Architect and Builder October 2016 | Page 76

Dekton: Recreation of the Tomato Genome Dekton® slabs personalised using inkjet printing technology and applied as flooring A lmost 1,000m2 of the innovative ultracompact surface, Dekton® was placed in the Spain Pavilion of Expo Milano 2015. The material has been applied on the floors of the public space, the exhibition area, multi-purpose room, vegetable garden, and in the workshops and restoration areas. It is also used on the counter of the tapas bar, the auditorium bar and VIP bar area, as well as the staircase, which provides access to the restaurant on the second floor. The Spain Pavilion designed by b720 Fermin Vázquez studio, wishes to be a benchmark for excellence in current Spanish architecture. “Tomato genome”: Personalisation of Dekton® design makes architects’ and designers’ ideas a reality One of the most attractive and innovative interior design proposals to be found in the Pavilion was the recreation of the tomato genome using Dekton® surfaces, printed using inkjet technology. The slabs of Dekton® are used to form the flooring of the exhibition and public space on the ground floor. Within the context of the “The language of flavour” slogan, Fermín Vázquez architects studio came up with the idea of recreating the tomato genome - one of the most important recent steps taken in the field of biotechnology and scientific research. The b720 studio was strongly committed to Dekton® as the best partner in order to achieve this stunning design; the Dekton® tables in 2cm Zenith colour were personalised using an inkjet printer with the DNA sequence marked in letters and the shape of a tomato drawn on a scale of grey colours. This is possible because Dekton® allows a very high level of customisation in design, and is therefore the perfect surface for designers and architects all over the world. The personalisation has two variations, which can be applied separately or together: using milling technology and inkjet printing technology. The material’s excellent technical performance is maintained over the entire surface. From a functional point of view of its properties, its hardness and high resistance to abrasion, and the fact that it is hardwearing in areas of continuous foot traffic, make it a perfect product for spaces that are used intensively. In addition, its easy daily maintenance is a huge plus to highlight for buildings with high levels of activity. Another great advantage that Dekton® offers is the fact that pieces can be custom-made into large format surfaces (Dekton® slab size 1,440mm x 3,200mm), with a minimal joint of 2mm. Cosentino South Africa 102 Loper Avenue, Aeroport, Spartan, Kempton Park - Tel: 011 974 8914 47 Montreal Drive Extension, Cape Town - Tel: 021 385 1866 www.cosentino.com www.dekton.com 74 Advertorial