Tiles have become an integral part of the architecture and design world with loads of innovations happening in terms of design and usage. SURFACES REPORTER (SR) presents to you some of the latest innovations being done in tiles based on the Winners of Tiles of Spain Awards 2021. Tile of Spain is an association representing over 100 Spanish tile manufacturers. The objective of the Tile of Spain Awards is to promote the use of Spanish ceramic tiles in architecture and interior design projects (both in Spain and abr The panel of judges was led by renowned architect Carlos Ferrater founder of the Office of Architecture in Barcelona (OAB. Other judges in the panel were Fermín Vazques, Director of b720, Jamie Sanahuja, Director of Sanahuja & Partners, Alicia Fernándes, Interior Designer at Alicia Fernández Interiorismo, José Ma Marzo Director of Tectónica and Ángel Pitarch President of the Colegio Territorial de Arquitectos de Castellón (CTAC). Let us know what you think about the same by writing to us at press@surfacesreporter.com
Winning Project - Architecture
Long Format Tiles on Facade
Project: New headquarters of the Valencia Construction Sector Employment Foundation
Architect: MRM Architects’ Studio
The new headquarters of the Valencia Construction Sector Employment Foundation is set in an industrial district in Valencia, Spain. In keeping with the region's physical and cultural backdrop, a decision was taken to use ceramic tiles for the construction of the employment center as this material is one of the Valencia’s flagship manufacturing products.
The jury praised the use of large-format tiles as a quintessential feature of the building’s façade. They also highlighted the use of a single surface material, applied as an exterior cladding to support the sustainability and hygiene throughout the facilities interior and exterior environments.
Architecture-Special Mention - Tiles in Architecture
Project: Malaga University’s Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy
Architect: Llps Architects’ Studio
The jury highlighted the innovative glossy continuous ceramic skin that was developed for the whole building, using round glazed tiles and other smaller ones in the gaps. To facilitate their installation, a mesh-mounted system was used. The layout of the whole building and its cladding overcome possible problems with meeting points, relinquishing the need to cut the tiles or use special tiles.
Winning Project - Interior Design
Interior Design with Tiles in a restoration project
Project: Living in a Coderch
Architect: Estudio Vilablanch
“Living in Coderch” was a full renovation of an apartment in the emblematic Banco Urquijo building nestled in Barcelona, Spain. During the restoration of the flat, Estudio Vilablanch recaptured the essence of José Antonio Coderch’s architecture and contemporary style.
Here, the jury celebrated the interior design scheme that enhanced the spirit of Coderch’s unique aesthetic. The judging panel also noted the exceptional choice of materials and meticulous care with which the design plan was executed.
Interior Design -Special Mention Tiles in Interior Design
Project: Cal Garrofa
Design: Julia Tarnawski & Albert Guerra
In this case, special note was made of its radical conceptual philosophy, used to revive a traditional looking home, in addition to the heavy use of colour and ceramic tiles to create a space with strong poetic connotations.