This year's Red Dot Awards for Product Design received a record-breaking number of over 5,500 entries (up a couple hundred from last year's record of 5,200) across 47 categories covering a range of products from office furniture to lighting to robotics. Each category received awards for best in their class. Below, we take a look at the finishes that topped the Materials and Surfaces category.
The Red Dot Gala in which winners take the stage to receive their awards is set to take place July 3 at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany.
Woven Vinyl, Dickson Constant
This collection of vinyl tiles come in geometric shapes that can be configured to create bold, graphic flooring. A blend of weft and warp yarns adds texture and depth to the surface, while acoustic foam backing helps mitigate sound in a space. The tiles—which can be specified in 19.6" by 19.6" tiles, 79" rolls, planks, hexagons, or rhombi—come in six different pattern options: be smart, be optic, be natural, be easy, be different, and be tweed. A total of 42 colorways are offered. dickson-constant.com
Shadow, Bentu Design
In reaction to the prevalence of construction waste in Asian countries, this collection of tiles, created by Guangzhou, China–based studio Bentu Design, is made up of a proprietary concrete mix combined with 60 percent of pulverized recycled ceramic and sawdust fibers. Shadow's grooved, linear surface is cut in various depths in order to give a 3D impression, which creates an abstract geometric pattern that reveals multiple gray tones. bentudesign.com
Storie, Cedit Ceramiche D'Italia
Inspired by the textured architecture of aged Italian villas, factories, and public spaces, designers Daniele Bortotto and Giorgia Zanellato have created a collection of ceramic slabs that mimic timeworn surfaces. Available in six patterns of palazzo, masseria, villa, cascina, castello, and casale, the slabs all bear marks that appear as if they have been formed over time, like a faded fresco, old plaster work, or rust. Storie is suitable for wall and floor applications, and come in a slab thickness of 0.25" and three sizes: 23.6" by 47.12", 47.12 by 47.12", and 47.12" by 94.3". ceditceramiche.it
