top of page

Grespania continues to redefine architectural surfaces with ultra-thin, large-format porcelain tiles that are suitable for both interior and exterior spaces, blending beautiful design with an eco-conscious approach. Designed for contemporary architecture and interior design, Coverlam represents the evolution of porcelain: lighter, stronger, and engineered with respect for the planet.


Modern patio with a lounge chair by a pool, leading to an open living room with dining set. Gray walls, wooden pergola casting shadows.

Large-format technical stone represents the next evolution in architectural surfaces - an engineered material created from a precise blend of natural minerals and advanced compounds. Compacting under 30,000 tons of pressure and firing at over 1,200 °C fuse these components into ultra-dense slabs of exceptional strength and stability. The result is a lightweight, non-porous material that illustrates the natural beauty of stone with the superior performance, and sustainability demanded by future forward architecture and Grespania as a company.


Technical Features include:


  • Durability

  • Stain Resistance

  • UV Resistance

  • Heat Resistance

  • Hygiene

  • Design Versatility

  • Environmentally Friendly


Sustainability For The Future


Coverlam was conceived not only as a technical innovation but as a sustainability statement. Produced using more than 90% natural raw materials, and with a manufacturing process powered by renewable energy and closed-loop water recycling, Coverlam, as a product, clearly demonstrates how innovation can lead to meaningful reductions in environmental impact. Its thickness - at just 3.5 mm or 5.6 mm - means up to three times less raw material is required and significantly lower transport emissions are produced compared to traditional porcelain. 


Modern living room with dark marble accents, a fireplace, gray sofa, and armchairs. Wooden coffee table holds books. Large window shows greenery.

Every square metre of tile reflects reduced energy use, waste and resource extraction - proving that genuine design innovation can go hand in hand with a care for the environment. Grespania’s manufacturing facilities operate under stringent environmental management systems, they provide ceramic solutions that optimise efficiency and comply with the most demanding environmental standard, this is key. The result is a product line that supports LEED, BREEAM, and other sustainable building certifications internationally recognised, giving architects measurable environmental performance data they can trust. 


Facades That Benefit


When used in a ventilated facade system, Coverlam becomes an environmental gain. The ultra-thin slabs, measuring up to 1200 × 3600 mm, form a durable exterior layer that allows air to circulate between the wall and the façade. This natural ventilation reduces thermal bridges, reflects solar radiation and regulates building temperature, cutting energy consumption for both heating and cooling. There is an additional acoustic improvement with noise reduction throughout. 


Modern patio with white armchairs, beige tiles, and a glass-walled building. Steps lead to a shaded dining area. Bright, sunny day.

Even more remarkably, façades finished with the H&C Tiles photocatalytic coating from Grespania actively purify the air. The titanium-dioxide treatment reacts with sunlight to break down nitrogen oxides (NOx) and organic pollutants, effectively transforming building surfaces into self-cleaning, air-purifying membranes. 


According to Grespania’s data, 10,000 m² of treated façade neutralises as much NOx as 740 cars emit daily, equating to the purifying power of nine football pitches of green space. This dual benefit of reduced building energy demand and active air purification—making Coverlam the ideal choice for forward-thinking, sustainable architecture and design.


Technical Excellence


Behind Coverlam’s refined surface aesthetics lies robust engineering. Its porcelain composition achieves water absorption below 0.1%, delivering a high resistance to frost, UV exposure, and pollution. Despite its ultra-thin profile, it offers exceptional flexural strength thanks to its reinforced fibre mesh backing, ensuring durability in both new-build and renovation projects. It is lightweight and easy to install which allows facades and interiors to be transformed without the need for structural reinforcement or demolition, reducing waste and installation time. 


Modern kitchen with marble island, white cabinets, and elegant pendant lights. Green plants add freshness. Bright, airy ambiance.

The material is certified under ETA 24/0747, confirming its performance for exterior facades, cladding, and flooring. The large-format slabs allow seamless coverage and minimal joints, creating a calm, continuous surface that highlights the precision of contemporary architecture. The clever combination of proportion, scale, and natural finish gives designers freedom to explore materiality without compromise.


The Concepts Collections: A Unified Vision


Grespania’s Concepts Collections is inspired by a holistic design philosophy - coordinating surfaces, furniture, and architectural elements through a shared material language. Each collection offers multiple finishes, thicknesses, and applications, ensuring design continuity across all spaces. The Imperium series, for example, reflects the beauty and sophistication of marble with fine veining and a luxurious polish; it is available in formats up to 1600 × 3200 mm for large, uninterrupted flowing expanses. Meanwhile, Coverlam Top extends this concept for kitchens and furniture, offering 10 mm and 12 mm thicknesses for countertops, tables, and bespoke joinery allowing for a coherent design flow. Each tile is designed for ease of handling, the mineable side and weight of each tile enables ease of installation. Perfectly suitable for single-person installation allowing for improved efficiency on-site. This integrated approach allows architects and designers to create interiors and exteriors that continuously flow fluently - stone, metal, or cement effects translated across floors, walls, facades, and furnishings.


Modern hotel lobby with marble walls and floor, a reception desk, and wooden seating. A suitcase stands by a chair. Natural light filters in.

Design But Make It Lighter


Beyond its visual impact and endless design possibilities, Coverlam’s sustainability credentials are tangible. Its thin profile reduces CO₂ emissions from production and transport, while its long lifespan and low maintenance requirements further cut environmental impact over time. The ventilated facade system improves building performance, acoustic insulation and protects structures from weathering. Simultaneously, the self-cleaning surfaces maintain their aesthetic integrity with minimal upkeep - rainwater naturally washes away dirt and surface pollutants. Through balancing technical performance, ecological advances, and design versatility, Coverlam proves that sustainability does not require an aesthetic compromise. It represents a material evolution aligned with the architectural priorities of our time: durability, lightness, and responsibility.


A Material For The Next Generation Of Architecture


As cities grow denser and environmental regulation grows, the materials we specify matter more than ever. Coverlam’s contribution goes beyond form and function - it plays an active role in the shift toward carbon-conscious design. Each facade or interior finished in Coverlam becomes part of an architectural ecosystem that generates less waste, consumes less energy, and even cleans the air we breathe. Whether creating a serene interior or shaping a landmark facade, Coverlam stands as proof that the future of architecture lies not only in what we build, but in how we build it.


For further information, imagery, or technical data, please contact: Grespania UK | architects@grespania.co.uk |  | +44 0121 457 6900  |  www.grespania.com/en

Schlüter Systems offers more than 10,000 products designed for the long-lasting installation of tiles and natural stone. The portfolios include trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and shower drainage systems.  Worldwide, the products and  systems have created the very best in bathroom design in both style and durability.


 One example is a renovation and extension project which included the refurbishment of the residence’s 4.8m x 2.7m master en-suite. Enlisting the services of Quell Bathrooms, the client set out the fundamentals of what he wanted – bath, shower and double basin with storage. He then gave free rein to Vincent Pope, Quell’s MD, to come up with a few ideas from which the final design was selected.  The resulting wetroom featured a number of different Schlüter-Systems products in order to ensure a sound finish for the client’s considerable investment.


Modern bathroom with a freestanding white tub on wooden floor, large mirror, vessel sink, and blinds filtering sunlight. Minimalist design.

An integrated linear drain wetroom kit, Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-WRKL, was used to provide guaranteed waterproofing and drainage for the bathroom; it comprised a waterproofing and sealing kit, shower boards, drainage channel and support with a tile support grate.


The waterproofing and sealing kit contained Schlüter-KERDI waterproofing membrane, plus Schlüter-KERDI-KEBA sealing band, Schlüter-KERDI-KERECK pre-formed corner pieces and Schlüter-KERDI-COLL sealing adhesive. The KERDI membrane from the kit was used to waterproof the back wall and around the shower wall. The rest of the room utilised Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD waterproof backerboard in 10mm thickness. All joints and junctions were sealed with the aforementioned set of sealing products. The 800mm linear drainage channel was installed in an intermediate location, sloped to from both sides using the Schlüter-KERDI-SHOWER-L and Schlüter-KERDI-SHOWER-LS pre-sloped shower boards. The drain was designed to be tiled to in-line with the rest of the floor - in this case with wood-effect tiles - resulting in a discreet solution.


Modern bathroom with two white vessel sinks on a floating dark vanity, large mirror, beige walls, wooden floor, and towels on racks. Minimalist feel.

‘Since we started using Schlüter’s wetroom kits three years’ ago, we’ve had none of the problems we would get previously”, says Vincent, “We wouldn’t deviate from Schlüter as the company offers a comprehensive and trustworthy solution to prepping a wetroom”. The timber floors of the project had already been insulated, so Vincent installed the original Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E electric underfloor heating system. “It’s great that you can use this system throughout the whole of a room, including the shower area. Often this isn’t an option,” adds Vincent who continues, “In refurbishment work, it’s always a struggle to keep floor build-ups low; with the Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E system, all build-up is contained within the height of the membrane so there are no unexpected surprises”.


Vincent used chrome-plated brass finishing profiles, Schlüter-QUADEC-MC, to provide finishing against the wood-effect wall tiles. He also used the matching Schlüter-QUADEC-MC/EV corner pieces to finish the corners of the one-metre high shower wall. “Schlüter trims give a great finish for tile edges and neatly cover the edge of tile. In addition, the corner pieces provide a good-looking finish that avoids sharp edges which is important as we were finishing a low wall that could be a source of injury if finished with mitring” concludes Vincent.


Schlüter-JOLLY-AC in a Matte Brilliant White (MBW) finish was used to finish edges in wall areas where 1000mm x 330mm ceramic tiles were installed, including around window reveals. Three quarters of the edges of Quell’s custom-built niches for the project were also edged with the MBW trims, with QUADEC-MC to the inside edge of each as part of a wood-effect feature shower wall. For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk

​A stunning new glamping resort at Pendigo Lake at the NEC is being constructed to offer luxury accommodation options for visitors to the NEC’s entertainment and exhibition venues. Phase 1, comprising 11 bespoke and stylish pods, was launched in August 2025 and offers a tranquil woodland setting overlooking the lake. A total of 59 pods will ultimately be available for guests, including overwater suites with private terraces, woodland bungalows and a presidential suite complete with a hot tub and extended deck.


Cozy patio with hanging chair and cushions, lush greenery, and glass doors. Wood deck under a serene forest setting. Peaceful ambiance.

The scheme is being delivered by luxury glamping brand AvantGlamp, which has chosen The Pod Factory of Warwickshire to supply the bespoke pods. The Pod Factory is one of the UK’s leading pod manufacturers and has delivered sustainable and stylish pods to sites throughout the UK, from the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall. The company uses Kinedo all-in-one shower cubicles in the bathrooms of their glamping pods and, when it came to the prestigious NEC project, trusted the same brand that delivers day in and day out in their existing units. 


To create a point of difference in the NEC pods, two new cubicles were specified, including the Brooklyn Factory and the Kinemagic Design. The industrial-style Brooklyn Factory features modern black profiles with classy white internal glass panels and black Crittal-style external glass doors and panels, along with a matching black showerhead, handheld shower, and shower valve. A statement cubicle for a statement project.


Modern bathroom with white toilet, glass shower, black fixtures, and a sign reading "Please do not flush anything except toilet paper."

The Kinemagic Design is a design classic, featuring chrome profiles, a matching rain shower head and valve, white glass internal panels, and a low threshold entry. It offers the sophistication the project requires.


Alex Cash is the entrepreneur and Managing Director behind the Pod Factory: “The NEC project demonstrates how we are becoming involved in larger-scale ventures. Each pod is designed to feel more like a hotel suite than a cabin and we use our trusted suppliers to ensure we deliver accommodation solutions that meet exacting hospitality standards, tailored to AvantGlamp’s vision."


"We use Kinedo cubicles because they are an integrated package that includes internal and external panels, a door, tray, showerhead, valve, and all the necessary fixtures and fittings. They are quick and easy to install and ready for use without the need for tiles, grout or silicone. Importantly they offer a stylish focal point in the bathroom befitting the surroundings. The team at Kinedo bends over backwards to ensure we have what we need when we need it.”


In July 2027 the NEC will host the famed Invictus Games and the new Pendigo Lakes Resort will ensure that accommodation options on site will be readily available for the participants and visitors.  www.kinedo.co.uk

bottom of page