Category Archives: Featured Solid Surface Projects

Customer Spotlight: Cat Eye Countertops with Jerry Michaels and Jim Glinski

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Backlit solid surface kitchen countertop using Light Tape® in Cat Eye from STUDIO Collection®

Beautifully backlit solid surface kitchen countertop using Light Tape®, Cat Eye from STUDIO Collection®

Using Cat Eye from the STUDIO Collection® and Light Tape®, Jerry Michaels (the idea man) and Jim Glinski (craftsman and author) create an incredibly unique solid surface kitchen countertop.

Here at SolidSurface.com we enjoy getting to know our customers. It’s always interesting to learn their background, hear their ideas for the solid surface sheet material they purchase, and then see their projects come to life. We had an opportunity to talk with one such customer, Jerry Michaels, and his craftsman, Jim Glinski, about their DIY project and how it turned out.

The Backlit Countertop

Jerry Michaels first came to us with an interesting project in mind for his kitchen remodel. He discovered a product online called Vitrazzo, which is a countertop product made of recycled glass. He found pictures of their product done with backlighting and knew he just had to have a countertop like that. What he also discovered was that the cost was way too expensive. He then set out exploring what other materials Continue reading →

M.R. Walls — Designer Walls Using Corian® Solid Surface by Artist Mario Romano

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Inspired by nature, Mario Romano designs life into his incredible wall panel creations using Corian® Solid Surface, blurring the distinct lines between movement and texture.

"MOUNTAIN" custom solid surface wall by artist and designer Mario Romano (M.R. Walls).

“MOUNTAIN” custom solid surface wall by artist and designer Mario Romano (M.R. Walls).

There are many creative things that can be done with versatile Corian® Solid Surface, yet Mario Romano (aka M.R. Walls) has literally taken it to the next level with his wall panels, also commonly referred to as wall cladding. He lives at the “intersection of art and technology,” when it comes to his carved wall panel creations. His breathtaking designs are awe-inspiring, to say the least.

Corian® Design Partners with Mario Romano

Finding a new aesthetic in texture and nature, Corian® Design has partnered with Mario Romano to ensure that solid surface is not just for countertops. With a little modern CNC innovation, M.R. Walls are an architect’s and interior designer’s dream come true. With endless possibilities, one is only limited by his or her imagination. These luxurious, high-end artistic creations bring new meaning to solid surface wall cladding.

"BLOOM" back-lit custom wall designed with Corian® solid surface by M.R. Walls

“BLOOM” back-lit custom wall designed with Corian® solid surface by M.R. Walls

Solid Surface Wall Panels are Low Maintenance

Until recently, solid surface had taken a back seat to the likes of other natural and engineered products, yet its capabilities have been clearly understated and undervalued. The benefits of using Corian® Solid Surface for designer wall panels are numerous. The material is low maintenance, meaning no painting, Continue reading →

The 2018 Corian® Design Awards Winners

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Recently announced–the Grand Prize Winners of the 2018 Corian® Design Awards for Outstanding Design:  Furling, designed by davisthomas; and Tweed Terrace House, designed by Raunik Design Group. Each year since 2006, CASF Australia, a national distributor of Corian® solid surface, provides the platform for the design awards that recognize local designers in their field of expertise for their creative use of Corian® solid surface.

Two winners are selected at the end of each quarter (March, June, September and December) from two categories, Residential and Commercial.  Then, the winner from each category is placed in the pool of candidates from the entire year. After that, the overall winners are selected from there.

The 2018 Corian® Design Awards Grand Prize Winners were chosen based on their exceptional ingenuity and astounding creativity, the type of talent for which the Australian design community is known.  The Award recognizes innovators of the uses for Corian® and their abilities to transform ideas into projects previously thought to be unachievable.

Furling, sculptural wall artwork designed by davisthomas, in Venaro White Corian®
Furling, sculptural wall artwork designed by davisthomas, in Venaro White Corian®

The Furling Project

The winner of the Commercial category is Furling. Furling is a large-scale sculpture designed by davisthomas, artists who specialize in sculptural, installation-based projects for public spaces.  Intertwining historical, current social, environmental and physical elements into their discovery process, the project was inspired by the nautical history of the wharf in the Brisbane river and Mary Street area.  Consequently, davisthomas chose Corian® solid surface in Venaro White as their material.  Corian® offered the creative opportunity davisthomas was seeking, coupled with its ability to move beyond everyday purpose, thereby making the sculpture robust and maintenance-free.

The Furling project was davisthomas’ first experience with Corian®.  In particular, they were impressed with its responsiveness and fluidity. Additionally, they were pleased with the ease of fixing, seaming and finishing the material.

Thermoformed linear planks of Venaro White Corian® for the creation of the Furling sculpture
Thermoformed linear planks of Venaro White Corian® for the creation of the Furling sculpture

From the Designer

“Corian® made this project possible. The flexibility of the material’s thermoforming capabilities combined with the near seamless bonding capability of the joint adhesive allowed us to produce 9m linear planks that flow and glide up the side of the wall. Creating a majestic, dynamic sculptural artwork with a high quality finish.”

– Lubi Thomas and Adrian Davis

From the Judges

“This is a highly skilled and innovative implementation of Corian® to create a striking sculptural element.”

– Alexander Lotersztain

More on Furling

The Tweed Terrace Project

The winner of the Residential category is Tweed Terrace, a luxury home at Duranbah on the Gold Coast. Originally, the idea was envisioned by Mexican architect Javier Senosiain, then subsequently brought to fruition by Raunik Design Group.  The organic design uses curves, thereby mimicking the ebb and flow of the sea, as opposed to angles–a sharp and complimentary contrast to the surrounding high-rises.

Two pods comprising the unique Tweed Terrace House by Raunik Design Group Courtesy of Rezolution Photography
Two pods comprising the unique Tweed Terrace House by Raunik Design Group Courtesy of Rezolution Photography

The smooth, curved design continues throughout the interior of the home, with custom finishes and a futuristic flare in woodworking craftsmanship. Careful color selections were made to suit the purposes of the rooms. Corian® Glacier White in matte finish was used for the bed surround. The vanity tops, with integrated basins, were done in Antarctica with a gloss finish.

Seamless, curved vanity top in Antarctica Corian® designed by Raunik Design Group Courtesy of Rezolution Photography
Seamless, curved vanity top in Antarctica Corian® designed by Raunik Design Group Courtesy of Rezolution Photography

From the Designer

“We wanted a product that looks like it flows with the curved walls and emerges from the wall. We wanted it to have its own form and dissipate in its own way.”

– Scott Bowden, Project Leader, Raunik Design Group

From the Judges

“Language of organic forms created by Corian® creates futuristic simplicity and fluidity throughout the entire house. Shows the versatility of the product.”

– Megan Smith

Curved bed surround in Glacier White Corian® Courtesy of Rezolution Photography
Curved bed surround in Glacier White Corian® Courtesy of Rezolution Photography

More on Tweed Terrace

The 2018 Grand Prize Winners of the Corian® Design Awards will be sent to Japan for a tour of the Corian® production facility.  All finalists receive global and editorial exposure through the DuPont™ Network. Corian® Design Awards for 2019 is now open to all specifiers, architects/designers and students.  In addition, shop fitters and Corian® fabricators may also enter on behalf of a designer.

8 Things to Consider for a Custom Corian® Vanity Top

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Corian® Vanity TopOrdering a custom Corian® vanity top on SolidSurface.com® can be a very rewarding experience, particularly when you have an understanding of a few important things to consider.  As the centerpiece of a bathroom, the vanity top, along with its vanity cabinet, must not only look stunning, but also:

  • Feel good to the touch with warmth and smoothness;
  • Be usable, forgiving and renewable (when needed);
  • Resist absorption of, or marring by, liquids;
  • Appear seamless for looks and hygiene; and
  • Prevent the growth of bacteria and germs.

Solid surface, commonly known as the brand Corian®, fits this description “like a glove.” Competitive products such as granite, quartz, laminate, cultured marble and tile have some of the above-mentioned characteristics, Continue reading →

Fabricator Spotlight: Creatacor – Fabricating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall with Avonite® Solid Surface

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Full Display of The Wall That Heals by Creatacor (2018)

Full Display of The Wall That Heals by Creatacor (2018)

Featured Project: The Wall That Heals – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica – a Look Behind the Scenes

After nearly 10 years, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) knew it was time to replace the Vietnam Veterans Memorial mobile exhibit of the replica wall, The Wall That Heals. They sent out a request for proposal (RFP) to contractors they thought might be able to handle the project. Creatacor, a full turnkey exhibit display house based in Clifton Park, New York, having completed several smaller projects previously for the VVMF, jumped at the chance to submit their bid and was selected to build the new Wall. Their build included a unique mobile design using Avonite® Eclipse solid surface. The selection process was completed at the end of December of 2017, leaving Creatacor only 7-8 weeks to complete this exciting project.

Creatacor Team for The Wall That Heals

The Creatacor Team

Creatacor, which employs between 50-55 people just 20 minutes north of Albany, New York, is known by many in the display industry for its state-of-the-art custom fabrication techniques. These techniques have resulted in unforgettable exhibits and inline displays in corporate and retail environments, in interactive kiosks and sets for both television and stage. In essence, Creatacor believes in using the talents of their creative, problem-solving team to come up with just the right solution for every unique situation.

Laying the Groundwork for Teamwork

Creatacor received the RFP early in December and immediately began sourcing the materials for a sturdy frame, for the walls and for the actual engraving in anticipation of the possibility of being awarded the contract. Once Creatacor was awarded the project, everyone lit on fire! Dave West was selected as Project Manager, laying Continue reading →