'Ceramics that make your heart beat faster'

Italgraniti, Sicis, Margres and Lovetiles: just a selection from the wide range, which can be found in KeraStone's inspiring architectural studio in Barneveld. Recently, the exclusive design brand Mutina was also added to the collection. "With this we have a suitable answer in house for every demand in the ceramic field," says Gerrit van Gaalen, director of KeraStone.

"We find that architects really enjoy coming to us at an early stage of their design process. In addition to comprehensive product and application advice, we support by providing various options, appropriate within the specific design. The great thing is that with the rapid developments in the ceramic field, more and more is possible! This creates maximum design freedom and architects can very easily connect interior with exterior. For example, by using exactly the same tiles, but with anti-slip in exterior quality for the terrace, for example."

Outdoor

In any case, the use of ceramic tiles in outdoor spaces has taken off, Van Gaalen said. "We are getting more and more requests for (roof) terraces, swimming pools and outdoor living areas. This is not surprising, because ceramic tiles lend themselves extremely well to these applications. They are wear-resistant, have a long lifespan, good value for money and are maintenance-friendly. In addition, today's advancing digital techniques give great opportunities to present a high-quality and very diverse range of collections." Using ceramic tiles is also a very sustainable solution that is fully circular. "The application on roof terraces deserves special mention here. By using a system where the tiles come to rest on tile supports (from Eterno Ivica), the tiles do not need to be glued. There is also no need for a special substrate of, for example, drainage gravel, and cables can very easily and at any time be extended under the tiles; something we have successfully applied on a roof terrace at a height of 60 meters."

Maxus Ceramics

In addition to its many special collections, KeraStone in Barneveld also presents its own label: Maxus Ceramics. This concept focuses on utility construction, where functionality and budget are paramount. Given the increasing demand, the collection is catching on well, according to Van Gaalen. "This is mainly due to the wide applicability and the modular aspect of the series, which allows combining different formats in more than 100 colors. Thanks to the competitive pricing, this tile fits within every project."

Tiles as desired

KeraStone works with several key accounts. This involves assisting the responsible architect in picking tiles that not only meet the technical requirements, but also fit within the design vision of a formula that can be rolled out at multiple sites. "If there is no suitable tile that meets all requirements, thanks to our large network, we can also provide a customized solution. Here the tiles are produced in a customer-specific color, size and finish."