At first, KRION by Porcelanosa can be a little bit difficult to completely wrap your head around. That’s because the new generation solid surface material is so many things at once — durable in both interior and even the toughest exterior settings, the leading-edge material is supremely capable, across the board. To date, the material has been specified for washbasins, vanities, bathtubs, kitchen countertops, tables, seating and even full façades.
3m Office is covered in perforated panels composed of KRION by Porcelanosa. The unique surface creates a textured shading effect for the building’s occupants.
Porcelanosa has always been dedicated to high-performing materials that are grounded in intense research and a commitment to continuous improvement, and KRION is no exception. Inspired by nature, the versatile material is warm to the touch and feels similar to natural stone. “This exclusive solid surface formula allows Porcelanosa to create the most versatile shapes for the most diverse applications,” said Carolina Vasquez of Porcelanosa. The material is composed of an unique composite that is two-thirds natural minerals (alumina) and just one-third organic material (high-quality acrylic resin).
Raddison Blu’s hotel lobby in Minnesota harnesses the KRION material to create geometric forms that resemble blocks of ice.
This precise combination of elements renders a non-porous, uniform material surface that offers an impressive set of advantages centered around its high durability and impact resistance. Free of any additives, the surface is intrinsically antibacterial and resistant to fungal growth. As a result, Krion is an apt choice in both healthcare and hospitality settings, and other interior or exterior settings that are subject to strict hygiene conditions.
The Ortega & Cubillo Dental Clinic features Krion surfaces, taking advantage of its antibacterial qualities in the healthcare setting.
Other performance factors include KRION’s high resistance to fire and UV radiation and its easy to clean surface. KRION is also a 100% recyclable material that can be reprocessed and reused.
As a result of its pristine white qualities, KRION is a top choice in the bathroom and is often specified for sinks, countertops and bathtubs.
Beyond performance, KRION can also be leveraged for its incomparable aesthetic value with regards to both color and form. After factoring in its high Light Reflective Value, the material achieves a “whiteness” of 99.8%, which stands out in any design setting for its striking purity and neutrality. As displayed in the bathroom context above, KRION excels under even the most pristine design expectations. That said, if you are looking to create something more decorative, Porcelanosa also offers a large palette of colors and tones that can multiply your design possibilities.
Available in a diverse palette of colors, KRION has also be harnessed to create smooth, black kitchen countertops.
For architects and designers looking for sinuous forms, the material can also be cut into sheets and thermo-formed together to create smooth curved surfaces with barely-there seamless joints. According to Vasquez, “KRION is cut in a similar way to wood, allowing us to cut the sheets, connect them, and thermoform them to create curved sections. KRION can be injected during the production process or cut out to create intricate designs on the surface, making it possible to create different designs and projects that are impossible to achieve with other materials.”
Casa Balint by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos manipulates KRION to create seemingly endless curved forms.
Since its inception, KRION has been well-received by architects, as demonstrated by the broad range of instances in which it has been applied. In 2014, Fran Silvestre Arquitectos — a Spanish architecture firm that creates impeccable monochromatic structures — harnessed Porcelanosa’s KRION solid surface in Snow White, to create Casa Balint. The glistening white elliptical-shaped structure stands in striking visual contrast to the turquoise of the adjacent swimming pool.
What’s next for KRION? Always in the process of creation, Porcelanosa’s most recent development, KLIFE, is a shade of KRION that possesses air purification and self-cleaning capabilities, as well as the advanced ability to expel harmful bacteria and eliminate chemical products. If history is indication of anything at all, it is a signal that Porcelanosa is always ready to both shock and satisfy architects with incredibly cutting-edge product design.