Architectural Products Magazine - ProductWire
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May 1, 2007
Rock Solid
Perhaps I'm a romantic or too influenced by the movies I've been watching of late, which include HBO's Rome and From Russia with Love, but for a short time, via the recent Coverings Show in Chicago, I thought I was transported to a historic bazaar somewhere in the Mediterranean as vendors barked from seeming miles of booths showcasing exotic stone and tile. Right off the bat I was drawn to the booth of Minos, an Israel-based company that offers authentic replicas of Roman mosaics (www.minstone.com). Turkey, where From Russia with Love was set, was also well represented amid Mediterranean nations that included Spain, Egypt and, of course, Italy. But did you know that Turkey, according to the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporter's Assn., is one of the largest suppliers of natural stone in the world. In fact, the organization points out that President Bush often speaks before a White House podium made of Turkish Cherry marble. That said, the rest of the globe, including the United States, was also well represented. Indeed, one of the most interesting products on the floor came from the Far East: Korea Tradart Intl.'s Toka and Tofa line of terra cotta tile. The latter offering even included coves amid its sculpted surface for actual plantings (www.tofa.jp). Following are a sampling of some of the other striking, but more conventional products at the show.
Jim Crockett, Editorial Director 
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Divine Tile?
Mediterranea presents its latest fully rectified glazed porcelain collection: Tantra. Inspired by the Tantric view of manifesting the divine energy that creates and maintains the universe, the line is a tranquil, modern and soothing look that lends a sophisticated minimalist style to any residential or commercial application. The peaceful presence of Tantra evokes the image of an ultra-modern Manhattan loft that transcends the bustling nature of the borough, leaving behind a calming, spiritual place of escape. Tantra is available in four soothing colors: Balance (beige), Enlightenment (gold), Tranquility (bronze) and Wisdom (rust). Produced using five-head, jumbo roll technology, Tantra is offered in five fully rectified sizes: 6 x 6 in., 6 x 24 in., 12 x 12 in., 12 x 24 in. and 24 x 24 in. It is also available in a mesh backed, 12 x 12 mosaic sheet.
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