NOVELTY IDEA
A Guide before choosing your Sanitaryware
A home needs innovative ceramic ware and everybody looks for a touch of elegance, style, and personalisation. While the design of the ceramic ware is a personal choice within whatever fits the budget, ignored, sometimes, are the sanitary ware used. However, a lot has changed over the past few decades, as the market grows – People care not only for a well-designed bedroom, but also their bathroom.
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Standing by the Visually Impaired
An alternative orthography for the vision-impaired, Braille, is a form of written language consisting of raised dots on a surface, in patterns that resemble letters, numbers, and designs (for paintings/artwork). Braille came on papers during the early 1800s by a Frenchman called Valentin Hauy; and was an effective way for visually-impaired people to read. The language, now universally accepted, originally came from the mind of Louis Braille who lost his eyes at the age of three. Young Braille was self-motivated, and went on to study at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth (One of the first institutes for blind children, now known as the National Institute for Blind Youth). During his studentship there, he started developing a tactile coding method which soon emerged as a globally acknowledged form of writing and reading for the vision impaired. Akij’s Braille tiles In collaboration with CarrotComm Ltd. Akij launched their Braille tiles on International Mother Language day 2022, to help over 800,000 existing and recorded blind populace of the country. The Tiles, just like the Japanese ones, will have Braille messages to help those who are visually impaired. The 2022 collaborated campaign was called “Let the walls be Language friendly”. “Language should not be a luxury but a fundamental right for everyone” – Akij Ceramics. Here’s how it works One to six dots arranged in each pattern, forming one of 63 characters, felt by the fingertips or soles. We now have Braille for a lot of things such as money, books, novels, and TILES as well. That brings us to: Braille pavements – It came about in 1967 by the hands of the Japanese; first used as flooring for a street in Okayama. The flooring now, is widely encouraged to be used as directions and warnings/Hazard signs for blind people. The campaign intended to promote the use of Braille tiles to help blind people navigate properly. With a steadfast aim to create an all-inclusive society, Akij’s Braille tiles have now been on the market for over a year. Akij uses modern SACMI technology in an attempt to mass produce perfects. The company brought in machineries from Italy and Spain, all dedicated to manufacturing a high volume of Braille tiles if need be. Upon asking about the most common messages that are imprinted on tiles, Mohammed Khourshed Alam, Director (Operations) of Akij Bashir Group, stated that navigation signs in bus-train stations, markets, educational institutes, etc. are most commonly used forms of Braille tiles. “In terms of sales, the company is focused on the number of people helped rather than the number of units sold.” Braille messages on tiles can be customised to any typefurther adding to the usefulness and versatility of it. Mr. Khourshed Alam believes that if every organisation actively participates by installing Braille tiles, the world for the visually impaired would ease. He also hopes to foster a diverse and inclusive society. Akij collaborated with CarrotComm Ltd. to install Braille tiles at the Icon Eye Hospital Ltd. Akij did this free of cost for Icon Hospital, and spent around Tk 10 lakh in the project.Accolades Best Brand Award from Bangladesh Brand Forum, 2019-22. Most Innovative Solution For Disabled People from the 5th Bangladesh Innovation Award. Written by Chisty Rahim
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The Future of Architecture Lies in the Slab Tiles
Large format tiles are becoming new trend as people prefer large format Slab Tiles. The demand for these tiles, which are several times larger than conventional tiles, is increasing worldwide. The competiting countries of Bangladesh like Vietnam, China and India are grabbing the global markets of slab tiles rapidly. Despite the popularity of slab tiles in the Middle East and European countries, India, China and Vietnam have taken the monopoly of slab tiles’ market. Although the technology started in Italy, it quickly became popular in other countries. The speciality of slab tiles are its large size, very fewer joints, nice to see and high aesthetic value with strength and durability. Since there are fewer joints, it also has less chance of catching dirt. It can be cut as desired and set on the floor or wall. Moreover, slab tiles are much stronger and thicker than normal tiles. Several companies including Akij, DBL, Sheltech, Greatwall and RAK have started manufacturing mini slab tiles in Bangladesh. Only three years ago, slab tiles of 1200cm x 2400cm size were imported from Italy. At that time, the largest size of tiles in Bangladesh was 60cm x 60cm. Now 600cm x 1200cm; 800cm x 800cm and 1000cm x 1000cm size slab tiles are being manufactured in the country. Its size is gradually increasing. Within the next couple of years, various companies will run the process of manufacturing 1200cm x 2400cm size perfect slab tiles in the country. At the one hand, the production cost of slab tiles is lower than the conventional small and medium tiles and on the other hand, its price is relatively high in the market. Companies are more inclined towards these tiles due to market demand. Slab tiles are the new trend in the world tiles market now, because its features and advantages are very attractive and consumer friendly. Wide range of usages: Bathrooms, Kitchens, Countertops, Cabinets, Working tables, Offices, Shopping Malls, Hotels, Restaurants, Community centers and many more places Creating a continuity effect: Due to large size, there is less visibility of tile joint and the effect of tile texture is lively. Reduced installation time :Due to large format the installation time is much easier than traditional tiles. More hygienic & easy to clean : With less joints, there are fewer areas in which dirts can be stored and due to porcelain stoneware, it is itself more hygienic and easier to clean. Benefits of Slab Tiles : Excellent appearance due to the narrow joints ensures a seamless surface and vintage look. Sizes are available from 600cm x 1200cm to 1600cm x 3200cm with 5mm to 14mm thickness. The manufactures can cut this slab tiles as per their desired sizes and shapes. They are suitable for both wall and floor surface. Large format tiles can help enhance the look of the house, working wonderfully well in modern and minimalist houses. Each large wall tile and floor tile covers more square feet than a standard tile, leading to fewer grout lines across floors and walls, more seamless and stylish looks, and easier maintenance. Slab tiles are not themselves a different tile material – only a different manufacturing format. Usually made from porcelain or stone, slab tiles differ from normal tiles only in size. They are much taller and wider, with some variants coming in at a whopping 10-by-5-feet. Slab formats are in demand due to a few advantages that they possess over. normal tiles: chief of them being that they are cheaper and easier to work. There is a huge demand for slab tiles in the Middle East and European countries. At the moment, the demand of Slab Tiles is mostly fulfilled by China and India. Time is not far when this will be done by other Asian countries as well. Mr. Khourshed Alam, Director (Marketing) of Akij Ceramics said if it is not 1200cm x 2400cm, it cannot be called real slab tiles. Akij is now manufacturing tiles in the size of 600cm x 1200cm which are called mini slabs and hopefully by mid of 2023 Akij will produce 1000cm x 1200cm. Moreover, with the new technology that Akij is adding to, it will be possible to produce actual size slab tiles within the next 2/3 years ranging 1200cm-2400cm sizes. Pointing out that these tiles have a huge export market, he said, the world is now rapidly moving out of small tiles. Akij is also targeting huge export markets in Europe and the Middle East. He commented that the market of small and medium tiles in Bangladesh will also shrink soon. Because people are now giving more importance to the aesthetics of slab tiles as it can be cut to any size and fitted. Although there will be a little wastage while cutting these tiles, the beauty makes it all worth it. Besides, thanks to its thickness its durability is higher. Mohammad Bayezed Bashar, GM (Operation) of DBL Ceramics said that the demand for slab tiles has been increasing in the Bangladesh market for the past several years. That is why, various companies are now manufacturing these tiles and adopting the required technology. Its size is also increasing step by step. Currently DBL has started manufacturing tiles of 600cm x 1200cm size. There are plans to make it a size of 1200cm x 2400cm in the next two or three years. But at present, the major obstacle in expanding the market for these tiles is the lack of skilled fitters. That is why, DBL is training fitters across the country. They have helped to create at least 10,000 trained and skilled fitters across the country. It will also increase the income of the fitters. It is expected that as the number of fitters trained to install slab tiles increases, the market for these tiles will also expand rapidly. Mr Bayezed also said that the tiles that are currently being made in Bangladesh are done with “press” technology. But the next upgraded technology is “Roller or Compaction” technology, which will come
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How Tiles can be identified Each type of tiles matches a unique place
Terracotta plaques have been used to decorate the walls of houses since ancient times. In addition to enhancing beauty of walls, it improves durability of the plaque. According to historians, not only terracotta slabs, but also ceramic tiles had been used even 1,000 years before the birth of Christ. They were, however, different in size, shape and design. Archaeologists have found evidence of the use of ceramic tiles during the Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. The making and use of ceramic tiles today are quite different. In the beginning, tiles meant only the earthen slabs used on the roof of a house. Those handmade tiles are still admired all over the world as art works. The quality of tiles has increased along with development of technology and there is a difference in the designs as well. Tiles are now being made by using the latest nano technology. Types of tiles There are various types of tiles in the market. People get confused with different types of tile. You can easily find many kinds of tile description, such as ceramic tile, porcelain tile, glazed porcelain tile, unglazed porcelain tile, through-body porcelain tile, mosaic tile and so on. Where and how the tiles can be used depend on the type of it. Here are some of the types of tiles: Ceramic Tiles Ceramic tile is either porcelain or non-porcelain. Ceramic tiles are the most popular one for wall use. As they are light in weight, they are suitable for mounting on any type of wall. These tiles are available in small and medium sizes. Their price is also relatively low. Homogenous Tiles Homogenous tiles are used on the floor. However, it is much cheaper than mirror polished tiles. For those who want to use smaller tiles on the floor, they can choose homogenous tiles. These tiles are much more durable and can bear more loads as every single tile of this type is made of the same material. Mirror polished Tiles Such tiles are commonly used on floors as they are quite large in size. Due to the gloss, the light reflected on these tiles enhances the brightness of the room. Rustic Tiles The biggest advantage of these tiles is that they can be used on both walls and floors. Its design is quite modern and varied. Thus it is more suitable for outside walls, garden, roof, lawn. Available in small and medium sizes, rustic tiles are easy to use. The use of rustic tiles to decorate the walls on either side of the living room or bedroom is more common. This enhances the decoration of the house. Decorative Tiles Decorative tiles are used to enhance the beauty of other tiles. Separately, it has no use. Decorative tiles of various types, sizes and shapes are available in the market. It is especially used with other tiles to enhance the beauty of kitchen, bathroom and ceiling. Decorative tiles with different designs as well as special colour themes are available in the market. Lapato Tiles Lapato tiles are suitable for use in special places like office, shopping mall and factory. These are called semi-polished tiles. Also known as rugged tiles, lapato tiles are more commonly used in commercial places or public places because, these are very strong and long lasting. These tiles are available in different sizes. Cladding Tiles Cladding is a great way to protect a building from adverse weather elements, as well as other types of irritants that could have a negative effect on the building. Wall cladding is the process of layering one material on top of another material which will create a skin layer over the walls. Stairing/Heavy Traffic Tiles Heavy traffic tiles fit together individually, you can easily replace areas of your floor that are subject to heavy foot traffic. Compared to traditional carpet flooring, replacing carpet tiles is much easier and a lot more affordable. Digital and Mosque Tiles High Definition Porcelain is an exclusive trademarked process tile that utilizes the most technological advanced glazing system in the industry today, digital printing. Mosque Tiles ornately painted ceramic tiles carefully crafted to adorn the interior gallery. Parking Tiles/ Clay Pavers Pavers have a broad range of colours, patterns, texture and shapes, they are sturdy and can withstand extreme weather changes, they are load tolerant, they can be easily replaced in case of damage, installation and maintenance are easy and they are non-skid. Pavers are distinctive match or coexistence between us and the natural environment. Colourful pavers do bring creative visual interest in surrounding to otherwise monotonous surroundings. Matt Tiles If you want to up the safety underfoot in your home, then the traction of matt floor tiles make them an ideal option. With a more textured surface that gives better grip you can avoid slips and trips in your home, rather than the less practical glossy alternative. Limestone Tiles Limestone tiles are made of natural stone, and it’s one of the most affordable options if you want to avoid artificial materials for your flooring. Limestone is a better bargain compared to something like granite or marble. Limestone tiles may show the presence of fossils. Roof Tiles Roof tiles are primarily made to keep water out of a home. However, they differ from traditional asphalt shingle roofs in both their material composition as well as their looks. All of Roof tiles are made from processed natural clay. Over the decades, the companies homeowners, are providing architects, engineers and designers with widest selection of size, shape and colour roofing tiles in Bangladesh. Marble and Granite Tiles Granite is an igneous rock formed at extremely high temperatures and is largely made up of quartz and combination of other minerals like mica, iron ores and feldspar. It is an incredibly hard construction-grade material that can receive a high polish or be left in its natural state. You should not be able to scratch granite with a knife. Although typically resistant to staining and acid damage, it is somewhat porous and requires
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