cosmopolitan is richly opulent with a colour
palette that can inject some colour to interiors. Arcadian has a chalky and soft surface.
These classically neutral crackle glaze tiles complete a collection that comprises
subtle colours and textures.
New decors include delicately drawn Butterflies and crisp Nautical emblems (pictured),
with all designs available on either Palomino or Papyrus backgrounds.
Descriptive half tiles include the new Herbs & Spices and Wine Cellar ranges. Home
owners can even add a pinch of Saffron or raise a toast to guests with a sip of Merlot.
Traditional walls can be given a new lease of life with the new rural Farm & Field
range. Designs include Cattle, Pigs and Pheasants. Other options include Botanical
Fruit hand-painted six tile panels depicting luscious apples and lemons, which can
make an impressive feature wall in a dining room or conservatory.
T: 01392 473005 W: www.winchestertiles.com
Split stone effect available in three modular formats
Century’s new Stonehouse range of porcelain tiles from the High-Tech collection is
inspired by split stone. It is available in four versatile colours: White, Grey, Moka and
Taupe. It comes in three modular formats: 300 by 600, 600 by 600 and 450 by
900mm; all with rectified edges and a natural surface. The two larger formats are also
available with a lapped surface.
E: info@century-ceramica.it W: www.century-ceramica.it

PORTFOLIO
Vintage harks back to times gone by with a modern twist
Vives’ new Vintage collection
harks back to long
standing designs, especially
those that originate
from the pre-1900s.
Vives has brought
together a diverse range
of influences in a wall and
floor tile collection developed
so that classic
designs with innate elegance
are available for
refurbishment as well as
new build projects.
The designs for the tile
collection draw on a wide
range of inspirations. The
Yuncos range of 200 by
200mm wall tiles belongs
to the Herencia Artesana
collection with a design
that originates from the
1960s. The 316 by 316mm Devon range of mosaics boasts designs that originate from the
Burgues period. The Bexley and Sutton 200 by 200mm floor tiles replicate solid natural materials
such as aged marble and wood. The 316 by 316mm Barnet floor tile collection (pictured)
is made up of three ranges that allow simple base tiles to be combined with patterned and
mosaic tiles to recreate floors that recreate the aesthetic of the Victorian period.
Last but not least, the porcelain wood collection named Paramo offers another possibility to
combine with all these collections as it gives a warm and elegant feeling. Two different sizes
are available: 143 by 1,193mm and 192 by 1,193mm.
E: export@vivesceramica.com W: www.vivesceramica.com
Stone effect tile features bold shade variations
Minerals were the inspiration for Elettra, a new range from Naxos
available in Crystal, Mineral and Shale colours. The variegation of
natural stones is expressed in the bold colour shadings that characterise
the range. The natural surface of Elettra provides a true-to-life
roughness and recreates the folds of split stone to give the material
an appearance of great lightness. Available in three formats (450 by
450, 300 by 600 and 300 by 300mm), all with natural finish and rectified
edges, Elettra is produced using 40% recycled materials. The
range is intended for residential and light commercial applications.
E: info@naxos-ceramica.it W: www.naxos-ceramica.it
Reusable tiling support system saves money
Tile Edge Pro is a tiling support system that will help tilers overcome
issues with the traditional batten method for tiling. The system is
reusable, and claimed to be easier and more effective than any other
product on the market. Available from Ad-Em Innovations Tile
Edge Pro is made from high-grade aluminium so it is perfectly flat
and straight, and can also be used time and time again, thus saving
fixers time and money.
Tile Edge ProTM is said to be
fast and easy to fix, remove and
reuse. It comes in a handy carry
case making the system easy to
transport. Each standard 5m
aluminium set includes two
1,000mm, two 600mm, two
400mm, two 300mm and two
200mm lengths, plus twenty
clamps and 200 heavy duty
locator stickers. Individual
lengths of 1,500mm, 1,000mm,
600mm, 400mm, 300mm and
200mm, ten clamps and 200
locator stickers can be purchased
separately.
Easier and faster than the traditional
batten method, the
heavy duty locator stickers are
said to provide a strong adhesive
bond to plasterboard, plaster,
ply and cement-based
boards. The area of use should be dry, free of dust and prepared as
per your tile adhesive instructions.
Installation involves following a set of simple stages. First, calculate
the height at which to start tiling and mark a level line. Then
firmly place a heavy duty locator sticker to the base of the required
number of clamps. Offer the desired length of Tile Edge Pro to the
level line, then remove the protective film from the locator sticker
and press firmly through the centre of one of the multiple openings.
Finger tighten the retaining cap on each clamp to hold the Tile Edge
Pro flush to the surface. You are now ready to start tiling.
Once tiling is complete, the Tile Edge Pro clamps can be removed
by turning the retaining cap on the clamp in the direction indicated
by an arrow. Then roll off the locator stickers leaving it ready for it’s
next use.
E: david@tileedgepro.com W: www.tileedgepro.com
MAY 2012 TSJ
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