Press Information
September 2014
Villeroy & Boch Tiles new products 2015
Varied overall concept combines the historical and the modern
CENTURY UNLIMITED: endless individual design possibilities
With the new CENTURY UNLIMITED tile concept, Villeroy & Boch Tiles has looked back
at its long history and reinterpreted it in a modern context. It combines vilbostone porcelain
stoneware tiles in the fashionable cotto cement look with a décor inspired by historical
nineteenth-century Mettlach tiles. The result is an irresistible blend of historical and modern.
CENTURY UNLIMITED combines colours and forms in an effective and unorthodox
manner to produce a mixture of old and new that is familiar and novel at the same time. And
although it is rooted in a European lifestyle culture that Villeroy & Boch has helped to shape
since the mid-eighteenth century, the range also meets all demands for a modern concept –
high-quality with varied colours, forms and decors – making it perfect for individual design
solutions in different environments.
Inspired by history
The history of CENTURY UNLIMITED goes far back. When a well preserved Roman
mosaic floor was found in 1852 in the small town of Nennig near Mettlach, Eugen von Boch,
the Villeroy & Boch head at the time, was so impressed by the find that he decided to make
floors just like it. Ceramic tiles were made at the Mettlach mosaic factory from 1869 and
became known all over the world as “Mettlach tiles”. They quickly developed into a symbol
of highly resistant and attractive floor tiles that were also used by famous architects for their
buildings. The floor of Cologne Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, and Maria
Einsiedeln pilgrimage church are just a few examples of places where historical Mettlach tiles
can be seen today.
The design and in particular the décor of CENTURY UNLIMITED continue the tradition of
Mettlach tiles in a modern form. The designers at Villeroy & Boch Tiles took inspiration from
historical models and converted them into a modern tile range with a highly authentic feel.
The original patterns and designs have been updated and adapted to present-day tastes and
colours. The result is a concept with 27 porcelain stoneware décor tiles in the classic 20 x 20
cm format, which can be combined into distinctive patterns or laid as a random patchwork.
The colours are perfectly matched, and the rich variety in the décors makes it possible to
create an endless range of surprising images, including trompe l’oeil effects.
Décor variety
CENTURY UNLIMITED is divided into three décor series in three tones around the basic tile
colours: restrained and warm to match creme, beige and brown tiles, contrasting and cool in
light grey, medium grey, dark grey and indigo, and colourful in a combination of all colours
including cotto. Each of the colour series has three designs and three intensities. The décor
concept thus comprises nine designs in three colour schemes, making for 27 décors in all. In
each colour version there is a running piece with matching corner, both in 20 x 20 cm format,
to create impressive tile carpets.
The Triangles series is the most detailed version of the historical model. Apart from a finely
finished ornament there are two angular geometric versions. The Circles series features a
variety of circles in three patterns, namely restrained, minimalist ornamental and geometric.
The Diamonds series also has three versions. Within the individual series the décors can be
combined at will to form new patterns. Combinations of different décor and colour series are
also possible to form new and creative design options. The patchwork box containing a
random mix of the 24 décors can be used to create particularly unusual designs.
Harmonious overall concept
The plain basic vilbostone porcelain stoneware tiles in the CENTURY UNLIMITED range
are available in 60 x 60 cm and 20 x 60 cm formats and in warm creme, beige or brown,
cooler light, medium and dark grey and indigo, and a powerful cotto – in all eight expressive
colours. To supplement the 20 x 20 cm décor tiles there is a crème and light grey basic tile in
matching small square format. The 5 x 5 cm mosaics on 30-piece mats are ideal for walk-in
showers, and 7.5 x 60 cm skirting – also in all basic colours – round off the concept.
In the colours Beige and Grey, the décor elements from the 20 x 20 cm tiles have been
reduced to 5 x 5 cm format and are bonded to a 30 x 30 cm lattice.
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CENTURY UNLIMITED WALL: understated, expressive wall decoration
In addition to the vilbostone porcelain stoneware tiles for walls and floors, nonvitreous 30 x
60 cm tiles have also been developed for the wall: CENTURY UNLIMITED WALL. The
tiles are available in two light, plain colours: creme and light grey. Two matching area décors
are available in the same format and colours and they also echo the patterns of the historical
tiles. The discreet, tone-in-tone decoration has a relief effect and can be used to realise
understated and yet expressive wall designs. In addition a structured surface decoration was
developed in 30 x 60 cm format in three colours: Creme, Grey and multicoloured, that picks
up on the individual decorations in the form of a mosaic mix (stones shown approx. 2.4 x 2.4
cm). The wall tiles are ideal for combining with vilbostone porcelain stoneware tiles and, as a
result, the wall and floor designs come together to create a uniform, harmonious look.
Endless design possibilities and applications
The variety available with CENTURY UNLIMITED makes it ideal for the elegant design of
rooms of all types. The practically unending décor combinations work like a modular system
that offers planners and end users a wide choice of individual patterns. They make for a
distinctive interior design scheme in new buildings and renovated old structures. CENTURY
UNLIMITED can also be used in modern bathrooms, kitchens, living and dining rooms, halls,
stairways and entrance areas – for whole surfaces or just individual sections. Modern openplan lofts are given a historical touch – restrained or opulent depending on individual taste –
to create a personalised living environment.
In public buildings CENTURY UNLIMITED also offers attractive options – in modern
restaurants, bistros or bars, shopping malls, exhibition rooms and elegant boutiques, in
entrances, lobbies, toilets and bathrooms in hotels, and in wellness and spa facilities. Planners
can choose between patchwork walls and floors or attractive tile carpets. With CENTURY
UNLIMITED everything is possible.
CENTURY UNLIMITED is an intelligent all-round concept with the unmistakable
handwriting of Villeroy & Boch Tiles, placing historical tiles in a modern context. People
who appreciate modern interpretations of historical designs will find CENTURY
UNLIMITED to be a delightful tile range for stylish new or renovated buildings. And those
who like to experiment can combine patterns and designs. Thanks to the variety of colours,
formats and décors, CENTURY UNLIMITED will satisfy even the most discerning tastes.
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CENTURY UNLIMITED and CENTURY UNLIMITED WALL product information
Material:
vilbostone porcelain stoneware
Nonvitrious (WALL)
glazed vilbostone porcelain stoneware (decoration)
Formats:
30 x 60 cm (WALL) in two colours
60 x 60 cm, 20 x 60 cm in all colours, 20 x 20 cm only in creme and light grey
Surface:
matt, structured
Colours:
crème, beige, brown, light grey, medium grey, dark grey, indigo, cotto
Decoration:
tone-in-tone decoration, 30 x 60 cm, two colours creme and grey (WALL)
structured surface decoration (Décor mix) 30 x 60 cm in three colours Creme,
Grey and multi-coloured (WALL)
triangles, circles, diamonds, all 20 x 20 cm, in 3 shades: light grey, medium
grey, dark grey, indigo, crème-beige, brown, multicolour
Material-Decoration: glazed vilbostone porcelain stoneware
Special tiles: running piece, 20 x 20 cm
corner, 20 x 20 cm
mosaics, 5 x 5 cm (on 30x30 cm mat), in all basic colours
strip skirting 7.5 x 60 cm
patchworkbox: 24 pieces per set
Your press contact:
Monika Roth
PR/Communication
Tel.: ++ 49 68 64 – 81 38 99
e-mail: monika.roth@vb-fliesen.com
www.villeroy-boch.com
V&B Fliesen GmbH
V&B Fliesen GmbH manufactures Villeroy & Boch brand-name tiles and is one of the world's leading
manufacturers of ceramics. The company now operates in more than 80 countries. More than 850 people are
employed at the company headquarters in Merzig and at its sites in Mettlach and La Ferté-Gaucher. High-quality
materials are used in the manufacture of sophisticated premium ranges for the bathroom, living areas and
architecture.
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