With more focus on energy efficiency, climate change, and what causes it, the impact on the planet from architecture and the world of interior design is now in the spotlight. Governments across the globe are now having the conversation and bringing in new measures and guidelines in the building industry which will affect all of us in due course, builders, developers, interior designers, landlords, and private homeowners.
It’s now more imperative than ever to research the provenance of a product or material in our efforts toward responsible choices within our homes and our built environment.
SVM has been providing advice for several years on sustainable luxury interior design and sharing our knowledge with our clients on the best practices for energy, sustainability, and alternative products available on the market today and how to use them.
Sustainability no longer means more expensive or less fashionable. Sustainable alternatives can often be better quality, cheaper, and more effective to create a luxury interior.
Today I’m going to focus on one important material widely used; Marble, and the sustainable alternative, Porcelain Tiles.
Firstly, what is marble?
It takes around 2000 years to form mountains of marble, yes, it is a beautiful natural material, but, one has to blow up that mountain to access it, and, it's not going to be replaced any time soon!
So, whilst much of marble (and granite) is undeniably beautiful; some are exquisite and rare; we do not need to go to such extremes, or, in fact, any efforts to access it, because we have such wonderful alternatives to natural stones. Marble and stone have more cons than pros for use in our homes and buildings.
Cons.
It is highly porous.
Can easily stain.
Not a budget-friendly choice.
Requires specific sealing treatments, annually.
Easily damaged if not maintained.
Causes irreplaceable destruction of the environment
SVM designed this luxury bathroom using large format porcelain tiles to the floor and walls, mosaic tiles with some recycled glass content, and quartz slab for the WC housing.
The company, Tailor Made and Porcelain Tiles recently invited SVM to share our experience and knowledge with their commercial and private client base, to show the advantages and versatility of their tile products as alternatives to marble and stone.
The Italian company supports sustainable manufacturing, offers a wide range of tiles to replicate marble, onyx, stone, concrete, and wood, Tailor Made takes that product and fabricates it into worktops, sinks, kitchens, walls, and floors.
Porcelain tile versus Marble or Stone?
Porcelain tile is not permeable. It won’t stain!
It's heat resistant.
It's available in many large-size formats and has more versatility.
It's less expensive.
There is an extensive colour and pattern range.
It's kinder to the natural environment even when being manufactured.
Photo: This custom-made table was two-thirds cheaper using a porcelain tile
instead of a marble top. The entire table is made from tile.
SVM uses porcelain tiles to design custom-made, unique pieces of furniture for our clients as well as cladding walls and surfaces for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas in the home.
It’s a win for all!
Want to know more? View our short video below.
Would you like to know more?