A collaboration between architect Daniel Libeskind and Casalgrande Padana brings forward a celebration of fractal mathematics. Fractals are difficult to define concisely, but for the fractals in this case it can be said that there are structures within structures that allow for both the whole and parts of it to be seen as complete.

With FRACTILE this effect is provided by the shapes, material, and glazing used to produce the porcelain stoneware tiles. A 3D relief offers the initial step towards an enigmatic design whilst the selected metalescent surface finish highlight the movement offered by the geometic shapes.

The tiles are created using a specific mix of clay, quartz, and feldspars and glazing and firing processes at 1,250ºC, creating a colour-changing effect. As well as being highly visual, the manufacturing processes ensure a high quality finished product that is both resistant and durable.

Throughout the last few years these tiles have been used to great effect, such as to clad the incredible artistic landmark near Casalgrande’s production plant in Reggio Emilia. The architect and tile manufacturers also collaborated to create a fantastic serpentine sculpture for the Vanke Pavilion at Expo 2015. Daniel Libeskind has also used the Fractile tiles with Bios Self Cleaning technology for the ventialited façade of multistory building Sapphire.

Studio Libeskind
Casalgrande Padana

A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, July 2020.