Drysystem by Tau Allows for Ceramic Tile Reuse
by Petz Scholtus, Barcelona, Spain on 03.25.08
A new technique for construction caught our eye at Barcelona’s material library Mater (more about that below): Drysystem. Drysystem is a new tile laying system, developed by the Spanish ceramic company TAU, that doesn’t require getting your hands dirty. This new way of putting tiles doesn’t require any kind of adhesive; the pieces simply slot into each other. 45x90 cm tiles can be slotted seamlessly into a polymer base.
Numerous advantages spring to mind: the floor is always accessible, even during the installation which is clean and quick, single tiles can easily be replaced without ripping the whole floor out, and last but not least, the tiles are fully reusable or recyclable at the end. The system definitely recommends itself for short-term interior spaces such as temporary exhibition spaces. For more information, installation instructions and technical datasheets, visit TAU’s Smart Surface System site (Drysystem under ‘Technical Products’).
Mater in Progress, where we discovered Drysystem, is the new materials library in Barcelona, a project by FAD (Fostering Arts & Design). The current show hosts a number of new materials and industrial processes by Spanish companies and designers. The Farola Viva (living street lamp), the Wabi shoe, Lasentiu recycled plastic products and Zicla recycled materials are all part of the collection. You can visit the exhibition until April 28th at the FAD in Barcelona.
I really love this product; I have been working on a snap in place product for exterior treatments that would be used instead of aluminum siding. The concept of the design is to appear as though the building is shimmering in the wind kind of like a birds feathers. If you are interested in developing this project further please be in touch.
Thank You.
Great Concept!
I like the concept and application of the product. I have a similar concept of a product that would be used on the outside of buildings and is also snap together and modular. The tile like pieces would shimmer and Quake and animate the facades of buildings even having custom noises to be played like a wind instrument. There is a good possibility that the product will capture energy by wind and sun.
Interesting system.. It can probably be installed more rapidly with less skilled labor and less mess. It's likely much more expensive, and the mounting adhesive would be less sustainable than thin set cement.
Also, it's highly unlikely that the tiles would ever be removed and reused.
Fantastic appliation - will this be made available for consumer purchase in the United States? - Corey
Yes, it is unlikely that they'd be reused.
How solid can a floor be without adhesive? Especially tile.