Agglomerate surfacing extended to UK market

Granite Transformations' Kent-based head office is extending the architectural use of the company's agglomerate surfacing in the UK.

The surface is widely used for domestic kitchen and bathroom applications as well as for commercial installations such as hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, corporate buildings, airports, leisure centres and retail outlets.

Although similar in composition to quartz surfacing or engineered stone, Granite Transformations claims that its material has a distinctive manufacturing process, making it much lighter and slimmer without sacrificing strength.

It offers a number of benefits to architects, specifiers, interior designers, developers and builders.

Composed of around 95 per cent natural material blended with a high-performance polymer resin, it is offered in a choice of granite, quartz, recycled glass and mosaic materials.

The material will fit directly on top of existing surfaces, eliminating costly ripping out.

It is suitable for refits and refurbishment.

Many installations can be carried out by factory-trained fitters in a single day, minimising downtime and enabling overnight fit-outs.

The agglomerate material's light weight, slim profile, inherent flexibility and technical performance, along with a palette of more than 60 colours and patterns, make it a suitable choice for new-build projects for both horizontal and vertical applications.

With or without a bonded substrate, it can be used for worktops, bar counters, vanity units, reception desks, peninsular ends and retail fittings, with the option of curved, fluid and flowing shapes and minimalist, chunky or waterfall edges.

As a vertical cladding, it is suitable for showers and bathrooms, washroom partitions, counter facings, splashbacks, mosaic panelling, elevator refurbishment and external facades.

Thanks to its DIN-rated slip resistance, it can be used as floor tiles, strips or large slabs up to 3m long.

ASTM tested and UNI ES IS0 certificated for heat, impact, scratch and stain resistance, Granite Transformations' surfaces can withstand the consistent wear and tear associated with commercial buildings, retail outlets, the hospitality industry and public housing, while Greenguard-approved low volatile-organic-compound emissions ensure their suitability for schools.

Non-porous, naturally resistant to fungal growth and virtually maintenance free, the material also satisfies the hygiene demands of the food service industry, health and fitness clubs and healthcare clinics, particularly as there is no need for sealants, waxes or chemical treatments.

Its light weight and flexibility could also be important considerations when fitting out lifts, cruise liners, yachts and recreational vehicles.

The company covers the deep blacks of natural granite, through bright red, orange, blue and green shades, to autumnal or muted tones and polar white.

Environmentally, the granite, quartz and mosaic fragments are mainly reclaimed products from other mining and manufacturing operations; the glass content is increasingly post-consumer recycled and the Granite Transformations production process generally uses 50 per cent less raw material than other engineered surfaces.

The capacity to fit over existing surfaces reduces onsite debris and the amount of waste sent to landfill sites, while eliminating the need for extra reinforcing materials, such as wooden frames and underlays.

Compared with other interior surfacing materials in common use, Granite Transformations' agglomerate offers a number of technical benefits.

For instance, it is stronger than slab granite and natural stone and is it not inconsistent in composition.

It is not susceptible to fingermarks or scratching and is more heat resistant than solid synthetic surfaces, laminates and hardwood, withstanding exposure to boiling water and temperatures to 300F.

Unlike granite, marble, ceramics or wood, it requires minimal maintenance and no application of sealants that affect indoor air quality.

Prices are comparable with mid-range slab granite and engineered stone, fully fitted and commercial contracts are covered by a 10-year transferrable material warranty.

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