Downtown Design
redazione 23/09/2022

Surfaces for wellness

Environmental sustainability, technology and innovation join forces to create surfaces and coverings that wrap spaces, becoming an integral part of their interior design

Today’s advanced production processes are capable of improving the technical and aesthetic performance of materials, optimizing consumption of resources as much as possible. Smaller thicknesses are the result of increasingly sophisticated technologies, improving air quality and protecting the environment from bacteria, while permitting recycling of materials.

Casalgrande Padana, with the Stile collection in porcelain stoneware, offers an ecosustainable material that is completely recyclable, flameproof, anti-allergic, frost-proof and durable. Made exclusively with natural raw materials, the slabs in the collection feature the Bios Antibacterial® technology, to ensure protection that eliminates 99% of the main bacterial strains found on ceramic surfaces. The Bios Self Cleaning® technology provides remarkable advantages in terms of reduction of time and costs of maintenance, as well as concrete improvement of air quality.

MaxFine Walk On Snow collection by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti

MaxFine Walk On Snow collection by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti

The materials of Iris Ceramica Group have obtained Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification® issued by the institute that promotes manufacture of innovative materials and products for use in the circular economy. Cradle to Cradle Certified® is the most advanced global standard, based on scientific data, for the design and manufacture of safe, circular and responsible products for a healthy, fair and sustainable future. Among the various brands included, there is also FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti with the products in the photo: for walls MaxFine Walk On Snow Naturale and MaxFine Walk On Silver Naturale, while for floors the firm offers MaxFine Walk On Snow Naturale. 

Pigmenti by Lea Ceramiche, Design Ferruccio Laviani

Pigmenti by Lea Ceramiche, Design Ferruccio Laviani

Sensi of Casa dolce casa collection by Florim Ceramiche, Design Matteo Thun

Sensi of Casa dolce casa collection by Florim Ceramiche, Design Matteo Thun

Pigmenti is the latest series of Slimtech Plus ultra-thin slabs by Lea Ceramiche, created in collaboration with Ferruccio Laviani. The thickness, reduced by 2/3 with respect to traditional tiles, requires less consumption of raw materials, energy and water, reduces pollution caused by transport and emissions of CO2, making these slabs some of the most ecosustainable construction materials. Furthermore, the large thin slabs lend themselves to sustainable renewal of spaces: thanks to the slim design, they can be installed over existing facings without creating waste and rubble caused by removal of existing surfaces.

Sensi of Casa dolce casa is the collection designed by Matteo Thun for Florim Ceramiche, with slabs in large formats. A fine example of innovation and sustainability, the collection has been developed with a focus on environmental and energy impact, making it a virtuous case of circular enterprise. Produced exclusively with natural raw materials, ‘Sensi’ contains up to 42% recycled materials, and stems from a 100% sustainable production process, in terms of water production and self-production of electrical energy. The colors are neutral, soft and natural.

Finn by Grassi Pietre, Design Debiasi Sandri

Finn by Grassi Pietre, Design Debiasi Sandri

Reflecting the environmental awareness of Grassi Pietre and the creative flair of the studio Debiasi Sandri, Finn is made from shavings and pieces salvaged from the production of Vicenza stone, taken from the company’s own quarries. Due to its remarkable 3D effect, the covering creates a multi-faceted wall enlivened by games of depth. (Image: MeLa Media Lab. Art direction, interior design: Debiasi Sandri).

ColorSystem by D.L.Q. by HD Surface, Design David Lopez Quincoces

ColorSystem by D.L.Q. by HD Surface, Design David Lopez Quincoces

Alluslate by Krion

Alluslate by Krion

From the collaboration of HD Surface with the designer David Lopez Quincoces, ColorSystem by D.L.Q. is a new palette of hues developed for use in the company’s four most successful collections: PerfectCombination, CoverHD, GeoTexture and GeoOutdoor. These are facings that create a variety of innovative, continuous surfaces, all based on a pure and eco-compatible formula of water, clay and pigments.

Easy to install without masonry alterations or production of dust, the new Alluslate® panels in aluminium and mineral materials by Krion (a brand of PORCELANOSA Grupo) are composed of two sheets of aluminium with a thickness of 4 mm. These murals for quick installation, light in weight and easy to clean, come in two types of finishes: Matt and Glazed. Designed for large residential spaces, hotels and commercial facilities.

Aurora Terra, Marmo collection by HIMACS

Aurora Terra, Marmo collection by HIMACS

Inspired by the beauty of the aurora borealis, the Aurora color range of the Marmo collection by HIMACS reproduces the elegant image of marble, with subtle and forceful shadings. HIMACS respects the environment thanks to the use of sustainable materials, eco-compatible production processes and recycling at the end of the life span. The natural look of the new finishes is combined with the properties of the HIMACS Solid Surface, making it possible to create designs without visible joints due to the particular thermoforming of the material. The absence of pores guarantees high levels of hygiene, while the smooth surface permits easy, rapid cleaning and repairs. In the photo, Aurora Terra, an intense finish with delicate veins, suggesting the depth of a nighttime sky.

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