February 1, 2005
Endless Possibilities
Provenza’s large-format tiles are not just for the bathroom floor.
One of the highlights at last year’s Cersaie ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings show, in Bologna, Italy, was the tendency toward extremely thin, oversize ceramic porcelain stoneware tiles. Modena-based Provenza was just one of two companies that debuted this type of tile during the fair. (The other company, Cotto D’Este, produces a similar product under the KerLite brand.) The idea was born initially as a solution for exterior-cladding ventilated panels. An Italian company that makes machinery for ceramic tile production came up with a prototype for a large-format superthin ceramic tile. It partnered with Provenza to explore how the material could be used, and two years later the material, marketed as Endless, is finally coming to market in the United States.
The large size of these lightweight slabs combined with their extreme thinness and durability make them an attractive alternative to other traditional architectural surface materials such as wood, natural stone, and concrete. Tiles are rectified so that dimensions can be adjusted and pieces can be seamlessly joined. “The size and the thinness of the tile make it ideal in situations where you don’t want to add a lot of weight because it has the strength of a porcelain,” explains architect Silvia Giacobazzi, who was hired by the company to develop and create, in conjunction with faucet manufacturer Fantini and lighting-design firm Davide Groppi, a system that combined the tiles with fixtures and lights. It will be released in the United States later this spring.
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Provenza Endless Tile
Composition:
A large slab of extremely thin porcelain stoneware (up to 39 by 118 inches), the tile is made from natural raw materials, such as clay and feldspar, and is colored with inorganic pigments. It can also be curved or cut into smaller pieces and mosaics.
Applications:
For indoor or outdoor use. Floors (including floating floors and those with radiant-panel heating and cooling), walls, wall-claddings, ventilated panels, stairways, countertops, kitchens, decorative objects, showers, swimming pools, bathtubs, and bathrooms.
Properties:
Extremely durable, lightweight, minimum thickness (0.12 inches); water absorption is almost nil; high bending strength; resistant to acid, fire, scratches, UV rays, and shock. In the event of fire, does not release smoke or toxic substances. Eco-compatible and recyclable All tiles are rectified. Available in a matte finish and in four colors: black, bone, light gray, and gray.
Manufacturer:
Ceramica Provenza
Via 2 Giugno 13/15
Spezzano Modena 41040
T. 0536-927-611
F. 0536-927-626
www.ceramicaprovenza.com
[email protected]