IN THIS ISSUE - Ceramic Tiles of Italy

Spring 2002
WWW.ITALTRADE.COM
PUBLISHED BY THE
WWW.ITALYTILE.COM
ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION - CERAMIC TILE DEPARTMENT IN COOPERATION WITH ASSOPIASTRELLE
IN THIS ISSUE:
•
•
•
•
•
Preview COVERINGS 2002
Preview AIA 2002
Reflections on CERSAIE 2001
Life in I Style
Factory News
ALL-NEW
ITALIAN TILE EXHIBIT
AT COVERINGS 2002
By Christine Abbate
KER-AV
ATLAS CONCORDE
The Italian ceramic tile industry is
planning a brand new exhibit for the up
coming edition of Coverings, which returns
to the Orange County Convention Center in
Orlando, FL from May 6-9, 2002.
Assopiastrelle, the Association of Italian
Ceramic Tile and Refractory Manufacturers,
in cooperation with the Italian Trade
Commission, has commissioned awardwinning exhibit designer Mitchell Mauk to
create a visionary new exhibit that will be
the center of the giant Italian Pavilion. The
2002 Italian Pavilion will pull together an
impressive group of manufacturers that
number over 100 and take up close to
100,000 square feet of the exhibition hall.
The central Ceramic Tiles of Italy exhibit
(Booth # 3562), with its eye-catching,
reflective crystaline walls, will serve as a
restaurant and information center for visitors
to the Pavilion. A premiere Italian chef will
serve authentic Italian breakfast and lunch to
the Italian tile manufacturers and their
guests.
Visitors will be able to view
innovative tiles in visually appealing
spintube displays. Trained staff from Modena
and New York will distribute the latest free
publications including: Cer International, the
new Buyer’s Guide to Italian Tile, the
Spring/Summer 2002 Products Preview CD
Rom, “How & Why”, the four Guides to
Ceramic Tile, the Ceramic Tile Dictionary,
and TileNews.
Visitors to the Italian Pavilion will have a
second convenient meeting spot in the
Italian newsstand/café (Booth # 3716) where
they can catch up on global news while
enjoying a cappuccino or gelato. Visitors to
both stands will get a chance to learn more
about
the
new
Italian
website
www.italiatiles.com, as well as the updated
Italian
Trade
Commission
site
www.italytile.com.
The Italian presence will definitely be felt
throughout the Coverings Show Hall. All
three Internet Cafés, the Orlando Express
Tram, the Four Continents Lounge will
exhibit the Ceramic Tiles of Italy logo. The
Italians will also sponsor two of the show’s
speakers, Mario Buatta the well-known
interior designer, and Stephen Lundin, the
author of FISH!
COTTO VENETO - Decoli Sotto Ventro
FARO - Blend Antiche Civiltà
COVERINGS 2002 May 6 – 9, 2002
Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, FL
3562
3235
3500
3780
3862
4368
2800
3742
3500
3310
3236
3172
3336
3162
3836
3622
4010
3430
3580
3110
3322
2912
3635
3716
3480
3316
3000
3248
4368
3300
3516
2848
3421
4036
3880
4050
M14
3830
4148
3900
2980
3310
4124
3510
3510
4016
3872
3648
3436
“Ceramic Tiles of Italy”
ASSOPIASTRELLE
3B Srl
ABK - Campeginese
ACIF division Emilceramica
Alfa Ceramiche/Riwal Group
American Florim
American Marazzi
Antiche Fornaci d’Agostino
Ariana
Arkadia
L’Artistica Ceramica Modenese
Ascot Ceramiche
Aster Made Italy
Atlas Concorde
Aurelia
Bisazza
La Bottega del Ceramista
C.I.R. Ceramica
Casetti*
CCV Castelvetro
Cedir Ceramiche di Romagna
Cemar International
Ceramgres
Ceramic Tiles of Italy Cafè
Ceramografia Artigiana/Intesa
Cercom
Cerdisa
Cerdomus
Cerim/Florim Group
Cisa
Colli di Sassuolo/Silver
Cotto D’Este
Cotto Emiliano – Co.Em
Cotto Veneto
Dado
Del Conca
Della Robbia
Di Mantova
Di Siena
Dom Ceramiche
Duomo Marmi*
Eco Ceramica
Eco Design
Edilcuoghi
Edilgres-Sirio
Edimax
Elios
Emilceramica
Epoca
3836
3130
3080
4072
3342
3448
3421
2848
3700
4368
3642
3742
4148
2824
3316
3316
M27
4080
3422
Ermes Ceramiche
Falcinelli
FAP Ceramiche
Faro
Fila Industria Chimica*
Fincibec-Monocibec
Fioranese
Fiordo Industrie Ceramiche
Flaviker – Sir Tiles
Floor Gres/Florim Group
Fondovalle
Francesco De Maio
Gambarelli
Gamma Due
Gazzini
Gemini**
Gold Art
Grazia
I.C.R. Ind. Ceramiche Riunite
– Appiani
M32
Idea Ceramica
3330
Il Palagio
3804
Il Pavone
3500
Imoker Industrie Montecchi
3800
Imola
3322
Imolagres
3046
Impronta/Italgraniti
4210
Indus
3072
Intercolor
3480
Intesa/Ceramografia Artigiana
3122
Isla Tiles
3046
Italgraniti/Impronta
5177/5179/5181
Italian Trade Commission
Marble
4174
Kathy’s Line
4080
Ker-Ex
3335
Kronos 2
4000
La Fabbrica
3710
La Faenza-Marmo Comprex
3236
L’Artistica Ceramica
Modenese
2840
Lea
2862
Leonardo 1502
3868
Lux/Riwal Group
3380
Magica
3730
Majorca Group
3442
Manifattura Emiliana
4162
Mapei*
4042
Marca Corona
3735
I Marmi Le Pietre
M46
3012
M35
4118
3448
3139
4138
3242
3722
2848
3062
3700
3842
3822
2874
3022
M45
4022
4362
3848
4062
3040
3736
3816
3180
3329
3032
4130
3316
4148
4030
3430
3810
2832
3100
3088
3516
3700
4148
M12
3116
3462
3436
4138
3630
3810
3140
3116
3742
Masterker
Mirage
Monica
Monoceram
Monocibec - Fincibec
My Way
Nordica
Novabell
Omega
Panaria
Pastorelli
Piastrelle Sassolesi PI.SA
Piemmegres
Polis
Prime/Minestrello
Provenza
Ragno
Refin
Rex/Florim Group
Ricchetti
Rondine
S.I.R.E.
Sadon Ceramiche
Saicis
Saime-Riwal Group
Sannini Impruneta
Sant’Agostino
Sassolnova & Sassolart
Savoia Italia
Selene
Senio
Serenissima
Settecento
Sichenia
Sicis
Sidarte
Silver/Colli di Sassuolo
Sir Tiles/Flaviker
Solemio
Supergres
T.R.V.
Tagina
Tempra Ceramiche
Tradespeople**
Uda
Unitex**
Valpanaro Candia
Valverde
Vietri Export Soc. Cons.
GARDENIA ORCHIDEA “Versace”
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Italian Gala
The Italian ceramic tile industry will present the prestigious North American
Distributor Award at a Serata di Gala, which will take place on May 7th at the
Hard Rock Live. This is the moment each year when Italian tile producers and
their clients get together to celebrate and unwind. It is also the moment when
the Italian ceramic tile industry recognizes the hard work and dedication of
their extensive network of agents and representatives. Last year, after calling all
local representatives up on stage for a moment of recognition, Assopiastrelle
President Sergio Sassi presented the coveted North American Distributor award
to MASTER TILE of Houston, TX.
International Press Conference
For qualified visitors and members of the media, the Italians will host an
International Press Conference, which will take place on Wednesday, May 8th
at 11:00 am in Room 202A. Sergio Sassi, President of Assopiastrelle and
Roberto Luongo, the Italian Trade Commissioner will update the press on
market trends and promotional programs. Also on the agenda will be the
presentation of the Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition Awards. The
winning architectural/design firms will each receive a check for $10,000. After
the presentation, speakers will be available for questions.
Seminar
Donato Grosser, Consultant for Assopiastrelle, will lead a seminar at the
Vision 2002 Conference. Mr. Grosser will present “Channels of Distribution in
the US Tile Market: An Update” on May 9th from 10:45 _ 11:35 in Room 308B.
Mr. Grosser, president of D. Grosser and Associates, is a marketing consultant
and an expert on distribution channels.
Italian Tile and Mitchell Mauk - A Winning Combination
Mauk Design, based in San Francisco, CA has just won three prestigious
awards for exhibits designed for the Italian Ceramic Tile industry.
Exhibitor Magazine presented the gold medal to Mauk Design in their 16th
Annual Design Competition for the best island booth larger than 150 square
feet for the Ceramic Tiles of Italy exhibit at the AIA Convention in Denver, CO
in 2001. In addition, Mauk’s design for the giant Centro Servizio at the 2001
Edition of Cersaie received a special merit award. This was especially
significant as it was the first time that an American designer had been
commissioned to create an exhibit for the Bologna Fairgrounds.
These two awards were followed by a Merit Award given at the 2002
Society of Environmental Graphic Design Award Ceremony, again for the AIA
Exhibit. The Merit Award is the Society’s second highest honor. The Italian
ceramic tile industry plans to use this award-winning booth again at the 2002
AIA Convention that will take place in Charlotte, NC May 9-11, 2002.
The Mauk Design team is again hard at work designing another exhibit for
the Italian Ceramic Tile Industry. At Coverings 2002 in Orlando, visitors to the
Italian pavilion will be able to experience Mitchell Mauk’s design vision firsthand, while enjoying a taste of Italy in the new Ceramic Tiles of Italy exhibit.
For the Italians, Coverings is the most important moment for tile
manufacturers to meet with their clients on American soil. With this in mind,
Mauk Design conceived of a space that would capture the honor and
excitement of a wedding day. Curved plastic double-walls, fashioned in an
innovative Italian material, Thermonda Plastic Sheeting (manufactured by Polyu
International), will reflect light and create a jewel-like effect to draw visitor
attention. The corrugated walls will also serve to create a separate environment
_ almost a refuge from the bustle of the busy trade show floor _ where tile
producers and their guests can get down to business or simply catch up over a
bowl of pasta. Continuing in the Wedding Dress theme, the floor of the 40 x 50
ft stand will be created in different tones and textures of white. A selection of
the most innovative new tiles from different manufacturers will be displayed in
plexiglass spintubes. At the entrance of the exhibit area a reception desk will
welcome guests with a display of up-to-date industry publications.
Mitchell Mauk is the principal of his design studio, which has created
award-winning exhibits for clients as diverse as Play Station and Levis. The
Italian ceramic tile industry is pleased to have had the opportunity to
collaborate with such an outstanding American designer.
Christine Abbate, of Novità Communications, is the
PR representative of Assopiastrelle in the United
States. She is a regular contributor to TileNews.
LA TAVOLOZZA - VIETRESE
GRAZIA
CERDISA
MITCHELL MAUK DESIGNED
ITALIAN STAND AT THE
AIA CONVENTION
MAUK DESIGN - AIA booth
For the fourth consecutive year, the Italian ceramic tile industry will be
present at the AIA Expo & Convention. The ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION
in cooperation with ASSOPIASTRELLE, the Association of Ceramic Tile and
Refractory Manufacturers, will once again use the amazing booth designed
last year by the award winning design team of MAUK DESIGN at the
exhibition that runs at the Charlotte Convention Center from May 9 - 11, 2002
in Charlotte, NC. The Mitchell Mauk Design team specializes in the creation
of memorable and versatile tradeshow exhibits, and has worked for industry
powerhouses like Play Station, Cisco, and Levis.
The space (#2549) will serve as a clearinghouse for information on the
Italian industry and will be the site for a series of accredited professional
seminars. Two speakers will fly in from Italy for the event: Dr. Alessadro
Tenaglia of the Centro Ceramico in Bologna will cover Ceramic Tile: from the
home to the city, and Dr. Tiziano Dalpozzo, Architect and currently the
director of the magazine “B&A” and the periodical “Tile Fashion” will
examine The Evolution of Italian Design. American architect and winner of
last year’s Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Award for in the residential category,
Michael P. Johnson will discuss Italian Design and the American Landscape.
His seminar will focus on how Italian tile and design can complement
American residential design.
Look out for the Italian Marble Stand (#2649) sponsored by the ITALIAN
TRADE COMMISSION in Los Angeles, the Internazionale Marmi e Macchine
Carrara SpA and the Verona Fiere, as well as the Italian producer of adhesives
and grouting materials MAPEI CORPORATION (Booth # 2546)
MAESTRI MAIOLICARI - Kilim
LUX - Lagorai
GABBIANELLI
Reflections on CERSAIE
by Patti Fasan
Cersaie, the worlds’ largest ceramic tile exhibition was memorable
last year. Images, ideas and themes resonated and the reflective mood of
almost 99,000 visitors was palpable. Many friends and industry
associates who have for years enjoyed Italy’s hospitality and trend
setting innovation while at Cersaie were unable to attend this year. The
tragic events of September 11th kept many from this traditional annual
event where creativity, experimentation and excellence are unveiled and
applauded. The absence of colleagues from around the world and
especially the United States was sadly felt. American flags on almost
every lapel expressed overwhelming solidarity and prayers were
whispered hoping for relief from grief and steadfast resolve to ensure
world peace.
MAUK DESIGN - CERSAIE
How fitting that Alessandro Mendini, acclaimed architect created
“The Arch” as the new image of Cersaie. Being one of the fundamental
symbols of architecture, this image aimed to represent, “a world that is
both optimistic and graceful”. What better time for global citizens to
remain optimistic and unite in order to build a new arch into a more
accepting and graceful 2002.
Viewing the exhibit “The bathroom: Envision Ritual & Design”
promoted by Assopiastrelle and Edi Cer, the inspiration exhibited by
each designer also took on greater significance. Alberto Alessi’s room
reminded us of the importance of sanctuary where one could resolve
inner emotional conflicts. Today more than ever, our homes should
provide space for a world of dreams, fantasy and escape - a place for
music, poetry, humor and emotion. The room promised healing and
urged that we be gentle and good to ourselves, and those around us.
The suggested metaphor in Fabrizio Plessi’s room was perhaps the
most resonant. “Life flows as elusively, fluidly and changeable as water.”
Certainly, our world has changed in ways we could never have
anticipated or imagined but life continues to flow and tomorrow always
holds new promise. Cersaie brought our industry together, in body and
spirit. It portrayed the expressive, creative and caring qualities of a
compassionate community of friends.
The promise of tomorrow is one of diversity and choice. Cersaie
embodied diversity. . . technology delivered it. Years of investment in
research and technology, has led the ceramic tile industry to a new
apex. The products of the 21st century have a guaranteed technical
quality and possess limitless design and aesthetic potential. Every facet
of ceramic tile production and design has been impacted and improved
by advanced technological discoveries.
This generation of architects and designers will benefit from the
diversity of choice new technology has made possible. Today the
mechanical, functional and durability parameters for each tile is
narrowly defined offering a variety of reliable solutions for even the
most demanding performance. As well, important aesthetic concepts
abound and cover every conceivable period, style or mood. Fashion has
inspired tile that is suitable for any theme, Metropolitan, Classic, Zenlike minimalist, Rustic Country, Relaxed Urban, Industrial Chic and
Alternative Extreme. If a client can describe the feeling they want to
create, there is a ceramic tile that will articulate their vision.
The execution of different designs demands this variety of choice
however current trends may dictate product availability even though the
ability and expertise to produce virtually any concept is possible.
Perhaps it is in this area that the opinions of International buyers are
most critical. Visiting Cersaie is an important step in ensuring that your
voice is heard. Global taste, color, style and even size preference differ
greatly. Although, all innovative product is showcased at Cersaie not all
projects or programs reach the market. Cersaie is the perfect opportunity
not only to see what has already been produced – but also to see the
potential of what can be produced.
Cersaie 2001 introduced many new concepts and ideas to the
industry. In true Italian style many will prove to be the cutting-edge
fashion of tomorrow. Color this year explored new territory with
confidence. Neutrals are no longer limited to Vanilla shades but include
the deep sophisticated palettes of brown, charcoal and black often seen
in combination. These hues suggest comfort, tranquility and solitude.
Magnificent mid and even sharp jewel tones provide punch and accent
these darker canvases. Timeless black and white classic lines were
refreshed with a touch of clear lime, atmospheric blue or saffron.
Monochromatic beige, sand and taupe programs featured layers of
dimensional texture or hints of metallic elements. Color has a new
layered or three-dimensional quality not realized in past years.
It is also clear that the 21st century interior is all about texture. The
senses are heightened when one material enhances or plays off another.
Gloss is combined with matte, metallic gleams against rustic stone,
burnished hand rubbed patinas are tweaked by sleek glass accents.
Layering various textures captures and reflects light differently and
Italian factories have intermingled effects and created new finishes for
ceramic that demand an entirely new vocabulary. Some glazes are
polished to a watery mirror-like surface or merely semi-polished, known
as lapatto, done on textured tile where only the high relief takes the
polish leaving all recessed areas matt. New screen technologies are
capable of creating surfaces that replicate bamboo, grass-cloth, leather,
sisal, and animal skin. These effects are so tactile the surface begs to be
explored, touched and understood.
If the new products introduced at Cersaie 2001 are any indication of
what the future promises, it will be an exciting era for the industry and
the entire design community who have embraced and expanded the use
of tile. This year perhaps more than others, the hospitality of Italy and
the value of Cersaie were felt and embraced by all.
A skilled educator and communicator, Ms. Fasan has an impressive
background as a technical consultant in flooring selection and
specification. During a long career as Sales Director for one of the most
selective ceramic tile distributors in Canada, she established a proven
track record in sales growth, marketing initiatives and team building. A
graduate of the Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA), she has, for
many years, conducted seminars in the design and floor covering
community.
For more information on Cersaie visit www.cersaie.it.
CERSAIE 2002 will be held in Bologna, Italy from October 1 – 6, 2002.
MARAZZI
GARDENIA ORCHIDEA “Versace”- Prestige
MASTERKER - Botticino
AURELIA
INTESA - Melange
CERAMIC TILES OF ITALY
TAKE PART IN ITALIAN
LIFESTYLE CAMPAIGN
This spring, the Italian Trade Commission (ITC) and Assopiastrelle are
collaborating with Hearst Publishing on an exciting new promotion for
the US market that will fall under the auspices of the Life in I Style
project. The initiative includes the creation of a special Italian magazine
"Italia-Life in I Style" that celebrates the Italian quality of life as well as a
series of high-profile events recognizing
Italian style.
"Italia-Life in I Style" magazine, produced
by the Hearst staff, will be distributed to one
million Hearst subscribers that receive “Town
and Country”, “House Beautiful”, “Esquire”
and “Harper’s Bazaar”.
The ITC has
commissioned an additional 20,000 copies
for distribution to VIPs at industry events. The
Italian ceramic tile industry was included in
the editorial coverage of the first issue joining
the fashion, jewelry, home design, lighting,
tabletop, film, food, boating, travel, food and wine industries. The new
website for Italian tile www.italiatiles.com was included in a special
section dedicated to industry web sites. Italian-Life in I style also ran the
eye-catching Ceramic Tiles of Italy pocket-book advertisement created
by the renowned graphic design studio Armando Testa in Milan.
As part of the project, the magazine House Beautiful is also
MASTERKER- Trav Chiaro
sponsoring a celebrity showhouse in Los Angeles, which will open at the
end of April and run through the end of May. Several of the designers
have selected Italian tile for their spaces. Lucretia Moroni,a well-known
Italian interior designer specializing in trompe-l’oeil fabric, wallpaper
and floor designs has selected porcelain tiles from CASALGRANDE
PADANA
through the Tile Shop for a
Dressing Room - Office Suite. She will also
create a custom made bench made with
APPIANI mosaics through Nemo Tile to
coordinate with office furniture from Armani
Casa.
Jacquie Terrell chose rustic white tiles
from GRAZIA Colori series for a backsplash
in a mudroom, while Donna Sigal specified
glass mosaics from BISAZZA and MAPEI
Kerabond/Keralastic adhesives and Keracolor
warm grey grout through Dal Tile for the
pool. Designer Molly Luetkemeyer also selected MAPEI grout for a large
child bath.
Future Life in I Style initiatives, organized by ITC and the Hearst
group, include an Italian Film festival that will take place in the
Hamptons this summer and a fashion show at a Classic Car Exhibition
scheduled for early October.
COTTO VENETO - Patimati
KEOPE - Titani
AWARD WINNING
PROJECT CONTINUES
TO INSPIRE
Michael P. Johnson is a true American modernist. He lives
and works in the desert, designing buildings for clients across
the country. Last year, Michael was honored with the
Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition Award for his
stunning residential project in Cave Creek, Arizona.
That project, the Yoder Doornbos Residence, has been
published in design journals around the world. Its success
has also spurred a new design initiative. A prominent
Arizona developer, Steve Wilkinson has commissioned
Michael P. Johnson Design Studio to create three more
houses based on that model in the same area of Arizona.
Like the award-winning Yoder house, Johnson plans to use all
Italian construction and design materials.
He is now
collaborating with the Italian Trade Commission and Italian
trade associations to coordinate the selection and delivery of
the latest Italian building and design products. Assopiastrelle
members have been most enthusiastic about participation. In
fact, in addition to the interior floor and wall applications,
the design team is exploring the possibility of porcelain
exterior cladding.
Michael P. Johnson will speak about his life-long, loveaffair with Italian product design for the Italian Ceramic Tile
Industry at the annual AIA Convention which will take place
in Charlotte, North Carolina from May 9 _ 11. For more
information on the project contact the Italian Trade
Commission _ Ceramic Tile Department at T: 212.980.1500,
F: 212.758.1050 or by email at tileinfo@italtrade.com.
MICHAEL P. JOHNSON - Residential winner - photo: Timmerman
ACQUARIO DUE
TAGINA
SOLE MIO
FACTORY NEWS -
WAREHOUSE UPDATES
MAPEI TEAMS UP WITH PROTILE TO LEND A HELPING HAND
The MAPEI Corporation and PROTILE, their distributor for the New
York market, have recently committed to donating setting materials to
the Habitat for Humanity _ New York City. The latest Habitat project
will break ground in Brooklyn, New York in late April 2002. The scope
of the Willoughby Street Project will include 20 new homes located in
Bedford-Stuyvesant, one of the poorest sections of New York City. The
Willoughby Street Homes will be traditional row houses to complement
the existing local architecture designed in the early 20th century. The
houses will also coordinate with the 12 homes previously built in 2000
during the Jimmy Carter Work project. Mapei materials will be used for
the floor and wall installations in all of the baths throughout the houses
covering close to 6000 square feet.
Atlas Concorde opens new US Headquarters
ATLAS CONCORDE, a leading Italian manufacturer of ceramic tile,
opened a new corporate headquarters and warehouse facility in
Hollywood, Florida in January 2002. The new location, run by General
Manager Luca Zagatti, will be responsible for corporate affairs as well as
the SE region of the United States. Sales managers for the rest of the US
are as follows: Ben Malloy - South West, Jerry Stone - North East, Jeff
Starr - MidWest, Rino Monti - West. Alessandro Pravettoni is the US
Export Manager.
The new warehouse facility is the largest yet for Atlas Concorde USA
with over 30,000 square feet. The company plans to use the space to
support their architectural/commercial network with stock of the popular
Diamante series.
They will also back-up their independent distributor network with
stock of their full range of Atlas Concorde products.
They can be reached at their new address:
2830 SW 42nd Street, Hollywood, FL 33312,
T: 954.791.3066, F: 954.583.0146
or visit www.atlasconcorde.it.
EmilAmerica expands US Warehouse
EMILAMERICA, the North American subsidiary of EMILCERAMICA,
one of Italy’s leading ceramic tile manufacturers, has expanded its
Virginia warehouse facility by 50% to ensure optimum service and
supply inventory. The new warehouse space is now 29,000 square feet.
“Although we have been in this facility for less than one year, we
were rapidly outgrowing the warehouse space,” said David Lang,
General Manager of EmilAmerica.
“Our current expansion will allow a greater stocking level of product
inventory and samples. It will also allow us to provide the best service
CERIM - Navona
possible to our North American clients in the years ahead.”
Established in 2000, EmilAmerica manages sales, marketing, and
customer service on behalf of EmilCeramica, to leading independent
ceramic tile distributors all over North America. Located in Alexandria,
Virginia, the EmilAmerica warehouse currently stocks significant
quantities of the most popular EmilCeramica product lines, as well as a
complete selection of sample tools and marketing materials.
EmilCeramica’s well-established reputation in North America is
longstanding. Its high-quality porcelain tile collections _ geared to
commercial and residential applications _ have been a favorite among
tile professionals and end-users for over twenty years. EmilAmerica’s
illustrious reputation in the ceramic tile industry is well deserved, as it
was among the first porcelain tile manufacturer to introduce the much
acclaimed and highly innovative double-loaded porcelain tiles which, in
the Alabastro and Marfil Series, exhibit random veining and color
variations just like their natural stone counterparts.
They can be reached at their address:
6295 Edsall Road, Suite 160, Alexandria VA 22312,
T: 703.751.3645, F: 703.751.3661,
or visit www.emilamerica.com.
SENIO’S US Logistic Base celebrates one year anniversary
This spring, SENIO celebrates the first anniversary of the creation of
Ceramica D’Italia (CDI), their logistic base in the US market. Last
March, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Trade, Senio
joined forces with Michael Signore and Dante Russo, two seasoned
industry professionals, to form CDI, a warehousing and distribution
company located in Long Island, New York. According to Dante Russo,
“We founded Ceramica D’Italia to lend support to Senio’s US customer
base and to facilitate the timely delivery of products from a 15,000
square foot warehouse facility. We are currently stocking a majority of
the Senio line with a special focus on the hand-made products for floor
and wall. We plan to exhibit at Coverings 2002 to show our newest
lines.”
CDI is a Senio distributor in the tri-state area and acts as an agent for
Senio for the rest of the country. CDI continues to look for new US
distributors and dealers for Senio. American Tile Supply of Connecticut,
Bonnie Tile of Florida and Primo Tiles of New Jersey recently picked up
this company’s line.
For more information contact:
CDI - 1000 Prime Place, Hauppauge, NY 11788,
T: 631.234.0220, F: 631.234.2197
or visit www.Seniocer.it
COTTO VENETO - Tappeto
BRENNERO - Punto a capo
below: GIRARDI - Pietre Lunari
Images from the front cover:
top left: IL PALAGIO
top right: VALVERDE
bottom left: SANT'AGOSTINO - Pietra di Ferrara
bottom right: ERMES - Feng Shui
Tile News title made from:
KER-AV - Frammenti e Riflessi
ACQUARIO DUE - Trasparenze di Murano
STARVENUS
IL PALAGIO VENTILATED FAÇADE IN TERRACOTTA
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The Treasures of Zeugma
The secrets of the ancients
The technology of today
The style of tomorrow
The inspiration of Emilceramica
From the ancient city of Zeugma, where east meets west, rises
the Phoenix of inspiration.
Emilceramica’s Tesori di Zeugma captures the energy and
symbols of past perfection, adds the creative genius of Italian
design and blends in the zenith of modern technology.
What’s been lost through the ages has been found by
Emilceramica.
For more information, contact:
6x6”
Blue
Emilamerica, Inc.
6x13”
Red
6295 Edsall Road, Suite 160
13x13”
Ivory
Alexandria, Va. 22312
13x20”
Golden
Tel.: 1-703-751-3645
20x20”
Coal
Fax.: 1-703-751-3661
10x13” wall
Email: info@emilamerica.com
Website: www.emilamerica.com Coverings Booth 3648
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
DESERT STONE: the newest collection by RHS
Desert Stone is a new color-mixed porcelain stoneware series, obtained by combining
precious oxides, dry powders and mineral salts, and then applying a silkscreen process.
Distinctive graphics and chromatic variations make this series truly unique. These
aesthetic qualities are combined with the technical characteristic of porcelain stoneware to
create a collection ideally suited to any high traffic commercial or residential installation.
Desert Stone is characterized by an incomparable mix of aesthetic innovation, hightechnology production standards, and meticulous research.
Available in six colors (Almond, Red, Green, Grey, Taupe e Black) and in two formats
(34cmx34cm and 45cmx45cm), the collection is complete with decorative and special pieces
including: skirting, steps and corners.
The coordinating double-fired wall tiles, available in a
25cmx33.3cm format, two colors (Almond and Taupe), and a
range of special pieces (bullnose, capitals, and decorative
pieces) make Desert Stone a complete line that has already
been well received by major North American distributors.
In fact, Gruppo Rondine continues to experience rapid
growth in this market. The year 2001 was important for
Gruppo Rondine as sales in the US increased 53% from 2000
levels and as turnover reached 6,200,000 Euros.
Rondine S.p.A.
US IMPORTERS OF LA RICERCA:
HASTINGS TILE
30 Commercial St.
Freeport NY 11520
Tel. 516/379-3500
Fax: 516/378-9525
CAPCO TILE & STONE
5800 East Jewell Ave.
Denver CO 80222
Tel. 303/759-1919
Fax: 303/756-3416
STATEMENT INC.
6140 Sixth Ave. South
Seattle WA 98108
Tel. 206/762-8181
Fax: 206/762-8282
TAMIAMI TILE
1085 SW 15th Ave.
Delray Beach FL 33444
Tel. 561/272-8453
Fax: 561/272-7966
tel. 059/558931 fax. 059/552754 Email:laricerca@pianeta.it
NO CERAMICS
la ricerca s.r.l. via dell’Artigianato, 28-41043 Formigine (MO)
Coverings Booth 4062
Via Emilia Ovest 53/A - 42048 Reggio Emilia - Italy
Tel.: 011.39.0522.625111 Fax: 011.39.0522.625189
Website: www.rondinegroup.com
Email: info@rondinegroup.com
Appia Antica:
the new floor and wall tiles from Impronta
A strategic road linking ancient Rome with the orient, the Appian Way was
built with a constructive precision worthy of the very latest modern engineering
techniques and is still today the most famous of the Roman roads. In homage,
IMPRONTA has named its latest creation: APPIA ANTICA.
The Appia Antica collection of wall and floor tiles by IMPRONTA takes its cue
from classical times so as to create an evocative atmosphere in modern settings. It
has been called a trendsetter by a leading international opinion panel made up of
specialized retailers, architects, decorators, city planners and final users.
The elegant, matt floor tiles feature the shiny veining of Travertine marble and
come in four color tones: Capua, Formia, Terracina and Mondragone. They are
available in the 13.5”x13.5”, 13.75”x13.75”, 16.5”x16.5”, and 21”x21” formats.
To please those who desire a very personal touch Appia Antica wall tiles come in
either 11”x13.5” rectified and in the 11”x13.75” formats. Five colors: Capua
(matte), Formia (matte), Cori (polished), Itri (polished) and Castelgandolfo
(polished).
For further information, please contact:
Impronta Italgraniti USA, Inc.
7200 Fullerton Road - Springfield, Virginia 22150
Tel.: 703-455-9200
Fax: 703-455-4619
Web site: http://www.improntaitalgraniti-usa.com
E-mail: us@improntaitalgraniti.com
Coverings Booth 3046
Stone Gallery:
combinations. The line is also available in a
rectified format for installations with extrathin grout joints enhancing the product’s
natural appearance. The line features designs
inspired by artisan engravings on rough-hewn
stone. Textured finishes are available in the
following colors: Indian White, Indian Gold,
Kota Grey. Natural surface finishes available
are: Pietra di Cardoso, Donegal Grey, and
Indian Black. The collection also includes
trims, skirting, step treads, corner step treads,
V-cap, borders and corners. Not only is
STONE GALLERY frost resistant, but also
resistant to weathering, chemicals and
staining agents, making it easy to clean and
maintain.
In response to a growing demand for ecosustainable materials, ITALGRANITI, Spa has
created STONE GALLERY, a new range of
through-body porcelain tiles that reproduce
the world’s most beautiful natural stones emulating their colors and structural
variations - with the latest eco-sustainable
porcelain, production technology.
The use of high-quality kaolin, quartz
sand, and feldspars fired at high temperatures
and compacted uniformly to a 10 mm
thickness gives the STONE GALLERY series
unparalleled technical and mechanical
characteristics. The finished product's water
absorption is close to zero, making it
exceptionally resistant to frost. The 10 mm
thickness ensures high shock resistance and
strength (56.6 N/mm2 compared to the 27
N/mm2 laid down by standards), making this
line suitable for buildings subject to frequent
mechanical stress. STONE GALLERY may be
used in interior and exterior floor covering
applications in residential, commercial, industrial and public settings.
The STONE GALLERY Collection comes in the following modular sizes: 6”x6”,
6”x12”, 12”x12”, 12”x24”, 17”x17” allowing for a wide range of installation
Coverings Booth 3046
R E A D E R
S E R V I C E
C A R D
For further information, please contact:
Impronta Italgraniti USA, Inc.
7200 Fullerton Road
Springfield, Virginia 22150
Tel.: 703-455-9200
Fax: 703-455-4619
Web site: http://www.improntaitalgraniti-usa.com
E-mail: us@improntaitalgraniti.com
THE ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION
Ceramic Tile Department (CTD)
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the following free services to all architects,
specifiers and design/building professionals:
TILE SEARCHES • using a continuously
updated database listing of U.S. importers,
distributors and retailer outlets and the Italian
tile they stock, searches are conducted by
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PUBLICATION • TileNews and ITALIAN
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applications.
PERSONNEL • Roberto Luongo, Trade
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USA; Giovanni Bifulco, Deputy Trade
Commissioner;
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Marketing/Promotion Officer and Victoria
Ramos, Junior Marketing/Promotion Officer
are available to assist you with tile projects,
product searches and technical questions.
Design - Marc Littell
Inspired by one of the most eventful periods in Italy’s modern history,
Monocibec has just developed NOVECENTO ITALIANO, its new porcelain
stoneware product line.This series incorporates state-of-the-art ceramic
technology together with the most exquisite taste, rarely before seen in floor
tiling materials. A highly sophisticated project where six different colours are
linked by distinctive, unique style and are set off by brilliant motif colour
schemes and laying patterns.
With its new ARTE DEL MARMO series, Century has succeeded in joining the
everlastingness of stone with the elegance and refinement of marble. Century
has created a product which is clearly superior thanks to its technical and
aesthetic features. Seven colour shades, the essential design of bands, the
three wonderful rosettes make this series suitable for all room environments,
from the most sophisticated ones to those subject to the severest material
stress.
FINCIBEC S.p.A. - Via Valle d’Aosta, 47 - 41049 Sassuolo (MO) Italy Tel. +39 0536.861.300 - Fax +39 0536.861.351
DOMUS LINEA S.P.A.
VIA DELLA CHIUSA, 8
42048 RUBIERA (RE) ITALY
TEL. (+39) 0522 620943/4/5
TELEFAX (+39) 0522 628956
I Nobili Casati
tavelle anticate
www.domuslinea.com
e-mai:info@domuslinea.com
Italian Trade Commission, 33 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10021-5949
Return Postage Guaranteed
© 2002 ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION, NY
This last Naxos creation is for people that have a very sofisticate taste. The
collection takes inspiration from the bronze age italian ceramics. Its
charateristices are the elegant decorations and the warm and rich colours.
Available in five different colours and in the size 20x20; 20x20 tozz.
wall; 20x20 floor.
Coverings Booth 3448
http: //www.monocibec.it
e-mail: monocibec@monocibec.it