In issue 9/24, we look at the latest trends in tiles and slabs. We also present an end-of-trip facility in Melbourne where cyclists can not only park their bikes but also take a shower. The facility is equipped with Italian ceramic tiles. But there are also great projects in Germany, such as the town hall in Göttingen, where over 6,000 old tiles were recycled and reinstalled on the façade. We also introduce the company that specializes in the production and refurbishment of tiles.
18.10.2024
Tiles and slabs – The stone in September 2024
m+r Manufaktur GmbH from Saarbrücken produces architectural ceramics for interiors and exteriors in stoneware quality as well as tiles made from Westerwald clays. The raw materials for its various bodies are sourced within a radius of 100 kilometers, from the Kannenbäckerland region - special glazes and precious metals from experts all over the world. Whenever possible, suppliers in the region are commissioned. Most recently, the manufactory recycled around 6,000 tiles for the Göttinger Stadthalle and supplied 3,000 new three-dimensional tiles. Credit: m+r Manufaktur GmbH
Investment in Australia
Can tiles and slabs tell their own stone stories? Our author Anne Fischer took a close look at this question in this issue. In the process, she also came across a surprising trend: So-called end-of-trip facilities, where cyclists can shower and park their bicycles, are being built more and more frequently in the world’s major cities. This will make it even easier for some road users to switch from car to bike in the future. The showers and changing rooms are – of course – mostly tiled. You can find out what such a facility looks like in Melbourne, Australia, from page 22.
3D architectural ceramics
Sustainability has many faces. This is also shown by the history of the renovation of the town hall in Göttingen. More than 6,000 tiles from the old façade were used again. They were cleaned of smog residues, silicones, adhesives and, in some cases, graffiti and prepared for re-application to the building. The company that carried out this work is based in the Westerwald and is an expert in three-dimensional architectural ceramics. In addition to refurbishing the existing tiles, matching new ceramic tiles were also produced. This combination of old and new will also save a lot of resources in the future. Read more about this from page 18.
Our machine expert Michael Spohr has found out for you which machines are best for processing brittle ceramics, resinous quartz composite slabs or brittle natural stone. As always, he made his way to various stonemasonry companies. You can find out exactly who he visited for this issue from page 30 onwards. In addition to sustainability, another trending topic is currently dominating the discussion: artificial intelligence (AI). Our author Annette Mühlberger found out for you where AI is already being used in the skilled trades and what benefits it can bring. You can find out more from page 46.
We hope you enjoy reading STEIN.
Your Stein editorial team
The magazine is available here in the store!
Our August issue is all about facades. Find out more here.