Nanotech Countertops

Fenix NTM ‘Nanotech Matt’ surface recently debuted in many trendsetting kitchen and furniture manufacturers displays at Salone del Mobile in Milan.

Fenix NTM is a thermo-laminate with unique properties, produced in Italy by Arpa Industriale with the aid of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is the branch of applied science that involves controlling materials, at an infinitesimal level: from 1 – 100 millionths of a millimetre. This type of process has only been available for a few decades, but it is already transforming the world we live in, even the furniture sector.

The core structure of Fenix NTM is composed of craft paper impregnated with thermosetting resins. It is produced by the simultaneous application of heat and high specific pressure to produce a homogeneous non-porous high density product.

Fenix NTM is very resistant to scratches, abrasion, rubbing and dry heat. It is also resistance to stress, solvents and household reagents. Its surface is hygienic and easy to clean thanks to its enhanced anti-bacterial properties. Fenix NTM is also water repellant and mold resistant.

Despite its many features, it seems that it’s Fenix NTM’s matte anti-reflective surface, depth of color (especially black) and soft-to-the-touch feel that has designers flocking to it.

Homeowners and facility managers seem to love it because it is self-healing. To repair a scratch, just place a damp paper towel over the affected area and pass over the scratch with a hot iron. Your countertop will look brand new again.

FENIX NTM is available in the following sizes and thicknesses:
4200 x 1600 mm: 0.9, 1.2, 10 and 12 mm.
4300 x 1850 mm: 10 and 12 mm.

About Arpa:
Since 1954 Arpa Industriale has been designing and manufacturing panels with very high quality HPL technology for the most diverse applications: from architecture to interior design, from healthcare to shipyards, from transport to hospitality, from retail to kitchens.

Arpa’s American showroom is located in SoHo, the artistic and creative heart of New York City, the center for contemporary excellence. Arpa’s unique products and colorful collections on display are in this 7,500 square foot showroom center.

April 14, 2014

Classtone

TheSize keeps up with current trends and introduces a new collection to their innovative Neolith compact surfacing line called Classtone.

Inspired by the timeless look of marble, Classtone blends the classicism and elegance of marble with their revolutionary Neolith Digital Design (NDD) technology.

Neolith Estatuario | KitchAnn Style — Estatuario

The Classtone Collection was presented at Cersaie 2013 and KBIS 2014 this past February and introduced a new sizing format, 3,200 x 1,500 mm with a thickness of 12 mm.

Neolith Marfil | KitchAnn Style — Marfil

Rigorously realistic marble-like Pulpis, Marfil, Estatuario and Marquina comprise the Classtone line. The new collection is suitable for floors and facades, but designers will find it ideal for large kitchen countertops and bathrooms walls.

Neolith Pukpis | KitchAnn Style — Pulpis

“Neolith is perfect for architects, interior designers and other industry professionals who really aim at impressing their clients with striking designs and high-performance spaces.” –Mario Ramirez, North American Sales

Neolith Marquina | KitchAnn Style — Marquina – coming soon

Estatuario is the most versatile color and comes in 6 different variations with 2 finishes: Satin and Riverwashed. The patterns are E01, E02, E03 and their mirrored images E01R, E02R, E03R. Marfil and Pulpis are offered only in the satin finish.

Like all Neolith products, Classtone is an ultra compact surface that’s made of 100-percent natural material including clay, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxide. It’s an exceptionally durable, extremely thin material that’s scratch, stain, UV, cold, heat, and fire resistant. It also stands up to harsh cleaning agents and chemicals, plus requires very little maintenance. Neolith’s super thin sheets offer a lightweight alternative to natural stone.

One should note that each quarry is unique, so the clay or sand will have different amounts of silicates and feldspar. Depending on the mixture, clay may have to be added, and other times they just have to add color.

TheSize offers a 15 year limited warranty on its 3+3+3, 3+3, 5+3, 5+5, 10 and 12 mm thick NEOLITH slabs used for countertop applications.

March 16, 2014

FLOwer Power

FLOwer Evolution is a unique vessel concept from GlassDesign, an Italian Plumbing Company in the heart of Tuscany. Designed by Marco Pisati, the organic inspired tub and sinks draw inspiration from the Calla lily.

With the calla lily’s distinct shape, the faucet is reminiscent of the pistol, promoting an exotic and extremely artistic design. The series is manufactured with state-of-the-art materials such as VetroFreddo, Pert, and Inox, which enhance its artistry.

VetroFreddo (CoolGlass) is an innovative material composed of glass pigments and resin. Its major characteristics are its versatility in adapting itself to any form or shape imaginable. The material’s unique characteristics are expressed through colour, which is available in transparent, semi-transparent or opaque form.

VetroFreddo is temperature resistant up to approximately 100°C and can be worked with and carved just as marble or glass.

All fixtures manufactured with the VetroFreddo can be cleaned with any type of non-granular soap, using soft sponges or towels. To remedy scratches, the damaged area should gently be rubbed with a cloth soaked in olive oil. In case of deeper scratches or damage, a special replacement glass paper is available from the manufacturer for every color.

Pert is a technological polymer of great quality, combining a low specific weight with high mechanical resistance. It is particularly suited to fields where light weight is essential (e.g. in nautical, aeronautical).

It is a material which enables the creation of products of high design, allowing perfectly crafted angles and a smoothly plane surface, with the possibility of choosing among a wide range of colors to suit individual demand.

Vessel Sinks are available in matt and polished white, matt and polished black, Ferrari red, platinum, gold leaf 3D and silver leaf 3D. Pedestals are available in white, black, Ferrari red, gold leaf 3D and Silver leaf 3D. The bathtub is available fully white , or in bi-color finishes : black mat/white , Ferrari red/white, or with gold or silver leaf and white.

White and chrome pedestal cabinets are also available for added storage while keeping the minimal design aesthetic.

FLOwer is a highly stylish design collection – it’s basically haute couture for the bathroom.

February 16, 2014

Wine Barrel Vanity

Premier Copper Products has introduced a new line of vanities made from recycled solid oak wine barrels and featuring recycled copper sinks.

The new vanities are repurposed from Napa Valley barrels and air-dried in the Arizona climate for two and a half years before being dismantled and rebuilt into furniture by Arizona designer and craftsman John Koering.

The barrels measure 28 ins. wide, 34.5 ins. tall and feature an 18-in.-by-13-in. door (the original bung hole is repurposed for a door opening). Each unit also comes with a pre-installed 17-in. oval hand-hammered copper sink and drain.

The vanities are available in three non-VOC finishes and are priced at $2,398 (for vanity and sink only) and $2,726 (for vanity, sink and faucet package).

I love this image I stumbled across on the internet. The stone ledge is a great way to add more surface area for items like soap and finger towels. This is the perfect vessel for letting your imagination run wild.

Premier Copper Products is a Phoenix, Arizona-based importer and designer of handmade copper products from a plant they control in Mexico.