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SOLAR SPACESHIP
project by Massimo Mariani
photo by Alessandro Paderni, EYE-Studio
text by Alessandra Quaglia
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MATERIALS In wide open spaces, with light filtering in from so many apertures to create a mesmerising play of light and shade, the flooring has its own part to play. It is by no means the star of the show; rather it plays a supporting but fundamental role. The architect has made the perfect choice for this environment, both in terms of material and of colour.
The suspended floors laid throughout the building are in porcelain stoneware from Floor Gres, a company that has been a pioneering producer of this material since the early 80s, driving its cutting-edge research policy forward from then onward, exploring every aspect of raw materials, colour and aesthetics. The tiles used in this building are from the Area series, a range inspired by such natural stone as Bedonia and Pulpis, but also by such natural materials as chalk, brier and cement, thus offering a versatile response to many different needs. This range combines state-of-the-art technology, aesthetics, strength and durability. Azzurro Avio is the chosen colour, a shade of blue that is actually closer to grey, a neutral tone that is perfectly in keeping with the philosophy of colour that guides Massimo Mariani’s designs.
The tiles are used in the 30 x 60 format, with the ‘Soft Squadrato’ finish (mono-gauge rectified), all perfectly matching, thanks to their precision engineering. These tiles can be laid side by side with almost no gap between them, producing a continuous effect that is essential to the aesthetics of large spaces. Pressed, with a smooth or textured buffer, and put through a mid-intensity mechanical process, Area tiles accentuate the soft-look, polished, slightly satin, but non-reflective finish.
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