Ania Gil, director of marketing at UNDEFASA, describes how porcelain is a suitable solution for architectural projects
IN contemporary architecture, the choice of materials isn’t based on a single criterion. Architects, designers and specifiers face the challenge of balancing three key factors: technical performance, environmental responsibility and aesthetic quality, especially in projects where materials must withstand intensive use and maintain their performance over the long term.
In this context, technical porcelain tiles have established themselves as a reliable solution for those seeking durable materials without compromising on design.
Technical performance at the core of the project
The inherent characteristics of technical porcelain make it a particularly suitable material for highly demanding architectural environments. Its low water absorption, high mechanical resistance and wear performance are a guarantee in spaces subject to severe conditions of use and heavy foot traffic.
Moreover, its resistance to chemicals and stains makes it ideal for projects where hygiene, durability and low maintenance are key requirements, such as hospitals or professional kitchens.
These qualities provide assurance to the architects and interior designers, as it’s a material that retains its technical performance and aesthetic appearance over time.
Sustainability linked to durability
When talking about sustainability in architecture, we often refer only to the origin of materials or the carbon emissions associated with their manufacture. However, durability is a fundamental aspect to consider as well. Durable products that require less maintenance contribute directly to minimising environmental impact.
In this sense, technical porcelain offers clear advantages: it’s a highly resistant material that maintains its properties intact for decades.
The ceramic industry has made significant progress in optimising production processes, with improvements in energy efficiency, reduced water consumption and responsible management of raw materials.
Technical porcelain is an inert, non-toxic material suitable for healthy indoor environments, and its long life cycle is fully in line with the principles of sustainable construction and the circular economy.
In projects seeking to comply with environmental certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, technical porcelain tiles can play an important role for its performance and for the associated manufacturing processes.
Design and aesthetic consistency
The progress in digital printing technologies and surface development has considerably expanded the aesthetic possibilities of technical porcelain tiles, allowing for designs that are more in tune with contemporary architectural language.
This aesthetic versatility allows architects and designers to specify the same material in different areas of a project, maintaining visual consistency while adapting the characteristics of the material to each space. The diversity of formats, carefully crafted textures and balanced colour palettes contribute to creating spaces that are functional and visually appealing.
The possibility of combining design and technical reliability is one of the reasons why technical porcelain tiles have become a benchmark material in today’s architecture.
Looking to the future of the material in architecture
As the construction sector continues to evolve, the demand for materials that meet multiple performance criteria will keep growing.
Understanding the full potential of technical porcelain tiles means recognising them not only as a surface finish, but as a strategic design choice – one that contributes to the creation of spaces that are durable, responsible and well-designed from a technical and architectural point of view.
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