Tiles from recycled materials
Kohler Co. has debuted The Abstra Collection by Kohler WasteLAB, a series of bespoke brushed and matte tiles for residential and commercial installations, made from nearly 100% recycled waste materials.
“Abstra has a fluidity that is continuous, yet ever-changing in its contrasting surface details,” said Dana Morales, senior designer – Kohler Co.
Kohler WasteLAB is comprised of a talented group of designers, ceramicists, and engineers at Kohler Co. that rely on factory waste as their primary medium.
The group applies this approach in its manufacturing process, said the company, using landfill-bound pottery, wastewater sludge and other forms of waste to design and produce stunning products.
“There are the raised and relief patterns, multiple geometric shapes, a soft, matte color palette based in nature, and subtle surface undulation that create complexity and depth,” said Morales.
The Abstra collection by evokes the appearance of carved or sculpted clay with two different styles from which to choose: Abstra Feature, which is a series of abstract patterned tile with raised and relief designs and an undulating surface; and Abstra Standard, an unadorned field tile with the same undulating surface detail, said the firm.
Taking an avant-garde approach to design is one of the spirited strengths behind Kohler and is clearly represented throughout the Abstra collection. The company said that these works of art lend visual and textural nuance that is sensual and engaging.
“Through these new WasteLAB designs, we provide the tools to create an imaginative canvas and explore new ways to express yourself,” said Morales.
This is the second tile collection by WasteLAB utilizing the company's pottery refuse to create sustainable products for the home.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 40,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, and clean energy solutions.
