Exploding Tiles in Singapore Highlight Importance of Grout & Movement Joints
On January 19, 2018 by William LoveWe have written before about the need to always include grout and movement joints when installing tiles. These stories from Singapore highlight what can go wrong if you don’t. Singapore: Residents terror-stricken after floor tiles ‘explode’ at HDB flats Reports of tiles popping and cracking in flats across Singapore Weather may be one of several factors behind ‘popping’
Learning with ARTO – Pepperdine, USC, Scripps College
On January 3, 2018 by William LoveARTO tiles can be found in hotels, estates, restaurants, retail stores, and even in prestigious universities. The educational projects detailed below include a renovated library, a brand new academic building, and a restoration of historic residence halls. The common thread that binds these diverse projects is they are distinguished thanks to our vast selection of
How a Hexagon Can Also Be a Chameleon
On December 4, 2017 by William LoveOne of the fun things about ARTO tiles is that same tile can look wholly different in another color or texture. The two kitchens below both use blends of 8″ Artillo Hexagons but with much different results. Normandy Cream, as shown in the Bastide de Bonheur Residence, features a blend four ARTO colors (Artillo Cafe,
Hands. Touching Hands. Reaching Out. Touching Tiles. Touching You.
On November 17, 2017 by William LoveOne of the coolest things about ARTO concrete tiles in this age of automation, robots, and killer drones is that every single tile is touched by multiple hands throughout the production process. However we also utilize advanced technology like concrete admixtures and the Chameleon color batching system that can make thousands of colors at a
(Entry) Monumental Achievement
On November 14, 2017 by William LoveIn a nod to its agricultural heritage, the City of Camarillo (in Ventura County, CA) uses a bougainvillea motif in its logo and public art. Painted or printed bougainville images were used on earlier entry monuments but the city wanted a more polished look for its newest examples. The landscape architects contacted ARTO to explore a custom
The Versatility of Concrete – Normandy Cream Kitchen, Wine Room & Mud Room
On November 6, 2017 by William LoveARTO has been using concrete as a medium since the early 1970’s. While we love cool grey concrete in all its rough and tumble splendor we are also love how concrete can take on a wide range of other looks. This beautiful house in Rancho Santa Fe is a case in point. Artillo Hexagons in
The Story of the Vanana and the Importance of Full Size Samples
On October 31, 2017 by William LoveMany years ago my dad and I had a brown VW camper van. After some major body work my dad decided (unbeknownst to me) to paint it as well. I returned home from school and found a bright canary yellow van in the driveway, visible from miles around. It soon became known as the Vanana.
How to Evaluate a Finished Tile Installation
On October 19, 2017 by William LoveVery much liked this article from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. Much useful information including the excerpt below. Evaluate the Finished Installation from a Normal Distance Perhaps the most important aspect for evaluating a finished installation is the viewing distance. It should be viewed for acceptability from a normal viewing distance, not a foot away or
The Acid Test – Why We Love This Topical Sealer
On October 16, 2017 by William LoveEvery box of ARTO tile notes that the installation is not finished until sealed. While it is no doubt important to seal your (porous) concrete tile installation, sealers have always come with trade offs. Penetrating sealers give a natural look but could be better at protecting against stains and scratching. Topical sealers provide more protection
Sleeping with ARTO – The Hotel Californian
On October 6, 2017 by William LoveThe Hotel Californian is the new center of the Santa Barbara waterfront incorporating the original 1925 Spanish Revival facade and featuring interiors by celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Indochine cement tiles are featured throughout the rooms and public spaces along with concrete tile accents from our Artillo series.
Sleeping with ARTO – The Santa Barbara Inn
On September 26, 2017 by William LoveARTO handcrafted terracotta tile made in Southern California perfectly complements the Santa Barbara lifestyle. After an exhaustive search the owners were initially unable to find the classic yellow terracotta tiles envisioned for the lobby. However they eventually found ARTO through our local distributor Buena Tile and selected 16×16 Oleson tiles in Yellowstone. As you can
Indochine Kitchen Tile Installation – Pat’s (not so) Grim Progress*
On September 12, 2017 by William LoveWe here at ARTO are very excited about our new Indochine line of handcrafted cement tile and our graphic designer/webmaster Pat is already installing them in his kitchen. They look fantastic so far and will look forward to sharing professional photos once the job is complete. For all you fashionistas, Pat’s kitchen floor is wearing the
The Importance of Proper Materials
On September 6, 2017 by William LoveAlthough tile is the most visible (and typically most expensive) component, it is just one part of the ultimate tile assembly. We have been making our concrete and ceramic tiles for over 50 years so we know they work pretty well. However, using the wrong mortar, grout, membrane, or other materials can result in cracking,
The Life of ARTO – Drinking with ARTO!
On August 29, 2017 by William LoveWe here at ARTO love to enjoy potent potables (as Alex Trebek would say) especially when our handmade tiles, decos, and brick veneer can join the fun. The rooftop bar at the ACE Hotel DTLA features Roman tiles plus custom decos inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright concrete block patterns. For a change of scene and
EPDs may become mandatory in California – ARTO is already ready to go
On July 31, 2017 by William LoveClaude Goguen is a good friend and colleague of ours from the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA). He recently posted an article in Precast Magazine noting that environmental product declarations (EPDs) may soon become mandatory for California state government and university projects. The Buy Clean California Act (AB 262) would require state officials to take
The Life of ARTO – Eating Out with ARTO (Concrete)
On July 20, 2017 by William LoveOne of the things we love about working at ARTO is seeing our concrete tiles, brick veneer, and pavers installed all around Southern California and beyond. We hope that our products handmade with love and passion bring joy to you as you enjoy your meals.
