Super-glossy surfaces, bright colours and lively patterns are said to characterise the 15x15cm porcelain stoneware tiles, by Italian manufacturer Ragno.

Three plain tiles are offered in strong hues of white, blue and green – Bianco, Verde and Blu.
In addition, the collection includes three decorative tiles – Foglia, in white, has a light-reflecting three-dimensional raised leaf pattern; Trallicio features a blue trellis design against a creamy white backdrop; and Fulles offers a minimal repeat leaf design in natural greens.

The collection is inspired by the traditional ceramics of Vietri, a small town at the end of Amalfi’s famous coastal road, where artisans first began to produce bright majolica tiles in the Middle Ages.

According to Ceramique Internationale, the irregular surfaces, imperfections and iridescent surfaces of the original hand-made Vietri tiles have been faithfully recreated in the Folium tiles to add extra authenticity.

Peter Vann, director at Ceramique Internationale, said: “The Folium collection features extremely straight edges, creating a rectified effect on both on décor tiles and 3D structures, while slight variations in thickness add animation and enhanced focal interest.

“The intense colour, light and surface detail of these compact but eye-catching tiles are guaranteed to create a Mediterranean mood even in the darkest months of the year.”
www.ceramiqueinternationale.co.uk

Part of the Mapei Group since September 2022, Profilpas is said to be renowned for its high-quality products, innovative designs and commitment to sustainability; core qualities which both manufacturers share. The partnership aims to help Profilpas to grow its business in the UK and will provide access to Mapei’s global distribution network, marketing expertise and resources.

Mapei says its commitment to sustainability is reflected in its long history of developing solvent-free and low VOC emission products and solutions that reduce the environmental impact of construction, products made with recycled materials and renewable energy, and its recently launched Zero Line of products with CO2 offsets. Many of Profilpas’ popular ranges are also manufactured with recycled materials and together, they say, the two manufacturers are well-positioned to create a more sustainable future for the building industry.

Marco Squinzi, Mapei’s CEO said: “Thanks to an exclusive range of Profilpas products that includes technical and finishing profiles, shower channels, spacers and levelling systems for floors and walls, Mapei will be able to extend its range of installation products with additional designer products, so that it can serve professionals and distribution partners even more effectively.”

Veronica Squinzi, Mapei’s CEO, said: “The takeover of Profilpas and its subsidiaries falls in line with our strategy of growth through targeted acquisitions to strengthen our group in terms of markets and products. Having two additional factories in Italy and Poland, and working with local businesses, will definitely make us more able to respond to market needs and work even more closely with our clients.”
info@mapei.co.uk
www.mapei.co.uk

Located in Toledo, Spain, the housing complex (or co-living space) for seniors with customisable socio-assistance services, comprises 35 independent and accessible apartments, with over 1500sqm dedicated to a gym, workshops, a cafeteria, living rooms, gardens, pools, sports areas and urban gardens.

The creators, Sara Romero and Antonio Vallejo, exchanged ideas, gathered concerns and empathised with a large group of seniors, including the future owners and cooperative members of the apartments.

This led them to use various ceramic materials in different areas of the building in harmony with other materials. Ceramics, apart from their high performance and beauty, “are woven into our memory, our DNA, enabling us to create architecture with a human touch,” said Romero.

The building has reportedly achieved the highest energy efficiency rating by incorporating both active and passive efficiency elements. Vitápolis was the winning project at the APE Grupo Architecture Awards, described by judges as “an architectural masterpiece that resonates with emotions and human relationships”.

Originally constructed of concrete during the pandemic, the three-year old outdoor pool showed extensive signs of failure; the breeze block shell was misshapen, there was substantial gapping around pipe outlets and the base was severely cracked across its entire length. The specification was used to repair, waterproof and seal the concrete base and install porcelain tiles within the pool and across the surrounding patio.

In the first phase of works, the pool base was repaired with Mapei Planitop Fast 330 quick-setting, fibre-reinforced cementitious levelling mortar and waterproofed with Mapelastic Foundation flexible cementitious mortar, incorporating Mapenet 150 alkali-resistant glass fibre mesh and Mapeband 120mm alkali-resistant rubber and felt tape for dealing with movement.

D C Building Services then repaired the concrete around the inlet/outlet pipes with a single layer of rapid-set Mapei Planitop Smooth and Repair R4 – a shrinkage compensated, thixotropic, fibre-reinforced cementitious mortar. The whole of the drainage channel was then waterproofed using Mapei Planiseal 88 osmotic cementitious mortar and Mapeproof Swell applied – a moisture expanding, rubber-based hydrophilic sealant – to make joints around pipework and lights waterproof.

During the final phase of works, tiles were installed with Keraquick S1 – described by the company as a very low VOC, quick-setting, deformable cementitious adhesive, mixed with elasticising latex, Mapei Latex Plus.

The porcelain tile specification included 37.5x75cm tiles for the pool, 60×120 cm tiles for the pool surround and matching trim pieces for corners and to create the step. The installation spanned approx. 150sqm (inside pool), 205sqm (pool surround) and 65sqm (plant room building).

The installation was completed with carbon neutral Ultracolor Plus – an anti-efflorescence, quick-setting and drying polymer-modified grout, featuring water-repellent DropEffect and mould-resistant BioBlock; ultra-fast setting and drying hydraulic binder – Lamposilex – and mould resistant silicone sealant, Mapesil AC.
info@mapei.co.uk
www.mapei.co.uk

Manufactured using renewable energy and packed in recycled plastic cartridges, the solvent-free sealant is said to provide all of the benefits of Mapesil AC technology – including “exceptional strength and durability, resistance to mould and high elasticity” – with a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to a quarter.

Mapesil AC ECO is designed to form elastic seals between construction materials in kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools and other damp environments. According to the company, this product is impermeable to water and gases, resistant to high temperatures, resistant to slightly acid and alkaline substances and has very low emissions of VOCs.

Certified for all uses in the building industry, Mapesil AC ECO can be used to seal glass, ceramic and anodised aluminium, and joints subject to movements of up to 25%. When combined with the company’s Primer FD adhesion promoter, Mapei says, it can also be used on wood, concrete, plastic, rubber, and painted surfaces. The formulation is available in 12 colour options which coordinate with the company’s Coloured Grouts collection.

Other complementary products include UltraCare Smooth Silicone which has recently joined Mapei UK’s Zero Line of low environmental impact products, with CO2 offset in the entire life cycle. A smoothing product for finishing sealants, UltraCare Smooth Silicone is specifically formulated to work with the BioBlock in Mapesil silicone sealant and to protect and enhance its function, creating a residue-free finish with mould resistance properties.
info@mapei.co.uk
www.mapei.co.uk

There are lots of very valid reasons to support good surface protection and maintenance. Retaining a tile’s aesthetic is top of many lists. Ongoing easy maintenance is also a good motive – keeping a surface clean and preventing a build-up of dirt and residue makes ongoing maintenance much easier and less time consuming. There are also performance characteristics; a correct regime will also ensure that a tile retains its slip resistance. But have you ever considered the benefits that specifically relate to the environment?

Refurbishing & deep cleaning
When a tile or stone surface isn’t properly protected and maintained, the build-up of dirt and organic residue greatly affects the aesthetic, safety and ease of maintenance. In many cases, neglected surfaces are then treated with toxic chemicals. Whilst this may have the desired effect of removing residue, these types of interventions are damaging to the environment and often costly and time consuming. If solutions are unsuitable, they can also damage the tile, grout joint and any sealer that’s been applied, creating more issues that will need to be addressed.

If a tile needs to be renovated or deep cleaned, choose a safe, non-caustic specialist treatment like alkaline-based intensive cleaner, LTP Grimex. Specific residue can also be safely tackled by using a specialist remover. For example, LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover; LTP Rust Stain Remover, LTP Blackspot for the removal of algae and LTP Solvex for the removal of wax, silicone, acrylic, polyurethane and epoxy grout.

Surface protection
Protecting a tile pays real dividends. It retains the surface aesthetic and makes maintenance easier, which is turn safeguards performance. Stone and polished porcelain should ideally be sealed with a water-based treatment before and after grouting, to protect the tiles from grout residue, stains and ongoing wear and tear. Textured matt porcelain tiles, whilst not requiring treatment with a sealer, will benefit from application of a water-based barrier treatment before grouting – like LTP Porcelain Tile Protector. A further coat after installation will also make ongoing maintenance easier. Tiles that have been intensively cleaned should also be resealed, to protect them going forwards.

Sealing a tile, once again, offers long term eco-benefits. In protecting the tile, the sealer makes maintenance easier, reduces associated waste and water consumption and eliminates the need for more drastic intervention with harsh chemicals.

Recommendations for ongoing maintenance
Maintenance requirements will differ depending on the type of stone or tile, its location and traffic. In general, we recommend day-to-day cleaning with a quality pH-neutral solution. This is particularly important with natural stone, which can be acid sensitive; everyday surface cleaners, even popular eco-brands, are often acidic and can damage the stone, grout joint and any sealer applied. Likewise, natural cleaning hacks made from ingredients like lemon and soda should also be avoided for the same reason. For stone walls and floors, we recommend LTP Stonewash; for porcelain LTP Porcelain Floor Tile Cleaner or, for all types of tiles, LTP Multipurpose Cleaner.

Tiles should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid an accumulation of dirt and residue. In general, floors in commercial settings should be cleaned daily and domestic floors on a weekly basis. All LTP cleaning solutions are suitable for scrubber/dryer machines used in commercial environments.

Externally, paths and patios will benefit from a thorough clean every couple of months or so with LTP Grimex – ideally, twice during the winter and three times during late spring/summer. Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bifold doors, will also help maintain a seamless aesthetic.

Others ways to promote sustainable maintenance
In addition to the eco-benefits provided by a good regime, choosing products that are manufactured and packaged sustainably is also vital. At LTP, our own initiatives include:
Minimising waste disposal throughout production and reusing pallets.

Sourcing cardboard packaging from FSC accredited suppliers.

Using recyclable bottles made from recycled materials.

And, over the next five years, our own goal at LTP is for 75% of our production to be of water-based, non-hydrocarbon formulations. The tile and stone industry still needs encouragement to support this strategy but the environmental benefits are irrefutable.
01823 666213
info@ltp-online.co.uk
www.ltp-online.co.uk

“Topps Tiles is a long-standing, valued customer of ours, so we are really pleased to be able to offer a wider range of our products, with bespoke POS stands, in 10 Topps Tiles superstores”, said Schlüter’s head of sales, Lee Rowland. “Our area sales consultants have been in stores to offer support with the displays and to familiarise the staff with the products; we have also scheduled training sessions at our facility in Coalville for the branch managers in December”.

With the majority of Topps Tiles stores already stocking Schlüter’s popular DITRA uncoupling mat, the additional offering includes the company’s DITRA-HEAT-E electric floor and wall heating, KERDI-TS, KERDI-KERECK, KERDI-KEBA, KERDI-COLL, KERDI-200 waterproofing components and finishing touches with a selection of niches and shelves.

Customers are now able to purchase the extended range from the following Topps Tiles stores: Croydon Thornton, Staples Corner, Watford Imperial, Charlton, Rayleigh, Hillington, Springfield, Raynes Park, Slough and Cheadle.
01530 813396
https://www.schluter.co.uk

Centuries, from the Italian manufacturer Verde 1999 that brought the Blast collection to the UK market, consists of marble-effect tiles in two colours – Antique White and Stormy Black.

But, setting it apart from the plethora of black and white marble already on the market, Centuries has a worn matt finish – creating an authentic aged aesthetic and textured surface.

Both colours are available in 30x60cm and small brick shaped 7.5x30cm porcelain tiles. Using these different sizes and colours in a range of laying patterns enables the creation of “visually stunning” rooms, Ceramique says, including bathroom feature walls of contrasting colour and shape, or wetroom floors in the on-trend herringbone pattern, contrasting with larger formats without looking ostentatious.

Peter Vann, director at Ceramique Internationale, said: “The use of black and white together is an evergreen trend and polished marble is perennially popular in the UK, but we find many manufacturers offer larger marble tiles and very little in the way of smaller, metro-sized tiles, that can be used to create interesting features. This collection offers not only the size combination but the beautiful matt and textured finish, which really does look like aged marble from the ground – hence the name.

“It offers authenticity without the traditional in-your-face statement of polished marble, and presents so many options in terms of laying patterns in a beautiful, softer finish.”
www.ceramiqueinternationale.co.uk

The actress and singer – famous for her roles in the film Love, Actually, TV soap Eastenders and stage musical My Fair Lady – took to Instagram to show off her checkerboard tiled hallway to her 594,000 followers.

It instantly catapulted the classic black and white monochrome trend into the limelight, the tile distributor says. But suppliers and retailers have long been aware of the enduring popularity of the checkerboard look.

Monochromatic tiles, laid in a checkerboard design, have been on trend since the Victorian era, when they gained a reputation as an eye-catching but more affordable and practical alternative to the highly decorated and colourful designs seen in upper-class and architectural settings.

Director of Ceramique Internationale, Peter Vann, says: “Their ability to transform narrow spaces and accentuate space has made the checkerboard laying pattern a fashionable choice for floors and walls, paths and patios, ever since.”

Ceramique Internationale’s Clarice collection of 150x150mm glazed porcelain tiles, in crisp white and jet black, are a classic example of the style.

“They are capable of complementing any design theme, from Victorian tradition, to 1950s diner, to modern minimalist,” says Vann.

Adding an extra dimension to the look, the Clarice collection also includes two 150x150mm geometric pattern tiles, in complementary black Navette and white Cliffe, suitable for borders or a feature area.
https://ceramiqueinternationale.co.uk/product/clarice-black/
www.ceramiqueinternationale.co.uk