iris ceramica thékē modernizes ceramic tradition surfaces

IRIS CERAMICA embarks on Thékē

Iris Ceramica has embarked on yet another ceramic adventure with Thékē. Under the leadership of Iris Ceramica Group, the Italian brand explores the potential of the material in interior design, introducing a range of porcelain stoneware and semigres floor and wall coverings that challenge conventional norms, offering fresh creative avenues. Traditional carpets, stones, metals, wood, and handmade majolica serve as inspiration and are revisited, resulting in a library of three-dimensional surfaces that elevate sensory allure.

Iris Ceramica’s Thékē range with surfaces Acciaio Verderame (on the wall) and Bronzite (on the floor)

all images courtesy of Iris Ceramica

Synchronizing surface movement with imagery

Thékē takes inspiration from a diverse array of sources, such as traditional carpets (Trame), stones (Ardesia Silver, Ceppo Vulcanico and Bronzite), metals (Acciaio), wood (Tarsie), and handmade majolica (Tempere). However, it doesn’t merely replicate them; instead, it reinterprets them, resulting in a proposal of materials that engage the senses. With this project, the Italian world leader in the production of ceramic and porcelain surfaces harmonizes nature and technology, craftsmanship and industrial processes, and tradition and innovation. More specifically, at the heart of this collection is Sinkcera technology, which synchronizes surface movement with imagery, producing three-dimensional materials with intricate light and shadow effects, delivering an in-depth tactile experience.

Thékē Bronzite

iris ceramica’s inspiration from CARPETS, STONE, WOOD & METAL

One aspect of Thékē is the Trame series, which reimagines the intricate patterns of sophisticated carpets on porcelain stoneware surfaces. While Trame Jacquard and Trame Orientale are inspired by hand-woven fabrics, harmoniously combining stylized decorative patterns and neutral shades, Trame Camouflage reinterprets the camouflage color scheme: the figurative and the abstract are balanced by overlapping shapes with blurred edges. On the other hand, Trame Caleidoscopio features multiple symmetrical structures that change in unpredictable ways, without ever being repetitive. Available in various sizes, the modernized carpets complement each other and the Trame Perla and Taupe backgrounds, available in the 120×120, 120×60, 60×60 cm formats.

Thékē Trame Camouflage and Thékē Tempere Salvia

Three surfaces within the Pietre range blend elements of the past and present with attention to detail as natural stone is given a new contemporary identity. While Ardesia Silver has a flaky look with several layers in dark gray hues, Ceppo Vulcanico is a composite material consisting of natural marble fragments and pigments that cluster together like constellations, making it stand out for its decorative value. Last but not least, Bronzite features distinctive colors, ranging from ferrous red to black as well as lighter, golden hues.

Thékē Ceppo Vulcanico

Inspired by the traditional art of marquetry, Thékē Tarsie features a range of diverse wood species, including Rovere, Palissandro, and Noce. These ceramic surfaces are marked by streaks in warm tones such as honey, amber, and more contemporary brown-gray hues. The elegant and realistic series for wall or floor coverings – available in the 150×25 cm format and in the Naturale Finish – is designed to give everyday living spaces an enveloping warmth, be it residential or commercial projects.

The surfaces in the Thékē Acciaio capture the atmosphere of industrial and urban settings, with raw aesthetics and iridescent colors that resemble the transformations seen in metalwork and oxidation processes. Corten, Verderame and Brunito encapsulate these effects and create a visual texture further enhanced by the Chrome finish that brings out the variations of steel.

Thékē’s Ardesia Silver with Acciaio Brunito

The Thékē project also includes Tempere, a line of semigres wall coverings that brings back the feel of handmade ceramics, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. Surfaces are filled with old-world charm, with some level of unevenness, speckles and graphic variations, which are accentuated by the Glossy finish. A very rich color palette allows for maximum freedom of composition as well as the opportunity to create monochrome walls or original combinations by choosing from the 10 available colors, which include both warm and cold hues. It is also possible to choose between a variety of laying patterns – grid, diamond, herringbone, offset – giving designers the tools they need to craft expressive spaces.

Thékē Tempere Azzurro with Thékē Trame Perla