Stiles: Step aside for the SLAB

Sophisticated Surfaces for Timeless Spaces   The concept of ‘surface drenching’ with natural stone sounds like a new trend. It ain’t!  In fact, the master builders of ancient Greece, Anatolia and Rome were drenching the surfaces of their holy temples and tombs long before Mount Vesuvius blew her top in the first century.

Florim Heritage Cloud Gloss Rectified 1200x2800mm

Slabs of marble were also used to embellish iconic landmarks such as the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Taj Mahal. Marble became symbolic of purity, divinity and eternity. For thousands of years, natural stone continued to be the chosen material for opulent, elegant and palatial buildings. Marble had, and still has, all the characteristics of building material royalty:  high strength, high heat resistance, exceptional durability and unparalleled versatility.

In recent years technological innovations have led to the production of a new generation of refined materials. The Gen Z of tiles are supersized, lightweight, porcelain stoneware slabs. They mimic the textures and patterns of rare stone, rock, granite, concrete and marble. These large format tiles are revolutionising the concept of seamless surfaces and unlocking new prospects for sophisticated architectural design. Basically, like all Gen Zers, they slay!  

“We curate our large format tile collections from state-of-the-art factories in Europe,” says Johan Drom van Tonder, Chief of Operations at Stiles. “These slabs are lightweight, beautifully designed and artistically crafted,” he continues, “their durability, versatility and affordability make them an attractive choice for luxury homes, commercial spaces (hotels and retail spaces) and exclusive designs.”

Slabs are typically tiles of 1200mm x 2400mm in size, but can measure up to 1600mm x 3200mm. These large format tiles are ideal for surface drenched interiors. This design technique emphasizes spatial continuity. All the surfaces in the room are wrapped in a singular material. The walls, floors, showers, shelves, stairs, and vanities are uniform, creating a sleek, uninterrupted canvas.

This trend is aesthetically pleasing as it gives an illusion of space and grandeur, and it reduces material transitions. “In addition to being cheaper, lighter, more stress resistant and easier to work with than natural stone,” says Drom, “glazed slabs don’t stain”. Slabs can be laid wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling to create virtually seamless stair treads, shower seating and waterfall-effect kitchen countertops.

MAJESTIC MARBLE

Florim Heritage Cloud Gloss Rectified 1200x2800mm

The porcelain slabs at Stiles are inspired by an array of materials, from the natural, such as marble, rock and stone, to the industrial, like metals and cement. The high-performance marble-look slabs are some of the most popular in the showroom. They have the noble hues and majestic veining of ancient marble, with a contemporary glazed finish. The Heritage Luxe collection at Siles is recognisable by its dynamic veining. The Heritage Cloud Slab displays an opulent, polished effect and is suitable for indoor floors and walls and outdoor wall surfaces. The Heritage Cloud Comfort Slab has a matt appearance and a slip resistance of R10.

Florim Heritage Cloud Comfort Rectified 1200x2800mm

GRANITE LOOK

Florim Plimatech PlimaGray/01 Matt Rectified 1200x2800mm

Modelled on Italian riverine granite, the Plimatech Slabs are characterised subtle crystalline formations and light-dark mottling. The Plimatech collection includes three different colours, blue-grey shade  a white and a beige

JEWELLED SURFACES

Florim Les Bijoux Calacatta Altissimo Gloss Rectified 1200x2800mm

“Les Bijoux” Collection is inspired by extremely rare and precious surfaces that can be compared to true works of art. These slabs have the artistic allure of jewelled surfaces. Les Bijoux Calcatta has the characteristic blue grey veining of authentic Calcatta marble.

PUREST WHITE

Florim Les Origines OR Gloss Rectified 1200x2800mm

“Les Origines” celebrates the purity, minimalism and harmonious beauty of white marble. Thin vein patterns are traced in nuances of old gold, ivory, pearl, grey and graphite. The slabs are available in a matt  or gloss finish 

Visit any of the Stiles’ showrooms to views their sophisticated slabs in person or visit their website: stiles.co.za to find out more.

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