002_. INTRODUCTION TO COSENTINO

004_. INTRODUCTION TO SILESTONE

006_. SILESTONE

013_. SILESTONE SPACES

017_. THE ONLY LIMIT IS YOUR IMAGINATION

018_. CREATIVITY

019_. HEALTH AND HYGENIC PROPERTIES

022_. PROPER USE

024_. HEAT ENERGY

026_. DURABILITY

028_. REFERENCES

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spanish group;

1940s Spain saw the birth of a momentous family story, whose tale was at first written in marble and today is written in quartz, as the leading international manufacturer and distributor of worktops made from these materials. The company is the Cosentino Group; a group created by members of the Martínez-Cosentino family who across several generations, have learnt to use their family values in order to create a strong and united company with a marked international presence.

Although nowadays everyone claims that internationalisation is the way forward, the Cosentino Group has been aware of this for years. It started its world-wide journey in the mid-1980s, opening its first branches in Europe. Today, it has affiliates in North America, Holland, Brazil, U.K., Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, Scandinavia and France – a global market which constitutes 70% of the Group’s turnover.

Cosentino’s success is largely due to its qualitative principals of innovation and research, an adventurous spirit applied with intelligence and respect for the environment which has led it on countless occasions to leave its mark on architectural and decorative works, both in commercial and residential buildings.

COSENTINOINTRODUCTION TO

global leader

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COSENTINO THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

Throughout its history, the Cosentino Group has been honoured with numerous prizes and awards, from the “Medalla de Oro” of Andalusia given by the Regional Government to the “Marca Renombrada” prize, awarded by the Spanish Business School and “Expansión” to name but a few. Although proud of these recognitions, what the Cosentino Group really strives for are accreditations which 100% prove its professional quality of the highest order. In this sense, Cosentino aims for international certificates.

Cosentino understands that their responsibility does not only encompass the quality of the product but its launch process as well; a process which is completely respectful of the environment, constantly aware that nature itself is its essence. With its coherent and consistent ideas, Cosentino has applied for the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems certification.

With a clear vision of the future, the Cosentino business foundations are rooted in investigation and the development of new technologies in all areas of company activity, whether it be the creation of new products or the provision of services. Cosentino has established the Transversal R&D Centre at the headquarters in Macael, Almería. All emerging technologies are detected in the Technology centre. The department of Idea and Project Management, which maintains contact with universities, employees, suppliers, clients and consultants in the field of design and engineering, adopts the best solutions. The Project Portfolio Management team is then responsible for efficiently applying said solutions in the construction and decoration of both commercial and residential buildings.

Backing innovation has proven a great investment, benefitting not only Cosentino as a creator of new natural stone textures and as the owner of ‘Silestone’, the brand which lends its name to the world-wide leading quartz surface in its field, but also the architects and other professionals who work with the Spanish company, knowing that they are offering a product of the highest possible quality A product which is completely respectful of the environment and of the people who take part in its development and creation.

Amazed

QUALITY: THE BEST PRIZE FOR A PERFECT FUTURE

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SILESTONEINTRODUCTION TO

The Silestone® brand was patented in 1990 and since then Cosentino has become the undisputed global leader of the production of quartz surfaces, with numerous applications both in architecture and interior design. Silestone® consists of a high percentage of natural quartz, a material as beautiful as it is resistant, with an elegant appearance and a superior quality to natural stone.

Cosentino is extremely well-known both in the national and international markets, exporting 70% of Silestone® products to over 50 countries as the leading world wide brand of kitchen and bathroom surfaces. The American and Spanish markets constitute the majority of Silestone® sales. Pioneers, also, in advertising strategies, Silestone® was the first Spanish brand ever to be advertised at the prestigious Superbowl and also the first kitchen worktop company to advertise on Spanish television. Silestone® an enterprising brand with international prestige.

a brand of international prestige

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SILESTONE®

IS FOREVER RESEARCHING, CREATING, INNOVATINGAs it consists of high percentage of natural quartz, Silestone, Silestone® has a remarkable durability and resistance. It is ideal in damp conditions and workplaces, is very easy to clean and does not stain like other natural stones.

It has a much higher thermal resistance than marble or laminated plastic surfaces. Silestone® is a material with low porosity, and although it can withstand high temperatures, due to the possibility of thermal shock, direct contact with a heat source is not recommended.

It is an excellent surface to cover bathrooms, kitchens, furnishings and walls. with many colours and textures to choose from, Silestone® offers numerous decorative possibilities: from kitchen worktops to entire home refurbishments. It has an elegant appearance, it is resistant to staining, it has multiple uses and it does not require sealants to maintain its shine. Silestone® is an investment for the future. Silestone® is forever.

The Cosentino Group considers constant innovation fundamental. The RD&I department relies upon an integrated management system which is composed of a Technology Centre dedicated to developing emerging technologies in the sector, a department for Idea and Project Management and a further department responsible for Project Portfolio Management.

The Cosentino investigation and development centre in Macael works with external design and engineering consultants. One of the main achievements of this constant drive for innovation is Silestone® Antibacterial, a revolutionary new product developed during 2004.

Silestone® is an additive which prevents bacteria, mould and the growth of other fungi Because of this Silestone® surfaces are the most hygienic, safe and resistant in the world. Silestone® is ideal for hospitals, laboratories, kitchens and bathrooms, where hygiene is of the utmost importance. Through innovative, creation and development research programmes, using advanced technology to obtain new materials and anticipating the needs of the market, Silestone® has become the leading producer of quartz surfaces world-wide.

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A creative environmentin addition to durability.

SILESTONE

Silestone® was patented in 1990 initially launched in 1992. In just a few years, it has become known by professionals and designers for its first-rate products.

Quartz is the chosen material for the creation of Silestone® slabs, which consist mostly of natural quartz . This resilient stone is formed by the magmatic crystallisation of limestone.

Only diamond, sapphire and topaz are superior to quartz in terms of durability. Furthermore, this stone is resistant to acids and offers a range of shades and colours, which makes it the ideal option for a variety of design and decoration projects. Silestone® does not need sealants to maintain its shine and it can endure average cooking temperatures without fracturing or burning.

It is completely versatile and can be used for any interior project. In addition to being an excellent surface for kitchens and bathrooms, it works very well for covering flooring surfaces and walls on account of its resistance to heat and scratches and its low rate of liquid absorption. With Silestone®, the only limit is your imagination.

silestone®

the material

Silestone® offers flawless finishes adapted to the client’s needs and lifestyle: SILESTONE FINISHES

This even finish features a matt effect providing a unique sensation to the touch. A s m o o t h , s o p h i s ti c a t e d a n d aesthetically-pleasing surface in intense colours. The Leather finish Is available in more than 30 colours.

This finish features a shiny effect. Its colour, fine touch and crystalline finish display transparency and clearness.

A distinctive finish with a pleasant touch, slightly rough, fine and sophisticated. This is Volcano; different whilst maintaining a classic personality with a distinctive texture.

polished

EDGE PROFILES

SIZES

The available thicknesses of Silestone are 1,2, 2 and 3 cm.

For flooring applications , colour, size and format must be specified. (e.g. Blanco Zeus 60 x 60 x 1.2 Leather finish)

sizes (cm) m2/box kg/piece kg/box

Thickness: 1.2 cm.

Polished straight edge ¼ polished bullnose edge + non-bevelled planed section

½ polished bullnose edge + non-bevelled planed section

Polished bullnose edge + bevelled planed section

Edge 45º + bevelled edge 45º

Polished straight edge + non-bevelled planed section

Polished ¼ bullnose edge

Polished ½ bullnose edge

Polished bullnose edge

Straight + bevelled planed section

COUNTERS

SHELVESBATHROOMS AND FURNITURETABLES AND DESKSSURFACESBAR RAILS

SILESTONE®

MANUFACTURE APPLICATIONS OF SILESTONE®

The workforce in charge of mining the quartz has a wide knowledge of its composition, is familiar with the stone industry and is aware of this precious mineral granted to us by the Earth. So only highly trained and qualified professionalsare involved in the S i l e sto n e ® m a n u fa c t u r i n g process

The craftsman knows the product very well and will have previously studied the processes to create the perfect spatial characteristics.

It is important that only qualified professionals should process Silestone® products to take advantage of all the benefits and guarantees.

There are many different applications of Silestone® quartz surfaces due to their versatility. It is a product suitable for all areas of the home.

Due to the adaptability of Silestone®,it has many design opportunities. With its chameleon-like qualities, Silestone® can be adapted to suit many different situations and can blend in with other elements to form a harmonised atmosphere. In addition to

being aesthetically pleasing and durable , its wide range of colours makes it the ideal choice for many different design prospects, for example worktops, countertops, bar surfaces, bathrooms and furniture. Silestone®,can be incorporated in many styles of furniture composed of differing materials. Furniture which can be assembled quickly and easily without the need for nails or adhesive products.

A world of possibilities.

RESISTANT TO SCRATCHING

EASYCLEANING

As Silestone is made from quartz, it is highly resistant to scratches and even to some chemical substances. For further chemical resistance details please refer to our technical data information sheet.

RESISTANCE TO STAINING

SHOCKRESISTANCE

Silestone® is a non-porous surface that is highly resistant to staining caused by coffee, vinegar, makeup and any other everyday products.

Silestone® has a great shock resistance, considerably higher than that of other products used for similar applications (granite, solid surfaces, etc.) This durability is achieveddue to its quartz content (which gives it its hardness) a polyester resin (elasticity) and the vibro-compression system used during its production process.

Silestone® has an extremely low rate of liquid absorption which makes it easy and simple to maintain and clean.

PROPERTIES OF SILESTONE®

The excellent properties of Silestone® make it the ideal product for any space in the home.

Compressive strength EN-14617-15 Mpa 110 -210

Flexural strength EN-14617-2 Mpa 40 -68

Impact strength EN-14617-9 cm 60 - 97

Thermal shock EN-14617-9 Mpa 30 - 71

Water absorption EN-14617-1 % 0.07 – 0.18

Density EN-14617-1 kg/m3 2230 - 2458

Thermal expansion EN-14617-11 ºk (32-48.6) x 10-6

Moh hardness scale EN 101 Mohs Scale 5 - 7

Coefficient of friction wet EN-14231 SRV 15 - 25

Coefficient of friction dry EN-14231 SRV 48 - 58

Flame spread EN 13823/EN 11925 Classification B;S1;d0

Abrasive index EN-14617-4 mm 26 – 31

Test Standard Unit Range of values

Whole milk

Ammonia based household cleaners

Household limescale remover

Wine vinegar

Rosé wine

Lemon washing floor liquid

Orange juice

Coffee

Clorhidric acid degreaser or solution 50% (V7V)

Dsodic hydroxide degreaser or Caustic soda or dsodic hydroxide solution 50% (V7V)

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CAPTION Level of exposure NO = UnaffectedI = Slightly affectedII = AffectedIII = Unusable

STAINING TABLEGrade of incidence

8 hours 24 hoursTESTED PRODUCTS

100% INNOVATION

Harnessing innovation for design. The efforts of our research team have allowed us to obtain the purest white which has ever existed in the Quartz surfaces market.The new Zeus White Extreme retains its mechanical properties and its exclusive antibacterial protection, but now increases its whiteness to an unrivalled extreme

Silestone® countertops guarantee maximum hygiene in your kitchen with their unique and exclusive antibacterial protection.For ultimate peace of mind, check for the presence of the Silestone® brand’s logo on all our products. Don’t accept imitations.

SILESTONE® INNOVATION. NEW ZEUS WHITE EXTREME

YOUR FAMILY IS UNIQUE. IT’S YOUR SILESTONE® COUNTERTOP

*Dependant upon the colour

DYNAMIC SPACESHIGH TRAFFIC AREAS

DEPTH OF BRILLIANCEHORIZONTAL PLAN

A DELIGHTFOR THE SENSESSilestone® is not just a safe and resilient surface as its beneficial qualities are also accompanied by exceptional beauty and elegant style.

The appearance and colours of Silestone® radiate serenity, tranquillity and harmony. The ability of Silestone® to adapt and fit in to different spaces is another of its most valuable qualities.

These unique surfaces satisfy the senses with their size, shape and texture.

The leather finish provides an extraordinary sensation to its feel due to its delicacy and smooth, pleasant surface; a finish which is also available in more than 30 colours.

SPACES

The ‘Integrity’ Silestone sinks perfectly integrate with the matching worktop to give a stunning result!

The sink and worktop now offer a continuous, unbroken, design thanks to the ‘all-in-one’ nature of the sink

Shapes, colours and kitchen features are blended together to a provide a wonderfully unique design in your home.

Furthermore, this stunning sink has been specifically created to offer simple beauty, it can be easily installed to achieve an incredible look!

dwellings

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KITCHENS

BATHROOMS

FLOORING ANDWALL SURFACES

Colours and shapes which are changing the concept of the kitchen. The latest innovative technologies are included in the Silestone® production process in order to obtain sophisticated and high-quality finishes with a magnificent consistency in a wide range of shades, which can make your kitchen livelier and unique in every sense. Silestone® worktops have become a reference of identity throughout the world, symbolising the their own unique concept of kitchen designly.

The same concept can be applied to bathrooms and toilets with shower cubicles and trays, bathtubs, tiles and cut-to size Silestone® panels. The differing shades and colour sensations are attractive options of design and functionality and are adaptable to any architectural project.

With the functionality of Silestone®, flooring and cladding possibiliies any space or layout can be created from traditional and classical designs to spaces with a modern and straightforward feel, The range of shades and cladding systems can provide spaces with style and structure. A canopy under which everything fits.

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MASA.Anchorage System

ADVANTAGES OF USING THE MASA SYSTEM:

Mechanical anchorage system for interior cladding exclusively designed for Silestone®.

Top Terminal

Retaining Profile

Intermediate Terminal

Retaining Profile

Bottom Terminal Profile

- Installation in interior cladding using Silestone® ventilated façades.

- Easy installation and assembly.

- Installation in uneven walls.

- Installation on Cement/Mortar rendered and plasterboard walls.

- Maximised use of optimum space due to minimal area required.

SUSTAINABLEARCHITECTUREThe motto of sustainable architecture is the 4“Rs” principle: recycling, recovering, reusing and reason. Cosentino invests in this environmental policy through innovation, R&D and the promotion of ideas and solutions which include sustainability and environmental respect.

Cosentino actively encourages the use of recycled and recovered materials, waste and the reuse of architectural materials.

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SILESTONE®

THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

Hygiene in hospitals is paramount. Until recently, materials such as stoneware, tiles and stainless steel were used in these types of buildings. They have subsequently given way to ceramic, glass, high-density resins or Silestone®, which can be installed in walls, worktops, counters, window ledges, bar surfaces, embedded washbasins and surfaces in constant contact with water such as laboratory furniture and desks Silestone® is also specified for sterilised areas and those spaces where food is prepared.

Thanks to the antibacterial technology, hygiene is guaranteed and the growth of fungi, bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms is avoided. It is important to note that Silestone® is highly resistant to chemical substances like sulphuric acid as is shown in its ASTM certificates.

Architects throughout the whole world refer to Silestone® to execute their projects. Silestone® can be found in many distinguished buildings and places, for example London’s Wembley Stadium (the work surfaces in the dining room and the players’ changing rooms); the Agbar Tower in Barcelona (interior spaces); the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai (10,000 m2 of different-coloured Silestone® spread over worktops, countertops, flooring, stairs and elevators); Tel Aviv airport (2,000 m2 of In addition to this, the range of shades and the cladding systems provide spaces with style and strength.used throughout the premises) and the Porto metro station in Madrid, where Silestone® is used to outline the safety signs for passengers. These examples are yet further proof of the wide range of possibilities that Silestone® has to offer.

Silestone® is used consistently to add finishing touches to distinctive works by architects of international prestige.

An exceptional project of sustainable architecture in which Silestone® is involved is the R4 House, bio-climatic dwellings built with reused materials. The project manager is the architect Luis de Garrido and it is coordinated by the Asociación Nacional de Arquitectura Sostenible (ANAS), the Asociación Nacional para la Vivienda del Futuro (ANVF) and the Directorio Nacional de Empresas para la Arquitectura Sostenible (DINAS).

The project consists of six shipping containers which form the base for two models of bio-climatic dwellings which have been entirely built with recycled and recovered materials as well as waste. An ecological option for a better future.

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YOUR IMAGINATIONTHE ONLY LIMIT IS

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fantasyImagination is where we build the present and future, where experiences go beyond everyday life to offer avant-garde ideas, challenging conventionalism and offering innovative solutions and concepts.

Creativity and inspiration begin right here.