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All About Tiles

Ensuring Household From The Root: A Deep Dive Into Antibacterial Tiles

Due to the environment and weather, many Hong Kong people find it difficult to keep their homes dry. When choosing tiles and other building materials, products with antibacterial and mildew resistant functions should be considered. Since it is quite durable, it can also serve as the first protection for your family’s health.

Fighting The Unseen Foe

Take the common mold at home as an example. Due to its small size, it is difficult to clean it away completely. Moist bathrooms and toilets often become hard-hit areas where molds are raging. The mold releases allergic substances, which fly away with the air, enter the body from the nasal cavity, and then follow the respiratory tract to the lungs to stay, causing allergies, asthma, and causing minor physical problems.

Photo from Medical Inspire

港怡醫院呼吸系統科名譽顧問醫生溫志堅醫生受訪時表示:「 如果病人本身已有鼻敏感或氣管敏感的情況,突然接觸大量塵蟎、霉菌等家居常見致敏原,會令他們本身的敏感情況更嚴重。」現時市面上亦出現各種防霉易潔油漆或抗菌地板瓷磚。溫醫生表示:「每日清潔依然非常重要,而防霉易潔油漆或抗菌地板瓷磚等,對於改善家居空氣和抗菌防霉具一定幫助。」

Photo from shutterstock

Antibacterial and mildew-proof wall and floor tiles

Diligent cleaning is important, but if you want to get better results without too much effort we need to change from the source. Traditional solid wood floors are susceptible to dampness, mildew and could cause thermal expansion. It could cause a gap between floors, which dirts easy to hide in and grow bacteria. The ceramic tiles with the new OXYTECH antibacterial technology continuously release negative ions and effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria on the surface of the tile. It is compact and hard as it burned at a hot temperature and slow-burning of 1,250 degrees. Under high-density conditions, the water absorption rate is less than 0.1%. Effectively resist moisture, anti-bacterial, and anti-mildew.

1) 淨化空氣除甲醛
Furniture, wood, paint, viscose, etc. that you encounter every day have the chance to be indoor pollution sources, which will continuously release free formaldehyde and toluene. Especially after the decoration of new houses, the excessive formaldehyde situation is even more serious. The test proves that OXY TECH antibacterial technology can purify formaldehyde and toluene in the air and keep indoor air fresh for a long time.

Photo from shutterstock

2) 抑制細菌、真菌的生長和繁殖
Tile cleaning is often a tricky part of household hygiene. Ordinary cleaning is difficult to remove the dirt in the narrow gaps of the tiles, which only affects the growth of bacteria and health. The seam between most tiles on the market is 2mm. The latest research and innovation of OXY TECH's anti-bacterial technology-"dense seam paving" can reduce the seam between tiles to only 0.5mm, effectively reducing the accumulation of bacteria. space. In addition, as the gaps on the surface of the tiles become smaller, there is nowhere to absorb dirt, which enhances the anti-fouling and easy-to-clean effect. The ceramic tiles of OXY TECH antibacterial technology have proved to have an antibacterial rate of 99%*, and an antibacterial rate of Escherichia coli as high as 90%.

3) 減少霉菌滋生
The damp problem in Hong Kong has always plagued all homes. Especially in summer, the bathroom walls and floor tiles in many people's homes are always wet. They are prone to mold, and sometimes smelly. OXYTECH antibacterial technology ceramic tiles have the advantage of high density, and the water absorption rate can be lower than 0.1%, which can help reduce the growth of mold and reduce troubles caused by dampness.

OXY TECH Tiles Test

The editor conducts a series of tests to understand the effectiveness of OXY TECH technology. The tests will compare the water absorption, stain resistance, hardness, and fire resistance of the tiles.

1. Water absorption
The weather in Hong Kong is humid. For example, ceramic tiles with lower water absorption rates are used indoors, which are denser, not easy to expand, and are more effective in blocking moisture and reducing mold. The editor first prepares an ordinary tile and an OXY TECH tile and then places the two tiles in the blue water agent for 24 hours to test their water absorption capacity.

Photo from Medical Inspire

After one day, the water level of ordinary tiles was significantly lower than that of OXY TECH tiles, which shows that ordinary tiles have a higher water absorption rate.

Photo from Medical Inspire

2. Ease of cleaning
In addition to mold, stubborn stains such as kitchen oil stains are critical issues in daily cleaning. The editor splashed the old and new soy oil stains on the OXY TECH tiles, then wiped it with a rag, and found that the soy oil stains had been wiped away without leaving any traces, and the stain resistance was extremely high.

Photo from Medical Inspire
Photo from Medical Inspire
Photo from Medical Inspire

3/ Fireproof
OXY TECH tiles are made by slow-burning at a hot temperature of 1,250 degrees. The process requires a gun to burn OXY TECH tiles at close range for about 1 minute, if there is no blackening or cracking of the tiles, it means they have certain fire resistance.

Photo from Medical Inspire
Photo from Medical Inspire

As mentioned above, when it comes to choosing ceramic tiles, customers should not only pay attention to the reputation of the tile brand, but also pay attention to the water absorption, stain resistance and fire resistance of the product, and buy suitable tiles. It increases hygiene and house cleanness.

*Tested on Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli under laboratory conditions.

Text by MEDICAL INSPIRE

Categories
All About Tiles

Tile Classroom Vol.1 - Types of Tiles

If you are not familiar with tiling projects before, you will be surprised by the many different types of tiles available. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular, but there are also glass tiles, cement tiles, metal tiles, and stone tiles—to name just a few. It’s not easy to pick tiles because not every type of tile works for every job. And, of course, there's a budget to consider. Whether you're shopping for an immediate project or just planning for the future, we will guide you through the most common tiles and the basic knowledge of their types.
1. Ceramic Tile and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the most popular types of tile because it's suitable for many applications. Increased durability makes ceramic tile perfect for any room in the house, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or even entryways. Ceramic tiles have been sintered at a hot temperature of thousands of degrees and increased the density unlike the ordinary bricks, and the hardness can reach level 6, which is harder than ordinary stone. It is suitable for various environments. Moreover, the water absorption rate is low, which is more suitable for humid environments (bathroom/kitchen) or humid climate areas (Hong Kong/offshore). The other most common type of tile is porcelain, which differs from ceramic tile. The appeal of porcelain comes from its ability to emulate natural stone, brick, or wood—and without any of the maintenance. In addition, as it's an all-purpose tile, it comes in a variety of designs, colors, and styles to allow for versatility when designing a space. Porcelain can even be used outdoors, as it will not freeze, fade, or crack. Other applications for porcelain tile include bath or kitchen tile, high-traffic areas, and kitchen backsplashes. The biggest drawback with porcelain tile is that installation can be tricky. While you can DIY an install, many homeowners forget that you also need an adhesive when laying down this type of flooring.
2. Polished vs Matte vs Soft Polished
There are two main types of tile surface: light-separating surface and matte surface. As the name implies, the glossy surface is smooth and reflective, and it is mostly used on the wall to reflect natural light that creates a natural feeling.
The matte surface is usually more non-slip, and it is mostly used on the floor, especially in the bathroom/kitchen. Although there are many styles, it does not have the glossiness of smooth tiles.
In fact, there is a third type of tile surface-soft surface, "55°Soft Light" The recent technology can have the best of both worlds. It not only has the matte surface of R10 anti-slip but also maintains the shine of the glossy surface, which is beautiful.「55∘Soft Light」The new technology can have the best of both worlds. It can not only have the matte surface of R10 anti-slip, but also maintain the gloss of the glossy surface, which is beautiful and practical.
3. Coloured Body Tiles
Over the bottom brickAlso known as Homogeneous Tile, the brick body to the brick surface are made of the same material. Over-bottom bricks are known for their practicality. Since the brick surface and the brick body have the same color, it is not obvious even if the surface is damaged. However, the hardness of many tiles can reach Mohs 6, which is durable and scratch-resistant. Although the bottom tiles are practical, they are inferior in appearance and style. There are not many choices. The colors and textures are mainly pure colors and simple.
4. Timber Tiles
In recent years, wood-grain tiles have become very popular, and they are more durable and moisture-proof than ordinary flooring. Wood grain bricks have many variations in texture, and different paving effects can be achieved with different paving methods.
But pay attention to the flatness of the brick body, because the wood-grain bricks are mostly slender 1200x200mm, which requires a high level of flatness, and the "bending brick problem" can easily cause "empty drum" and "kicking" problems. Choosing reputable and certificated wood grain tiles can reduce the risk of mid-voltage.
Ceramic tiles have many changes in style, color, size, and texture. In addition to personal preference and design style, when picking tiles, you should also pay attention to the characteristics of different tiles and consider actual needs.

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Our Projects

Holy Cross Lutheran School | Tsuen Wan

As a developing enterprise, ASA Tiles not only work on the growth of business, but also focus on social engagement.

Earlier, we were invited to participate in a school anniversary tiles printing event. In the two-days event, we provided tiles and the students created a tiles printing with the guidance of tutor.

The tutor designed the general picture in advance. Before the event begun, the tutor drew the draft of the print across the tiles. Then, we gave each student a piece of tile and let them add colours on it. They also put their own ideas and creation onto the tiles.

In the process, the tutor guided the students to reflect on the project and told them the importance of details, as they all started this magnificent printing from small parts. They also learnt the value of teamwork and communication during the project. At the end of the day, the tiles printing was a team effort.

We, as the tiles manufacturer, feel equally on how valuable and important details are. A high-quality piece of tile, could only be made with many fine details adding together. Seeing the students adding the colours they wanted with each stroke, made us felt touched.

After the students finished printing the tiles, we put the tiles on the wall and formed the complete and wonderful printing. We were honoured to be a part of this meaningful event, and we were delighted to see how much potential tiles have as art and craft.

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Uncategorized

藝術瓷磚DIY

除了訂製瓷磚、手畫瓷磚,有沒有想過不懂繪畫的你也可以親手設計和製作你獨一無二的磚塊?
藝術家 Carrie 擅長以樹脂膠手作飾物、修補茶壺門柄,這次則與 ASA TILES 合作,以樹脂膠帶出特別的瓷磚風格。

最初 Carrie 與家人創立自己的首飾品牌時,主題便是「客製化」,所以在開設第一間門店時,便以自己造的地磚佈置店面,加入閃粉等裝飾在磚塊裡,增加品牌少女風的感覺。

鍾情於「花」的 Carrie,亦希望以藝術繼續探討花的可延性,透過設計訂製,或讓客人在工作坊親手設計磚塊,呈現出每人心目中的花,更能安裝在自己的家中,甚至在商業用途上。

根據客人的主題及顏色要求,ASA 與 Carrie 度身訂造屬於你的設計,你的瓷磚,讓你的藝術融入你的生活。

如對瓷磚藝術有興趣,觀迎親臨亞細亞旗艦概念店參觀,藝術項目合作聯絡 2152 1900 或 9686 6482。

了解更多:

https://www.yyycarrie.net

(Written by: Asher Cheung)

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Uncategorized

「把藝術伸延到生活每個角落」— 愛花的女孩

聽到藝術品這個詞語,我們首先都會想起羅浮宮的畫作、美術館的雕塑、甚至是教堂裡的壁畫。彷彿美麗的藝術品就只能存在外國著名的景點裡,可遠觀而不可褻玩。畢業於香港理工大學環境及室內設計科的 Carrie 則打破傳統,在衣食住行不同範疇裡都創作藝術,將藝術融入生活。

Carrie 自小喜愛手工藝,在母親的教導及影響下,更與姊姊及母親於 2013 年在香港創辦了手造花朵飾物品牌 Pamycarie,親手用樹脂黏土為每位客人度身訂造飾品,讓每人都可以把藝術品戴在身上,而特別喜愛花朵的 Carrie 也希望能讓花延伸到生活每個角落,讓喜歡花朵的女生能有被花包圍的感覺。

除了戴在身上的藝術品,修讀過室內設計的 Carrie 也用心研究把藝術融入家中,畢業作品更用磚塊作主題,使藝術品不只好看,更是好用。而由於訂製的關係,作品不再圍繞夢幻的少女主題,也可根據客人要求造成任何顏色系列的地磚及牆磚,打造藝術家居。

樹脂黏土韌性強、混色高,保存也容易而不易損壞,Carrie 認為它容易使用,所以定期也會舉行工作坊,使不只工藝師可以創造藝術,讓大眾也可以製作自己的藝術品。而這種特性也驚喜地帶來可持續性,如 Carrie 嘗試過將被棄置的寶石及瓷磚重用,混到樹脂中為其增添新的價值,延續它的生命。

人手製作一朵朵花瓣,蛻變成一個個花朵飾物,Carrie 由零開始,把腦海裡幻想的設計,在飾物、磚塊、或是生活上任何的物件中真實呈現,雖然花費時間心思,但 Carrie 不因難度而放棄對美的追求,夢想客人戴上她們的心血時會有幸福的感覺。

不因難度而降低要求,ASA根據你的想像和需求,與你探索建築設計靈感,致力為你帶來幸福的感覺。

藝術項目合作:2152 1900

了解更多:

https://www.yyycarrie.net

https://www.pamycarie.com

(Written by: Asher Cheung)

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