Iris Ceramica Group presents Hypertouch, the innovative, concealed capacitive technology applied to ceramic surfaces that enhances design functions beyond imagination. By lightly touching the Hypertouch ceramic surface an integrated system of home-automation sensors are activated to switch on and off lighting and audio-video devices, control doors and windows and set the room temperature. Hypertouch enhances the design and continuity of surfaces, eliminating unsightly cover plates and external switches.

In this way ceramic surfaces can change the atmosphere and bring the environment to life. Hypertouch uses an exclusive technology designed and patented1 by Iris Ceramica Group, applicable to the ceramic slabs distributed by the various Brands of the Group. Hypertouch surfaces are characterized by design, creative freedom and simplicity of use, interpreting a new way of designing interior spaces in line with contemporary living needs. Hypertouch is also available with the Active Surfaces® properties: eco-active materials able to defeat antimicrobial agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, mould), pollution and odour particles.

Iris Ceramica has been included in the Register of Historic Trademarks of National Interest, set up by the Ministry of Economic Development to protect industrial property rights and promote Made in Italy excellence worldwide.

Iris Ceramica has been included in the Register of Historic Trademarks of National Interest, set up by the Ministry of Economic Development to protect industrial property rights and promote Made in Italy excellence worldwide. Recognition is awarded to companies historically connected to Italy, which have been registered for at least 50 years and have operated continuously over that period.

The prestigious certification has been awarded during Iris Ceramica’s 60th anniversary, endorsing its expertise and continual innovation, bringing to the market superb quality, design-led ceramic surfaces scrupulously consistent with its core values of environmental and social sustainability.

Italian brand Fiandre Architectural Surfaces has expanded its premium Marmi Maximum tile range, adding nine new colours.

The Marmi Maximum porcelain tile series is informed by the world’s finest marbles. Among the new additions is Nero Damascato, a dark marble with bold gold veining.

Marmi Maximum is available in nine new colours including the dark Nero Damascato
Also included is Divine Blue, a cobalt shade that Fiandre describes as « deep and nuanced » and Lepanto Rubino, a burgundy tile with milky veining.

The other new colours are Bardiglio Sublime, Breccia Mirabile, Calacatta Dorato, Cremo Superiore, Grand Carnico and Majestic Onyx.

Marmi Maximum tiles by Fiandre Architectural Surfaces
Other new shades in the range include Bardiglio Sublime and Lepanto Rubino
The Marmi Maximum tiles are available in large and standard formats ranging from 300 x 150 centimetres to 75 x 37.5 centimetres.

The large-format tiles have a thin profile making them ideal for not only cladding spacious areas but creating elements such as bathroom furnishings, countertops, sliding doors, movable partitions and seating.

From 27 September to 1 October, Iris Ceramica will be taking part in the 38th edition of Cersaie, with an exhibition space embracing all the Group’s brands in the year of its 60th anniversary.

“The Perfect Blend. Foresighted Surfaces for a Sustainable Beauty” is the concept behind the exhibition at Cersaie 2021.
An authentic journey developing over three areas, each with its own art-and-sound video-installation, focusing on three pairs of values that have always represented the Group Brands:
architecture and nature
beauty and sustainability
creativity and technology

Iris Ceramica contributes to this exhibition story, representing « Beauty and Sustainability » with a surprising tale of aesthetic and technological research leading to authentic beauty made of natural surfaces and textures, in an approach to production that lives in harmony with the environment.

Cersaie is not just a trade fair, it is above all an opportunity to meet and discover the latest design solutions. In the week devoted to Cersaie, the Iris Ceramica and Iris Ceramica Group programme is packed with unmissable appointments that will also be made available on the web. In particular, for this 60th anniversary, the scene will be dominated by sustainable innovation and that perfect blend that only ceramics can express.

Iris Ceramica Group has achieved another important milestone in terms of research and development of international scientific value.

ACTIVE SURFACES, the high-performing and authentically beautiful ceramic surface by Iris Ceramica Group, have been the subject of a major study by the Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health of the University of Milanto verify their antiviral properties against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (responsible for COVID-19). The research was carried out by the Iris Ceramica Group’s Active Research and Development Department in collaboration with the authoritative technical and scientific committee of the two departments of the University of Milan. The data highlighted meaningful results regarding the ability of ACTIVE SURFACESTM to eliminate 94% of SARS-CoV-2 after only 4 hours of exposure to low intensity UV light (natural light and traditional light bulbs even at low intensity). This significant result follows the ISO Certificates (ISO 21702 – ISO 18061) already obtained in respect of four well-known viral strains: the H1N1 and H3N2 Pandemic Influenzas, Enterovirus 71 and the Poliovirus. ACTIVE SURFACESTM also boast, for several years, ISO Certifications in the antibacterial field including antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ISO 27447 – ISO 22196). Never before has scientific value been so fundamental for the protection of human health, which has been facing the health emergency created by COVID-19 for over a year. Sanitizing environments and surfaces and ensuring hygiene have become essential to protect people not only in public spaces, but also in work and domestic environments.

The results achieved by ACTIVE SURFACESTM illustrate the importance of the research work carried out, supported by detailed scientific documentation, demonstrating the innovation that characterizes the ceramic materials made by the Italian company. Iris Ceramica Group developed this cutting-edge technology in 2009 capable of making ceramics eco-active and namely: thanks to a photocatalytic process using titanium dioxide with added silver – technology covered by two European patents – ACTIVE SURFACESTM are able to eliminate pollutants and microbial agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi and molds), as well as bad odors and they are able to create self-cleaning surfaces. ACTIVE SURFACESTM is the essence of a farsighted vision rooted in the pioneering nature of the company, which has courageously created unique materials and applications for the past 60 years, opening up new markets for ceramics. Innovation as a real and tangible value expressed in entrepreneurial creativity and the ability to know how to anticipate and stay ahead of the times, developing materials with the future in mind.

Iris Ceramica Group expresses a culture that revolves around ceramics as one of the noblest materials in nature, which has accompanied mankind since the discovery of fire through every evolution in the geological eras that have followed. Ceramic is capable of expressing an authentic and original beauty, just like nature itself, and at the same time contains intrinsic technical features that make it the most highly performing material in the world, used in industries where high performance is required, including biomedical sector – particularly in dentistry and dental prostheses – and aerospace. ACTIVE SURFACESTM is an evolution of a material in which art, creativity and science coexist in perfect harmony, creating surfaces that are unique in the world, characterized by innovation and aesthetics but also profoundly valuable as materials that serve the needs of human beings, while fully respecting and protecting the environment.

The 27 September , the collection LIGHT signed Guillermo Mariotto was présentée en avant-première at the occasion of Cersaie 2021.

Federica Minozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramica Group , and stylist Guillermo Mariotto unveiled the origins and development of this collaboration that led to the creation of LUCE. An unprecedented collection that unites technological know-how and the nobility of ceramics with the creative genius of the stylist, transforming the great communicative power of light into ceramic surfaces with a three-dimensional effect. Journalist Federica Galli moderated this meeting.

LUCE is an ambitious project that wants to exalt the versatile and eclectic soul of ceramics. This surface with a thousand faces, fluctuating and changing, brings out the true soul of the surfaces, by dialoguing with reflections, chiaroscuro and sinuosity. An authentic tale of creativity and innovation, perfect for indoor and outdoor applications in public and private spaces.

During Cersaie 2021 , visitors can discover the surfaces of the LUCE collection inside the exhibition space which brings together all the brands of Iris Ceramica Group . They were applied to the floor and to the coating, to give life to an environment with a unique and original identity.

The collection can also be seen at Fiandre Architectural Surfaces’ showroom in Castellarano (Reggio Emilia) , applied as an exterior cladding for the MA home-office project .

Fiandre Architectural Surfaces is the commercial distributor of LUCE which is also available as an Active Surfaces® eco-active surface .