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Bathroom design discord
“Design dissonance” is a term we are borrowing from the world of systems design in technology. Perhaps the best definition is this: “Design dissonance occurs when a product or service sends out cognitive signals that run counter to the desired effect”. What is being pointed to here is that design [...]
Covered in stone
The facade of a building is the first clue that tells us that structure may have something special to offer. Lightweight natural stone ventilated rainscreen facades are becoming more commonly used in modern buildings because of their benefits in efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The way buildings are constructed has changed [...]
Traditional stone, just lighter and more affordable
For more than 50 years, Cultured Stone by Boral has continued to innovate and develop products to meet the latest design trends. It can enhance the aesthetics of a project, as well as add value and maintenance-free performance while helping protect the environment. Boral introduced its Cultured Stone product to [...]
Solid surfaces come of age
Countertops using Corian are man-made material that don’t look man-made, is more durable and often more affordable than natural stone. Its history dates back to the early sixties and was part of an industry that promised much excitement and promise. The following exchange reflects the enthusiasm at the time. Mr [...]
A commitment to new ideas
A known innovator in architectural surfaces, Axolotl was established in 1995 after many years of R&D led to its ability to adhere genuine metal to the surface of any substrate, a world first. In this feature, Axolotl managing director, Kris Torma writes about its latest stone, metal and paint finishes. [...]
More than a bonding agent
When Laticrete founder, Dr. Henry M. Rothberg, launched the company’s 4237 Latex Thin-Set Additive, he introduced a strong, weather- and shock-resistant “thin-bed” mortar, using equal parts sand and cement. It replaced thick, heavy and labour-intensive mortar bed installations. As acceptance of this problem-solving technology increased, ceramic tile and stone became [...]
Eighty years of progress
Mapei has been manufacturing chemical products for the construction industry since 1937, and has become a point of reference for the global market. The company’s long, proud history has always been closely connected to its capacity for ground-breaking research and innovation. Mapei invests 5% of its annual turnover into their [...]
Robotics for future apartments, today
The home of the future is one step closer to reality with the launch of Ori Systems’ first product, an all-in-one robotic dresser, desk and bed. Showrooming in luxury real estate developments in a number of US cities, Ori is debuting its new, modular furniture that enables city-dwellers to do [...]
Smart office furniture from Herman Miller
Herman Miller has teamed up with Swiss designer Yves Béhar for a new suite of smart office furniture that launched recently at NeoCon, a trade fair for commercial interiors in Chicago (USA). This line of furniture is called Live OS and uses a system with sensors that can come preinstalled [...]
Ikea targets small apartments
Ikea is launching new micro-living furniture, inspired by storage ideas in actual space shuttles. The company will shrink its furniture to target those who have to move into small apartments and tiny homes. “An Ikea team is looking into how a Mars habitat can become more like home,” Ikea said [...]
Amazon is focusing on furniture
Amazon.com is making a major push into furniture and appliances, including building at least four massive warehouses that specialise in handling bulky items, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal who spoke with people familiar with the online company’s plans. With that move, Amazon is taking on two [...]