Nexus Designs curates eight ‘styles’ for PGH Bricks and Pavers

ZEN Associates, a design/build firm founded in 1980 and headquartered in Woburn, is renowned for its expertise in creating harmonious and functional landscapes that seamlessly integrate with a home's interiors and the surrounding environment. Peter White, one of the three principals, emphasizes that their work extends beyond merely designing creative landscape projects that reflect clients' goals and personalities; it involves a deep understanding of how a site's landform, architecture, and environment, along with the client's lifestyle, are interconnected. The firm's approach focuses on breaking down the traditional barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces, effectively expanding the living area by extending interiors outwards and bringing natural elements inwards. While adhering to industry regulations, ZEN Associates prioritizes natural forms over strict symmetry or mathematical formulas in their designs. They view the house as the man-made, geometric component, around which the landscape is orchestrated to blend nature's loose contours with architecture's defined lines. An example of this integration includes incorporating large boulders into a deck or extending a deck to penetrate curvaceous garden borders, thereby introducing nature into built spaces. The firm's extensive operations span from residential interiors to corporate offices and restaurants, with projects along the eastern seaboard, west to the Rockies, and internationally. Their team of 65 employees includes landscape architects, interior designers, a sizeable construction crew, project management, and horticulture maintenance departments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to every project. This integrated design and build model, where designers and builders collaborate daily, distinguishes ZEN Associates, allowing them to deliver creative, well-built projects on time and within budget, taking full responsibility for the entire process. Approximately 70 percent of ZEN Associates' work is residential, focusing on large to medium-sized projects such as home additions, renovations, or new constructions. Their commercial portfolio, though smaller, includes significant commissions like a Japanese-inspired courtyard garden at Amherst College, the Peace Bell Garden for the United Nations Visitor Centre, and the renovation of the gardens at the Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens in Washington, D.C. They also undertake international projects, with current engagements in Sweden and London. On the North Shore, their work is predominantly residential, alongside some healing gardens for hospitals. Stonework is a prominent feature in ZEN's landscapes, appealing to New Englanders' appreciation for stone walls. The firm utilizes stone in various ways—as furniture, for structural purposes, and to define spaces, often placing enormous boulders near formal dining rooms to introduce a playful spirit or encourage interaction, especially for children. Stone sourcing involves local farm fields, quarries, or shipping, with the selection of granite, limestone, basalt, or blasted quarry stone dictated by the stone's intended role and the desired aesthetic. The firm has evolved from a strictly Japanese design/build firm to a modern practice with strong Japanese aesthetic roots. New England's climate shares similarities with southern Japan, allowing for the use of plants like maples, azaleas, rhododendrons, and viburnums. They emphasize diverse planting schemes rather than repetitive plant lists, supported by a staff of four horticulturists and two arborists dedicated to plant knowledge and long-term health. The "right plant, right place" mantra is critical, with the firm often dedicating up to nine months to soil amendment to ensure plants thrive. They meticulously select plants from various regions, considering their origins and making necessary soil amendments to guarantee survival. Sustainability is integral to ZEN's philosophy, promoting noninvasive plant species, organic materials, and Integrated Pest Management. They educate clients on reducing water consumption and achieving manicured lawns without excessive chemicals. While acknowledging that some projects may have a carbon footprint due to operational expenses and resource usage, they prioritize upfront discussions about preservation practices and managing client expectations. Initial consultations delve into the desired landscape style, site opportunities, soil quality, and plant selection, but primarily focus on the "spirit and artistry of the space in terms of daily viewing and daily living." ZEN Associates dedicates significant time to listening to clients and stewarding their thought processes to ensure the final design is thoughtful, logical, beautiful, and deeply reflective of the client's vision. Current North Shore projects include collaborating on an ultra-modern home in Manchester-by-the-Sea, preserving natural ledges, and installing a stream with waterfalls leading to a pond in Swampscott, featuring a unique path beneath a main waterfall. The firm encourages prospective clients to engage in conversations about their projects, emphasizing the importance of a good relationship with a creative and experienced design/build firm. #LandscapeArchitecture #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #GardenDesign #SustainableDesign #Stonework #DesignBuildFirm #NorthshoreLandscapes #IntegratedDesign

MUT design studio + atelier, a Spanish collective, introduced a concrete tile concept named 'drops' for Valencia-based manufacturer Entic Designs. This innovative product was showcased at Salone Satellite 2012. The 'drops' tile collection features a geometric motif inspired by the serene imagery of raindrops falling on the surface of a Japanese pond. The design incorporates four distinct styles: one with only the circular droplet pattern, and three others that integrate additional elements such as gold fish, lotus plants, and water lilies. These four styles are designed to be combinable in various arrangements, allowing for diverse patterns depending on their direction and placement within an installation. The tiles are manufactured using an encaustic method, which means that all the different colored blocks within the design are placed separately and possess a tangible depth. This construction technique is crucial for the product's longevity, as it ensures that the decorative pattern will not wear off over time, unlike painted tile surfaces. The overall thickness of each tile is 2 centimeters (approximately 0.8 inches). The manufacturing process involves several layers. The initial layer, which forms the decorative top element, is composed of Portland cement, marble sand, and pigments. These materials are carefully poured into a mold to create the desired aesthetic. A second layer, consisting of more Portland cement and sand, is then applied. This layer serves to absorb any excess liquid from the upper decorative layer, contributing to the tile's structural integrity. Following this, a final covering of cement and sand porosity is added to the bottom of the tile, specifically designed to facilitate easy adhesion during installation. A significant aspect of this production method is that no baking is required; the tiles naturally harden without the need for heat, simplifying the manufacturing process and potentially reducing energy consumption. Eduardo Villalon and Alberto Sánchez, representing MUT design studio + atelier, were responsible for this creation. Their 'drops' collection offers a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile option for interior and exterior surfaces, drawing inspiration from nature to bring a unique visual and tactile experience to architectural and design applications. The encaustic technique ensures the enduring quality of the intricate designs, making them a suitable choice for spaces where both beauty and durability are paramount. #MUTDesign #ConcreteTiles #EncausticTiles #TileDesign #SaloneSatellite2012 #InteriorDesign #SurfaceDesign #SpanishDesign #ArchitecturalFinishes

The Acme Brick, Tile and Stone store in Pelham, Alabama, near Birmingham, features the largest brick and tile showroom in the local area, serving seven counties and surrounding regions. The showroom spans 4,000 square feet and showcases an extensive array of building materials and home finishing products. Customers can explore a wide selection of brick samples, natural stone, and simulated stone options, suitable for both residential and commercial projects. The store also offers specialized products such as limestone fireplace surrounds and Isokern fireplaces, providing solutions for both aesthetic appeal and functional heating. Additionally, a diverse range of clay and concrete pavers, along with various patio products, are available for outdoor living spaces. Beyond exterior and structural materials, the Pelham location boasts a state-of-the-art flooring showroom. This section includes ceramic and porcelain tile, hardwood floors, and natural stone flooring options. For kitchen and bathroom renovations, the store provides installation services for granite, marble, limestone, and quartz countertops. To support these projects, Acme Brick, Tile and Stone stocks all necessary tools, supplies, cleaners, and sealers. The store emphasizes customer service by offering in-house design professionals who assist clients in selecting the appropriate materials and finishes to meet their project requirements. Product categories available at this location encompass a comprehensive list of building and decorative materials. These include various types of brick, such as king, queen, modular, and thin brick, as well as surplus inventory. The store also features a range of cladding options, clay pavers, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, and miscellaneous pavers. Stone products are extensive, including cast stone, Coronado Stone, Horizon Stone, MStone, Majestic Stone, ProVia Stone, and Stonebrook Thin Veneer. The selection ensures that customers can find materials for a wide array of construction and design styles. Furthermore, the store offers elements for architectural features like fireplaces, glass accents, and iron doors, enhancing both interior and exterior aesthetics. For outdoor living, products such as outdoor furniture, pool coping, and artificial turf are provided. Culinary spaces can be outfitted with grills, outdoor kitchens, and heaters. The Birmingham location is a comprehensive resource for builders, architects, designers, and homeowners, offering not only products but also expert guidance and a vast showroom experience. #BuildingMaterials #HomeDesign #TileShowroom #BrickProducts #NaturalStone #FlooringOptions #Countertops #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalFeatures

Juno Rooms, a dynamic entertainment venue situated in London's financial district, underwent a significant transformation led by Harrison, a hospitality concept specialist. The project focused on integrating natural influences through patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique interior appealing to a diverse clientele, ranging from discerning city workers to a broader audience. The design aimed to achieve adaptability and visual appeal, incorporating biophilic elements and authentic materials like exposed brickwork and wood. Parkside, a surface specialist, was a key supplier for the project, providing approximately 250m2 of tiles. A notable application was in the bar area and restrooms, where the Kaste01 concrete-effect porcelain tile was used. This award-winning tile features high slip resistance and was installed in a standard large format around the bar and in restrooms. For the seated dining area, the Kaste01 tile was waterjet cut into a multi-tonal geometric design, adding a distinct visual element. The front bar walls showcase bespoke handmade ceramic tiles in a geometric pattern with color-matched green tones, specifically commissioned by Harrison. In the restrooms, botanical pattern ceramic tiles were specially sourced and complemented by gloss-finish, color-matched green ceramic wall tiles. For the entrance of Juno Rooms, Harrison tasked Parkside with finding frost-proof hexagonal tiles, again in a unique green colorway, to align with the overarching biophilic design. Safety was also a critical consideration, particularly for the entrance steps. Parkside supplied another type of frost-proof tile for this area, selected for its high slip resistance, and paired it with a contrasting technical step edge to enhance safety. Ceri Shannon, a designer at Harrison, highlighted the importance of Parkside's role in meeting diverse design and functional requirements. She noted that Parkside's ability to source specific products, manage specialized processes like waterjet cutting, and provide color-matching services from a single supplier was invaluable for such a complex and high-spec project. Juno Rooms is operated by Urban Pubs and Bars, a rapidly growing chain of pubs, bars, and restaurants across London. The successful integration of various tile types, custom designs, and safety features underscores the collaborative effort between Harrison's design vision and Parkside's material expertise. This case study demonstrates how strategic material selection and supplier partnership can fulfill complex design briefs, creating a multi-functional and aesthetically pleasing environment in a high-traffic urban setting. #JunoRooms #HospitalityDesign #SurfaceDesign #PorcelainTiles #CeramicTiles #InteriorDesign #LondonVenues #BiophilicDesign #CommercialInteriors

The influence of fashion on interior design, particularly in the realm of tiles, is becoming increasingly pronounced, with trends from the catwalk frequently transitioning into home aesthetics. This convergence reflects a broader cultural shift towards viewing living spaces as extensions of personal style, much like clothing. Designers and manufacturers are actively drawing inspiration from current fashion collections, incorporating popular colors, textures, and patterns into new tile designs. This dynamic relationship ensures that home interiors remain fresh, contemporary, and aligned with prevailing aesthetic sensibilities. One significant aspect of this trend is the adoption of specific color palettes. Just as fashion seasons dictate popular clothing colors, these hues are quickly mirrored in tile offerings. For instance, if a particular shade of blue or green dominates runway shows, it is likely to appear in new tile collections, offering homeowners the opportunity to infuse their spaces with fashionable colors. Beyond color, textural elements are also making a strong appearance. The demand for tactile surfaces in fashion, such as woven fabrics or distressed leathers, translates into tiles with varied finishes—from matte and honed to textured and relief patterns—that add depth and sensory appeal to walls and floors. Pattern is another key area where fashion's influence is evident. Geometric prints, abstract designs, and even floral motifs that are prevalent in textiles and apparel often find their way onto tiles. These patterns can range from subtle and sophisticated to bold and statement-making, allowing for diverse design expressions. The concept of mixing and matching different patterns and textures, a common practice in fashion, is also being embraced in tile design, enabling designers to create unique and personalized spaces. This approach encourages experimentation and creativity, moving beyond traditional uniform tile installations. The durability and longevity of tiles, combined with their aesthetic versatility, make them an ideal medium for translating transient fashion trends into more enduring home features. While fashion trends can be fleeting, tiles offer a way to incorporate these styles in a more permanent and impactful manner. Manufacturers are continually innovating with materials and production techniques to replicate the intricate details and sophisticated finishes seen in high fashion, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in tile design. This includes advancements in digital printing technology, which allows for highly detailed and realistic reproduction of complex patterns and textures. The integration of fashion into tile design not only keeps interiors current but also empowers individuals to express their individuality through their living environments. It encourages a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to material selection, where tiles are not merely functional elements but integral components of a cohesive design narrative. As this trend continues, the line between fashion and interior design is likely to blur even further, leading to more innovative and stylish tile options that reflect the cutting edge of aesthetic trends. This ongoing synergy ensures that the home remains a canvas for personal expression, constantly evolving with the broader world of design. #TileDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #FashionInfluence #HomeDecor #AestheticTrends #SurfaceMaterials #DesignInnovation