In professional shopfitting, the question is often not only "What goes into the store?", but also "What has to go out again when the property is vacated?". In the case of the ambitious concept of the Zurich store "Changemaker", the answer was: everything. Even the flooring. It was therefore necessary to find a product that could be easily removed again later. The solution: the DryTile system. It consists of ceramic floor tiles that are laid dry (without adhesive) and can therefore be completely removed.
The planning lead times in shopfitting are short, opening dates have to be met, every day counts and costs money due to unrealized sales. The commissioned interior designer therefore had to find a solution that could be implemented at lightning speed. After researching on the Internet, he came across the DryTile system from DryTile Ceramics GmbH: it combines the material-related advantages of ceramic floor tiles with complete removability. This is made possible by a thin layer of cork on the back, installation without adhesive and a specially developed grout. A pleasant additional benefit: As the system requires no adhesive, it can be laid up to eight times faster than with conventional methods and can even be walked on immediately without grouting (see also the information box on page 2).
Great creative scope
However, the interior designer was not only interested in DryTile tiles because of their practical benefits, but also because of the wide range of design possibilities. DryTile tiles are available in numerous attractive designs and in the formats 30 x 60, 45 x 90, 60 x 60, 75 x 75, 90 x 90 and 60 x 120 centimeters. The standard range already includes 20 series with a corresponding range of colors and surfaces. If this is still not enough, project-specific individual productions are also possible after a brief examination of the individual case. DryTile tiles from the Valley series in a 60 x 60 centimeter format were used to create a harmonious reference to the wooden store fittings. "They fit seamlessly into the color concept of the Changemaker stores in sand beige," says the interior designer: Bright, natural and with a focus on the essentials."
Ethics kisses aesthetics
DryTile is an innovative solution for all projects where time plays an important role and uncomplicated dismantling is desired. Nevertheless, these advantages alone would not have been enough to win the contract for this project. The company Changemaker was founded around 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 store concept stand for zeitgeist, quality and a conscious use of resources. This claim naturally also applies to the materials used in the stores. One reason why, for example, laminate, PVC, vinyl carpet or similar materials are not even shortlisted.
Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, fulfill these ecological criteria to a high degree, as they are one of the most sustainable floor coverings available. DryTile tiles can also score points with other advantages such as uncomplicated disposal (harmless construction waste), intelligent, resource-saving packaging (stacked on pallets without individual boxes and without individual foils) and absolute freedom from emissions (odors and vapors are neither released nor absorbed).
The interior designer's conclusion is correspondingly positive: "For me, DryTile shows how important innovation and special characteristics are. The system is impressive proof that the famous ear to the market enables extraordinary and sustainable solutions that are simple in a positive sense for everyone involved."
Background information
The DryTile system is an innovation from Deutsche Steinzeug Solar Ceramics GmbH (Germany's leading manufacturer of ceramic tiles for private and public applications). Market support is provided by the two sales subsidiaries Agrob Buchtal Solar Ceramics GmbH and DryTile Ceramics GmbH.
DryTile facts
The prerequisite for DryTile is a particularly even substrate. DIN 18202 "Tolerances in building construction" serves as the basis for this. For heavier loads due to high static (shelving, machines, etc.) or rolling loads (pallet trucks, etc.), we recommend a 2 mm pitch over a length of 2 m and the use of "extra thick" DryTile tiles, which are also available. The DryTile elements are then laid on the professionally prepared substrate. Their thin cork layer on the back, which is permanently applied in the factory using a special process, and the grout specially developed for the system allow them to be laid quickly and securely without adhesive. When the tiles are joined together, the cork backing, which protrudes precisely on all sides, automatically creates an elegant narrow joint. Without grouting, the flooring can be walked on immediately, for example for subsequent work by other trades such as painters or electricians. After grouting, the surface can be walked on after just 12 hours and is fully load-bearing after a further 12 hours. The DryTile system therefore optimizes the construction process very efficiently, saving time and therefore money. The bottom line is that this innovative solution enables installation up to eight times faster than with conventional methods. DryTile can also be completely dismantled and is emission-free. It is the only system of its kind with general building authority approval certificates as well as CE and Ü markings.
