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As sustainability and caring for the environment become priorities for those charged with the interior design of domestic dwellings and commercial properties alike, so they are looking to manufacturers to arm them with materials that don’t just look the part, but also have a part to play in our future too.

HEART OF STONEOKITE is a specially engineered surfacing material, created from the perfect combination of three elements: quartz, polyester resin and natural pigments, by SEIEFFE Industrie, an Italian manufacturer which has its headquarters in Montesarchio and is a worldwide leader in the production of engineered stone slabs.

Made from around 93 per cent quartz and 7 per cent polyester resin, OKITE is available in slabs measuring 306cm x 140cm, with thicknesses ranging from 1.3cm, 2cm and 3cm and can be used for horizontal and vertical applications. It can also be customised to fit any project.

STRONG AND DURABLEOKITE has an absorption rate of 0.022 per cent, with granite being the next closest at 0.2-1.0 pe rcent. Independent testing on its physical, mechanical and environmental properties has found that OKITE’s strength and durability are unparalleled. OKITE does not require sealing or polishing, whilst being stronger and more durable that marble or granite, as well as much more resistant to cracking, staining or breaking than any other quarried stones. In fact only three minerals - diamond, sapphire and topaz - are stronger than OKITE.

Unlike marble or granite, OKITE does not require any special care or maintenance. It is resistant to staining, scratching and heat, will not absorb liquids and withstands limited exposure to normal cooking temperatures.

SUSTAINABLE INTERIORSWith routine care, the remarkably low-maintenance OKITE will preserve its looks

and beauty for years to come. In addition to the product's proven performance qualities, OKITE® fulfils both decorative and specific design needs for commercial, institutional and residential applications.

OKITE's versatility, beauty and outstanding performance qualities make it an extremely desirable and sought after surfacing material for all spectrums of the design industry. Originally conceived as a kitchen worktop, OKITE soon evolved into other interiors applications, such as bathrooms, floorings, and walls. Today, OKITE sets new standards in the world of quartz surfacing, and can meet the needs of the most demanding consumers. A perfect solution for home interiors, but also for contract.

CREATIVE EFFECTSAvailable in a wide array of designs, patterns and colours, OKITE enables designers to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of creativity. The latest design trends can be easily incorporated with this material, from curves for a more rounded look, slimline profiles for a minimalist finish, to built-up edges to create the illusion of a much thicker profile.

OKITE also offers designers the opportunity to make a visual impact in the commercial setting. OKITE’s Pietre Preziose, which translates from the Italian as Precious Stones, is a quartz and

SUSTAINABILITYBELOW THE SURFACE

"Independent testing on its physical, mechanical and environmental properties has found that OKITE's strength and durability are unparalleled."

SUSTAINABLE CITIES JUNE 2013 2

SPECIAL FEATURE

polyester resin surfacing that allows light to flow through, recreating the warm and sophisticated atmosphere of natural onyx without the staining, fragility and inconsistency often associated with this stone. The result is a translucent surfacing material that creates a stunning, luminous ambience when backlit, perfect for use as a backdrop in public spaces such as hotel reception areas, or for creating a sense of drama in nightclub washrooms.

At the heart of OKITE there is a strong commitment to the planet. Sustainability is at

the centre of everything the company does: from quartz derived from sustainable and high-quality resourcing, to the use of recycled glass, to the most efficient use of natural materials, to the manufacturer’s sustainable production chain. At every stage of the production and delivery process, the company does all it can to minimise it impact on the planet.

For more details call 01992 470801 or visit www.okite.com.

OKITE’s Pietre Preziose is a quartz and polyester resin surfacing that enables the light to flow through, recreating the warm and sophisticated atmosphere of natural onyx without the staining, fragility and inconsistency often associated with this stone.

OKITE’s Bianco Assuluto is a pure white quartz stone solid surface which offers a versatile kitchen worktop solution. Assoluto Bianco is more durable and scratch and stain resistant than natural materials such as granite and marble and doesn’t require any special maintenance.

Combining all the beauty of the natural grain of wood with the durability of a composite worktop, OKITE’s Effetto Legno Oak work surface Oak is a highly durable, smooth anti-bacterial surface.

With natural materials such as stone being increasingly used in interior design to create a high-end, luxurious finish, the Effetto Roccia worksurface from OKITE has the appearance of the real thing, but with practical and environmental benefits that are far superior.