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Notes from the Field

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A tile showcase in Spain

by Jennifer Adams, Editor

Welcome to the first edition of Stone & Tile Design Insider -- an E-newsletter that is geared to bring you some of the latest trends and happenings in stone and tile design.  Each issue will include a range of topics, starting with "Notes from the Field," which will be based on my travels and experiences in the trade, reporting on what is new in the industry.  Other sections will include "Featured Item of the Month," "Product Reviews," "Project Spotlight," "Green Design" and "Industry News and Events."  Click here to read more

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Featured Item of the Month

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The Vibe Mosaics collection by Walker Zanger

Celebrating the bold and sassy designs of the swinging 60s and 70s, Walker Zanger has introduced its Vibe Mosaics collection. Crafted of ceramic and porcelain, these designs put a new spin on the geometries and colors that defined the era, in rugged tiles that can be used for both walls and flooring and are durable enough to grace virtually any room of the home, according to the company. Click here for more information

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Product Reviews

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Cevisama 2008 product review

by Jennifer Adams, Editor

Celebrating its 26th year, Cevisama, the International Ceramic Tile and Bath Furnishings show, was held from February 5 to 9 in Valencia, Spain.  And in keeping with tradition, the 2008 edition was a showcase of new and innovative product lines -- particularly in the ceramic tile sector. In total, 150 of the exhibitors were Tile of Spain's branded manufacturers, who belong to the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association (ASCER). Click here for a sampling of new products that were on display

Surfaces 2008 review

by Michael Reis, Associate Publisher/Senior Editor

Considered to be the leading trade exhibition for floor covering professionals, Surfaces 2008 took place at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, from January 30 to February 1.  The event included several new product introductions from the tile and stone sector. Click here for a look at some of these items:

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Project Spotlight

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Building a glass mosaic icon for the state of Iowa

Visible from Interstates 35 and 80, the Paragon Prairie Tower, which includes 1.8 million pieces of illuminated glass tile, is the tallest feature in the "Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area" of Urbandale, IA, and quite possibly the largest glass mosaic structure in the U.S., according to David Dahlquist of RDG Dahlquist Art Studio in Des Moines, IA, who served as head art designer for the project. Dahlquist explained that although the project was initially designed to become an identity feature for the R&R Realty Group's Paragon Office Park, his client later wanted it to develop into a new cultural landmark for the state of Iowa. Click here for full article

Stone and tile reflect personal tastes

by Michelle Stinnard, Associate Editor

Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc. recently redesigned a kitchen and two bathrooms for a post-and-beam house, located in the Hollywood Hills of California, where the goal was to incorporate and coordinate each of the homeowner's personal tastes into various elements of the home. To read more, click here

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Green Design

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Working to promote the environmental benefits of natural stone

by John Mattke, Co-Chair, Natural Stone Council,Chairman, Natural Stone Council Committee on Sustainability

Perhaps no one knows better than you that the use of natural stone has skyrocketed in the last decade, particularly for interiors. Stone is being used in ways it never has before, largely due to advancements in technology that allow for variations in fabrication. Additionally, the cost of Genuine Stone® such as marble and granite has come down as a percentage of building costs. To specify stone for a project means to choose a naturally beautiful, unique and durable material. full article

National Park Service builds with sustainability in mind

by Alexis Fisher, Assistant Editor

Serving as a model for future National Park Service sites, the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee was built with sustainability in mind, and is on target to become one of the National Park Service's first LEED buildings in the southeastern U.S. To adhere to the sustainable objective, regional river stone was applied as a battered wainscot around the exterior of the structure to help it harmonize with its mountainous surroundings, which also aided in taking advantage of the natural resources around the site. full article

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Industry News and Events

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Coverings 2008 returns to Orlando

by Michael Reis, Associate Publisher/Senior Editor

The 2008 edition of Coverings returns to familiar turf this year, as it will take place in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center from April 29 to May 2. The move back to Orlando will mark the 10th appearance of Coverings in that city. In addition to the exhibition, Coverings has been known for producing an in-depth program of seminars, including high-profile keynote speakers.  Click here for a look at this year's schedule of events and seminars

2008 Pavilion of Spain at Coverings 2008

Tile of Spain will have a large presence at Coverings 2008, with 54 exhibitors in its 40,000-square-foot pavilion.  Sponsors of the pavilion include ICEX, Spain's Institute for Foreign Trade, and ASCER, the professional association of ceramic tile manufacturers from Spain. Tile of Spain's sponsorship at this year's event, which will be held from April 29 to May 2 in Orlando, FL, will include a show floor tram, lanyards and registration bags, registration areas and banners. ach day, the association will serve breakfast, tapas and refreshments throughout the day at booth #2109.  Additionally, Tile of Spain will offer seminars each day presented by Patti Fasan. Click here for a complete look at the schedule

Inspiration meets innovation at Ceramic Tiles of Italy Pavilion 2008

Ceramic Tiles of Italy is laying down the groundwork for Coverings 2008. The Italian Pavilion will be alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of Italy. Show attendees will be presented with an endless array of new products, cutting edge innovations and, of course, tasty treats in almost every Italian booth. The eye-catching, tile clad central stand (booth 4206), the Ceramic Tiles of Italy Design Competition award exhibition and the Italians' ever-popular raffle promotion are three of the exciting features that are sure to make this edition of Coverings a memorable experience, according to Ceramic Tiles of Italy. Click here for more information

2008 Industry Events

Specialized events for architecture and design professionals are offered throughout the year, including general design events and others that are geared specifically to the stone and tile fields. Click here for a look at upcoming industry events.