Architessa Tile in Collins Tile and Stone — Awarded Residential Grand Prize for Technical Expertise

COLLINS TILE AND STONE AWARDED RESIDENTIAL GRAND PRIZE FOR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN PROJECT INVOLVING ARCHITECTURAL CERAMICS, INC TILE

COLLINS TILE AND STONE AWARDED RESIDENTIAL GRAND PRIZE FOR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE 

April 2015 - Collins Tile and Stone received top honors, winning the NTCA Five-Star Grand Prize for Residential Tile Installation at the 26th annual international trade show “Coverings” in Orlando, Florida.  Collins Tile and Stone exemplified superior craftsmanship and technical expertise throughout the installation of this large-scale full master bathroom remodel which included tiles provided by Architectural Ceramics, Inc.  The project features a steam shower and utilizes top-quality materials which were selected to best perform under challenging conditions.    

Based on a custom design, the primary features of the new bathroom were the large steam shower housed within a beautiful glass enclosure juxtaposed against a Japanese soaking air tub.  This remodeling project required careful design and execution due to the innate challenges of constructing a steam shower, in comparison to a standard shower.  Since steam has a greater propensity for invasiveness than water, this required several stages of construction to properly build the steam shower.  It was crucial to follow TCNA methods to ensure the best quality installation and performance of the steam shower to withstand use for years to come. 

The design consisted of an exquisite combination of tiles creating both texture and modern appeal.  It was imperative to ensure that the tile selected was able to resist the damaging effects resulting from the amount of water and vapor it is subjected to within the steam shower environment.   With these conditions in mind, the homeowner worked with our team to thoughtfully select the proper tile containing properties conducive for the steam shower.

The tiles chosen for the remodel were distributed by Architectural Ceramics and comprised of 12” x 24” glazed, porcelain tile from the Flashback Series by Eleganza, for the bathroom floor and soaking tub facing; the Flash Back .5” x .5” mosaic tile for the shower floor; and 12” x 24” and 3” x 24” (cut on-site from 12” x 24” field tile) natural porcelain tile from the On Square Series by Emil Ceramica, for the shower walls, shower bench facing, and soaking tub walls.  The decorative mural inset is a luminous hand-made, fused glass mosaic in a matte finish from the Tozen Series by Lunada Bay Tile Collection. The mural border repeats the glazed, porcelain tile from the Flashback Series and was also cut on-site from 12” x 24” tile to 3” x 24” pieces.  All of the tiles were installed with precision using standard ceramic tile installation methods and materials, as recommended by the TCNA handbook. 

 “Collins Tile and Stone is the first Five Star Contractor to ever win back to back Grand Prize Recognition in our prestigious awards program.  This particular project was impressive in that it professionally portrayed an extreme makeover from an outdated bathroom to an inspirational and functional new design,” shared Bart Bettiga, NTCA Executive Director.  “Collins Tile and Stone continues to support our industry in many ways, and their commitment to installation excellence and customer satisfaction gives strong support to the NTCA Five Star Contractor Program.”

(L to R) Bart Bettiga (NTCA Executive Director), Christin Lecker (Collins Tile and Stone, Dir. of Marketing), Buck Collins (Collins Tile and Stone, President), Joe Tarver (NTCA Executive Director Emeritus), Jim Olson (NTCA Asst. Exec. Director)

“It is our privilege to be honored with this distinction for technical installation and superior craftsmanship including recognition of the intricate tile design and layout of this project,” expressed Buck Collins, Founder and President of Collins Tile and Stone.  “The integrity of this stunning master bathroom remodel was achieved by the collaborative efforts of our team, our client, our vendors and distributors, and manufacturers. It is with sincere appreciation that we accept this special acknowledgement by the NTCA.” 

Collins Tile and Stone is among an elite group of 42 NTCA Five-Star Contractors representing the best installers in the industry who must meet a number of criteria involving certifications and continuing education; active safety programs; client, supplier and peer recommendations; and active involvement in the industry through the NTCA.  

Organized and chartered in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a non-profit trade association serving every segment of the tile and stone industry, and is recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors association in the world. Actively engaged in the development of industry standards, installer education, and member service, the NTCA is dedicated to the betterment of the ceramic tile and allied industries. www.tile-assn.com

The NTCA Five-Star Award was presented at Coverings celebrating its 26th Anniversary as the largest and most important ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and expo in the United States. The event features exhibitors from more than 35 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world.www.coverings.com