Tile brings flair to international designs
by Jennifer Adams
June 17, 2008
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Photo
courtesy of Trend. The decorative hotel design is the result of a renovation
project, which transformed the “Alexander Building” — one of the first modern
buildings in the city’s historical center — into a trendy and inviting spot for
vacationers and business people to reside. |
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When
traveling to various destinations around the world, it is always interesting to
observe the different styles of architecture. Each country possesses its own
history and culture — usually dating back centuries — which is often prevalent
in the designs of its city buildings, historic institutions and residential
properties. And when it comes to building materials, tile is typically found in
abundance — adorning archways, cladding walls and covering floors.
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Photo
courtesy of Roca. When it comes to the use of tile in international
architecture, designs tend to be bold and contemporary in style. Large-format
tiles — whether a solid color or metallic finish — are now being used to clad
walls in both residential and commercial applications. |
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Even more recent and modern
designs often utilize the plentiful amount of tile products that are on today’s
market. Compared to the U.S., which tends to lean a little more towards the
conservative side in its architectural style, designs implemented overseas are
usually vibrant and make a bold statement.
Italy and
Spain are among the leading manufacturers of ceramic tile, and in recent years,
it is evident that they have taken significant strides in research and
development. Advances in technology have allowed for more high-quality products
that provide strength and durability needed in public spaces and other
high-trafficked areas.
Overall, it seems that international trends, in regards to
designs that use tile, are fresh and innovative. Bright colors, prints and
textures are words that best describe what is being showcased. Many designs
tend to stretch the imagination and evoke emotion.
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Photo
courtesy of Cercasa. International designers think outside the box and create
designs that use tile products to their fullest. One of the latest trends is
tile that is made to resemble a tufted pillow. |
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But although festive and colorful
uses of tile are frequently seen, that is not the only noticeable trend in
international designs. International designs — whether commercial or
residential — are also featuring more subdued materials, while still remaining
chic and sophisticated. Metallics, in particular, are in high-demand — and they
are not just being employed as an accent. Large-format pieces — replicating the
look of such metals as silver, bronze and copper — are being implemented as
wall and floor cladding.
Moreover, glass tile and mosaics maintain their popularity.
These tiny tiles are being used in monochromatic color schemes to create
contemporary designs in the commercial and residential arenas. They are also
being utilized to create lavish murals and decorative wall scenes in the
hospitality sector.
A Floral Oasis
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Photo
courtesy of Ceramic Tiles of Italy/Brennero. Italy and Spain are among the
leading manufacturers of ceramic tile, and in recent years, it is evident that
they have taken significant strides in research and development. Bright colors,
unusual patterns and unique finishes make for innovative designs. |
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An example of the powerful effect
mosaics can play in a design is the new Hotel Les Fleurs in Sofia, Bulgaria,
where floral murals created by glass mosaic tile are found throughout the
hotel. The decorative design is the result of a renovation project, which
transformed the “Alexander Building” — one of the first modern buildings in the
city’s historical center — into a trendy and inviting spot for vacationers and
business people to reside.
“The
Alexander Building was one of the first modern buildings in the historical
center of Sofia, and its eight stories were the seat of commercial activities,”
said Francesco Lucchese of Studio Lucchese Design. “Its front was mostly made
with glass and aluminum, which gave the whole building a cold feeling.”
Lucchese went on to explain that with the intentions of
converting the building to a hotel, the “cold” image had to be changed. “The
first objective of the project was to give the building a new look — a sort of
new skin,” he said. “During the preliminary meeting to define the project, the
committee told us that they wished to identify this boutique hotel with a
refined, elegant image, but at the same time, wanted it to be realistic. I
thought that the ‘language’ of flowers would be perfect. When I went to deliver
my presentation, I brought a bunch of flowers with me to visualize my concept.”
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Photo
courtesy of Trend. “Moving from the dark metallic atmosphere of the lobby, the
hotel patron is transported into an original 70s lift to the reception area
where there is a playful reversal of color,” according to a design statement
released by the architect. “The mosaic-tiled wall in the entry lobby and
reception area is a perfect example of this transition. The use of [mosaic]
tile played a significant role in producing the sophisticated and vibrant
interior throughout the hotel.” |
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According to the architect, he
dedicated some time to researching floral elements used in art and
architecture. He explained that the floral style is called “Art Nouveau.” “The
idea was to use flowers to give the entrance a soft and natural, yet dynamic
and colorful look — in contrast with the previous rawness,” said Lucchese.
“This is where the inspiration for the concept came from and how the name and
the logo ‘Les Fleurs’ was born.”
To create
the interior design, which depicts a different kind of flower in each room,
approximately 15,000 square feet of glass mosaic tile from Trend was selected.
“The result is that every room is unique in its colors, materials and general
image,” explained the architect, adding that the intention was to create a
luxurious ambience.
In
addition to the guest rooms and public spaces, the glass mosaics were also used
for the hotel’s exterior façade. Given the fact that the Hotel Les Fleurs is on
a busy corner, the colorful mosaic exterior attracts attention from those
passing by and enhances the overall architecture of Sofia.
According to Lucchese, the mosaics created depth and character
to the surfaces of the building. The reflective quality of the tiles also added
a shimmering effect inside and outside the building.
Creating a Mood
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Photo courtesy of Trend. The
Chifley Hotel in Sydney, Australia, also displays an innovative use of glass
mosaics. The tiny shimmering pieces transformed a dilapidated hotel into a chic
sultry establishment.
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Another example of mosaic tile’s
creative use can be found at the Chifley Hotel in Sydney, Australia, which was
recently renovated. Prior to refurbishment, the hotel was in disrepair. The
property was bought by Australand in 2007, and because of its prominent
location at the apex of Kings Cross — with views of the Sydney Opera House —
extensive plans were put in place to redevelop the site, including a new hotel.
“The
central design concept was to absorb and reflect the deeply sensual, moody
nature of the surrounding area, but also incorporate the sophistication and
beauty of the classic Victorian terraces adjacent,” according to a design
statement released by Marchese + Partners in collaboration with AHL Design.
“The essential theme running through the concept was to take the viewer on a
journey from dark to light.”
A
significant component of the design were Italian glass mosaics from Trend,
which contributed to the sultry atmosphere of the establishment. The tiny
shimmering pieces clad entire walls in the hotel’s public spaces — creating
striking patterns.
“Moving from the dark metallic atmosphere of the lobby, the
hotel patron is transported into an original 70s lift to the reception area
where there is a playful reversal of color,” according to the design statement.
“The mosaic-tiled wall in the entry lobby and reception area is a perfect
example of this transition. The use of [mosaic] tile played a significant role
in producing the sophisticated and vibrant interior throughout the hotel.”
An Urban Feel
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Photo
by Sergio Parra Large-format metallic tiles were incorporated into the design
of a Springfield retail store in Madrid, Spain — providing a sleek, hip look
for the clothing store. According to the design team at JGA in Southfield, MI,
who worked on the project, the objective was to create a “city-living” feel. |
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Large-format metallic tiles were
incorporated into the design of a Springfield retail store in Madrid, Spain —
providing a sleek, hip look for the clothing store. According to the design
team at JGA in Southfield, MI, who worked on the project, the objective was to
create a “city-living” feel.
Selling
“contemporary, active and comfortable apparel for the fashion-forward young man
or woman,” Springfield is an international retail store with locations
throughout Europe, Asia, Canada and Mexico. “[The objective was to] create a
vibrant environment that reflects the Springfield philosophy: ‘Life is an
ever-changing set of experiences, shifting attitudes and evolving points of
view on a journey to find my place, and for my place to find me,’ “ stated JGA.
The
Porcelanosa Ferroker tile with a metallic finish added to the overall urban
environment that was desired for the store’s design. The muted colors and sheen
of the 3.6-by-1.8-foot pieces brought a cool vibe to the retail outlet, while
also withstanding the wear-and-tear of heavy foot-traffic.
“Graphics and communication are key components to adding scale
and also provide an opportunity to integrate local interests and icons to the
shopping environment,” stated JGA. “Exposed stock space and street market
fixture presentations with the tiered-down display and exaggerated height of
stock shelving bring the outside in.”
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