Sweet Relief

AT THE WORLD’S BIGGEST TILE EXPO, A NEW WAVE OF 3D CERAMICS STOOD OUT FROM THE PACK

Innovations in tile typically centre on the size and thickness of slabs, cutting-edge digital printing techniques or the sustainable properties of ceramic. But at the 2018 edition of Cersaie another movement stood out, quite literally: the emergence of geometric 3D designs. A range of manufacturers, including Marca Corona, Atlas Concorde and Heralgi, unveiled high-relief collections that, instead of exploiting ceramic’s chameleonic abilities, celebrate its innately malleable qualities. These next-gen 3D launches take conventional texture to the next level with surprising patterns, topographic ripples and pops of vivid colour. Whether they’re employed in residential or commercial settings, the tiles lend tactile and visual appeal that invites users to reach out and touch their surroundings.

3D WALL DESIGN

The snowflake-inspired Flake (above) and the knot-referencing Twist are the newest additions to Atlas Concorde’s 3D Wall Design collection, which comes in four neutral tones and in 30.5-by-56, 40-by-80 and 50-by110-centimetre formats. atlasconcorde.com

DEKORAMI

The tiles in this retroinspired collection, designed by Marcantetesta for Ceramica Vogue, are available in three patterns, in a glossy or satin finish. Each is 25 by 25 centimetres. ceramicavogue.com

BOLD

Featuring both linear and circular patterns, Marca Corona’s Bold is, in fact, quite subtle: The 40-by-80-centimetre tile reveals its 3D nature when approached from an angle. Offered in white, red, yellow and green. marcacorona.it

NEON

Available in the base colours of black and white, the 15-by-15-centimetre Neon, from Heralgi, is offered in an asymmetrical version as well as in the iteration shown. Like miniature mountains, the tiles rise to reveal vibrant escarpments in colours including blue, fuchsia, orange and purple. heralgi.com