|
|
|
|
|
| DESIGN DETAILS |
DESIGN NAME:
U Tile
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Shower wall panels
INSPIRATION:
The ceramic market is gaining popularity and Maax was determined to develop a solution that would answer this need but also offer a product that would not have the same inconveniences as ceramic tiles. Our shower walls are easy to clean, and install in just 1 day meaning you do not live in a construction zone for 4 days. They provide peace of mind, no grout lines to scrub or that will potential crack and leak. Stylish looking with the right trendsetting "tile" patterns offered based on research.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project came to live in order to compete with the tile market. These innovative shower wall panels look and feels exactly like ceramic tile but without the hassles. They come in solid 1-piece panels and the direct-to-stud and Ulok installation systems make it an easy to install solution in half a day versus multiple days for tiled shower walls. Since they are grout-less, there is no repair or maintenance required on the grout lines and it significantly reduces the risk of water infiltration. The product offers a stylish, easy and peace of mind shower solution with a 10-year warranty.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
These shower wall panels are a direct to stud installation. Unlike tile, these solid 1-piece panels thus eliminating the tile by tile installation that may take a lot of time due to prepping the walls with the multiple layers of materials, the various cuts of tile, and the drying times in between steps. This grout-free product provides peace of mind versus tiling by eliminating grout maintenance, periodic repair and reducing the risk of leaks.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
Initial idea for the project started in November 2011 with a greater focus executing and perfecting the product as of mid 2013. This product was fully designer and developed out of our plant in Tring-Jonction Qc, Canada
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
Brand new innovative technology that was developed in-house by our research and development team. It features a cleverly engineered polymer surface that delivers a real stone and tile texture and color. The panels are made from multilayer reinforcement for increase strength and durability. They are 1-piece panels so there are no grout line joints. Comes with a 10 year warranty unlike standard ceramic tiles.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
Shower back walls 48"x1 1/8"x80" or 60"x1 1/8"x80"
Shower side walls 32"x1 1/8"x80" or 36"x1 1/8"x80"
Tub shower wall kit comes with all 3 wall panels in 1 box for a full unit dimension of 60 " x 30 " x 60 "
TAGS:
Shower remodel, shower wall panels, bathroom wall panels, shower renovation, modern shower design, walk-in shower, tile like wall panels
RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
Much research was done. Initial in-store observation and questioning was done in tile stores to understand the costs of tiling, the various steps of installation and identify the most trendsetting tile patterns that we should focus on to develop. Once the product was in the initial production stage, our Customer Insight Expert conducted one-on-one interviews with diyers, plumbers, designer to test if they could tell that it wasn't real tile but also validate the overall perception and potential of the product. We also tested our online configurator tool with online participants.
CHALLENGE:
The number 1 focus was to have a product that looked exactly like tile and for which people couldn't tell it wasn't unless they started analyzing the construction. The challenge was developing shower walls that looked exactly like tile while being solid 1-piece panels made from an engineered polymer. We are able to provide what ever color and mixture of color we want as well as a textured surface down to our fake grout lines that feel sandy when you run your hand over them.
ADDED DATE:
2016-02-26 18:07:04
TEAM MEMBERS (5) :
Yan Bilodeau, Thomas Boulanger, Marilyn Boulanger, Guillaume Dionne and Christine Lacasse-Veilleux
IMAGE CREDITS:
Pixi Studio
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS:
Patent pending
|
| Visit the following page to learn more: http://utilebymaax.com |
|
| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS |
 |
NAME:
MAAX Bath Inc. (company), U tile by MAAX (brand)
PROFILE:
About MAAX
MAAX Bath Inc. is a North American industry leader in the manufacture of pioneering and award-winning bathroom products, such as bathtubs, showers, and shower doors. MAAX wants its customers to "enjoy the experience" by offering stylish and innovative quality products coupled with world‐class customer service practices that make doing business easy and efficient for all. MAAX products are available at specialty stores, plumbing wholesalers, and renovation centres.
Founded over 45 years ago in Quebec, MAAX Bath Inc. employs over 1,200 people and currently operates eight manufacturing plants and three customer service centres in North America, as well as a vast network of distributors and showrooms across Canada and the United States. MAAX's focus on providing clients the ultimate experience in bathware products drives its R&D team to design and engineer innovative new products. Visit us at www.maax.com.
About U tile by MAAX
Utile is a shower wall solution that combines sophisticated style with easy installation. The panels have an ingenious polymer surface with an appearance and texture that look like natural stone and ceramic tile. Utile’s durable, elegant look is the perfect way to revitalize any bathroom decor and requires little maintenance.
Utile panels are faster to install than ceramic tiles with the Ulok system. Just align the panels, and then slide and lock them into place. Utile’s direct-to-stud installation means no grout maintenance or repair and a lower risk of leaks.
Covered by a 10-year warranty, Utile includes a vast range of patterns in the following series: Metro, Origin, Stone, Organik, Factory, Marble, Wallpaper, Smooth, and Erosion.
|
|
|
|
Did you like Maax Design Team's Sanitary Ware Design?
You will most likely enjoy other award winning sanitary ware design as well.
Click here to view more Award Winning Sanitary Ware Design.
Did you like U Tile Shower Wall Panels? Help us create a global awareness for good sanitary ware design worldwide. Show your support for Maax Design Team, the creator of great sanitary ware design by gifting them a nomination ticket so that we could promote more of their great sanitary ware design works.
|
|
|
NEWS Results will be Announced to Public on April 15, 2025.
Visit this page on April 15, 2025 to see the worlds' leading designs, ideas, trends and concepts in 2025.
REGISTRATIONS OPEN Registration to A' Design Award & Competition 2024-2025 period is now open.
Register and upload your design today to know how good your design is: get a complimentary preliminary score. 
|
|
