FOR CERAMIC TILES - spaintiles.info

EDITORIAL
03
NEW ROUTES FOR CERAMIC TILES
06
INTERVIEW: PATTI FASSAN
08
CERAMIC TILES MAKE A CONQUEST:
THE HOME
12
SHOWROOM
16
ALLIANZ ARENA: “THE BEST LOOKING
FOOTBALL PITCH IN THE WORLD BUYS
TILES FROM TAU CERÁMICA”
19
SPANISH CERAMIC TILES FOR NEW
LYCÉE LUIS BUÑUEL IN PARIS
21
COMPANY NEWS
23
ENQUIRY SERVICE
Ceramic tiles impose no limitations to the way creativity can be given shape. On these
pages we always try hard to show you some of the main, most recent collections and
decorative propositions from Spanish manufacturers and designers, along with advanced
ceramic tile-based construction solutions for architecture today.
Yet much still remains to discover in this fertile area in terms of new applications and
uses and also as regards aesthetic results. In our first report we take a look at the
innovative and experimental work that has been carried out at the heart of the
Department for Ceramic Studies and that has yielded surprising results just one year
after the department was set up.
Our second article highlights the importance of education in the field of ceramic tiles: their
advantages, uses, installation and more. Both sales professionals and specifiers (be they
designers, architects or others) are increasingly asking for more information and for
answers to their queries. This should come as no surprise. Ceramic tiles have historically
been little used in many countries. What is more, technological innovation is multiplying the
properties of ceramic tiles with great speed, making them suitable for new applications and
aesthetic effects that were unknown just a few short years ago. All of this requires
manufacturers and the industry as a whole to make more of an effort to inform and
educate. Through the Tile of Spain promotional programme ASCER is devoting significant
resources to support the development of greater understanding of ceramic tiles amongst
the trade. Patti Fasan, industry consultant for the US market and whom we talk to in this
issue, is a key part of this effort.
Lastly, we are highlighting two interesting architectural projects in this issue, in which
Spanish ceramic tiles play an important role: the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich (which is
emblematic in both the architectural and the footballing landscapes of today) and the new
Spanish School in Paris. Both projects demonstrate the enormous versatility of ceramic
tiles in such disparate construction solutions as facades and high specification coverings
for sporting and educational facilities. They also are both irrefutable proof of the extremely
high technical standards that characterise the Spanish ceramic tile industry, as do its
competence and the care it takes in delivering good service.
03 NEW ROUTES
08 HOME TRENDS
19 THE SPANISH LYCÉE IN PARIS
16 ALLIANZ ARENA MUNICH
ISSUE 14 · 2006
EDITED BY
ASCER
Spanish Ceramic Tile
Manufacturers’ Association
Camino Caminás s/n
12003 Castellón · Spain
Phone. +34 964 727 200
Fax +34 964 727 212
[email protected] · http://spaintiles.info
Ceraspaña is a free newsletter distributed by ASCER.
02CERASPAÑA
PUBLISHED BY
Iberamic Inc.
PRODUCTION
Creatius Plató
SPONSORED BY
ICEX
Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade
NEW ROUTES FOR CERAMIC TILES
The brainchild of ASCER, the Department of Ceramic Studies was set up in
October 2004 within the Advanced School of Architecture at the International
University of Catalonia as a forum where architects and ceramic tile
manufacturers can meet and work together. The major part of its work is
educational but the Department also produces publications, provides
consultancy to those manufacturers most keenly interested in working
with architects and can also partner those companies in
Research and Development projects. The Department’s
educational function includes a wide variety of
activities for architecture students: technical
workshops where manufacturers teach students
about the technical aspects of their products and
their potential, lectures by architects who are well-known for
the imaginative way in which they use ceramic tiles in their work, visits
to the tile industry’s spectacular factories and, naturally, exercise projects
that involve students designing new formats and applications or
experimenting with existing tile formats. The students’ work is assessed by
a jury formed of prominent architects at the end of the year.
The first projects, completed during the 2004-2005 academic year, fell into
four groups that we called “Cells”, “Folds”, “Hybrids” and “Pivot tiles”.
Extruded tile before the firing.
Finished tile.
CERASPAÑA03
CELLS
These are flat floor tiles with irregularly shaped edges, the idea being that
when they are laid their joints create patterns that are different to the
traditional grid. These tiles seek to entertain the eye as they are grouped
together to form units that are larger than usual and can be formed into
different shapes, like cells in a living organism. The interest lies in the way
they fit together. They make very attractive urban pavements as those
designed by Joan Sistach and Carles Flotats demonstrate.
WAVES
These are not straightforward flat tiles: they undulate. Exploiting the latest
folding techniques manufacturers are able to manipulate the topology of the
tiles, giving them an unexpected dimensional complexity. These tiles can
create surprising pieces of furniture and panels that can conceal different
functions, as the work of Javier Pequeño, Jesús Asensio, Mirem Etxezarreta
and Daniel Poch has shown.
04CERASPAÑA
PIVOT TILES
These tiles are constructed as a large faceted block around a pivotal axis.
They are used in pergolas and canopies and, in general, on facades whose
surface appears to vary relative to the observer’s viewpoint. Marc Medina
and Laura Carballés have used of this type of tile in their projects.
HYBRIDS
In this instance the tiles are set alongside or combined with other materials to create
new technical potential. Adding air or “porexpan” bubbles creates panels with
hollows and uneven textures that are ideal for use as screens or soundproofing, as
demonstrated by the work of Jonathan Arnabat and Natalia Manzanas. Alternating
them with sheets of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) creates laminated tiles similar to plywood
tiles or laminated safety glass, according to Jaume Colom.
These might seem to be difficult products but none is too difficult to be
produced industrially – it is perfectly posible to design totally new products
and inspire industrial manufacturers to produce them.
CERASPAÑA05
PATTI FASSAN:
“WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER,
YOU DO BETTER”
Patti Fasan, consultant to ASCER/Tile of Spain on their promotion
campaign in the United States, has a philosophy regarding the
training of ceramic tile professionals – sales people in particular –
that could be summarised as “When you know better, you do
better”. We talk to her to get to know more about her points of view
and her education work in North America.
How and when did you begin to work with Tile of Spain?
I have been working for the tile industry since 1985. Seven years earlier I
decided to give up my job as sales director with a distributor and wholesaler
and set up my own consultancy and training company. I could see that there
was a need for education and information regarding ceramic tiles and that
lack of knowledge was restricting the potential for the product to grow the
market in the US. The Spanish commercial office in Miami and Tile of
Spain’s PR agency in the US sponsored my first presentation at the NeoCon
exhibition in New York in 1999. Over the following years my work with Tile
of Spain consisted of giving two or three seminars each year. The industry
pursued its initiative and strengthened its educational programmes, offering
seminars to all sectors of the market. As the response grew, so Spain
improved and devoted increasing resources to satisfy the growing demand
for information. For the last two years it has been a real challenge to
organise and fulfil all the requests for training. I personally find it very
gratifying to see how enthusiastic delegates are after the seminars. The
simple truth is: “ When you know better, you do better”.
What is your role within Tile of Spain’s promotion campaign in the
US?
The sole aim of what I do is to help consumers, design professionals and
ceramic tile sales staff get to know and understand what is new in ceramic
tiles in terms of style and technology as well as their advantages and
applications. I try to translate the technical jargon of international standards,
manufacturing processes, environmental advances, new installation
methods and design trends into a language that is easy for them to
understand. In my seminars I use powerpoint presentations that are rich
visually and I try to express my personal passion for ceramic tile products.
I also work very closely with the trade press and journalists to answer the
growing number of enquiries they make about emerging technology.
Together we review the novelties on show at Cevisama and talk about the
industry’s work in R & D and its commitments with regard to the future.
06CERASPAÑA
What is your view of how the industry has developed during the
years you have worked with it?
I have been lucky in that I have been closely involved with Spain’s training
activities and have watched them grow and flourish. It is quite clear that
the Spanish ceramic tile industry is committed to respond to the needs of
the North American market. The number of requests for training and
education is rising daily. The rate of consumption of ceramic tiles in the US
has almost doubled in the last seven years and a large part of this growth
can be attributed to greater knowledge and understanding of the product.
The industry has reinvented itself over the last 20 years and now it is more
important than ever to keep the public abreast of the huge improvements
that have been made to the products. Spain has also worked very hard to
improve its market share in the US by introducing innovative glazing
technology and giant formats for floor and wall tiles. It has also set up
warehouses and distribution centres in the US and improved its internet
presence. As I said, the training programme has gone from comprising just
a few presentations a year to 53 lectures given by Tile of Spain in the first
six months of 2005 alone. As well as the programmes devised specifically
for Surfaces and Coverings, Spain has sponsored presentations to the AIA
(American Institute of Architects), NTCA (National Tile Contractors
Association) CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributors Association) and NAFCD
(National Association of Floor Covering Distributors) amongst others as well
as to some of the leading distributors and retailers. We have also worked
with the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) to promote the educational
forum at Coverings. The trend in North America is moving towards high
quality products that combine technology with cutting edge design and
originality. I would point out that to sell top end products you need to have
staff who have been very well trained. This process should start with the
tile companies’ representatives and be applied to every link in the
distribution chain right down to the retailer who has daily contact wth the
end user. This is the key to creating a sense of trust amongst users of
ceramic tiles.
What is the perception of Spanish ceramic tiles in the US?
Spanish floor and wall tiles have an excellent reputation amongst
distributors and retailers. They have understood that they are of fine quality
both technically and aesthetically. Industrial buyers are very happy to work
with Spanish manufacturers and look forward to the hospitality and service
they receive every time they visit Cevisama. On the other hand, the end
consumer is not so aware of the reputation and quality of Spanish tiles nor
of the range of products available. Many consumers still have no idea that
Spain is a global leader in ceramic tile manufacturing, research and
innovation. The good news is that once consumers buy Spanish tiles they
quickly recognise their value and design and become loyal defenders of the
cause. Convincing a customer is always a slow process but the combined
promotional efforts the Spanish industry is making in this marketplace are
beginning to bear fruit.
When Patti Fasan talks about ceramic tiles, how to maximise sales,
working as a team and emerging technology and trends in ceramic
tiles, she is talking from experience. With more than 20 years’
experience in technical research, projects, management and the
passion she puts into her presentations she is a convincing speaker.
Her practical approach and business experience combined with her
CTC certificate from the Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA)
have made Patti an expert in business excellence, the distribution of
ceramic tiles, sales and showroom design. She has published a
number of articles and been a guest lecturer in the United Kingdom,
the USA and Canada. She has given seminars as part of the
Coverings, Surfaces, Design and Y.C. NeoCon NY programmes and at
the WFCA & A/A conventions
How important is training in the context of promoting tiles in the
US?
Part of the potential of ceramic tiles lies in their durability, provided that the
type selected is the correct one for the use in question and that they are
installed correctly. The high initial cost of the material and the cost of
installation are amortised and minimised by the product’s long lifespan.
Where the wrong kind of product is selected for a specific use or the
method of installation is inappropriate, damage and failures will ensue that
will be expensive to put right.
Obviously, every salesman or person
responsible for choosing ceramic tiles wants their customers to achieve
spectacular results and perfect surfaces with this material. With the variety
of products available on the market today it is impossible to achieve a
perfect service record unless you have an intimate knowledge of the
product. Even so, every day we see young, inexperienced sales people
trying to guide our customers. This is a high-risk practice as we know that
bad news travels twice as fast as good news. Successful installations of
high quality ceramic tiles are the best advertisement for the manufacturer,
so their prime objective should be to educate and train their sales teams.
We have trained hundreds of people in the trade in North America and they
have gone on to train new colleagues in the field. Tile of Spain’s education
programme has a marvellous reputation for providing generic, impartial
information that promotes the correct use of ceramic tiles and the
expansion of their market share. We have people who are already waiting
for the new programmes and we see a lot of faces we know. This on its
own tells me that we are providing an important service with added value.
What subjects do you cover in your lectures?
The seminars are individually tailored to each segment of the market, in
line with their different targets. We deal with a number of relevant subject
matters including the history of ceramic tiles, the manufacturing process,
types of tile, selection according to usage, types of porcelain stoneware,
showroom design, trends and environmental features and benefits.
CERASPAÑA07
CERAMIC TILES MAKE A CONQUEST: THE HOME
Polished porcelain tiles, a perfect finish for contemporary home designs (Peñarroya).
A GROWING NUMBER OF CONSUMERS ARE OPTING TO HAVE CERAMIC
TILES IN THEIR LIVING ROOMS AND DINING ROOMS AS WELL. A NUMBER
OF REASONS ARE DRIVING THIS CHOICE
It is no secret that ceramic tiles are a favourite covering material for bathrooms and kitchens. Their technical
properties in terms of damp resistance and ease of cleaning are particularly valued in these rooms. The
strength and durability of ceramic tiles also make them ideal flooring for entrances and areas where people
are constantly going to and fro.
Elegance at home - one of the newest proposals
by Navarti.
08CERASPAÑA
We are however seeing ceramic tiles more and more frequently in other areas of the home such as the living
room, dining room, drawing room and even the bedroom. This should come as no surprise given the
inexhaustible decorative potential they now offer in addition to their practical advantages.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles also offer warm and natural
surfaces (Keraben).
A contrast of dark and light tiles for a modern style living room
(Peronda).
The vast range of finishes, designs and formats offered by Spanish manufacturers’ current collections demonstrates
that there are no limits to the way individual taste can be expressed when it comes to designing a specific space.
In recent years, particularly, Spanish creators of ceramic tiles have produced surprising new designs that not only
simulate wood, textiles and even leather for example visually, but also feel like these materials. They have thus
been creating textures that were heretofore inconceivable and are the exclusive outcome of the perfect union that
exists in Spain between technology and creativity.
Nowadays there are ceramic tile concepts designed to offer an integral home solution: unlimited options for
combining colours and surfaces and different formats with borders and trim pieces either in the same shades or
designed to provide a contrast. All of which enables the designer or user to realise their decorative proposition with
a totally free hand.
Marazzi Iberia's tiles play a big role in this open space.
Vives Cerámica touches perfection with this wood-inspired collection.
CERASPAÑA09
Wall tiles succesfully contribute to high-end interior designs (Flama-2).
Comfort is the key in this design with Gres de Aragon's floor tiles.
The sensations of natural stone are perfectly reproduced in this space
by Porcelanosa.
Contrary to marble and natural stone today’s ceramic tiles are especially
durable and low maintenance. They also offer the opportunity to create totally
original and exclusive designs thanks to current glazing technology (rotocolour
technology for instance), which enables highly individual tiles to be made.
Terracotta tiles are ideal for use in natural or rustic style settings. An ideal
solution for dining areas where the intention is to create a warm
atmosphere is, for example, to combine them with shades of green or light
blue. Or, use different finishes and sizes to create an interesting tapestrylike effect.
Alternatively, for those who prefer a more urban style with clean lines, the
most recent trends in ceramic tiles are particularly appealing. Whether
large or small formats, plain coloured wall and floor tiles in soft shades are
the ideal covering for Loft and “Atelier” type projects.
ELEGANCE IN LARGE FORMATS
“Giant” formats are definitely trendy. Spain offers a particularly wide range
of products in this area and they are becoming increasingly sought after by
designers and architects looking for tiles in sizes above 30x30cm, which
are ever more in demand. The industry offers formats up to 1m long,
especially in porcelain stoneware, which means the decorative potential is
unlimited in this particular aspect. Rectified tiles can create continuous,
joint-free surfaces, maximising the visual effect of large formats and, with
the creative barrier that joints between tiles represented in certain projects
now overcome, making the tile the hero of the covered space. It should
nonetheless be remembered that installing large-format tiles, especially
rectified tiles, is not a do-it-yourself job. Whilst it is always advisable to
have tiles installed by an expert, it is essential with rectified tiles if the best
result is to be achieved.
10CERASPAÑA
MORE COMFORTABLE, HEALTHIER HOMES
The magnificent thermal accumulation properties of ceramic tiles make
them particularly recommended for use with radiant heating systems another of the “rational” reasons for choosing ceramic tiles.
Clearly the majority of designers and property owners choose ceramic tiles
for their decorative potential. Whatever the type and size of the ceramic
covering required, Spanish manufacturers can provide it. We should
remember too that ceramic tiles make a home healthier and more
comfortable: compared with other floor coverings ceramic is totally hostile
territory to dust, house dust mites and other undesirable occupants, it is
easy to clean (at minimal cost and environmental impact). This is great
news for everyone, but especially for those with allergies.
There is currently no other material so highly valued by experts as ceramic tiles,
which in Europe are manufactured to the very highest environmental standards.
It is hardly surprising therefore that more and more people are choosing
ceramic tiles.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the best option due both to their technical and
aesthetic properties. In the photo: a good example by Spanish manufacturer Italgres.
CERASPAÑA11
SHOWROOM
NEW TRENDS
ALFA PORCELÁNICO ELEGANCE SERIES
PORCELÁNICOS HDC
The Elegance series is part of Alfa Porcelánico’s Murano collection. It consists
of a 50x50cm glazed, high lustre porcelain stoneware floor tile available in a
range of soft shades that project elegance and serenity: Noce, Dorato, Classic
and Osso. The series is complemented by 33x33cm, 16.4x16.4cm and
7x16.4cm trim pieces and 3x3cm mosaics.
www.alfaceramica.com · [email protected]
The large-format Tecnos floor tile series is one of Porcelánicos HDC’s latest
ventures. The 45x45cm Tecnos are technical porcelain tiles whose
specifications and applications make them an ideal floor covering for public
spaces and high traffic areas. The series is available in a full range of greys
and neutral colours: Grafito (Graphite), Beige, Bone, Cemento (Cement) and
Gris (Grey). Tecnos includes trim pieces such as mesh-mounted borders that
can be used to personalise the space in question.
www.porcelanicoshdc.es · [email protected]
BALLESTER PORCAR
DIMARMI SERIES
The Dimarmi series by Ballester Porcar is championing the elimination of the joint
lines that are traditionally an intrinsic feature of wall tiles. The tiles in this series
are made in a single 25x25cm format, look like marble mosaic and have curved,
indented edges. Maglia comes in natural colours including Beige, Noce (Walnut),
Rosso (Red) and Verde (Green). Ballester Porcar also offer a wide range of
decorative trim pieces to complement the Dimarmi series.
www.ballesterporcar.com · [email protected]
12CERASPAÑA
TECNOS SERIES
SHOWROOM
CERÁMICAS APARICI
STRIPES SERIES
The inspiration for this collection was the
colours that bring hope to everday situations.
The series comprises five lively colours:
Pistachio, a bright green that radiates hope;
Maíz (Corn), which is half way between yellow
and orange and brings to mind tropical fruits;
Rojo (Red); Blanco (White), which is essential in
this environment, and an elegant Negro (Black).
The entire range is being produced in a daring
20x60cm format and finished with a sheen that
enhances the tile’s expressive quality. The
Stripes series is ideal for the kitchens and
bathrooms of those who enjoy a spalsh of
colour in the mornings.
www.aparici.com · [email protected]
CERÁMICAS CALAF
CADÍ SERIES
The tiles in Cerámicas Calaf’s Cadí series are
made from a vitrified stoneware material that
looks like terracotta yet has retained all of its
own special characteristics: the natural colour,
texture and appearance that afford the warmth
and features of traditional ceramic tiles. Being
made of extruded stoneware these tiles offer
remarkable technical specifications and stain
resistance, especially to sea water and
chlorinated swimming pool water. The Cadí
series is thus ideal for exterior use such as for
creating terraces and swimming pool
surrounds. The collection includes trim pieces
such as guttering, steps and skirting.
www.ceramicascalaf.com
[email protected]
STN CERÁMICA GARDEN SERIES
One of the most noticeable of recent trenda has been the return of colour in decoration. STN Cerámica has reacted
to this by launching the Garden series, which consists of pastel coloured tiles suitable for all types of interior
application. Garden is being made in 25x40cm and 33.3x33.3cm formats and in Blanco (White), Limón (Lemon),
Teja (Brick), Azul (Blue) and Verde (Green). Other news is that STN has extended its porcelain production facility
by adding two new kilns that fire 18,000m2 of tiles per day. www.stylnul.es · [email protected]
CERASPAÑA13
SHOWROOM
DUAL GRES ZADORA SERIES
UNDEFA IMPERIAL SERIES
The most outstanding of Dual Gres’ latest products is the Zadora series, which
The Imperial series by Undefa was inspired by the beautiful travertine marbles
and is of outstanding elegance and simplicity. Available in two formats,
31.6x45cm and 31.6x31.6cm, and in two colours, Beige and Marrón (Brown),
the Imperial series is eminently suitable for dressing any room in the most
demanding of homes. www.undefa.com · [email protected]
is manufactured in a number of different formats ranging from 45x45cm,
22.5x45cm and 22.5x22.5cm to 30x30cm mosaic tiles and 2x2cm tacos.
Zadora is available in two colours – Almond and Bone – and is complemented
by 2x45cm border trims. www.dualgres.com · [email protected]
SIERRAGRES
PRESTIGIO SERIES
Sierragres is introducing its Prestigio series,
which is available in two cool, Mediterranean
colours, Blanco Azahar (Orange-flower white)
and Azul Mediterráneo (Mediterranean blue).
The feature that most distinguishes these tiles
from any other collection is their size, which can
be used to create surprising, daring spaces in
both rustic and cutting edge styles. Based in
Córdoba, Sierragres is a specialist manufacturer
of extruded stoneware Spaltplatten type tiles (in
the Spaltplatten system the tiles are fired for 24
hours, which ensures that they are fired all the
way through). This material offers excellent
technical specifications and its high mechanical
and frost resistance ratings make it suitable for
exterior applications.
www.sierragres.com
[email protected]
14CERASPAÑA
SHOWROOM
HISPANO AZUL
TEXTILE SERIES
Hispano Azul is launching a new collection of
floor and wall tiles with a minimalist, modern
design. The Textile series comprises 33x45cm
wall tiles and 33.3x33.3cm floor tiles in a broad
colour palette: Azul marino (Navy blue), Azul
celeste (Sky blue), Rosado (Pink), Burdeos
(Burgundy), Beige, Gris (Grey), Negro (Black),
Blanco (White), Verde (Green) and Marrón
(Brown). The texture of these tiles and the
colours in which they are available make them
an obvious choice for decorating urban and
avant garde spaces.
www.hispanoazul.com
[email protected]
CERÁMICA MAPISA SILEX SERIES
GRES CID SAN REMO SERIES
The Silex series that Mapisa has just brought out is available in two formats –
25x25cm and 25x50cm – and in Marrón (Brown), Beige and Marfil (Ivory). Part
of the Novecento collection, the series takes its inspiration from the attractive
effects of Silex and includes trim pieces such as borders and cut and meshmounted decorated trims. www.mapisa.com · [email protected]
Gres Cid’s latest proposition is the rustically inspired San Remo series. Made in
15.7x15.7cm and 6x31.6cm formats, the series comes in Bianco (White), Azzurro
(Sky-blue), Aqua Marina (Aquamarine), Verde (Green), Giallo (Yellow) and Arancia
(Orange). Coupled with this broad colour palette, the wide range of handdecorated trim pieces and the variety of formats make this one of the most
comprehensive series on the market, affording a wealth of installation options.
www.grescid.com · [email protected]
CERASPAÑA15
Photos: Josef Peintner.
ALLIANZ ARENA: “THE BEST LOOKING FOOTBALL PITCH IN
THE WORLD BUYS TILES FROM TAU CERÁMICA”
SOME 700 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WERE NEEDED
TO BUILD THIS STADIUM, WITH SOME TASKS INVOLVING
SHIFT WORK ROUND THE CLOCK. 23 CRANES WERE
USED TO ERECT THE STANDS, WHICH WERE MADE OF
2446 PREFABRICATED COMPONENTS. 160,000 TONNES OF CONCRETE AND 32,000 TONNES OF STEEL
WERE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS STADIUM.
A MAJOR FEATURE OF THE PROJECT WAS THE 2874
AIR CUSHIONS THAT WERE APPLIED TO THE FACADE
16CERASPAÑA
Designed by two exceptional Swiss architects, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de
Meuron, the impressive Allianz Arena was opened in May, having cost 340
million euros to build. The Herzog & de Meuron practice’s reputation is
founded on their ability to exceed the public’s conceptual expectations and
astound the observer through their expert treatment of materials and
facades. This ability shone through in the proposal they submitted when
they tendered: according to insurance company Allianz’s internal newsletter,
Franz Beckenbauer rated it the most original ever.
With its luminescent facade this stadium fascinates even those who are not
football fans. The Arena can reflect the drama being played out on the field by
producing countless colour changes and even by modulating the intensity of the
light, almost as if it were a living organism. Measuring 258 metres long, 227
the “Business” zone alone can accommodate 3000 conference delegates.
The “Arena a la Carte” restaurant is open 365 days a year and there is also
a brand exhibition area displaying products by Adidas, Audi, Telekom,
Allianz, Bayernz München and TSV 1860 München.
The combination of the 400-seat restaurant, the two members’ meeting
rooms that each seat 1000, the 2200-cover Business Club, the sponsors’
stands, VIP boxes, event enclosures, Davidoff box and Press Club (which
together can seat 7150), means that up to 12,000 visitors to the stadium
can be catered for at the same time. In addition to these facilities there are
28 refreshment kiosks on levels 2 and 6.
The tiles were laid in record time by specialist contractor KWD.
In a building with such a high footfall as Munich’s Allianz Arena the flooring
has to be extremely resilient. Following intense deliberation the
management opted to use ceramic floor tiles by renowned manufacturer
TAU Cerámica in those areas that would see the highest traffic and suffer
metres wide and 50 metres high this huge oval monument, the cost of which
was borne equally by Munich’s two football clubs - Bayern München and TSV
1860 München – can seat 66,000 spectators on the steepest benches in
Europe. The possible criticism of these stadia as offering empty sensationalism
is rebuffed by Herzog as a pointless reproach: “Effects, light, football stars,
dramatics… this is all part of the spectacle of football.” The architect and his
colleague create an appropriate set. “Architecture,” says Herzog, “should be an
intelligent, sensory medium. If it is anything else it is boring.”
FLOOR TILES BY TAU CERÁMICA
The Allianz Arena in Munich is not just a venue for football matches
however: it hosts more than 300 events of different kinds over the year and
The basic areas where 20x20cm Tau floor tiles were specified were the service areas and
kitchens on the different levels of the new Munich stadium. The strongest features of the
material used are its technical specifications, which offer the very higest levels of safety.
the greatest wear and tear, in the Service areas and in the kitchens. The
Spanish specialist porcelain stoneware manufacturer supplied all the floor
tiles, a total of 5500 square metres of 20x20cm tiles plus 3000 linear
metres of hollow-topped skirting. The specification stressed the safety
factor as well as technical and visual quality. The product is described as R
12 – R 10 and has been verified as being V 4.
5,500 square metres of wall tiles, 10,000 linear metres of flexible grouting
and 1500 linear metres of stainless steel guardrails were also supplied.
The surfaces designed to receive merchandise on Level 0 were tiled as were
the corridors, accesses, storage areas 1 and 2, the kitchen, press club,
lobbies in the catering area and the lifts that serve the different levels. On
Level 2, TAU tiles were used on the 16 refreshment kiosks and on Level 3
the “Made in Spain” product was used to great effect in the restaurants for
fans of Bayern München and TSV 1860 München, in the kitchens, corridors
and washrooms, in the family restaurant and in the communal kitchen, wet
areas and adjacent spaces.
Tile of Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Prestigious manufacturer TAU supplied 6,400
square metres of flooring for the stunning stadium.
Other areas where Tau tiles were used include the main kitchen and
attendant areas on Level 4, four kitchens and 35 private boxes on Level 5,
12 refreshment kiosks on Level 6 and the washroom area and police substation on Level 8.
CERASPAÑA17
Modern and functional: the private boxes at the Allianz Arena stadium.
The decision to use these floor tiles was driven not just by the desire to
create a harmonious effect but also by concerns such as hygiene and ease of
maintenance.
INTERVIEW
Bernd Rauch
Architect and Vicepresident of Bayern Munich FC
-Ceraspaña. Herr Rauch, what were the reasons for specifying ceramic
tiles for these surfaces in the stadium?
-Rauch. Basically we specified ceramic tiles for all the food areas in the
stadium because the covering used on these surfaces has to fulfil very
demanding technical specifications. Here, apart from needing high quality
ceramic, it was critical that the grouting used be acid resistant. With this
project the quality specifications were applied as much to the installation of
the tiles as to the material itself.
-Ceraspaña. Were you consulted as to what kind of material to select?
-Rauch. We were duly consulted at the stage the decision was taken as to
what material to use, because up until then we had not clearly defined the
quality specifications.
-Ceraspaña. How did the combination of German master tilers and
Spanish ceramic tiles come about?
-Rauch. We have been working in an international environment for years
and the very international nature of this unique project made it obvious that
we would have to find out about what was available beyond the borders of
Bavaria and Germany. I am in fact a committed supporter of German
products but in this instance we understood that a partnership between a
18CERASPAÑA
Spanish manufacturer, German building efficiency and German professional
tile installers would produce a result that would be utterly convincing, both
financially and qualitatively.
SPANISH CERAMIC TILES FOR NEW LYCÉE LUIS BUÑUEL
IN PARIS
The Lycée Luis Buñuel was established
by the Spanish Ministry of Education in
1962 in the 16th arrondissement, at the
heart of the French capital. In 1967 it
moved to Neuilly-sur-Seine in the Hauts
de Seine Department.
English language too, have a special
Lying close to the Business Centre of La
Défense and Porte Maillot, the Paris
Spanish Lycée was set up first and foremost to cater for the educational needs
decided to demolish the old building and
put up a new one, tailored to the requi-
of the children of Spanish immigrants in
the 1960’s. The Lycée’s role today is to
promote and develop awareness of
Spanish culture and language in France.
Whilst subjects are taught in Spanish,
the centre’s European focus means that
French language and culture, and the
place.
Having housed the Lycée for 34 years
the Neuilly-sur-Seine building’s metal
and plaster structure was starting to
show signs of wear, so in 2001 it was
rements of the different kinds of teaching being provided. Construction of
the new school began at the end of 2002
under the direction of architect Olga
CASADO and, when completed in March
2004, revealed an L-shaped building
with 13 classrooms, four on each floor.
The new facilities provided students with
a garden, patio, library, physics, che-
CERASPAÑA19
mistry, biology and geology laboratories, IT classrooms, a gymnasium, a
The Lycée Luis Buñuel reopened its doors at the beginning of the 2005-
guidance centre and a theatre workshop.
2006 academic year and offers three levels of teaching:
compulsory secondary schooling for students aged 12 to 16.
the baccalaureat and the University Entrance Examination for students
aged 16 to 18.
and the advanced international commerce curriculum.
The architect chose to use ceramic tiles on the ventilated facades, interior
and exterior floors, bathrooms, dining room and staircase. Known primarily
for their easy maintenance ceramic tiles are also a safe, light yet strong
material. What is more, new technology means that all sorts of designs can
be created through fine, delicate surfaces that are pleasant to touch and
remain unaltered by time. Because tiles absorb neither water nor acids dirt
does not stick to them, which means they are easy to maintain and do not
need to have any special treatments applied. This in particular is a great
advantage for public buildings where footfall is intense. Last but not least,
anti-slip finishes mean that rain, snow and ice present no danger.
Out of all the Spanish manufacturers of ceramic tiles the architect chose
porcelain stoneware products by Porcelanosa. Some 9500m2 of tiles were
installed, of which more than 1500m2 were used on the ventilated facade.
A separating structure ensures that the entire facade is always ventilated
and this construction device thus affords insulation whilst being waterproof
and stable long term. The technical features of porcelain stoneware make
it ideal for this kind of building. These include great dimensional precision,
high levels of homogeneity, no significant humidity-induced expansion and
low expansion coefficients. It is also easy to clean and offers excellent levels
of resistance to corrosion, acids, sunlight and frost.
20CERASPAÑA
The following worked on the project:
Architect: Dña. Olga CASADO
Construction of the Lycée: Constructora San José of Madrid
3,500 m2 for the interior
flooring.
2,500 m2 for the bathrooms.
1.500 m2 for the exterior
flooring.
1.500 m2 for the ventilated
facade
200 m2 for the dining room.
COMPANY NEWS
AZULEJOS SANCHIS OBTAINS AAI
Last June Azulejos Sanchis, which is based in Alcora, was awarded Autorización
Ambiental Integrada (Integrated Environmental Authorisation) by the Valencia
Government’s Department of Land and Housing. There are currently more than 20
Spanish ceramic tile manufacturers that have been awarded AAI ahead of the IPPC
(Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) regulations on application of best
available technology in the industry coming into force.
HALCÓN CERÁMICAS AWARDED PRIZE FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Ceramic tile manufacturer Halcón Cerámicas has been awarded a prize by
the Castellón Business Confederation (CEC) in recognition of how the
company has developed its business since it was founded in 1963. More
than 80 guests attended the award ceremony, which was presided over by
Francisco Camps, President of the Valencia Regional Government. Halcón
Cerámicas holds ISO 9001 certification and is a member of the Environment
Foundation, which works to promote business development in harmony with
protection of the environment.
CERÁMICAS DIAGO AND
THE ENVIRONMENT
Cerámicas Diago is taking part in an
innovative environmental project: the
“Evolutiva” (progressive) network. The project has the support of technology
institutions such as the ITC (Institute for Technology in Ceramic Tiles) and Alicer and
other SME’s in the industry’s value chain have also come on board. Evolutiva will
develop a number of lines of work that, in a series of successive projects, will focus
both on environmental issues and on safety, hygiene and qualitative and innovative
excellence. The aim is to achieve ongoing improvements and advances in
processes and products.
ROCA CERÁMICA GAINS USP WITH ECOLABEL
CERTIFICATION
The EEC has recognised Roca’s concern for ecology
and its commitment to the environment by awarding
the company the sought-after Ecolabel.
The
criteria for awarding the Ecolabel are very strict and
assess the product’s impact on the environment
right through its life cycle. The Ecolabel is the
European Community’s assurance to the consumer
that the product that bears the label has been
manufactured using environmentally friendly
ALCALAGRES BRINGS NEW
FACILITIES ON STREAM
Alcalagres has invested 18 million
processes and to the maximum criteria of sustainability. This distinction
euros in the new facilities it has
just brought on stream in
Camarma de Esteruelas (Madrid).
The major part of the investment
was in two new 4600Tm presses,
dry colouring lines and the largest
management accreditation. Roca Cerámica has been registered with the EMAS
tile polishing line in the world.
Taken together the new and the existing facilities mean that the company’s
production capability is now over three million square metres per year.
NEW MACHINERY FOR NAVARTI
Navarti recently installed a new press at its production plant in Onda, plus a
new dryer featuring the very latest technical advances. The move is part of
the company’s growth strategy that has raised its turnover by 30% in the last
five years. Navarti can now manufacture 16,000m2 of ceramic tile products
and exports to over 80 countries.
PLAZA CERÁMICAS OPENS NEW PLANT
Manufacturer Plaza Cerámicas, of Alcora, has opened a new porcelain
stoneware production plant that will produce large formats such as 45x90cm
and 60x50cm. Azulejos Plaza has an extensive network of offices throughout
Spain as well as offices in Peru and Romania.
complements Roca’s ISO 14001 certification, which relates to respect for the
environment in all production processes, and its AENOR environmental
Eco-Management and Audit Scheme that was created by the European
Parliament since 2002.
AZULEJOS MALLIOL EXTENDS PRODUCT RANGE
Azulejos Malliol added a new glazed porcelain collection to its portfolio in November.
The new range is being produced in both white paste and through-bodied coloured
versions and in 40x60cmand 20x60cm formats, making them very versatile and
ideally suited for facades. This latest offering clearly demonstrates the company’s
commitment to targeting the top end of the market. Azulejos Malliol is based in
Alcora and its annual output currently stands at 3,700,000m2.
GAYA FORES: LATEST INVESTMENTS
Gaya Fores has invested around 1.25 million euros to improve the
infrastructure of its warehouses and production plant. This latest investment
is enabling Gaya Fores to increase its overall production capacity, which
previously stood at 18,000m2/day.
CERÁMICAS AZAHAR/INCEA ENHANCES POTFOLIO
Cerámicas Azahar/Icea recently enhanced its product portfolio by adding new
red and white paste tile formats. The company now offers a 23.5x45cm format.
CERASPAÑA21
COMPANY NEWS
2ND ACADEMIC YEAR FOR DEPARTMENT OF CERAMIC STUDIES
The Department of Ceramic Studies at the International University of
Catalonia’s Advanced School of Architecture started its second academic
year last October. The department aims to be a forum for students to
exchange ideas, as well as providing these professionals of the future with
practical training to improve and extend their understanding of ceramic tiles
and their applications. One of the Department’s main aims therefore is to
create links with the tile industry.
Vicente Sarrablo, a specialist in structural ceramics, heads the Department
and the first year (2004-2005) produced excellent results. Through its
Advanced School of Architecture, the IUC is the first university to take up this
pioneering project. Sarrablo is also a member of IDAC (the Institute for
Ceramic Tile Design and Applications), a new initiative launched recently by
ASCER. The Institute has been formed by a group of prestigious architects
and interior designers and their aims and activity are centred on generating
technical awareness and understanding of the potential of ceramic tiles as a
highly versatile material.
“ceramic skin” wrapped around the container, the Spanish exhibit was one of
the most visited and talked about by the Japanese media. The exhibition of
containers showed the latest international design trends and propositions in
a most original, bold way.
ERRATA
In line with the National Ceramic Tile Promotion Plan, ASCER is working to
take initiatives like the Department for Ceramic Studies into the schools of
architecture in Valencia and Alicante. It is also working to identify areas for
collaboration with the future School of Construction Engineering in Castellón.
In the last issue of Ceraspaña we
mistakenly included alongside the
information on Inalco’s new “I Plus”
technology (p.21) a photograph that
was not related to this technology. The “I Plus” technology that Inalco
showed at CERSAIE 2005 enables the manufacturer to produce
ceramic tiles that are extremely realistic.
SPANISH CERAMIC TILES ARE STARS IN TOKYO (JAPAN)
The Tokyo Designers’ Week exhibition, which focuses on design and the built
environment, took place in the Nippon capital last November. The
programme of events organised by ICEX included a lecture titled “Ceramic
solutions in architecture: the Spanish experience” given by Vicenç Sarrablo
(architect and head of the Department of Ceramic Studies) and Javier
Soriano, ASCER’s head of International Promotion. Well-known architect
Alejandro Zaera gave a talk in which he related his experience with ceramic
tiles in the Spanish Pavilion at the Aichi Expo.
Ceramic tiles also played a leading role at the Container Exhibition. The
official Spanish container was clad with a ventilated façade system
comprised of ceramic tiles supplied by manufacturer TAU (the Corten series,
shown in the photograph). Thanks to the powerful visual impact of the
22CERASPAÑA
Examples of tiles made using I-Plus technology.
ENQUIRY SERVICE
Complete the form below and send to the following address or fax:
UK readers:
USA readers:
Other countries:
TILE OF SPAIN
SPANISH COMMERCIAL OFFICE
66, Chiltern St. 2nd & 3rd Floor
London W1M 2L2
[email protected]
Tel. (020) 7467 2330
Fax: (020) 7487 5586
TILE OF SPAIN
TRADE COMMISSION OF SPAIN
2665 Le Jeune Road, Suite 1114
Coral Gables, FL 33134
[email protected]
Tel. (305) 446 4387
Fax: (305) 446 2602
ASCER
Camino Caminas, s/ n
Castelló, 12003 Spain
[email protected]
Tel. +34 964 727200
Fax: +34 964 727212
A) I would like to receive more information on the following companies featured in Ceraspaña:
Alcalagres
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Hispano Azul
Inalco
Italgres
Keraben
Marazzi
Navarti
Peñarroya
Peronda
Porcelánicos HDC
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CERASPAÑA23