This project is a joint showroom, for which Pentagon Tiles has partnered with Schlüter-Systems and Ardex. The unassuming exterior conceals a tactile project with a dual purpose – this is not only a place for display, but also for discussion. Architects are invited to hold meetings at 49 Leather Lane, where they can observe the details incorporated into the renovation, experience products in-situ and gain inspiration. Examples of Schlüter’s innovative technologies are abundant, giving direct examples of the benefits associated with installation.

Coming through the main entrance, visitors first find themselves in a smart reception area, the walls and floors of which are installed with Schlüter’s versatile electric surface heating system, Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E, and integrated with appropriate profiles. Advancing further into the building, a wetroom (a fully functioning convenience for the showroom) demonstrates the various effects and features that can be achieved using products from the Schlüter-KERDI range – including shower niches, shower trays and linear drainage solutions, as well as the multi-functional Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD installation board – which combine to create a CE-Marked waterproofing solution. The integration of IP67-compliant Schlüter-LIPROTEC illuminated profiles allows for unique lighting scenes.

At the rear of the building, three shipping containers have been combined to form additional showroom and meeting spaces, again installed with Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E. The walls of this area are clad with large-format tiles, mitred beautifully to give the impression of stone slabs and Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD provides the perfect substrate to underlay and support the installation. In climbing an aged corten steel staircase echoing the history of the area, a fourth container – functioning as a hot-desking office – comes into view, boasting full-length glazing which perfectly frames the surrounding landscape. This intimate space again features Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD and Schlüter-LIPROTEC, and the terrace upon which it sits makes use of Schlüter-DITRA-DRAIN, to provide effective drainage and uncoupling for another stretch of large-format tiles, installed across the area.

Finally, a step back inside and a walk to the left reveals the Porcelain Gallery, installed with the floor substrate Schlüter-BEKOTEC and the hydronic underfloor heating system Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM. Samples and assemblies on show allow visitors to choose their product experience. A wicket door within the large wooden double doors once used for deliveries then leads back onto the bustling street. With the opening of these gates during the numerous events anticipated to be held at this space gets into its stride, its thresholds will blur, integrating into the community surrounding its creation.

49 Leather Lane is open and available to host your next architectural meeting. For booking enquiries, please email Schlüter-Systems.

Uncoupling an icon

There are few landmarks in the world more famous than the Eiffel Tower. When it came to the latest round of renovations for this romantic French landmark, two of Schlüter’s own iconic products proved to be key.

Constructed between 1887 and 1889, the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated at the Exposition Universelle of 1889, held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was a feat of engineering and architecture and today welcomes almost seven million visitors a year.

With these extraordinary visitor credentials, it is hardly surprising that the structure has undergone a number of renovations in recent years; the latest of these was the overhaul of the first-floor platform, situated at a height of 57m, self-financed by operator company, SETE (Société d’exploitation de la tour Eiffel), with a sum of approximately €25m. A delicate operation due to the unique characteristics of the building and the levels of interest it attracts, it involved rebuilding the Eiffel and Ferrié pavilions as well as three access structures to the elevators, along with renovating the facade of the restaurant. As part of the project, natural stone coverings were installed across 300m² of floor space, 85m² of wall space and a selection of other items, including a staircase, seating benches and counters; Schlüter-Systems was engaged to provide an uncoupling solution that would support and protect the material.

In selecting the exact products for the installation, particular emphasis was placed on achieving maximum durability whilst minimising assembly height and weight, a task for which Schlüter’s uncoupling membrane of 30 years’ standing, Schlüter-DITRA 25, was well suited and specified. With the architect having requested large-format natural stone panels of 100 x 100cm for the bulk of the floor area, EDM enlisted the services of Stone Performance, which provided a material mix panel consisting of a 10mm natural stone layer on fibreglass, structurally bonded across the entire surface. The panels were installed over a steel substrate panel, following the application of a bonded primer and installation of the Schlüter-DITRA 25, and were set into place with suction lifters. The entire covering area was subdivided into 40m² segments, using Schlüter-DILEX-EKSN movement joints. These movement joint profiles, which were also installed in the door transition areas, are ideally suited to absorbing the expansion and contraction anticipated.

An uncoupling membrane is always recommended for tile and stone installations and is installed in between the tile and substrate to prevent cracking and debonding of the materials. It also helps manage the vibrations of a building, a particularly useful feature by account of the installation team’s experiences during the project: “When we were calibrating our laser-levelling device, the display kept moving back and forth,” recalls Sebastien Sollier, Project Manager at EDM Paris.

“The tower is constantly in motion, which is particularly noticeable at peak visiting hours. The level only was reasonably stable in the morning, when the tower was still closed for visitors.”

Schlüter-DITRA 25 is a polyethylene membrane of just 3mm thickness, with square, dovetailed recesses and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. The bottom of the recesses, when filled with thin-bed adhesive, directly transfers load impact on the tile covering through to the substrate, preventing damage. The design of the recesses also facilitates the creation of a system of interconnected air channels between the fleece and the membrane, which allows moisture to evaporate from the substrate and neutralises vapour pressure. The fleece itself ensures secure bonding of the membrane to the tile adhesive.

The specifiers of this project found their perfect solution in Schlüter-DITRA 25. The Schlüter-DITRA range also contains solutions specially designed for underfloor heating, sound reduction, large format tile and external drainage (DITRA-HEAT/DITRA-HEAT-DUO, DITRA-SOUND and DITRA-DRAIN respectively).

Product in focus:

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is a market-leading electric system for providing heating on walls and floors under tile and stone. It also provides uncoupling, crack bridging and waterproofing properties along with load distribution and vapour management, guaranteeing a lasting installation. The uncoupling matting prevents cracks in the finished installation and eliminates the need for self-levelling, and its unique studded design means that the cable is easily pressed into place with no need for tape, glue or measurement.

Provision of the mat and cable as separate elements means that the heating system can be custom designed around the features of a room, ensuring the most efficient use of materials and saving on running costs.

Benefits for specifiers/installers:

• 70% faster installation time compared to loose cable systems
• No need for self-levelling compound
• Low assembly height
• CE-Marked waterproofing simply by sealing the matting joints and connections
• Suitable for installation over timber and concrete substrates.

Benefits for building users:

• Faster response time with Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO matting, bringing 80% more heat to the surface
• Greater control over your heating zones, saving energy and running costs
• Reduces impact sound by up to 13 dB, with Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-DUO matting option.

Brand-new fashionable finishes for DILEX-AHK

Schlüter-Systems’ popular range of trend-led textured profile finishes expands its reach to wall corner profiles, allowing for even closer coordination of tile and stone protection.

Three of the most in-demand profile finishes available from the stylish Schlüter-TRENDLINE range can now be applied to the internal wall corner profile, Schlüter-DILEX-AHK, as well as all associated accessories. This brand-new opportunity to finish these items in ivory, stone grey or dark anthracite will allow specifiers and tilers to achieve flowing expanses of matching profile protection from wall edges to corners, creating a smooth visual harmony or continuous bold accents as desired.

Schlüter-DILEX-AHK is a cove-shaped aluminium profile that protects tile edges and allows for easy and thorough cleaning of corners, preventing mould growth; it is available in heights of 8, 10 and 12mm, and also features an integrated joint spacer for neat grouting of the tile. Accessories are available to handle internal and external corners and include end caps and connectors for complete coverage.

Grate news from Schlüter-Systems

Further enriching its drain portfolio, Schlüter-Systems showcased three new grate designs at Cersaie 2017, available soon across both its point and linear drains.

With so many options available in the way of tiles, Schlüter recognises that drains are an increasingly important element in creating a cohesive whole for a wetroom. The new designs for Schlüter-KERDI-DRAIN and Schlüter-KERDI-LINE – Floral, Curve and Pure – have been developed with current bathroom trends in mind, yet are versatile and neutral enough to stand the test of time.

Floral: a geometric design with just the right amount of softness, Floral’s uniform pattern makes it equally suitable for wetrooms with a structured industrial or softly textured theme.

Curve: the simple, playful accents of the Curve design translate into grates that are the perfect complement to all manner of trends – from the organic feel of a natural retreat to the clean-cut lines of a reduced geometric wetroom.

Pure: crisp and minimalist, Pure is a no-fuss, no-frills design that is great to have at hand for its timeless looks.

Introducing almost-invisible edge protection

Following an intensive research and product development process, Schlüter-Systems is pleased to welcome a revolutionary new slimline contour profile to its ranks.

Schlüter-FINEC offers near-invisible edge protection for the corners of tile and stone installations, satisfying the demands of both tile protection and design aesthetics. The profiles are particularly ideal for use with glass mosaics and thin-format tiles as they are extremely slimline, allowing for the creation of discreet flowing detail.

Unlike comparable offerings from other suppliers, Schlüter-FINEC is available in both anodised aluminium and V2A stainless steel, meaning that discreet edges are possible in both standard and heavy-duty applications. This new addition to Schlüter’s renowned range of profiles is also easy to cut and mitre, making for quick finishing, less wastage and reduced frustration on the part of the installer.