At #NeoCon09: Urban Archaeology’s Recycled Tile

Existing misconceptions about the aesthetics of “green design,” marked by visions of burlap and crushed tin cans, are surely put to rest with Urban Archaeology’s recycled tile. Their Linx and Dome tiles feature cultured marble — containing 50 percent pre-consumer recycled product. Despite the traditional material, the tiles feel more like resin and the bright orange color makes it difficult to believe the material originated in a quarry. A molding process forms the surface and shape, resulting in 3-dimensional, modern tiles that can then be fitted together like pieces of a puzzle.

Urban Archaeology, founded in New York in 1978 as a small architectural salvage business, has grown to encompass five luxury showrooms.  New product lines continue to draw inspiration from the company’s roots.  Within Urban Archaeology’s Linx and Dome lines, “Salvage” exists in the form of recycled pre-consumer products:  recycled, molded, polished cultured-marble tile. Due to their composition, the indoor tiles are suitable for application in dry zones only. Tile and surfaces are drawing increasing amounts of attention as three-dimensional wall-coverings. Ann Sacks’ Dahlia tiles form dramatic and show-stopping murals and Armourcoat Ltd’s ArmourCast Sculptural, despite its neutral color, lends texture and form to an otherwise bland surface.

Linx Collection. Manufactured by Urban Archaeology.

Dome, molded into rows of tactile circles, is a two part composition consisting of stars and plates, available in white, gray, black, orange, and brown. It appears almost inflatable and bubble-like, an intriguing and modern option for either homes or commercial applications. One can imagine Dome in a trendy restaurant, club or boutique.  Linx is similarly composed of two components, male and female, due to the way in which they fit together. It is available in several colors including gray and white. A seemingly more classic configuration, the pieces of Linx can be likened to Chess pieces or classic architectural elements.  Sophisticated and chic hotels, restaurants and homes can all benefit from these striking new materials.

Environmental initiatives have reached every niche of the design world and tile is obviously no exception.  Fortunately, Urban Archaeology is exploring different opportunities with “salvage” and discovering new ways of being green.