Ceramic artist Katrina Kenny and technician Eric Cossich have formulated a new type of ceramic material after two years of research and development. It can be glazed, moulded and used like ceramic but has a much smaller shrinkage rate (around 1%) than clay, allowing it to be made into very large pieces, even table tops. Known as Cerastone (reg.) it is being made into many decorative features
Designs
A Moorish inspired mirror frame had been fashioned from large tile pieces joined and grouted to resemble a tiled mosaic. On a larger scale a wall fountain had been made using Cerastone (reg.) tiles grouted to resemble a mosaic pattern.
Method
Cerastone (reg.) is a high fired ceramic which combines the qualities of stone with the versatility of ceramic. The main advantage of this new material is the minimal shrinkage of about 1% compared to almost 12% shrinkage with clay, allowing for a more faithful reproduction of original details.
Another benefit is that it can be used in very large pieces, up to one metre square or round – clay will often distort in applications this size.
The Cerastone (reg.) tile is a versatile decorative element better described as a panel as it is created in much larger units than traditional clay tiles. The fired panels carry a moulded pattern. They are handpainted and glazed before being installed. They fit together like a large Lego set to make any shape desired.
Once the shape (such as a mirror frame) is complete, joins between the panels are concealed with grout, which adds to the finished look. Grout is also applied around the coloured areas of each panel to trick the eye into believing that the pattern is made up of many small tiles, for example like an authentic Moroccan panel.
Cerastone (reg.) can be glazed in a variety of colours in gloss or matt finishes, as well as having the choice of lime washing, painting or staining the material for an individual look.
Prices and availability
The price for the Cerastone (reg.) panels varies depending on the complexity of the design and finish. Tile panels range from approximately $40 – $150. Tabletops (without bases) start from $200 for the 500mm size and begin at $600 for the one metre square size.
Cerastone (reg.) panels can be seen at:
The design exhibition, Designex, Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. This trade exhibition will be open to the public on Sunday 3 May 1998, 10am to 5pm.
For more information about where you can find Cerastone (reg.) tiles contact:
Dante Designs
Box 150
Echunga SA 5153
Phone: (08) 8388 8400
Fax: (08) 8388 8090
email: [email protected]
(Visits to the design showroom outside Adelaide are by appointment only).
The garden designer who constructed the wall fountain and courtyard garden featured on the segment can be contacted in Adelaide at:
Mark Barnett Gardens
Phone: 018 089 090