Sapienstone’s latest large format ceramics embrace a “fourth dimension”
Surfaces specialist Sapienstone is redefining the world of ceramics with its latest large format collection, where innovative 4D technology merges with aesthetics to create new tactile surfaces that elevate interiors into immersive experiences.
Kieron is a freelance writer and Digital Consultant who doesn't consider himself a design lover but a user of design - which to him is more than enough.
Linkedin“Surfaces are not merely aesthetic but evolve to generate engaging visual and tactile effects,” says Sapienstone, summarizing the philosophy behind the latest products presented at Cersaie last month. As part of the Iris Ceramica Group, a leader in the world of ceramics, its surfaces are more than just functional—they’re engineered to create a complete sensory experience that resonates visually and through touch.
At the 2024 edition of Cersaie, which took place from September 23 to 27, Sapienstone introduced new materials: Silver Wave 4D, Crema Avorio, and Breccia Imperiale, each of which demonstrates how the Groups’ cutting-edge manufacturing, including its 4D Ceramic technology, transforms surfaces into immersive design elements, offering a heightened sense of depth, movement, and tactile engagement.
“Each material is designed to give a perception of depth and movement, thanks to plays of light and shadow that enhance the intrinsic characteristics of the products,” explains the brand. “With the new products, Sapienstone goes beyond the traditional concept of the surface, transforming it into a dynamic element that enriches and sophisticatedly stimulates the environment.”
One of the distinguishing features of Sapienstone’s new materials is the use of 4D Ceramics, a technology developed by Iris Ceramica Group. Unlike traditional Full-Body methods, it ensures that veining and shading run through the entire thickness of the slab, creating a visual continuity that eliminates the distinction between surface and edge. This amplifies both the aesthetic and practical potential of the materials.
4D Ceramics transforms each slab into an engineering masterpiece offering greater design versatility and unmatched durability. The fourth dimension combines the three spatial dimensions with sustainable technology, creating a living material that embodies the Group’s core values.
Silver Wave 4D exemplifies this with its undulating black marble base, streaked with silver veining that mimics the movement of waves. With a lapped finish, this surface is smooth to the touch with an overall effect of fluidity. The integration of 4D Ceramic technology allows the veining to permeate the slab, creating an uninterrupted flow of design that extends across countertops, tables, and other surfaces.
According to Sapienstone, ceramic technology represents a significant evolution from traditional Full-Body techniques. While Full-Body technology is known for creating terrazzo-type materials, this newer approach goes much further. By meticulously layering raw materials, each slab becomes ‘an engineering masterpiece,’ with veining and shading that run throughout the entire thickness of the material.
The surfaces in the newest materials are 12 mm thick, making them ideal for use as kitchen countertops and work surfaces. It offers several advantages, ensuring that the slabs are robust enough to withstand daily wear while still being lightweight and manageable for installation.
The 4D Ceramic technology applied to Silver Wave enhances aesthetic qualities by allowing for a dynamic visual effect that maintains consistency throughout the entire slab, eliminating the distinction between the surface and the edges. This creates a visual continuity, where patterns and colors flow seamlessly, resulting in a solid, unbroken design that amplifies the overall beauty of the surface.
On the other hand, Crema Avorio and Breccia Imperiale showcase the natural beauty of marble reinterpreted through ceramic. Crema Avorio, with its soft beige tones and delicate veins, brings an understated elegance to interiors, while Breccia Imperiale adds depth with its rich brown color and sinuous veins that are both visually and tactilely engaging.
“The tactile qualities of materials such as Crema Avorio and Breccia Imperiale are the result of a highly innovative production process, the result of the consolidated know-how of Iris Ceramica Group, of which Sapienstone is also a part,” says the brand. “Thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment, we can bring out the best of the natural veining and nuances of these materials, giving them a unique visual depth and a pleasant feel.”
“This results from meticulous processing, which brings out the texture in a natural way. Our constant commitment to research and development enables us to continuously improve the aesthetics of the surfaces and their tactile perception.”
With these new materials, Sapienstone demonstrates that ceramic surfaces can evolve beyond what we know them to be today. By introducing 4D Ceramic technology and a commitment to sustainability, Iris Ceramica Group has transformed Sapienstone’s surfaces into sensory-rich elements that elevate their visual potential, whether it’s the fluid elegance of Silver Wave 4D or the warm sophistication of Breccia Imperiale and Crema Avorio.
