In professional shopfitting, not only the question "What goes into the shop?" often arises but also "What has to be taken out again when the property is vacated?" In the case of the ambitious concept of the Zurich shop "Changemaker", the answer was: everything. Even the floor covering. Thus, the task was to find a product which can be removed again later without any problems. The solution: the DryTile system. It consists of ceramic floor tiles which are laid dry (without adhesive) and can therefore be completely removed.
The planning lead times in shop construction are short, opening dates have to be met, every day counts and costs money due to unrealizable sales. The commissioned interior designer therefore had to find a solution which could be implemented at lightning speed. Through research on the Internet, he came across the DryTile system from DryTile Ceramics GmbH, which combines the material-related advantages of ceramic floor tiles with complete removability. This is made possible by a thin cork layer on the back, laying without adhesive and a specially developed pointing compound. Pleasant additional benefit: as the system requires no adhesive, it can be laid up to eight times faster than by the conventional method and can even be walked on immediately before pointing (also see info box on page 2).
Great creative scope
However, the DryTile tiles were interesting to the interior designer not only because of these practical advantages, but also with a view to the wide range of creative possibilities. DryTile tiles are available in numerous attractive designs and in the formats of 30 x 60, 45 x 90, 60 x 60, 75 x 75, 90 x 90 and 60 x 120 centimetres. The standard range already includes 20 series with a corresponding range of colours and surfaces. If that is still not enough, project-specific individual productions are also possible after a short check of the individual case. In order to create a harmonious relationship with the wooden shop fittings, DryTile tiles from the Valley series in the 60 x 60 centimetre format were used. "In the tone sand-beige, they fit seamlessly into the colour concept of the Changemaker shops: bright, natural and focused on the essentials”, says the interior designer.“
Ethics kisses aesthetics
DryTile is an innovative solution for all projects where time plays an important part and uncomplicated removal is desired. Howeverl, these benefits alone would not have been enough to win the bid on this project. The Changemaker company was founded about a decade ago with the vision "if consumption and commerce, then "good". Sustainability therefore has a high priority in the brand DNA, which is also reflected in the company claim "ethics kisses aesthetics". A unique product range and a modern shop concept stand for zeitgeist, quality and a conscious use of resources. This claim of course also applies to the materials used in the shops. This is one reason why, for example, laminate, PVC, carpet vinyl or similar materials are not even shortlisted.
Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, meet these ecological criteria to a high degree, as they are one of the most sustainable floor coverings available. DryTile tiles can also score with other advantages such as uncomplicated disposal (harmless construction waste), intelligent, resource-saving packaging (stacked on pallets without individual cardboard boxes and without individual foils) and absolute freedom from emissions (odours and vapours are neither emitted nor absorbed).
The interior designer's conclusion is correspondingly positive: "For me, DryTile shows how important innovations and special characteristics are. The system is an impressive proof that the famous ear to the market enables extraordinary and sustainable solutions which are simple for everyone involved in a positive sense."
Background information
The DryTile system is an innovation of Deutsche Steinzeug Cremer & Breuer AG (Germany's most important manufacturer of ceramic tiles for private and public applications). Market support is provided by the two sales subsidiaries Agrob Buchtal GmbH and DryTile Ceramics GmbH.
DryTile facts
A prerequisite for DryTile is a particularly level laying base. DIN 18202 "Tolerances in building construction" serves as the basis for this. In case of increased stress due to high static (shelves, machines, etc.) or rolling loads (lift trucks, etc.), it is recommended to use a pitch of 2 mm over a length of 2 m and to use "extra-thick" DryTile tiles, which are also available. The DryTile elements are then laid on the professionally prepared base. Their thin cork layer on the back, which is durably applied already in the factory by a special technique, and the pointing compound specially developed for the system allow fast and safe laying without adhesive. When the tiles are butting against one another, the cork layer on back, which protrudes exactly on all sides, automatically produces an elegant narrow joint. Without pointing, the covering can be walked on immediately, for example for subsequent works by other trades such as painters or electricians. After pointing, the surface can be walked on already after 12 hours and is fully load-bearing after a further 12 hours. The DryTile system thus optimizes the construction process very efficiently, saving time and thus money. The bottom line is that this innovative solution enables up to eight times faster laying than by the conventional method. DryTile is also completely removable and emission-free. It is the only system of its kind with test certificates of general building approval as well as CE and Ü markings.
drytile-ceramics.de
Press contact
Gabriele Busse (Press officer / Senior PR Manager)
T. +49 (0)228 391-1104
M. +49 (0)151 14976931
Email: gabriele.busse@deutsche-steinzeug.de
