New Trends in Ceramic Tiles

As the recognized brand for the ceramic tile industry in Spain, Tile of Spain includes 220 manufacturers who belong to the Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers of Spain (ASCER), a private organization whose aim is to support Spain’s ceramic tile industry and promote the brand worldwide. “We’re eager to share the advances we make in meeting the design needs of architects and design professionals as well as consumers in our biggest market, the U.S. We’ve made a commitment to aggressively communicate that Tile of Spain branded ceramics are on the cutting edge of design and technology,” said Javier Soriano of ASCER.

With technological advances in its mechanical and aesthetic properties, ceramic tile is positioning itself as a material of choice for architects and designers. The sustainable properties of tile make it a practical choice. Ceramic tile is easy to maintain, hygienic, and durable. It repels moisture, preventing masses of germs and bacteria, and low-porosity prohibits dirt from collecting as easily as on other surfaces.

In a recent trend, ceramic tiles are also being used for ventilated façade systems. An innovative new high-tech porcelain tile has performed well in these systems, reducing noise by 10-20% and energy costs by 25-35%. Rectification techniques, cutting tiles using water jet technology to create uniform sizes and smooth edges, have facilitated the process of applying tile to a ventilated façade, while the emergence of large-format tiles have increased versatility further, no longer limiting designers and architects to the standard 12” square size.

Designers are now using artisan techniques, variations in color, shading, texture, and rectification, to enhance the natural look of ceramic tiles. These advances have enabled designers to create tiles that mirror rare woods, marble, and granite, with distinct wood grains and natural veining throughout the body of tile. Tile designers are also incorporating the characteristics of textiles, creating ceramic resembling herringbone and leather. “Designers are embracing the versatility of ceramic, while enjoying the design options Tile of Spain manufacturers offer,” said Soriano.

For more about tile produced in Spain, contact the Tile of Spain Center at the Trade Commission of Spain, 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 1114, Coral Gables,
FL 33134.
Call 305-446-4387 or visit www.spaintiles.info