Light and resistant, thin and performing: these are the porcelain stoneware and sintered stone surfaces dedicated to kitchen worktops and coatings, as well as to a very wide range of applications that embrace the entire design and architecture sector. .These are high-performance surfaces produced in large slabs (ranging from a minimum of 100 cm up to 300/360 cm) according to advanced technologies.The peculiarity of both product categories is the compact and non-porous surface, with a degree of water absorption close to zero, which guarantees maximum hygiene and resistance to abrasion, thermal expansion, stains, chemical and atmospheric agents. to frost.They are also non-deformable and have an excellent aesthetic result that is declined in numerous variations - all colored in the mass - proposed in a range of solid colors and in surprising finishes that perfectly reproduce natural materials: metal, wood, stone, marble and granite.In the review, a selection of the newest proposals launched at the recent editions of Cersaie - Exhibition of ceramics for architecture and bathroom furnishings - and of Sicam - International exhibition of components, semi-finished products and accessories for the furniture industry.Kerlite is an ultra-thin high-tech ceramic slab, ultra-resistant thanks to the exclusive glass fiber reinforcement that makes it versatile and usable for universal use, from architecture to interior design and furnishings.Among the different finishes, one of the most innovative is Pietra d'Iseo (photo above and below), which takes up the Ceppo di Grè, a typical Lombard stone with which the buildings and monuments that characterize the historic face of the city were built. Milan.The surface in Kerlite Pietra d'Iseo, with its irregular design, its ton sur ton of grays and the multiplicity of proposed formats, manages to customize any environment with character and at the same time gracefully.Like the proposed kitchen, in which the Kerlite surfaces define the fronts and the top of the island and the flooring.Kerlite Pietra d'Iseo is part of the Protect line: very high performance antibacterial floors and coverings, for a healthy, safe and protected living.Leading brand in the production of porcelain stoneware specially designed for kitchen tops, both for residential and professional use - restaurants and bars, SapienStone offers a catalog with a range of shades and decorations ideal for the kitchen, ranging from beige to gray to black. in sheets of 150 x 320 cm.One of the newest and most surprising finishes is Rovere Bajo belonging to the Rovere collection, which has just been presented at the Cersaie 2018 show. Rovere Bajo is a wood finish that infuses warmth;it has particular and unique shades and tones that can give the rooms a timeless style.Rovere Baio is also resistant, eclectic, perfect for any type of space, urban and rural.The Urban Anthracite surface is also special - photo below.An innovative "full body" sintered stone, Lapitec® is formed in large slabs and combines aesthetic value with large dimensions and very high physical-mechanical properties, combining the potential of technical porcelain with the consistency, workability and naturalness of natural stone.At the 2018 Sicam Show Lapitec® and Vimar exclusively presented - at the Lapitec stand - the result of their collaboration: a fully touch Lapitec® kitchen top.In particular, 3 types of application of the technology developed by Vimar were presented: two on the horizontal surface and one on the kitchen backsplash.Thanks to this solution created in partnership between the two brands, it will be possible, by touching the surface, to activate or deactivate lights, shutters or any other electronic device connected to the kitchen.It is therefore possible to interface the hob with the home automation system by assigning specific functions to the touch controls, which will allow you to have an even more minimal effect in the kitchen, with completely clean surfaces, without plates and switches.Also on display in the stand is the integrated induction hob (photo below), already patented by the company.Over 30 new Neolith® sintered stone proposals are presented at Cersaie, and range from metal to stone to wood, with impressive decorations thanks also to the printing with digital motifs.Of particular aesthetic effect is Iron Corten, belonging to the Iron Collection and inspired by red oxide, which is characterized by the strong orange tones typical of iron oxide combined with a special metallic touch.Like all Neolith® sintered stone surfaces, the Iron Collection - made up of 7 models - does not undergo alterations caused by weather and the passage of time, so it is advantageous compared to the metal alloys used for the same uses.Created with NDD digital decoration technology, the series is produced in slabs of 3600x1200 mm, 3200x1500 mm, 200x1600 mm and in tile formats.One of the possible applications in the kitchen is provided by Spazio Gourmet Casa Portoro, in San Paolo (Brazil), designed by Studio Freneda and Bela, a welcoming place where you can enjoy coffee and gourmet delights prepared by chef André Boccato.The new surfaces in Dekton® Kira and Vera belong to the Natural Collection, inspired by Gris Pulpis marble.The new series aims to emulate the best of nature, in which the effects of millions of years of geological evolution are faithfully reproduced.Kira and Vera are intended for furnishing and architectural projects of internal and external environments and offer the graphic perfection typical of natural stone, excellent mechanical and functional properties that only the ultra-compact Dekton® surface can guarantee.In particular, Dekton® Kira offers a smooth satin texture and a chromatic base on earth tones, with gray veins of different intensity.Dekton® is an ultra-compact revolutionary surface for the world of architecture and design composed of a sophisticated blend of raw materials used to make glass, latest generation porcelain materials and quartz surfaces.The exclusive "TSP" particle sintering technology is used for its production, which involves an innovative ultracompaction process.Refined surfaces, crossed by veins and chiaroscuro are the expression of the new Eternity Zero.3 collection, laminated porcelain stoneware produced in thin slabs.The collection is renewed with the unprecedented 6 mm thickness - in the 120x260 cm and 120x120 cm formats - and is available in four types including Arabesque Pearl Lux, which in this environment covers the top and / or fronts of the island and the worktop of the bases and backrest.The Marquina Bblack Soft flooring also belongs to the Eternity Zero.3 collection, with an intense hue interrupted by very fine white veins.The Laminam ceramic slab in the 1620x3240 mm size, 12 mm thick, is ideal for horizontal surfaces of kitchen and bathroom furniture, but is also naturally used in the entire furniture sector and, therefore, for tables, tops and work areas. as well as in architecture and interior design.With over 100 surfaces in the catalog, Laminam production offers two sizes and a wide range of aesthetic possibilities, from natural and soft colors to industrial and three-dimensional textures and finishes that reproduce traditional marble and stone materials.In the latter category, we highlight the new ceramic slabs from the Invisible White collection which interpreted the evocative scenery of the Laminam stand at Cersaie 2018.Slimtech is the new collection of thin ceramic slabs in large-format laminated porcelain stoneware, a light, versatile and resistant material for new design perspectives in the world of architecture and living.An example is provided by the counter covered with 100 x 300 cm Ivory Flow slabs, from the Waterfall Series.The walls with Dark Flow finish and the floor with Gray Flow finish are also from the same series.Produced in 12 sizes, 61 colors, 6 surfaces and 3 thicknesses (3.5 cm, 5.5 cm and 6 mm), Slimtech is ideally used for worktops and surfaces in kitchen furniture, for table tops, bookcases and wardrobes as well as a 360 ° use in the field of interior and architecture, from bathrooms - boxes, shower trays, bathroom furniture - to doors, stairs, landings up to external claddings, ventilated walls, thermal coatings, galleries and large public works, spa and swimming pool interior coatings, coatings for the nautical sector.Slimtech is extremely customizable thanks to its ease of cutting and processing, high technical performance and is therefore ideal for both new buildings and renovations.