Enchanting glass mosaics to
entertain guests
| Minuscule glass mosaics are the latest wall and floor enhancers. Amit
M. Juvekar of Palladio Mosaics spells out the novel attributes of glass
tiles in a chat with RANJANI GOVIND |
A CLASS APART: Glass mosaics are safe for wall cladding and flooring
From the time vases and teacups in glass were considered `stylish' for
entertaining guests and glass doors entered the scene rubbishing unadventurous
claims of inherent fragility, to the smooth transparent substance shaping into a
tile format, glass has come a long way.
Every aspect of our lifestyle has something to do with glass
now... be it drawing room furniture, wall enhancers, dining sets or stained
glass partitions.
But what is it like to step on glass tiles?
Or see them as wall claddings?
Aren't they brittle, will they withstand the human traffic or
the related not-so-delicate activities?
Do they provide a safe grasp for the legs to walk along and
adhere to anti-skid features for washroom necessities?
Are glass tiles stain-proof? And how costly are they?
Property Plus had all the FAQs on glass tiles answered
by Amit M. Juvekar, General Manager-Marketing, Palladio Mosaics. The company,
with an experience of over four decades in mosaic and glass making, forayed into
tiles with glassthrough an exclusive collaboration with Trend Group, S.P.A.,
Italy.
What makes the whole range of glass mosaics from Palladio
interesting and novel is their offer mainly for wall claddings... not just to
brighten up the Plain Jane Dividers but which slowly get transformed into a
medley on the wall.
God-like
images
The outstanding range in the subtle shades available is in
itself incredible, so much so that huge God-like images are fashioned
overwhelmingly life-like on walls.
If areas that need to be highlighted on walls can take a
mosaic of patterns from these glass tiles, the shimmer that they throw across
with strategic lighting creates an ambience for a perfect evening get-together.
If that's glam-talk for the drawing room, what's cooking from
Palladio for the kitchen is a delectable range that can be adorned above the
kitchen platforms, as maintenance is just with normal soap cleansers.
Glass specials from the company address the bathroom needs on
walls, even as a portion of their singulars for floor needs are catching on.
Meanwhile, the mellow glisten of the miniature mosaics in water is a visual
treat in swimming pools.
Minuscule they may be, 2 x 2 cm in size, but their features
are attention-grabbing, says Amit Juvekar of Palladio Mosaics.
It's appalling to think of glass as a material for wall
and floor cladding...
Palladio glass mosaic is primarily for wall cladding, but
flooring mosaics are recommended only in low traffic areas, e.g. bathrooms.
The product is glass mosaic so it is fragile by nature.
However, the reason for the small size is that it will not
add any weight to the surface on which it is clad.
Larger sizes would mean more thickness, which in turn would
mean more weight.
The production process in your Gujarat plant...
Our plant at Kadi has virgin raw materials like silica,
quartz, feldspar, and fluorspar mixed in required quantities along with colour
oxides.
This mixture is then heated at a certain temperature so that
it becomes molten and gets evenly fused.
This molten, when culled, turns to glass. It is available in
300 colour shades in all.
The mosaics are transformed through sophisticated CAD
software into a constellation of vibrating colours.
A design can be carried out in professional alacrity
especially when used in combination with artistic hand-cuts, borders, colour-blends
and wall murals.
Scratch-proof and maintenance aspects...
As mentioned earlier, Palladio glass mosaics are not meant
for heavy traffic areas. Being glass it can never be scratch proof! It can be
easily fixed on any surface, maintained just by any common bathroom detergents.
Waterproof
In addition it is waterproof, acid-proof and retains its
attributes for years, even under harsh weather conditions.
It has good resistance to chemical agents, to sudden changes
in temperature, to light and frost.
Is it temperature friendly?
Palladio mosaics have been tested for thermal resistance
and are functional up to 1100 degrees Centigrade.
Have you come up with anti-skid surfaces?
The joint gaps between mosaics act as anti-skid agents as
they help you to grip the surface easily (in case of bathroom - low traffic area
applications).
Your market sectors?
The mosaics can be applied on any wall surface. Any wall
that needs to be beautified can be clad with Palladio mosaics, including
airports, swimming pools, commercial places, hotels etc., or indoor hotel
lobbies, restaurants, coffee shops, bathrooms, kitchens, porches, discotheques,
Jacuzzi and spa rooms. In fact, private residences are our largest clients.
Your range...
Our latest Karma range with rippled surface is incandescent
galore, the golden `Aureo' has 17 shades, the Vitreo range, 66, while `Fiammati'
mosaics have a marble-like appearance with natural irregular colour texture in
seven colours.
The `Brillante', in 45 colours, is a blend of enamels and
avventurina (semi-precious man-made stone).
We also employ a new technology that uses transparent glass
with special additives consisting of enamels and metal oxides.
The high reflective index of these mosaics too add to the
glow, especially with perfect lighting.
And in the `Aureo' range the infuse of the 24-carat real gold
leaf is sandwiched between a base of plate glass and a fine sheet of transparent
glass.
Detail the cost factors
The basic range starts from Rs.85 per sq. ft and goes on
to thousands depending on the materials used.
Courtesy: Property Plus, The Hindu
http://www.hindu.com/pp/2007/03/25/stories/2007032500190700.htm
