ARTISAN TILE & MARBLE
CO. OF NJ, INC.

Princeton Medical CenterPrinceton, New Jersey

An appealing balance is created at the entrance and lobby of this major medical center by the use of natural materials that include marble, granite and French limestone, all of which is complemented by a shower of both natural and artificial lighting.

Striking and unique combinations of tile sizes and colors create a variety of dazzling designs and cuts. Man-made 6 x 6" and 12 x 12" Permagrain Permatage tiles are incorporated into the flooring patterns resulting in an elegant yet functional installation. A variety of earth tones were used throughout this 20,000 square feet entry area - including wheat, charcoal, brown tweed, black gold and magny clair.

The project also consisted of 10,000 square feet of 2 x 2" unglazed ceramic mosaic tile floor and built-up base, walls in 4" square and 2" square tile in a variety of colors keeping with a natural theme. Some of these tile and grout colors were taupe, terracotta, canyon red, empire, fawn and shadow grey, sterling silver, cinnabar, ermine, light smoke and more. Along with diagonally set 6 x 6" quarry tile, bold geometric patterns were created by this variety of colors and sizes.

Upon entering this elegant lobby, staff and visitors are greeted by bold stripes, diagonals and angled floor lines sweeping through the reception area. Rows of eight sided columns stand guard in this majestic lobby, covered in with stainless steel sides and French limestone with mitred corners which were actually anchored to the steel structural frame.

The main reception and waiting areas then leads past the elevators, ending in a maze of tiled corridors and passageways.

The challenge for the installation team was twofold in that the project required completion in two separate phases, almost six months apart, and yet specifications directed the finished areas have a uniform, matching result. Secondly, strict parameters were set by the architect dictating the matching and centering of tile lines and joints at the various pattern changes and column areas.

The intricate layout and installation of this medical center truly sets a new standard in the use of hard tile and stone.