Gonzalo Mardonez Arquitecto firm in Santiago, Chile completed work last year on a large real estate office that uses a wall clad in porcelanato tile.
The Terraza offices, the architects told ArchDaily, utilize a 6-storey tall blind wall that sheilds the building from the sun. The wall has a ventilated facade, aiding in circulation. The firm states that they expect the building to be LEED Gold Certified soon.
The wall is clad in porcelanato tile. Its dark gray color absorbs sunlight and its attendant ventilation system helps keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Porcelanato (porcelain) tiles are described as being more dense and resilient than ceramic tiles and more resistant to wear and tear. The tiles, even if they are unglazed, do not fade and, should one chip, the color is similar underneath the surface. The glazed tiles do not stain or scratch easily, making them useful for both indoor and outdoor functions.
The material, which takes its name from porcelain (obviously) was developed in Italy and is produced in Brazil today. The tiles are fired at 1,200 degrees celsius, resulting in a product with low water absorption rate. The body of the tiles are compact, homogenous, dense and vitrified. The tiles resist scuffing and freezing. It costs less than stone, while having the appearance of stone to the untrained eye.
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Photographs by Nico Saieh.
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