TTA Awards 2008 - Winners

Winner Brian Newell

The third Chair of The Tile Association, Brian Newell, began his working life as an apprentice tile fixer and having become a qualified tiler he worked on sites and continued to learn his trade whilst he worked. He worked his way up the managerial ladder and eventually took over the running of a tiling contractor company and a distributorship.

Whilst he was doing all this, he became involved in the committee work of TTA’s contractor predecessor, the National Master Tile Fixers Association. Through that association he became very much involved in technical matters representing the Association on British, European and International Standards Committees on tiles and tile fixing.

More often than not, he was the only tile fixer on these committees and has had numerous debates with colleagues fighting the fixers’ corner no matter where they came from.

Over the years, his technical knowledge has grown and grown as has the respect with which he is held in the tile industry in the United Kingdom, Europe and around the world. During his chairmanship of TTA he worked tirelessly increasing awareness of the Association and its work.

As well as being the immediate past Chairman of The Tile Association Brian is TTA Technical Committee Chairman and Chairman of the Shackerley (Holdings) Group Limited.

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Wall tile of the year

Winner - Pamesa Ceramica S.L - Catwalk Range
This 25x50 white body collection is called Catwalk and has been inspired by fashion from four parts of the world. The complete Catwalk range consists of 19 base tiles and a very wide selection of decorations. Such a wide selection allows the supplier to create any look that best suits their customer’s needs. Within the range there are four collections, Rue Chambon with a French fashion theme, the tactile Via Veneto representing Italian style, Ginza with an oriental minimalist influence and metallic highlights and Madison inspired by American simplicity and by comfort and nature. Each collection has its own base tile and all the collections are completed by an impressive range of special pieces for variety, quality and aesthetics, such as strips, loose pieces and decorative pieces.

Runners up
Alfalux Planet Range (with Strass Swarovski crystals) from Tile &Stone Magic
Dartmoor Naturals Collection from British Ceramic Tile

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Floor tile of the year

Winner - Luminar by Graniti Fiandre from Reed Harris
Luminar represents the leading edge of tile design. With recent trends towards texture and metallic lustrous finishes, Luminar combines both, delivering an unrivalled opulent surface treatment. Concentric circular grooves interact with light giving the viewer an impression of movement that is accentuated by the fine metallic glazes. The design of the surface texture is also ahead of the market using strong geometric styling which has so far been present only on smaller scale decorative pieces. Intense texture with a metallic finish is not a conventional partnership and is note worthy for the confident luxury that Luminar exudes. This tile is an important landmark in the evolution of ceramic design, both as a style forecast and an exquisitely executed volume product.

Runners up
Rapolano Granite Porcelain Range from Quiligotti
The Lounge Range from RAK Ceramics

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Best natural product

Runner up
MagicStones Polished Vein Cut Travertine from Tile &Stone Magic

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Best new innovation (tile related product or system)

Winner - Studio Service by Reed Harris
Reed Harris The majority of patterned tiles in production are made for the wall, with few factories producing floor quality pieces. We noticed that although the majority of our customers were happy with the factory products there were many that wanted to alter the pattern, use the tiles on the floor or wanted to install something unique. After careful research we found a design and production company in Italy that were able to facilitate the process.

This new service allows a unique design to be reproduced onto tile. The design possibilities are extremely broad and the service has quickly fired the imaginations of Architects and Retail customers alike.

Highly Commended - Ditra/Kerdi matting measuring and cutting machine
Teenager, Sam Hutchinson, of European Heritage, in Fulham, designed and built a machine for measuring and cutting the popular Schlüter®-DITRA, Schlüter®-KERDI and Schlüter®-KERDIKEBA as part of his A2 Product Design A-Level

Runner up
Robert Bosch Ltd with their Rotozip Diamond Floor Tile Cutting Xbit

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Best initiative to reduce environmental impact.

Winner - Instarmac Company Environmental Policies

When Instarmac opened its new custom-designed premises in January this year environmental matters were not ignored. The removal of screws/elevators from manufacturing equipment will reduce clean-out times, whilst the employment of gravity silos and the installation of more efficient motors and drives, with all main motors designed to shut down after specified periods of inactivity, will conserve energy.

More than thirty waste streams are being reviewed and a robust on-site recycling program established, with the key objective being to minimise waste landfill and ultimately to recycle upward of 60% of all waste. The warehouse will be served by new environmentally friendly electric forklift trucks and a stand upon electric order picker to eliminate harmful emissions and. A 'grey water' policy is also in place where rainwater is recycled for use in vehicle washing and WC flushing.

Runners up
Craven Dunnill & Co Ltd for the Victoria and Bakerloo Line Platforms at Oxford Circus Tube Station
N&C Nicobond for Elimination, Reduction and Recycling of Waste Products Policy

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Best newcomer (tile fixing trainee)

Winner - Luke White
Luke began his career with W.B. Simpson & Sons in August 2005 as an 18 year old apprentice tile fixer. He has recently achieved NVQ level 1 and 2.

Since Luke began his apprenticeship he has demonstrated a natural ability to undertake and complete all aspects of tiling work from preparation to finishing. He has worked on some very important projects and there has always been positive feedback from his supervisors.

Luke is a fast learner, popular with his colleagues for his enthusiasm, punctuality and helpful nature. His hobbies include producing decorative mosaic works. Luke has the skills to succeed within the tiling trade and combined with his responsible attitude he will be an asset to his employers in the years to come.

Runner up
Johnathon Carter of Northumberland College

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Best individual tile fixer

Jeff’s attention to detail and perfection is admired by his peers. I can say that in my 44 years in the industry tilers of his calibre are rare. His skills made him an ideal candidate for the Mastercraft Pilot Scheme, which eventually will lead to a diploma NVQ Level 4. During his 22 years, he has proved his ability to take on both conservation and new complicated projects.” Testimony by Bob Howard (Wilson & Wylie Contracts Limited)

Runners up
Jonathon Davies of JD tiling
Simon Pratt, of Simon Tiling Services

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Excellence in Independent Retailing

Winner - David Scott (The Tile Refinery)
In Belfast in 1986 political violence was rife and the outlook bleak. Despite this, David Scott had great plans in store. David had the foresight, creativity and sheer guts to turn this small, dark and dirty place into an inspiring retail concept, not without Freda, his wife’s magic hand with the duster!

With peace finally arriving in Northern Ireland in 2006 many new competitors moved into the tile retailing arena where David Scott still leads the way with his blend of personal retailing.

This business does not expect to be the biggest tile retailer in the UK; but it does expect to be the best; and it is their commitment to exacting standards and zero compromise that ensures just this.

Runners up
Tileclick Ltd
Walls & Floors Ltd

Sponsored by:-

Excellence in Multiple Retailing

Winner - Armatile Ltd
Armatile are one of the longest established Tile &natural stone retailers in Ireland. Their long established experience in the tile industry, along with their focus on the provision of innovative design and accurate technical information have ensured that they remain at the head of the tile industry. Armatile are one of the longest established Tile &natural stone retailers in Ireland. Their first outlet opened in Armagh in 1975 and was closely followed by 2 other outlets situated in Belfast and Newry.

“Armatile have excelled themselves in creating three showrooms that not only showcase the best tiles in Europe, but also create huge added value to the customer through the services that they offer. With this in mind, they surely must be the only choice for tiles in Northern Ireland.” Cesar Perez, Export Manager, Pamesa Ceramica

Runners up
N&C TileStyle
Taylor’s Etc

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Excellence in Distribution

Winner - Boyden & Co Ltd
To meet customer requirements for stock, Boyden Tiles currently carry over 4000 different products in stock and ensure that these levels are maintained throughout the year. On average they receive nearly 1000 tons per month from their various suppliers.

Product diversity is a key phrase at Boyden Tiles. They have a customer base of over 800 regular account customers that cover all spectrums of the industry; from large and small fixing companies, house builders, builders’ merchants, kitchen and bathroom showrooms, tile stores and individual retail customers.

Customers looking for quality products and services can be assured that all of their needs will be catered for at Boydens. The company’s relationship with it suppliers is excellent and one that has been built entirely on trust and honesty. There has never been a temptation to change specifications just to earn a ‘quick buck’.

Runners up
Ultra Delivery Guarantee from Instarmac Group Plc
Walls & Floors Ltd

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Excellence in Tile Contracting

Winner - Wilson & Wylie Contracts Ltd
Wilson & Wylie have been established as a specialist wall and floor-tiling contractor for over 85 years. The four senior managers of the contracts department have some 165 years experience.

The company employs qualified tradesmen, all of whom have had long service with the company. The company is fortunate to have the loyalty and service of exceptional tilers, a selection of whom have vast experience in all aspects of tiling. Each and every undertaking is carried out with the utmost care and supervision, and Wilson & Wylie holds to its name a wide variety of unique and prestigious projects.

Commitment to training has always been a company policy. The company currently trains two apprentices who are employed under the Construction Apprenticeship Scheme.

Runners up
Kemtile Limited
Wirral Tiling Contractors Ltd

Sponsored by:-

Best Website

Winner - www.schluter.co.uk
The Schlüter site is primarily aimed at tiling fixers, architects, specifiers, stockists and distributors rather than end users. Therefore its style is more technically orientated and is purposely different from the ‘glossy’ approach needed by retailers’ websites which target the end user. However it does have an attractive layout in corporate colours and is very easy to navigate. Every page shows a quick link to contact details, imprint details, a ‘print view’ option and a ‘how you got here’ navigational aid.

Statistics from Google Analytics and feedback from customers show that the site is both extremely well visited and consistently proves useful to visitors. The site links through to 14 other Schlüter international websites and so offers alternatives to non-English speaking users.

Runners up
www.europeanheritage.co.uk
www.oldeenglishtiles.co.uk

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Excellence in Tile Industry Marketing

Winner - The Tile Warehouse
“Today we're all much more aware of design and what it can bring to our lives. The way we design and decorate our homes now says more about us than the clothes we wear: it's become an essential form of self-expression.

Some key points about the brand
Brand Domain: Construction Industry [SME]; B2C Comfortably off, Wealthy Achiever, Urban Prosperity
Brand Heritage: Independent
Brand Values: Honesty and Integrity, Quality Product and Service, Trust
Brand Assets: Long standing relationships with customers and suppliers, experts in tile
Brand Personality: Trustworthy
Brand Reflection: Independent thinker

At The Tile Warehouse we know tiles are not just a wall and floor covering but an important form of self-expression, as such the way we look reflects the product we sell. Our new look echoes and promotes the creativity in design that is intrinsic to ceramic Tile &natural stone”.

Runners up
Craven Dunnill & Co Ltd for the Marketing of their Renaissance Collection.
The Tile People by Reed Harris

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Best use of tile in a small construction contract.

Winner - Holy Family Church, Belfast, Armatile
Armatile were tendered for this project as a direct result of their extensive religious buildings project history, technical expertise and their unique manufacturing facilities. It was pointed out to the architects by Armatile that the standard rectangular tiles would not form an even gap when laid in a radial format.

There would be uneven gaps at different stages throughout the tiles and this would look very unsightly and would not be in keeping with the quality of the work expected.

As a result of this, Armatile suggested water-jet cutting each tile so that each radially, waterjet cut tile would fit neatly in place throughout the Liturgy Space. Each tile was crafted to an exact fit to gain the desired millimetre perfect result.

Runners up
RNLI Grace Darling Museum, Bamburgh, Northumblerland, W Rogersons & Sons
Watches of Switzerland Brompton Road by W B Simpsons & Sons (tiling)

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Best use of tile in a large construction contract.

Winner - Leeds Central Library by Craven Dunnill Jackfield
Craven Dunnill Jackfield worked closely with specialists Heritage Tile Conservationists on the project. Together they re-created the Reading Room, restoring tiles which could be saved and making and installing replicas where the originals had disappeared or were too damaged to re-use. In all, over 15,000 hand-made tiles were made at the factory in Jackfield, Shropshire.

New moulds for each pattern were carefully carved, blocks made and tiles cast in special clay bodies, followed by hand-dipping in glazes to reflect the myriad of hues the original tiles had taken on over time.

In the ceramics industry where the focus is on volume and price driven production there are few companies who are remotely interested in tiles from the past. Thanks to a handful of companies like Craven Dunnill Jackfield our heritage and most treasured buildings clad in some of the finest ceramic tiles can be preserved for generations to come.

Runners up
55 Baker Street, London by W B Simpsons & Sons (tiling)
Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon by Wilson & Wylie Contracts Ltd

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Best use of tile in a housing development

Winner - Penrhyn Homes, Glyn Garth Court, Colwyn Bay
Glyn Garth Court is a prestigious development of two and three bedroom mansion apartments, newly built in a conservation area. The apartments are spacious with a sophisticated and unique style in décor - no two are the same. All are individually specified with high quality, contemporary fittings, the latest ceramic wall and floor tiles and underfloor heating.

The supply of ceramic tiles to the house developer market should not only be about price and volume. Penrhyn Homes are different, and with the Glyn Garth Court development they have selected ranges and products which show ceramics at their best. Every room is a showcase and the finishes have been chosen with careful thought and care. The end result is an interior finish that demonstrates the value that quality ceramic finishes can add to any domestic dwelling.

Runners up
Chelsea Wharf Lots Road, London by W B Simpsons & Sons (tiling)
Platinum Point, Edinburgh, Gregor Shore plc

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Best use of tile by an architect or designer

Winner - Voyager School, Peterborough - Aedas Architects Ltd
The purpose designed Voyager School situated in Mount Stephen Avenue, Peterborough includes 2000 square metres of the Johnson Tiles “Architectural” range fully vitrified glazed tiles used as external cladding. The design was by Aedas Architects Ltd., 5-8 Hardwick Street, London EC1R 4RB and the contractors were Bouygues Ltd, 39 York Road, London SE1 7NQ.

The design featured blue tiles from the Architectural range to create an abstract design on the curved exterior of the building. The use of ceramic tiles as external cladding on a school is believed to be one of the largest projects of its type in the United Kingdom.

Five colours from the eleven available were used in the scheme. The colours were dark Blue, White, Black, Orient Blue and Sapphire Blue. The tiles are 250 x 150 x 8mm.

Runners up
Arcanthus LW for Arsenal LUL Station
Eamon Hedderman for Holy Family Church Belfast

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Best technical use of tile in a construction contract

Winner - Clissold Leisure Centre, Stoke Newington
The Clissold Leisure Centre was originally opened in 2002 but was closed down 18 months later due to design faults. After an out of court settlement, massive renovations took place, which included stripping out all the tiling back to base. The history of the problems associated with this project was featured in the television programme Panorama.

The renovation work included laying a specialist screed to accommodate the required falls, then a waterproof tanking system, new drainage channel systems, and finally, the reinstatement of tiles to the changing village, pools, and surrounds. Wilson & Wylie Contracts Ltd were tiling contractors to the project.

Runners up
Holy Family Church Belfast, Armatile and O’Neil & Brady
Liverpool Community Fire Station, Pilkington’s Tile Group Plc and Kemtile Ltd

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Best use of tile within the leisure industry

Winner - The Carrick, Loch Lomond
“The challenge lay not in the tiling itself but in the complexity of the task. There were a great many different tiling materials, from polished porcelain to natural stone, to be laid on surfaces ranging from plasterboard to plywood to walls.

We needed a high degree of setting out, due to a combination of the site geography and the scale of the project. The majority of floors bonded continuously through roomto- room on all levels and we had to co-ordinate our fixers’ activities with those of all the other tradesmen working in the same areas.

We eased this by use of rapid-setting adhesives, to minimise the out-of-bounds times for floor areas. We normally had around ten people on site and, from January through to July, working seven-day weeks”. Chris Hutton, Area Manager North, The Tiling Company

Runners up
Lanark Conservation Village, New Lanark, Lanarkshire , Pilkington's Tile Group plc and A De Cecco Ltd Stour Leisure Centre, Ashford, Wilson & Wylie Contracts Limited

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Best use of tile in a domestic environment

Winner - 113 Woodsford Square, London
This 1970’s four storey town house near Holland Park was renovated in the late summer of 2007. The extensive use of tile in this residence pays homage to the modernity of the architecture and the partially tiled exterior façade.

The entire ground floor was treated with a 600x600mm rectified porcelain tile to retain and accentuate a sense of space. The tiles continue into the ground floor sitting and dining areas.

Each of the four bedrooms has a fully tiled ensuite shower or bathroom. Each ensuite had its own identity to avoid the building as a whole feeling like a hotel. The ground floor cloakroom was finished with a bright mosaic feature wall and the first floor lounge had a bright lustrous mosaic to the back of the cocktail bar.

Runners up
3 Blinkbonny Gardens, Edinburgh, Gregor Shore Plc
Renovation of existing bathroom within a domestic dwelling in Marden Kent by W B Simpsons & Sons (Tiling)