The future of architecture lies in large-format ceramics
The message of this sort of tiling is simple: I am the future of your home and offices, your urban spaces! The great masters of modern architecture, from Le Corbusier to Louis Kahn, all have a share in this new style and paradigm of architecture that is emerging in the 21st century.
This spatial quality, which provides continuity at the mercy of large-scale tiles, can integrate both the floor and the wall and sometimes even make the floor and the division one spatial part.
This shows the insight that embedded itself in the texture and fabric of the material. So long as the user of the space sees the continuity of the space through lines and tint of the large-scale tiles, a sense of unity has been inspired him or her. This technology-led material building whose color and texture are designated and drawn by computers, will be the future of both façade and floor design.
This, also, would be described by some architecture critics as an orchestra of fluid and continuous space with strings of large format ceramics. Nowadays, these tiles are used in the following parts of the buildings:
- Countertops
- Benchtops
- Flooring
- wall cladding
- Roof gardens
Furthermore, in the language of economics, the large format tiles market size has been estimated apropos USD 46.15 Billion in 2020, and it is reported that it will reach 100.90 Billion by 2028, growing at least 11% from 2022 to 2028; so, stay with us until the end of this text to tell you a new story about this magnificent construction material.
The Advantages of Large Format Tiles
Needless to say, there is more than one advantage that we can add as value to our environment through the use of large-format ceramic tiles.
To me, as an inquisitive interior designing journalist, the fewer grout lines we have, the more beautiful floor we tile. So, the first benefit that should be marked here is fewer grout joints’ lines. Since large tiles cover a vast part of the floor, square by square, you will see how grout areas would fade due to their longer distance in comparison to ordinary scaled ceramic tiles. In the long rectangular dimensions, which are more suitable for the wall, you will not see the horizontal lines of the grout at a ninety-degree angle to the vertical lines. In this way, the walls will be seen more elongated.
Another positive side that I would like to mention is the quality of its cleaning routine. These ceramics do not absorb dust and they are easy to clean with a lint. Such a feature is an undeniable and unique advantage for public spaces and collective places such as hotel lobbies, or ultra-luxury swimming pools.
Latterly, we used these building materials in a commercial project; due to its contemporary edge appearance, several architecture journals and fashion magazines have come for shooting sessions at the place, and this itself would be some advertisement for the location and the brand. You might ask yourself, is it something transient? Like any other mode?
I’m pretty sure that large-scale tile fashion is broader than a vogue in architecture; so, the essence remains let alone the gravity of these ceramics’ waving lines and ink-like dots as the most eye-catching things onto a floor I have ever seen.
These tiles make the room substantially bigger and reincarnate a sense of openness at the mercy of fewer grout joints. Moreover, it is an architectural fact, proven and clear, that larger tiles create a larger space even in a small bedroom. If you use the same color for the grout joints, then it will be a well-designed and unified bathroom or kitchen.
In other words, Straightforward and practical, sleek, and unfussy aesthetic, large format tiles offer a purified layout to relax and work without decay and flawlessly. If you want to tell me about my personal experience again, I will give an example of a villa where we tiled the entire roof garden with these ceramics. The result was a space without lines, unlike anything you've seen before.
Finally, when renovating a building, think about how much easier it will be when you have to remove a smaller number of tiles, yet larger ones, from the wall or floor of a room to replace them.
In short, the fact that large format tiles are something different than some brick-like covering in terms of juxtaposition, that the surface works not only more contemporarily, due to its psychological effect, but it also seems to free up more space.
Important points about large format ceramics
The future of interior design and façade delves into the large format of ceramics' birth. Mies van der Rohe’s dream about some continuous space has emerged not from glass and steel frames, but from large-scale tiles. However, in theory, unifying walls and floors are what he had in mind.
In this regard, you should know that large-size tiles mean beyond 12 x 12 cm scales. Of course, it should be kept in mind that medium dimensions, which are also larger than this size, might be a more reasonable choice for bedrooms or master bathrooms.
Another point is resilience. rarely do we see cracks and flaws appear on these surfaces.
Beyond this, in terms of manufacturing and industrial production, the smaller the number of ceramic tiles you prepare for installation, the simpler the flooring will be, and the simpler calculations you will make.
This point also reduces the amount of error in the slope of the bathroom and the floor. As a result, a great deal of money and time will be saved by dint of large format ceramics, because you need skilled labor less. Large format tiles are indeed more expensive, but in mass, the sort of material hereafter the emerging these large format tiles are as follows:
- Marble ceramics;
- Granite tiles;
- Unglazed with cement effect tiles.
The last one, I mean unglazed ones is the best and de rigueur choice for the outdoor spaces, both cladding the exterior walls and likewise to rug the floor with. Marble and granite tiles are good for indoor parts of public spaces, especially city halls.
In the following, we will consider some technical considerations and design tips.
TRANSPORT AND INSTALLATION
S, M, L, XL; that is the question.
In this, since I may have a little more experience in the field of tiling—than you—, I will try to talk in simple language about the process of installation and transportation and such about large-size tiles. I will also talk about the use of digital technology in the design and beauty of these tiles.
CUTTING
Since the task of cutting large-size tiles is done very quickly due to the fewer tiles to cut up, it makes the construction and production project less expensive and faster, Overall, a main issue related to the floor and wall design with the help of large-size ceramics is the vertical and horizontal cutting of these tiles.
STRENGTH
Large format ceramic tiles are durable and strong in terms of resilience under pressure, 1/8" thick. They are scratch and drop resistant which means standard mechanical static. They are easy to work with as they allow built-ins and integrated features. This quality creates a geometric pattern on the surface to match features such as sink matches.
On the other hand, smaller ceramic tiles are more likely to crack on the surface itself— the joints’ lines would take distance first. However, arguably, larger tiles are stronger in general. You should work on strengthening the floor before starting to rug since the likelihood of cracking will abate.
INSTALLATION
Due to the fact, that the larger tiles are easier to load and forward, and when installing you have fewer tiles to install, it will be much cheaper and faster to finish compared to smaller-sized tiles. However, you should remember some points in this regard:
- Where are they installed?
- What is the size of the wall or floor?
- Do you install at a height?
- Do you pay in installments or cash?
AESTHETICS
The computer plays a momentous role in designing the style of these tiles. Because it helps us to paint very streamlined scenes onto them inspiring the use of abstract art, this is itself a matter of high culture in such an industry. Hence, the aesthetics of large-format tiles is a new trend in the realm of interior design.
Furthermore, for outdoor cladding, the urban aesthetic of these tiles with cement effect would be the best choice in the present day; this is the new environment that comes out of our digital mixed reality.
Uses of large porcelain ceramics
Glazed porcelain ceramics give a special beauty to the streamlined patterns of fashionable and large-scale tiles due to the translucent and brilliant surface of it; that results from glazing. It is the embrace of industry, art, and craft that has created a new world in association with digital art.
CLADDING FOR BUILDINGS
Due to their importance and quality in the construction industry, these tiles have become very popular as facades and covering materials in large buildings. I have discussed this topic focused on porcelain tiles at the end.
PORCELAIN ceramics FOR INTERIORS AND DECORATIVE APPLICATIONS
In the past, it was not customary to use glazed ceramic tiles on the facade but what is called dry glazed ceramic, nowadays, is an irrevocably nice and noble option for cladding making for the best landscapes, an undisputed newfangled fashion.
WORKTOPS
As said above, choosing the right size and distinguishing among all the sizes is our main issue. For example, we always recommend a medium-sized kitchen for both floor and wall use. For outdoor spaces and landscaping, it will be a good choice among the large sizes. Ultimately, going with a professional always has benefits that you won't regret later.
COLOUR COORDINATION
The colors of this ilk of tiles are usually divided into two categories. One is bright colors with very streamlined colorful waves, and the other is gray colors in different spectrums. The first category is for indoor spaces, and the second is mostly for outer environments. On another note, Marble colors in marble ceramics and forest green are considered conventional colors for granite ceramics. All in all, if we can get it right, the unity of color and scheme can help a lot to add depth to our spaces.
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