The world of construction and design is constantly evolving. Over the years, ceramic tiles have remained an important tile for different surfaces, such as floors, kitchen tops, walls and facades. This is because they are versatile, durable, have a timeless appeal.
Recently, ceramic tiles have experienced a major shift. This is because of explorations in the construction industry geared towards identifying creative ways to improve their functionality and design.
Developing and manufacturing ceramic tiles for facades and walls have radically changed most people’s impression of their use in commercial spaces and homes.
The History and Evolution of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles have a rich history dating back to the period in the ruins of the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in the neo-Babylonian era.
Different decorative tiles have been used over the years, but the breakthrough in tile production took place in the 9th century.
In the Islamic period, artisans used the moraq technique to decorate tiles as decorations on the interior and exterior of buildings as shown below.
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In the Middle Ages, ceramic tiles symbolized prestige. At that time, only churches and divine institutions could afford the tiles because of their expensive prices.
They evolved, and the Industrial Revolution marked the height of mass production of ceramic tiles and increased accessibility.
The industrial production of ceramic tiles for floors and walls peaked during the Victorian era. Within the 63 years, the use of the tiles spread to more churches, homes, and commercial premises. This is because of their unique decorative and functional features.
Ceramic tiles continued to expand into public spaces in the 20th century. For example, at the time ceramic tiles were mostly used on subway stations.
We have explained in detail about what is the size of the subway tile in our previous post, hopefully it will help you.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the production of decorative tiles was inspired by the Art Nouveau style. On this basis, the tiles were characterized by natural forms of plants or flowers.
The history from the neo-Babylonian era to the 20th century show how the tiles have evolved over the years.Today, they are still popular because of their timeless appeal in spaces and durability.
You can use the tiles in more spaces because of their versatility, durability, resistance to different elements, and ease of cleaning.You can use them on facades and walls. You can use them to divide open spaces into many functional areas and design them with different patterns, color themes, and textures.
From the onset, the production maxims of the tiles have remained the same. However, technological advancements have resulted in interesting and innovative developments.
One of the main advancements in technology in the ceramic tile industry is the use of digital ceramic printing techniques. The technology facilitates the application of different designs and patterns to the surface of ceramic tiles.
The technological capability has expanded ceramic tiles’ design possibilities. This has made them more versatile and ideal for use in various spaces in your home or business.
Also, it has revolutionized them and made it easier and more efficient to produce high-quality tiles for use on your floors, facades, kitchen countertops and walls.
The Use of Ceramic Tiles for Facades and Walls
Previously, facades and exterior wall tiles were mostly embellished or decorated with glass, stones, or concrete.
However, the advancement in tile technology has led to the development of new ceramic tiles for facades and exterior spaces. This is because of their thickness, resistance to harsh weather conditions, durability, and timeless appeal.
New tiles for facades and walls are engineered in ways that make them withstand rain, UV radiation, sunshine and wind.Moreover, the new tiles for facades and walls can regulate temperature.
Also, your tiles can maintain an ideal indoor temperature for your space. This is through developments in thermal insulation technology that make it possible for the tiles to reflect sunlight and prevent heat absorption.
The energy-efficient feature of new ceramic tiles for facades and walls helps reduce cooling costs.When clad on your walls, such tiles contribute to a natural cooling effect. In this regard, you do not have to incur expenses to cool your rooms or spaces.
The ability to regulate temperatures in your spaces makes the new ceramic tiles for facades and walls aligned with the requirements of sustainable construction approaches.
Designs and Finishes of Ceramic Tiles for Facades and Walls
Design is an important factor in your ceramic tiling project’s functional and aesthetic performance.When you plan the process correctly, you can lower tiling and construction or renovation costs.
Historically, ceramic tiles were limited to flat surfaces, such as floors and walls.However, today, you can install new ceramic tiles for facades and walls on surfaces that are not necessarily flat.
You can install modern designs on your façade to add depth and character to the front of your building ,as shown below.
For example, you can clad the façade of your house with textured ceramic tiles to add beauty to the external appearance of your home. Also, they engage the textile senses of your guests.
When choosing a specific design for your facades and walls, you must consider longevity in terms of performance and ability to prevent defects.
In this regard, there are factors that you must consider in choosing the right design for your space, including;
- Use and maintenance
- Aesthetic appeal
- Costs
- Constructability
- Protection of your exterior space
The process of ceramic tiling design for your facades and walls may seem complex in some instances, especially due to a lack of understanding of the points of technology application.
Therefore, setting clear design objectives for your ceramic tiling for facades and walls is best to get better results.
Your chosen design needs to create the necessary conditions to avoid any defects. This implies that your design should not undermine the functionality of the ceramic tiles for facades and walls.
The design process must answer the what, how and when for it to be successful. As such, it includes the specifications of materials, application techniques, control features and it must allow continuous improvement of quality.
Also, it is best to coordinate the process with other building design processes. In some instances, you can undertake the processes simultaneously. However, it is best not to develop your tiling design from the onset with other construction processes and designs.
There are decisions that you have to make to ensure the design of your tiles meets your preference. You have to make an appropriate choice of ceramic tile, number of layers and thickness.
Moreover, there are numerous finishes that you can explore when choosing the best finish for your ceramic tiles for façade and walls.You can choose either matte, satin, or glossy finish depending on the sense of spaciousness you want to achieve or elegance you want to create.
For example, a matte finish will give your façade, walls, and space a touch of elegance and distinctive finesse.Other than the designs and finishes, you can customize your new ceramic tiles for facades and walls.
Digital ceramic printing technology lets the professional you are dealing with to create patterns, logos, and artwork directly onto the tiles.With this level of personalization, you can have an exterior consistent with your preferred and unique elements.
Of course, if you have any questions you can contact George Ceramics, we have professional staff to answer your questions.
Sustainability Practices
Environmental awareness plays a major role in the modern-day design and construction industry.New ceramic tiles for facades and walls embrace sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
The manufacturing process uses recycled materials that have minimal or no environmental effects.The tiles are also durable and contribute to the sustainability of your home or business in terms of longevity and ease of cleaning.
Overall, the new ceramic tiles for facades and walls are suitable for your space’s eco-remodeling and green building.This is because you can clean them easily, they can be recycled, and the materials used in the manufacturing process are eco-friendly.
Conclusion
Ceramic tiles have evolved from the historical versions used on flat surfaces only to the new ones that can be used for facades and walls.The evolution shows the paradigm shift that has been witnessed in the construction and architectural industries over the years.
The new ceramic tiles for facades and tiles have unique features that make them a key part of modern-day construction processes.With rapid technological advancement, you are more likely to witness more innovative and exciting developments of ceramic tiles that will enhance functionality and creativity.
Different players in the construction industry are embracing the new ceramic tiles. This is because, when used on facades and walls, they transform your ordinary spaces into unique works of art.
The tiles are not just materials that you use to clad your facades and walls.They are exceptional and incorporate aspects of longevity, sustainability, and aesthetic excellence and uniquely shape the design of your space.
In the future, cooperation of technology and innovation is expected to create more fulfilling possibilities. Such prospects are expected to strengthen the place of ceramic tiles as the basis of contemporary construction and architectural design.
Related reading: Exploring the Best Tile Materials: From Ceramic to Natural Stone