The Hard Surfaces & Natural Stone Show is fast approaching. For the next few days we will take a sneak peek at some of the offerings in store.
From 30th April to 2nd May 2019, buyers visiting ExCel, London, will be presented with a powerful line up of ceramic, porcelain, conglomerate, ultra compact, and natural stone surface solutions, making this a must-visit event for retailers, distributors, contractors, and specifiers alike. Barriers between natural stone and ceramics in the tile sector have long since broken down. And, with the advent of larger format porcelains, sintered ultra-compact surfaces and new diamond tooling to work them, the barrier has also broken down in the worktop, and furniture sectors. This combined event reflects the realities of the marketplace, and alongside an impressive array of exhibitors, offers visitors an expertly-curated set of value-adding seminars and talks on many different aspects of the solid surface market.
In celebration of these worlds combining officially at these shows, and in light of the growing trend for large format tiles, the three collections explored below are examples of some of best from the industries.
A Tile Addict favourite – Neolith – has announced four new colours for their 2019 catalogue and has also increased the patterns available in 3mm and 20mm thicknesses. The new colours were decided based on feedback provided during a series of events Neolith held in tandem with Europe’s design trade shows. Here individuals were asked to choose from eight prototypes and the four favourites were selected for the collection. The new colours are named based on their inspirations – New York, Mar Del Plata, Mont Blanc and Sofia Cuprum.
Thanks to the rising style for industrial and urban chic New York offers a highly realistic concrete look surface which incorporates particles of varied finishes. The effect is designed with the city in mind, incorporating energy and diversity for a pleasing visual result. Mar Del Plata is almost wood-like in its vein variation combining white and light grey created with a technique designed to add texture. The addition of shine particles imitate the quartz veins of granite.
With Mont Blanc, inward relief adds depth to the subtle grey and ochre veins. This gives a pleasing feel to the popular stone pattern. Sofia Cuprum is the final new addition and represents the evolution of Neolith’s Steel Collection. The concept is based on that of Jean Nouvel and his design for the Museo Reina Sofia, from which the range takes its name. For a surface with different hues, finishes and textures the slabs draw on a variety of surfaces, especially metallic surfaces. Using a new production process, these slabs provide the same high-quality Neolith is known for, but now in a more eco-friendly way.
From the innovative designers at Fondovalle comes the MyTop collection which is also evolving to become an ever-adaptable surface, now offered in a 20mm version.
Enabling all the design possibilities of porcelain stoneware, with pieces featuring unrectified edges and a mesh backing, MyTop can be used for worktops, sinks, baths, tables, furniture, and more. There are a range of textures offered from marble to metal making the range extremely versatile; enabling custom design. With 20Pure Fondovalle have embraced stone, offering new stone-effects with thick veining throughout for a consistent carved look. These pieces are created using dry paste components and powder pigments rather than digital printing.
Two new collections from Ceramiche Keope – Chorus, previously covered here, and Eclectic – both express natural stone in their own ways. Chorus looks to limestone for its inspiration, achieving a subtle and unconventional look with variation achieved from dots, veins and streaks.
Eclectic references marble for a contemporary and elegant design. Natural patterns are imitated and reproduced in a range of neutral colours: two whites (Mystic white and Oniric white), Persian grey, and – for something darker – Pinstripe Dark. The range is available in a range of sizes from 1,200 by 2,780mm to 300 by 600mm. The two darker colours are available in a soft Silk finish. Ceramiche Keope’s Next décor (300 by 600mm) and Bacchetta Gold and Mosaico (300 by 300mm) complete the look.
Details for Hard Surfaces and Natural Stone Show 2019:
ExCel, London
April 30 – May 2 2019
There will be a few dedicated areas in the show, including a display showcasing the winners from this years TTA Awards, and a feature area for leading mosaic artists such as Gary Drostle, Ivan Djidjev, Julie Fallon, and Laura Symes.
The associated CPD programme has over 50 seminars, with Wednesday’s sessions chaired by Tile Addict’s own Joe Simpson.
Seminars:
Tuesday, 30th April: Architects’ and Designers Day
Wednesday, 1st May: Industry Day
Thursday, 2nd May: Conservation Day
*Exhibit hall is open from 10:00-17:00 each day.
Click here to register today
Neolith
Fondovalle
Ceramiche Keope
