For the 22nd year, Tile of Spain branded manufacturers will come together to showcase their latest collections at Coverings 2009. Visitors to the 16,000-square-foot Pavillion of Spain will experience cutting-edge technology, exquisite design and diverse trends, as 24 ceramic and stone manufacturers unleash the latest style and innovation from Spain. Visit the Tile of Spain information and hospitality booth, #5603, for a variety of information including the Pavilion Directory and the latest issue of Ceraspana newsletter.

Conference Program

Patti Fasan, Certified Ceramic Tile Consultant, with more than 20 years of experience, will share her experience as part of the Coverings Conference program on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

9:15 – 10:15 am Ceramic Tile Specification: Facts, Myths, and Tools
In the past 20 years ceramic tile technology has literally re-invented this age old material. Dedicated research, development and innovation have led to enhanced user livability, unparalleled aesthetics and superior performance specifications.

However, the speed of technical advances can be a double edged sword. New products require adequate training to prevent inappropriate use, inaccurate specifications and project failures. A lack of technical knowledge of the most advanced products can create confusion in the marketplace and allow lower value tile programs to compete on par by simply adopting a quality moniker. This presentation will arm you with: pertinent facts; expose myths; and review the tools used to select the best tile for every type of ceramic tile installation.

10:30-11:30 am Environmental Smoking Gun
Ceramic tile is one of the most sustainable building materials. However, the embodied energy associated with overseas transportation and a lack of post consumer recycled content keeps ceramic tile from making most “green” materials list. Facts are seldom black and white but the common sense sustainable benefits of tile are not a gray area; they are decidedly green.

According to Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and Founding Chairman, USGBC, “People productivity is perhaps the smoking gun that will propel the Green movement”. Never before has there been a more opportune time to uncover the truths about ceramic tile.

The indoor air quality benefits create a positive impact on people and this one feature only begins to scratch the surface of ceramic tiles’ sustainable benefits. While energy and water conservation have been prime directives of the LEED program, the next generation of initiatives will focus on user health and productivity.

Environmental issues regarding: Indoor Air Quality; occupant health & safety; product durability and replacement frequency; affordability; maintenance/cleaning products and the ecosystem as well as the burden on landfill sites will have participants questioning whether they have addressed all aspects of building green.

In the Pavilion of Spain

Fasan will also present two seminars throughout the week in the Tile of Spain booth designed for retail ceramic consultants and design professionals:

The Amazing Race 2009
Sales and the economy – are you a participant in “The Amazing Race” or does it feel more like an episode of “Survivor?” It all depends on how you are choosing to deal with the obstacles. Everyday the choice is up to you. During these extraordinary times we want to share ideas, tools and resources to help you meet the challenges. Spain’s vibrant presentation will motivate and re-energize you for the next leg of the race. Join us at the Tile of Spain Pavilion as we share the optimum strategies, emerging trends, and innovative technologies that will keep you focused on your goals and help you turn obstacles into opportunities.

Tues, April 21 through Thurs, April 23 – 12-12:30 pm, 2:15-2:45 pm
Fri, April 24 - 12-12:30 pm, 2-2:30 pm

The Ceramic Tile Collections of 2009
New ideas that create value – in other words innovation, design and technology. Be the first to learn about the latest creative trends that are transforming residential and commercial spaces and adding ecological, aesthetic and lifestyle value.

Wed, April 22 – 12-12:30 pm

Audiovisual Presentations

These presentations will be on continuous display throughout the conference:

• Ceramics and Architecture – “Tile of Spain Prize of Architecture” award winners.
• Discover Spain – The mix of culture and avant-garde landscapes the country offers by Tourespaña.
• Tile of Spain: Innovation, Design, Technology and Diversity – Different atmospheres created with ceramic tile from Spain.

Latest Trends from the Tile of Spain

The following trends represent Tile of Spain branded manufacturers’ initiative and forward thinking as they strive to meet the needs of the interior design and architecture communities.

Performance-Based Design - A building should be constructed for the long-term. And materials are expected to last for the life of the structure. So goes the building theory of sustainability and therefore, the need for high-performance design. Products from Spain are on the forefront of high-performance and low lifecycle cost through ceramic tile innovations, fully adopting the need to “do it once, do it right, build for life.”

• Inalco will showcase its landmark innovation - a light, versatile product called SlimmKer. Only a quarter-inch thick, it’s easy to cut, perforate, handle and lay but meets all performance requirements.
• TAU S3 will show its 650-square-foot recreation of an urban space created exclusively with ceramic materials. Materials from the CIVIS’AGORA product line provide for public spaces with safe and comfortable design. This setting is complete with sidewalks, signalling, benches and other elements that comprise an urban roadway.

Healthy Hospitality - Healthy minds, healthy bodies, healthy environment. These concepts are driving much of the thinking and strategy behind healthy hospitality design. This holistic approach attempts to integrate body, mind and spirit by creating balanced, rejuvenating hospitality spaces that also strive for hygienic superiority. In ceramic tile’s hygienic properties, durability and eco-friendliness, architects and interior designers adopting this approach have found a natural partner.

• Tile of Spain branded manufacturer Ceramicas Aparici has embraced technology to recreate finishes of all kinds but with the property advantages of ceramic tile. The Jungle series shown in Maple, becomes a tribute to nature by mimicking “real” wood planks in a 8.9” x 35.4” format.
• Apavisa, a Tile of Spain branded manufacturer presents Pulpis, a collection that unifies a contemporary look with vintage character and recreates the beauty and authenticity of the Gris Pulpis natural stone. Available in formats 18”x36”, 9”x36” and 12”x24”.

Outdoor Living - Landscape designers and exterior planners are transforming ordinary backyards into “specialty rooms” complete with kitchens, bars, TVs and lake-like pools. At the same time, ceramic tile has crept beyond its standard uses – kitchens and baths – to appear in some of these more uncommon and unexpected scenarios, taking with it its superior property advantages. With the increasing demand for stunning outdoor sanctuaries, pools and other water features have gained priority status. Ceramic tile from Spain continues to produce a broad variety of products that add oasis-like attributes to outdoor living.

• Vidrepur’s Arts Series provides a distinctive balance of unique patterns and distinguishing colors to its vast selection of mosaics. The series intermingles a matte base mosaic with artistic strokes of texture and an elegant iridescent finish. As with all Vidrepur products, each mosaic tile is manufactured utilizing 100% recycled glass, ASTM certified to the highest standard, and is eco-friendly.
• Grespania will display the America catalogue, including the series California, Montana and Utah. This collection finds inspirational references in the panoramic landscapes and magnificent geological formations of the American West, where nature is portrayed in raw splendour.

Glimmer of Shimmer - Metallics are infiltrating interior spaces, residential and commercial alike. It’s evident in furnishings, walls, flooring, textiles – all elements of interior design. This trend seeks the shine and sophistication offered through precious metals and an avant-garde minimalism in such industrial materials as iron, steel and aluminum. Tile of Spain branded manufacturers, recognizing this growing demand and clamoring interest in all things metal, have unleashed a broad range of glazes and finishes applicable to an array of ceramic surfaces.

• Pamesa Ceramica will unveil three new collections including Catwalk in 10” x 20”, Avantgarde in 12” x 24” and Compacstone in 20” x 20”. Series in the Avantgarde collection offer fine surfaces and refined decorations identified with lusters and metals.
• The Datos collection from Azulejera Alcorense is a sophisticated solution for a modern home and a perfect fit for classic upscale restaurant lounge. In an 8” x 24” format wall tile, Datos presents a shine and glimmer that gives way to a sensible style today.

Latest Revivals - Easily distinguishable from their contemporary counterparts, many older structures hold notable grace and provenance. A look so inspiring that many of today’s designers are attempting to capture this essence of the Old World in their newest building projects. The “Latest Revivals” trend seamlessly blends history with modern convenience. Designers are differing to the use of ceramic tiles from Spain to create the lines and feel of yesteryear and infuse new homes with heritage. With ceramic tile itself spread throughout history, it is a natural option when attempting to emulate antiquity.

• Adex tile embodies the charm of old world influences in the making of its handcrafted tiles, which are emblematic of the Spanish-Colonial-inspired “Latest Revivals” trend. Adex emulates antiquity in a 3” x 6” and 6” x 6” format tile.
• The Pedralbes series from Ticsa Ceramica creates the lines and feel of yesteryear with unqiue and inspriating designs that give way to an enchanting grand entrance. This authentic, rustic 24” x 24” tile is perfect for use in areas demanding a classic Spanish Colonial look.