Posted in Minoli
22nd November 2023
The reinvention of classical materials to bring timeless texture to today’s most technical interior and architectural designs is a trend that’s poised to gain further favour in 2024. New surface treatments and precise manufacturing methods bring enhanced porcelain alternatives to traditional stone, with both practical and aesthetic advantages.
When we reflect on how traditional, quarried stone is used in architecture, we tend to first think of iconic landmarks with Roman origins, civic buildings and financial institutions constructed in the 18th century, or the flagstone floors and features of country manors. However, innovation in the design and production of modern materials that emulate natural stone has now resulted in new solutions with highly advanced technical characteristics and exacting tolerances in size, shape and shade variation.
While the organic surface relief of stone surely has its appeal for certain schemes, designers and end-users of modern buildings are considering other factors such as cost, sustainability, ease of installation and maintenance, plus the suitability of the material for application in different settings, be that on walls or floors, inside or outdoors. At the fore of the alternatives to quarried stone are high-performance porcelain tiles, which offer the most versatility and visual variety, over other alternatives including vinyl or concrete, for instance.
Over recent years, the achievements of leading designers and producers of Italian porcelain have delivered unprecedented levels of realism and importantly consistency, in terms of both the manufacturing specification and colour tone across the various finishes within a product range. It’s in this field of innovation that art and science will continue to collaborate with remarkable results.
The art is borne out in the design process which starts with rigorous research into the characteristics of the natural material and how that can be translated with efficacy and efficiency into production. To appear authentic, the replicated surfaces must include irregularity and heterogeneity, with a high pattern frequency so the naked eye does not perceive repetition. This must also be delicately balanced with aesthetic ambitions to incorporate the colourways and creative directions that accord with today’s design and décor preferences.
The science is manifested in the precision of the production process, from the quality and purity of the raw materials and how they react during vitrification, through to the application of the highest resolution graphics and the uniformity of rectified, calibrated sizes. Stringent levels of consistency in these areas ensure that the original design intent is upheld across different surface textures and tile sizes, and that exact alignment can be achieved throughout single spaces and adjoining rooms, between horizontal and vertical surfaces, and from indoors to outside.
As part of the Minoli product launch portfolio for 2024, the Elysian Travertini Series encapsulates these advancements in both design and production with equal measure. Emulating the linear and layered look of limestone, this highly technical take on traditional Travertine is available in three natural and nuanced shades and with two distinct patterning effects.
The standard colourways feature the stratified composition of the original sedimentary rock, with variegated veins through the length of the tile face. Plus, for each colour there is a corresponding Cross cut design which reveals more distinct shade variation to bring an added dimension of depth to designs.
Enhancing the versatility and surface variety of this collection, all colours are available with Matt, Brushed or Outdoor structured finishes in an array of different dimensions from more typically sized tiles, through to large format and extra-large 120/278 slabs. Across the range, there are no less than four Outdoor size variants in 20mm thickness depending on colour, plus coordinating sets of Mosaics and Décor pieces.
Whether favouring one design style or pairing different surface patterns and finishes within an environment, the technical qualities and tactile textures of the latest stone-effect porcelain tiles are set to be incorporated in the most inventive and forward-thinking interior and architectural designs for years to come.
We will be publishing full details and specifications of these new ranges for launch in 2024 in due course, along with timelines for sample availability and ordering. In the meantime, if you would like to register your early interest or request to be informed when samples become available, please contact our showroom or account teams:
Minoli Oxford – 01865 778225 / showroom@minoli.co.uk
Minoli London – 020 7474 2934 / thesurfacewithin@minoli.co.uk
Corporate Clients – Please contact your account manager directly / developers@minoli.co.uk
Outdoor Specific Product Enquiries – 01865 778225 / outdoor@minoli.co.uk