ARTISAN TILE & MARBLE
CO. OF NJ, INC.

The Donald Stewart Center
for Early Childhood EducationElizabeth, New Jersey

Creating a whimsical, child-friendly and bright colored early childhood center was just the first step in this award-winning project.

Assisting the architect, Artisan Tile and union tile installers worked with a rainbow of colors and sizes showcasing the great depth and diversity of masonry materials incorporated in its design.

Tile was installed in corridors, lobbies, toilet room floors and walls and as exterior window designs. Very creative 3-dimensional geometric designs dominate the school, utilizing four different sizes, three different thicknesses and twenty diverse colors.

These combinations formed a unique and intricate installation with an elegant and appealing balance of careful details. Blending different sizes and thicknesses - 11-5/16" x 11-5/16" x 3/4" Wausau terrazzo tiles with 2" x 2" x 1/4" unglazed ceramic mosaics by Dal Tile - a striking juxtaposition of patterns and colors was created - highlighting the recent trend toward the use of contrast colors and unusual design concepts.

The special challenges of this complex project were magnified by a conventional thick-bed mortar application on ramps and steps which created a unique layout situation along with a fast track installation schedule (with no overtime).

The lobby was enhanced with medallion ceramic mosaic murals which were hand-made and hand-installed. The time restraints prohibited the use of water jet or precut murals. Laticrete crack suppression and multiple Mapei grout colors added to this project’s complexity.

Three-story high exterior window tile surrounds included primary shapes of circles, diamonds and squares. Medallions complemented by bold stripes, diagonals and angular lines sweeping throughout the site are balanced by the precision layout, creating a happy atmosphere.

Challenged by a criteria set forth to create a child-friendly functional facility, this installation truly sets a new standard in the use of unusual combinations installed by skilled union artisans.