Bathroom and wetroom specialist Marmox is returning to the Surface Design Show next year from 6-8 February, with the flexible Slicedstone product range again taking centre stage on its stand 425. Introduced to the UK market in 2023, these slim natural stone veneers are designed to offer the adaptability to be applied across uniquely-shaped walls, spa bath surrounds and other features where water resistance is as important as appearance.
They follow on from the success of the widely utilised natural stone mosaics which were also introduced to the UK by Marmox, the company says, offering bathroom installers significant speed advantages when compared to traditional tiling techniques: savings being made on the costs of fixings, grout and glue – as well as with the labour costs through quicker installation.
Now designers as well as tilers are said to be acclaiming the ultra-slim lightweight sandstone sheets that are available in two sizes – these being 1220x610mm and 2100×1050 mm, weighing between 2.5-3kg per square metre as they are 4 ± 1.5mm thick, additionally they deliver a moisture absorption rate of less than 2.5%.
Supplied on a specially formulated decoupling layer, the product can be applied to curved surfaces both indoors and out, while the lightweight product is backed with a 100% waterproof decoupling membrane, allowing it to be secured with a tile adhesive.
Incorporating the latest technology, Marmox says, Slicedstone Sheets are simply peeled from the surface of Indian sedimentary rock and then re-engineered with the stabilised backing.
The natural stone blend substrate is treated with a clear polycarbonate solution to create a flexible surface that is both durable and waterproof, the company says, as well as stain resistant, which allows for the easy removal of grout and adhesive residue. While being natural, the installed sheets are said to appear monolithic, and are also UV resistant and will not fade over time.
Marketing manager for Marmox, Grant Terry, comments: “Although Slicedstone is fully suitable for exterior use, as has been demonstrated by some of the very striking properties such as Rio Gardens we have seen constructed in Egypt, the main interest so far here in the UK has come from interior designers, particularly those involved in high end residential developments.
“One of the first properties where Slicedstone is being featured is nearing completion now with half a dozen of the full-sized sheets having been supplied for use in the main bathroom/spa room where the interior designer, Revolve Interior Design, is very pleased with the effect.”
“Not only are the sheets lightweight and easy to cut with a fine-toothed saw, but they can be curved down to quite a tight radius. One of the things we’ve done to demonstrate Slicedstone’s adaptability was to have a company cut a series of interlocking jigsaw pieces for us and we also now have sample packs for designers to take away from our stand or to be available at our stockists.”
Those familiar with the Marmox range will also understand the potential to combine Slicedstone with the company’s Multiboard range, which is available in several thicknesses, to create insulated wall linings or for forming features within wetrooms. The two products could also be combined around swimming pools or on balconies and roof terraces.
Terry concludes: “There is certainly a lot of interest from specifiers who are also showing how the product is triggering their imagination, with some enquiring about the possibility of using Slicedstone for fire surrounds. But as the lighthouse project in Port Said showed, the possibilities for Slicedstone are huge.”
The Surface Design Show is the UK’s only event dedicated to surface material innovation, so is the perfect place for Marmox to showcase its Slicedstone offering, the company says. The 2024 show will provide exhibitors like Marmox the perfect platform to reconnect with existing customers and generate new business, both from the UK and Europe.
www.marmox.co.uk
