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{{Short description|American architectural tile company}} |
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{{AFC submission|d|v|declinets=20140805233028|decliner=Libby norman|ts=20140805190604|u=Leilanifireclaytile|ns=118}} |
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{{Infobox company |
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{{afc comment|1=We must have [[WP:V|references from external, neutral and reliable sources]], such as newspapers and magazines. For any article of this length, I would expect multiple references placed [[WP:CITE|inline]]. Please also note that articles must not be written to [[WP:NOTADVERT|promote an organisation]] – we are looking for a factual and [[WP:NPOV|neutral style]] that provides information not a call to buy product. [[User:Libby norman|Libby norman]] ([[User talk:Libby norman|talk]]) 23:30, 5 August 2014 (UTC)}} |
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| industry = Architectural tile manufacturing,<br> interior design products |
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| founded = {{start date and age|1986}} in [[San Jose, California]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Green|first=Jetson|date=2013-08-12|title=Custom Color Sustainable Ceramic Tile Now Available from Fireclay Tile|url=http://www.jetsongreen.com/2013/08/custom-color-sustainable-ceramic-tile-now-available-from-fireclay-tile.html|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Jetson Green|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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| founder = Paul Burns, Jeff Alvord, Martin Zepeda, Albert Batista |
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| hq_location = Aromas, California, US |
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| website = https://www.fireclaytile.com/ |
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}} |
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'''Fireclay Tile''' is a [[North America|North American]] architectural tile company. Founded in 1986 by Paul Burns, Jeff Alvord, Martin Zepeda, and Albert Batista.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-12-22|title=News: A Fond Farewell to our San Jose…|url=https://www.fireclaytile.com/blog/full/fireclay-tile-news-a-fond-farewell-to-our-san-jose-showroom|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-24|website=|language=en|quote=In 1985 I left the employment of Stonelight Tile, which was the company that my uncle founded in his basement in Berkeley in 1953. The following year, I recruited Jeff Alvord (a college bio-engineering roommate), Martin Zepeda and Albert Batista (both employees at Stonelight Tile) as my partners in founding Fireclay Tile.}}</ref> Fireclay is known for designing and hand-making [[tile]] in [[Northern California]], while actively incorporating environmentally sustainable practices.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Fireclay Tile|url=https://greenbiztracker.org/business/details/SanFrancisco/FireclayTile|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-23|website=California Green Business Network}}</ref> |
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Originally based out of [[San Jose, California]], and with manufacturing headquarters in [[Aromas, California]] since 1992, and an additional showroom have been located in [[San Francisco]], [[California]] since January 2014.<ref>Lee, Anh-Minh. [http://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/Fireclay-Tile-opens-S-F-flagship-5375082.php "Fireclay Tile Opens S.F. Flagship"] ''San Francisco Gate'', April 4, 2014.</ref> In 2020, the company received approvals to expand their Aromas campus from the [[San Benito County, California|San Benito County]] Planning Commission which will include 44,000 square feet across three buildings.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pearson|first=Andrew|date=July 18, 2020|title=SBC Planning Commission approves Fireclay Tile expansion|work=BenitoLink|url=https://benitolink.com/sbc-planning-commission-approves-fireclay-tile-expansion/}}</ref> |
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{{afc comment|1=This draft requires significant cutting of text. Cut deep and leave only that which you can [[WP:V|verify]] with references. See [[WP:42]]. I see you also have a rough draft at [[User:Leilanifireclaytile/Fireclay Tile]]. Please only work on ''one'' of those drafts. We don't care which one, but, since you are the sole contributor, you should blank the other one, and abandon it. [[User:Timtrent|<span style="color:#800">Fiddle</span>]] [[User talk:Timtrent|<span style="color:#070">Faddle</span>]] 20:10, 6 August 2014 (UTC)}} |
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'''Fireclay Tile''' is a North American tile company founded in 1986 by Paul Burns and Martin Zepeda. Employing over 100 individuals, Fireclay is known for designing and hand-making tile in the Northern California, while actively incorporating green manufacturing processes. Originally based out of San Jose, California, and manufacturing out of Aromas, California since 1992, headquarters and an additional showroom are located in San Francisco, CA. |
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| ⚫ | After working at Stonelight Tile, Inc in San Jose, Paul Burns Jeff Alvord, Martin Zepeda, and Albert Batista created Fireclay Tile in San Jose in 1986.<ref name=":6" />{{Better source needed|date=December 2020}}<ref>Baxter, Steven. [http://www.mercurynews.com/san-jose-neighborhoods/ci_16221537 "San Jose Tile Maker Reclaims Porcelain Destined for Landfill"] ''San Jose Mercury News'', September 30, 2010.</ref> The following year Fireclay developed its own product line, called Colonia, which consisted of 4x4 and 6x6 tiles and corresponding trim pieces. In 1988 Fireclay began to manufacture their own [[lead]]-free [[Ceramic glaze|glazes]]. |
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| ⚫ | Using locally ubiquitous materials, Fireclay partnered with their Aromas factory neighbor, Granite Rock in 1997. Difficult to repurpose excess [[granite]] dust then became a key ingredient in the recycled clay body, which was launched in 1998.<ref>Aleida, Kevin. [http://www.fireclaytile.com/blog/full/thread-collaborative-awesome-article-about-fireclay "Stories of Sustainability: Fireclay Tile"] Thread Collaborative, December 2, 2009.</ref> Twelve years later in 2010, the introduction of Project Porcelain marked another key initiative in Fireclay's recycle waste into useful materials. Their latest innovation, the [[Cathode-ray tube|Cathode Ray Tube]] tile, was introduced in 2013, and released to the market in 2014. The project of converting CRT to tile expanded an already impressive recycling repertoire by inventing a way to utilize copious amounts of electronic refuse. |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | Using locally ubiquitous materials, Fireclay partnered with their Aromas factory neighbor, Granite Rock in 1997. Difficult to repurpose excess granite dust then became a key ingredient in the recycled clay body, which was launched in 1998 |
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| ⚫ | |||
After a re-branding campaign in 2013 with the help of Character SF, and the completion of a new website, online sales became a core element of Fireclay in 2014. A central feature of the online experience is the option of free sampling, which has allowed those considering Fireclay tile to preview colors before committing since January 2014. Full ecommerce capabilities were unveiled in April 2014, allowing clients to sample products, get online design assistance, and order project materials without ever having to leave home. |
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| ⚫ | A strong focus on keeping products and business within the US, close to the source of the materials, and crafted in an environmentally conscious, recycle-heavy manner helps Fireclay Tiles achieve LEED recognition.<ref>[http://www.usgbc.org/node/2616388?return=/credits/new-construction/v4/material-%26-resources "Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Materials"] United States Green Building Council, Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design, accessed August 12, 2014.</ref> All Fireclay Tile products contribute [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] points to any project. Additionally, Fireclay has inaugurated a new use for sawdust, using local sawdust refuse from a furniture factory as cushioning for tile. Although traveling long distances across the country (including HI and AK), [[sawdust]] has proved itself as an efficient and green alternative to non-recyclable [[Foam peanut|packing peanuts]]. Fireclay ships (free to customer) with 100% recycled cardboard and reused crates, and to offset the inevitable carbon emissions from shipping, Fireclay Tile maintains an active partnership with Climate Neutral.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Fireclay Tile, A Climate Neutral Certified Brand|url=https://www.climateneutral.org/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Climate Neutral|language=en}}</ref> |
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==Products== |
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All materials are found and made in the |
All materials are found and made in the United States, with the majority being locally derived.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Green|first=Jetson|date=2013-08-12|title=Custom Color Sustainable Ceramic Tile Now Available from Fireclay Tile|url=http://www.jetsongreen.com/2013/08/custom-color-sustainable-ceramic-tile-now-available-from-fireclay-tile.html|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Jetson Green|language=en-US}}</ref> Every tile is handmade to order in a California factory that employs [[vertical integration]], this is the environmentally conscious process of recycling the factory's own rainwater, scraps, and homemade, lead-free glazes.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last1=Wilson|first1=Alex|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMNrEXtrgbwC|title=Green Building Products, 3rd Edition: The GreenSpec¨ Guide to Residential Building Materials--3rd Edition|last2=Piepkorn|first2=Mark|date=2008-01-01|publisher=New Society Publishers|isbn=978-0-86571-600-1|location=|pages=173|language=en}}</ref> |
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===Ceramic tile=== |
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Fireclay markets two tiles, of white (Vitrail series) and red, recycled (Debris series) bodies. |
Fireclay markets two tiles, of white (Vitrail series) and red, recycled (Debris series) bodies. The Vitrail product line was launched in 1991, and includes dozens of colors today. While not made of recycled material, the clean white edges are preferable for certain projects, and the line still contributes LEED points to projects because Fireclay relies on American resources to manufacture Vitrail. |
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| ⚫ | Debris product line has been in production since 1998; originally consisting of about half recycled content.<ref name=":1" /><ref>Chiras, Dan. [http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/environmentally-friendly-recycled-tile-zmaz09fmzraw.aspx#axzz38mxYK3Dp "Environmentally-Friendly Recycled Tile"] ''Mother Earth News'', February/March 2009.</ref> However, since 2012 the Debris tile is made of 70% post-consumer recycled material.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=June 2013|title=Meet the Maker: Paul Burns|url=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/meet-the-maker-paul-burns-191052|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622043651/http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/meet-the-maker-paul-burns-191052|archive-date=2013-06-22|access-date=2020-12-23|website=Apartment Therapy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Green|first=Jetson|date=2012-10-18|title=Fireclay Intros Runway Collection Eco-Tile|url=https://www.jetsongreen.com/2012/10/fireclay-tile-runway-series-kelly-laplante.html|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Jetson Green|language=en-US}}</ref> These materials induce products that were otherwise rendered useless,<ref>Royer, Evelyn. [http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/news/2010/08/product-review-recycled-content-tile.aspx "Full Circle"] ''EcoBuilding Pulse'', August 30, 2010.</ref> or eyesores, like porcelain from abandoned toilets.<ref>Kernan, Holly. [https://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2010/11/29/131672311/toilets-tiles "Trash to Treasure: From Toilets to Tiles"] ''The Picture Show'', November 2010.</ref> Due to the diversity and mixture of materials, the recycled tile body is actually more durable than most other types of tile, an unforeseen but happily embraced benefit. |
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The Vitrail product line was launched in 1991, and includes dozens of colors today. While not made of recycled material, the clean white edges are preferable for certain projects. These pieces still contribute LEED points to projects because Fireclay relies on American made products to manufacture their tile. |
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===Brick tile=== |
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| ⚫ | Debris has been in production since 1998; originally consisting of about half recycled content<ref>Chiras, Dan. |
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| ⚫ | Fireclay partnered with the oldest continually operating brick manufacturer in the United States (since 1868), McNear Brick and Block in 2012, which lead to the 2012 launch of the Glazed Thin Brick line. The collaboration has already resulted in an improved brick product; the material has progressed from being made with 30% recycled material to the 100% reclaimed earth bricks sold today.<ref>[http://www.dwellsmart.com/Products/Tile-and-Tiling-Supplies/Glazed-Thin-Brick-by-Fireclay-Tile "Glazed Thin Brick, by Fireclay Tile"] DwellSmart.</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Yoneda|first=Yuka|date=2012-04-04|title=Fireclay's Glazed Thin Brick Tiles Can Earn Your Project LEED Credits|url=https://inhabitat.com/fireclay-glazed-thin-brick-tiles/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Inhabitat|language=en-US}}</ref> Brick is quite versatile, and can be used for interior and exterior applications and once glazed,<ref name=":5" /> withstands graffiti and can be wiped clean with a little elbow grease. Additionally, 1% of all brick purchases from Fireclay support charities such as the Bay Area Discovery Museum, which promotes childhood engagement with creative discovery. |
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===Glass tile=== |
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'''Brick''' |
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Since the 2010 purchase of Sandhill Industries of Boise, Idaho, another glass tile company, Fireclay has manufactured and sold 100% recycled glass, consisting of locally sourced windowpanes and solar panels.<ref>Needleman, Sarah. [https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424053111903999904576470141399149216?mod=WSJ_SmallBusiness_LEADNewsCollection&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424053111903999904576470141399149216.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_SmallBusiness_LEADNewsCollection#3 "Building Blocks"] ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', July 27, 2011.</ref><ref name=":2" /> In early 2014, fireclaytile.com launched the “Crush-It Custom Blend Builder” tool to visually assist clients wanting mosaics by customizing different color, pattern, and grout combinations.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Henderson|first=Tagg|date=2011-05-17|title=Fireclay Tile debuts a 100% recycled glass tile|url=https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/86495-fireclay-tile-debuts-a-100-recycled-glass-tile?v=preview|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Contemporary Stone & Tile Design Magazine|publisher=BNP Media|language=en}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Fireclay partnered with the oldest continually operating brick manufacturer in the United States (since 1868 |
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====CRT glass tile==== |
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'''Glass''' |
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| ⚫ | A cornerstone innovation for Fireclay includes the 2013 [[Kickstarter]] project, "This Tile Used to be Your TV," in which Burns raised money to harvest old, glass monitors from [[Cathode-ray tube|Cathode Ray Tube]] (CRT) devices and mold them into glass.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Meinhold|first=Bridgette|date=2013-11-19|title=Fireclay Tile Turns Old CRT TVs & Monitors into Stunning Recycled Glass Tiles|url=https://inhabitat.com/fireclay-tile-turns-old-crt-tvs-monitors-into-stunning-recycled-glass-tiles/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Inhabitat|language=en-US}}</ref> Since the invention of [[Liquid-crystal display|LCD]] (liquid crystal display) screens, hundreds of tons of discarded CRT units have accumulated in landfills.<ref name=":4" /> CRT is very hard to recycle, which is unfortunate given that nearly a billion pounds of various CRT devices exist in the USA alone, comprising nearly a third of all e-waste.<ref>[http://www.fireclaytile.com/crt "Introducing CRT, made from 100% Recycled e-waste,"] 2014.</ref>{{Better source needed|date=December 2020}} Fortunately, Fireclay found a way to reinvent CRT, and now offers CRT Tile in both matte and glossy sheens, in a color called Phosphorus. |
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Since the 2011 purchase of Sandhill, another glass tile company, Fireclay has manufactured and sold 100% recycled glass, consisting of windowpanes and solar panels. In early 2014, fireclaytile.com launched the “Crush-It Custom Blend Builder” tool to visually assist clients wanting mosaics by customizing different color, pattern, and grout combinations. |
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| ⚫ | The process of creating Phosphorus CRT Tile involves working with ECS refining, an electronic recycling company that responsibly finds ways to manage problems that accompany our constantly evolving technological world. ECS separates CRT monitor pieces and cleans the part that is lead-free (the panel). The panel is the only part that Fireclay can use in order to comply with requirements set by the Department of Toxic Substance Control. From there the glass is melted down, fired, and prepared for its second life. |
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'''CRT Glass Tile Campaign''' |
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| ⚫ | A cornerstone innovation for Fireclay includes the 2013 Kickstarter project, |
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===Hand painted tile=== |
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| ⚫ | The process of creating Phosphorus CRT Tile involves working with ECS refining, an electronic recycling company that responsibly finds ways to manage problems that accompany our constantly evolving technological world. ECS separates CRT monitor pieces and cleans the part that is lead-free (the panel). The panel is the only part that Fireclay can use in order to comply with requirements set by the Department of Toxic Substance Control |
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The original 1993 line of ''[[cuerda seca]]'' patterns and color themes are a staple in the Fireclay catalog.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 22, 2013|title=Custom Cuerda Seca, Fireclay Tile|url=https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/custom-cuerda-seca-fireclay-tile_o|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Architect magazine}}</ref> With more than 150 tile designs patterns to choose from,<ref name=":3" /> dramatic old-world tiles are typically distinguished by three motifs: warm, cool, and neutral. If the pre-set color themes are not to taste, clients can use the “Color-It!” custom blend design tool on the website to choose exactly the colors and patterns desired for ''cuerda seca'' pieces. Various tile collections have been designed for limited release, this is sometimes alongside a designer.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-06-15|title=New from Fireclay: The Agrarian Recycled Tile Collection|url=https://www.remodelista.com/posts/new-from-fireclay-the-agrarian-recycled-tile-collection/|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Remodelista|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-03-11|title=10 Easy Pieces: Handmade Patterned Tiles|url=https://www.remodelista.com/posts/10-easy-pieces-handmade-patterned-tiles-in-ceramic-and-cement/|access-date=2020-12-24|website=Remodelista|language=en-US}}</ref> Suzanne Redfield, founder of Kibak Tile, has collaborated with Fireclay Tile to design collections of modern hand painted tile.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Davies|first=Tudor|date=July 28, 2014|title=Designer Insights with Susanne Redfield|url=http://www.terrysblinds.co.uk/blog/2014/07/28/designer-insights-susanne-redfield/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808215217/http://www.terrysblinds.co.uk/blog/2014/07/28/designer-insights-susanne-redfield/|archive-date=2014-08-08|access-date=|website=Terrys Blinds}}</ref> |
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== See also == |
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'''Handpainted''' |
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* [[Heath Ceramics]], a similar company offering handmade architectural tile, as well as ceramic tableware, and home accessories. |
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The original 1993 line of Cuerda Seca patterns and color themes are a staple in the Fireclay catalog. With 84 patterns to choose from, dramatic old-world tiles are typically distinguished by three motifs: warm, cool, and neutral. If the pre-set color themes are not to taste, clients can use the “Color-It!” custom blend design tool on the website to choose exactly the colors and patterns desired for Cuerda Seca pieces. Custom colors can also be manufactured for designers with a very specific hue in mind. |
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== References == |
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The first of four recent collections by Suzanne Redfield, the Contemporary collection is full of clean lines and geometric shapes in White, Neutral, and Cool motifs. These classic designs are perfect for anyone who appreciates subtle patterns and simplicity. |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
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[[Category:Building materials companies of the United States]] |
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Mediterranean collection pieces boast whimsical and breezy patterns in Neutral, Warm and Cool motifs. |
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[[Category:Art in the San Francisco Bay Area]] |
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[[Category:Ceramics manufacturers of the United States]] |
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The Moroccan collection relies on careful details to make hypnotic patterns in vibrant warm and cool motifs, as well as more subdued neutrals. Blending Arabic, African, and European influences, the Moroccan collection continues to represent a beautiful mixing of culture, design, color, and shape with tile. |
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[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1986]] |
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[[Category:Design companies established in 1986]] |
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[[Category:Sustainable products]] |
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'''AEC Daily Program''' |
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Fireclay shares its knowledge about sustainable manufacturing in a free one-hour course offered on AEC Daily. The program, titled “Handmade Tile: Functional Sustainability” qualifies those who complete the course to receive educational credits. This continuing education course helps to inform those who went to school before sustainable design was a core requirement of architecture and interior design education<ref> http://www.aecdaily.com/course.php?node_id=1756950&tabidx=viewcoursedetails&company=Fireclay+Tile </ref>. |
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Latest revision as of 00:54, 27 September 2023
| Industry | Architectural tile manufacturing, interior design products |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1986 in San Jose, California[1] |
| Founder | Paul Burns, Jeff Alvord, Martin Zepeda, Albert Batista |
| Headquarters | Aromas, California, US |
| Website | https://www.fireclaytile.com/ |
Fireclay Tile is a North American architectural tile company. Founded in 1986 by Paul Burns, Jeff Alvord, Martin Zepeda, and Albert Batista.[2] Fireclay is known for designing and hand-making tile in Northern California, while actively incorporating environmentally sustainable practices.[3]
Originally based out of San Jose, California, and with manufacturing headquarters in Aromas, California since 1992, and an additional showroom have been located in San Francisco, California since January 2014.[4] In 2020, the company received approvals to expand their Aromas campus from the San Benito County Planning Commission which will include 44,000 square feet across three buildings.[5]
History
[edit]After working at Stonelight Tile, Inc in San Jose, Paul Burns Jeff Alvord, Martin Zepeda, and Albert Batista created Fireclay Tile in San Jose in 1986.[2][better source needed][6] The following year Fireclay developed its own product line, called Colonia, which consisted of 4x4 and 6x6 tiles and corresponding trim pieces. In 1988 Fireclay began to manufacture their own lead-free glazes.
Using locally ubiquitous materials, Fireclay partnered with their Aromas factory neighbor, Granite Rock in 1997. Difficult to repurpose excess granite dust then became a key ingredient in the recycled clay body, which was launched in 1998.[7] Twelve years later in 2010, the introduction of Project Porcelain marked another key initiative in Fireclay's recycle waste into useful materials. Their latest innovation, the Cathode Ray Tube tile, was introduced in 2013, and released to the market in 2014. The project of converting CRT to tile expanded an already impressive recycling repertoire by inventing a way to utilize copious amounts of electronic refuse.
Environmental activism
[edit]A strong focus on keeping products and business within the US, close to the source of the materials, and crafted in an environmentally conscious, recycle-heavy manner helps Fireclay Tiles achieve LEED recognition.[8] All Fireclay Tile products contribute LEED points to any project. Additionally, Fireclay has inaugurated a new use for sawdust, using local sawdust refuse from a furniture factory as cushioning for tile. Although traveling long distances across the country (including HI and AK), sawdust has proved itself as an efficient and green alternative to non-recyclable packing peanuts. Fireclay ships (free to customer) with 100% recycled cardboard and reused crates, and to offset the inevitable carbon emissions from shipping, Fireclay Tile maintains an active partnership with Climate Neutral.[9]
Products
[edit]All materials are found and made in the United States, with the majority being locally derived.[10] Every tile is handmade to order in a California factory that employs vertical integration, this is the environmentally conscious process of recycling the factory's own rainwater, scraps, and homemade, lead-free glazes.[10][11]
Ceramic tile
[edit]Fireclay markets two tiles, of white (Vitrail series) and red, recycled (Debris series) bodies. The Vitrail product line was launched in 1991, and includes dozens of colors today. While not made of recycled material, the clean white edges are preferable for certain projects, and the line still contributes LEED points to projects because Fireclay relies on American resources to manufacture Vitrail.
Debris product line has been in production since 1998; originally consisting of about half recycled content.[11][12] However, since 2012 the Debris tile is made of 70% post-consumer recycled material.[13][14] These materials induce products that were otherwise rendered useless,[15] or eyesores, like porcelain from abandoned toilets.[16] Due to the diversity and mixture of materials, the recycled tile body is actually more durable than most other types of tile, an unforeseen but happily embraced benefit.
Brick tile
[edit]Fireclay partnered with the oldest continually operating brick manufacturer in the United States (since 1868), McNear Brick and Block in 2012, which lead to the 2012 launch of the Glazed Thin Brick line. The collaboration has already resulted in an improved brick product; the material has progressed from being made with 30% recycled material to the 100% reclaimed earth bricks sold today.[17][18] Brick is quite versatile, and can be used for interior and exterior applications and once glazed,[18] withstands graffiti and can be wiped clean with a little elbow grease. Additionally, 1% of all brick purchases from Fireclay support charities such as the Bay Area Discovery Museum, which promotes childhood engagement with creative discovery.
Glass tile
[edit]Since the 2010 purchase of Sandhill Industries of Boise, Idaho, another glass tile company, Fireclay has manufactured and sold 100% recycled glass, consisting of locally sourced windowpanes and solar panels.[19][20] In early 2014, fireclaytile.com launched the “Crush-It Custom Blend Builder” tool to visually assist clients wanting mosaics by customizing different color, pattern, and grout combinations.[20]
CRT glass tile
[edit]A cornerstone innovation for Fireclay includes the 2013 Kickstarter project, "This Tile Used to be Your TV," in which Burns raised money to harvest old, glass monitors from Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) devices and mold them into glass.[21] Since the invention of LCD (liquid crystal display) screens, hundreds of tons of discarded CRT units have accumulated in landfills.[21] CRT is very hard to recycle, which is unfortunate given that nearly a billion pounds of various CRT devices exist in the USA alone, comprising nearly a third of all e-waste.[22][better source needed] Fortunately, Fireclay found a way to reinvent CRT, and now offers CRT Tile in both matte and glossy sheens, in a color called Phosphorus.
The process of creating Phosphorus CRT Tile involves working with ECS refining, an electronic recycling company that responsibly finds ways to manage problems that accompany our constantly evolving technological world. ECS separates CRT monitor pieces and cleans the part that is lead-free (the panel). The panel is the only part that Fireclay can use in order to comply with requirements set by the Department of Toxic Substance Control. From there the glass is melted down, fired, and prepared for its second life.
Hand painted tile
[edit]The original 1993 line of cuerda seca patterns and color themes are a staple in the Fireclay catalog.[23] With more than 150 tile designs patterns to choose from,[23] dramatic old-world tiles are typically distinguished by three motifs: warm, cool, and neutral. If the pre-set color themes are not to taste, clients can use the “Color-It!” custom blend design tool on the website to choose exactly the colors and patterns desired for cuerda seca pieces. Various tile collections have been designed for limited release, this is sometimes alongside a designer.[24][25] Suzanne Redfield, founder of Kibak Tile, has collaborated with Fireclay Tile to design collections of modern hand painted tile.[26]
See also
[edit]- Heath Ceramics, a similar company offering handmade architectural tile, as well as ceramic tableware, and home accessories.
References
[edit]- ^ Green, Jetson (2013-08-12). "Custom Color Sustainable Ceramic Tile Now Available from Fireclay Tile". Jetson Green. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
- ^ a b "News: A Fond Farewell to our San Jose…". 2020-12-22. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
In 1985 I left the employment of Stonelight Tile, which was the company that my uncle founded in his basement in Berkeley in 1953. The following year, I recruited Jeff Alvord (a college bio-engineering roommate), Martin Zepeda and Albert Batista (both employees at Stonelight Tile) as my partners in founding Fireclay Tile.
- ^ "Fireclay Tile". California Green Business Network. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
- ^ Lee, Anh-Minh. "Fireclay Tile Opens S.F. Flagship" San Francisco Gate, April 4, 2014.
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