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Quarter 30

Latest issue

In this 30th edition of Quarter, we are delighted to launch our new branding and share with you the story of our reimagined Clerkenwell showroom. As the UK’s leading independent supplier of architectural ceramics, we take design seriously. We hope that our new branding expresses to you, our reader, our passion and commitment to excellence in design, and that you will come and visit us in our new showroom.

Quarter 30 features exciting projects from Associated Architects, JMDA, Louis de Soissons, and A Small Studio. We visit London, Birmingham, Helsinki, and a supercar showroom in Hertfordshire. We present seven amazing ranges chosen by our Product Manager Justin Jennings, that represent the cutting edge of ceramic design.

We speak to Graphic Artist Anthony Burrill, Architect Robert Delius of Stride Treglown, and Colour Consultant Justine Fox, on the relationship between design, optimism and change.

And we travel to the home of renowned Finnish Architect and Educator Juhani Pallasmaa for a deeply personal interview in which he reflects upon the fundamental essence and purpose of design, and explains why he sees “… the task of architecture as the defence of the authenticity of human experience.”

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    Movement joints

    Movement joints compensate for the movement of tiles, which extends down through the tiles, the bed and screed layer below. Without them, stress builds up between the tile and the substrate, causing de-bonding, bulging and cracking. Therefore these stress-relieving joints are an essential part of any tiling installation, and should be incorporated at the design stage.

    Protection of water-sensitive backgrounds

    Most backgrounds used in the UK are water-sensitive i.e. Plaster, plaster-board, timber etc.

    To ensure the longevity of a tiled project these backgrounds require some type of protective layer over the surface to protect them from the ingress of moisture.
    This can be done in various ways depending upon what type of service environment they will be put into once commissioned.

    Open Pedestal Systems

    The pedestal raised deck supports are designed for use on external terraces, walkways, balconies and ballasted at roof constructions. They can also be used for decorative purposes to create raised patio and wooden decked areas in gardens.

    Raised Access Flooring

    The raised floor for interiors has been specially designed to provide a rational answer to the need for flexibility required by technological innovation in places where there is a high concentration of process plant, like offices, data processing centres and the advanced services sector.

    Tiling to a Heated Calcium Sulphate Screed

    These types of screed are more commonly referred to as Anhydrite; they are a gypsum based screed, in which the binding agent either consists of natural anhydrite, thermal anhydrite, alpha hemi-hydrate or mixes of these.

    Tiling to a Heated Cement/Sand Screed

    Floors with under floor heating generally operate below 30°C. The heating elements are usually incorporated in a suitable reinforced mortar screed with a minimum thickness of 75mm.

    Tiling with large format, thin-bodied porcelain tiles

    With the introduction into the UK, of large format, thin-bodied porcelain tiles (thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 5mm), it is clear that the main benefit for this type of tile is reduced weight restrictions; For example fixing onto skimmed or plastered backgrounds or alternatively for refurbishment works – tile on tile.

    Environmental information

    At Solus we are committed to being able to provide our customers with a wide range of environmentally friendly products. With this in mind we have searched throughout Europe and have access to ranges from many factories who meet the criteria to be ECO-label and EMAS certified.

    Cleaning and Maintenance

    The Guide gives an introduction to the best products to clean and maintain beautiful porcelain and ceramic tiles.

    From the Solus Initial Cleaner, suitable for the removal of cement deposits during builders clean prior to hand-over, to the Solus Degreaser, used for cleaning heavy traffic workshop areas; and for all other areas the gentle cleaning action of the pH neutral Solus Everyday Cleaner.

    Cleaning Terracotta Surfaces

    Terracotta isn’t a difficult material to look after.  But it does have a high level of absorbency, so it needs to be correctly sealed to prevent staining.

    Like all natural surfaces, a correct cleaning regime process will ensure that the surface maintains its original look and is easy to care for.

    Treatment and Maintenance Crackle Glaze

    Prior to grouting crackle glaze tiles it is recommended that they are sealed; this may be done using a temporary sealer such as Fila PRW200.

    This is a water based pre-grouting solution which makes the application of grout and cleaning off easier, without altering the material’s appearance.