Quality Project Completed in Noosa Waters

Don Macdonald and his team from Orchid Building Solutions shared photos with us of yet another high quality bathroom project in Noosa Waters, QLD. The project features porcelain tiles, installed using a range of LATICRETE installation materials.

Products used: 

• HYDRO BAN® is a thin, load-bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self-curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. 
• 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed is a polymer fortified blend of carefully selected polymers, portland cement, and graded aggregates.
• 335 is a premium, flexible, high-performance thin-bed adhesive for installing a wide range of tiles and stone including low absorption ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural and manufactured stone using the thin-set method of installation.
• PERMACOLOR® Grout is a high-performance grout that provides a grout joint that is dense, hard, and will resist cracking.
• LATASIL™ is a high-performance, one component, neutral cure, 100% silicone sealant designed for ceramic tile & stone applications.

Do you need help in selecting the appropriate adhesives, mortars, and grouts for your specific residential applications? The LATICRETE Residential Tile & Stone Installation Systems brochure provides information on products that are engineered for residential tile and stone installations. Click here to view/download the LATICRETE Residential Tile & Stone Brochure.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

Bathroom Makeover at Sunshine Beach

 

Don MacDonald and his team from The Orchid Group have completed yet another makeover - this time a residential bathroom project at Sunshine Beach, QLD. The project features porcelain tiles, installed using a range of LATICRETE installation materials.

Products used: 

• HYDRO BAN® is a thin, load-bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self-curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. 
• 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed is a polymer fortified blend of carefully selected polymers, portland cement, and graded aggregates.
• 335 is a premium, flexible, high-performance thin-bed adhesive for installing a wide range of tiles and stone including low absorption ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural and manufactured stone using thin-set method of installation.
• PERMACOLOR® Grout is a high-performance grout that provides a grout joint that is dense, hard and will resist cracking.
• LATASIL™ is a high performance, one component, neutral cure, 100% silicone sealant designed for ceramic tile & stone applications.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

Facade Project on Sunshine Coast

 

Check out this ongoing facade project by Don MacDonald and the team from The Orchid Group on the Sunshine Coast, QLD. The team is using 254 adhesive for this installation.

254 Platinum is the ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive. For interior and exterior installation of ceramic and stone tile, reduced thickness porcelain, quarry tile, pavers and thin brick.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au. 

Hotel Gets a Makeover

 

Stunning tiling work from The Orchid Group! The team completed this bathroom project at Tingirana Hotel, Noosa, QLD. The project features Bisazza 10x10mm Blend, wall tiles 300x600mm and floor 450x450mm porcelain tiles installed using LATICRETE installation materials.

• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield is a 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in the concrete and other substrates. 

• HYDRO BAN® is a thin, load-bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self-curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. 
• HYDRO BAN® Fillet & Sealant is a one-component, fast curing, hybrid elastomeric adhesive, and sealant.
• 335 is a premium, flexible, high-performance thin-bed adhesive for installing a wide range of tiles and stone including low absorption ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural and manufactured stone using thin-set method of installation.
• PERMACOLOR® Grout is a high-performance grout that provides a grout joint that is dense, hard and will resist cracking.
• LATAPOXY® SP-100 is a stainless, pigment free, colourfast epoxy grout for grouting floor installations of ceramic tile, brick, and stone.

• LATASIL™ is a high performance, one component, neutral cure, 100% silicone sealant designed for ceramic tile & stone applications.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

Completed Bathroom Project

Don MacDonald and his team from The Orchid Group have recently completed this residential bathroom project in Brisbane, QLD. The project features 400x800mm gloss white wall tiles and Moonstone Midnight Matt in 600x600mm porcelain, installed using a range of LATICRETE installation materials.

Products used: 

• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield is a 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in the concrete and other substrates. 

• HYDRO BAN® is a thin, load-bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self-curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. 
• HYDRO BAN® Fillet & Sealant is a one-component, fast curing, hybrid elastomeric adhesive, and sealant.
• 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed is a polymer fortified blend of carefully selected polymers, portland cement, and graded aggregates.
• 335 is a premium, flexible, high-performance thin-bed adhesive for installing a wide range of tiles and stone including low absorption ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural and manufactured stone using thin-set method of installation.
• PERMACOLOR® Grout is a high-performance grout that provides a grout joint that is dense, hard and will resist cracking.
• LATASIL™ is a high performance, one component, neutral cure, 100% silicone sealant designed for ceramic tile & stone applications.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

Completed Outdoor Terrace

Jealous much? We are! Don MacDonald and his team from The Orchid Group recently completed this outdoor area of this beautiful home on the Sunshine Coast, QLD. The project features a filled and honed Travertine deck and stairs, along with Granite ground, and honed in-situ, all installed using a range of LATICRETE materials. Well done!

Products used:

• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield is a 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in the concrete and other substrates. 
• HYDRO BAN® is a thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. HYDRO BAN bonds directly to a wide variety of substrates.
• 254 Platinum is the ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive. For interior and exterior installation of ceramic and stone tile, reduced thickness porcelain, quarry tile, pavers and thin brick.
• PERMACOLOR® Grout* is a high-performance grout that provides a grout joint that is dense, hard and will resist cracking.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au. 

Fixing Project that Takes You to the Clouds!

 

This fixing project will take you to the clouds! Don Macdonald and his team from The Orchid Group recently fixed and grouted this custom made cloud image featuring 10x10mm glass mosaic tiles from Trend, using LATAPOXY® SP-100. 

LATAPOXY® SP-100 is a stainless, pigment free, colourfast epoxy grout for grouting floor installations of ceramic tile, brick, and stone.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au.

Progress on Sunshine Coast Pool

Don Macdonald and his team from The Orchid Group have been working on this pool project in Caloundra, QLD. The waterline and coping are being installed using a range of LATICRETE materials.

• 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed - a polymer fortified blend of carefully selected polymers, Portland cement and graded aggregates. 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed does not require the use of latex admix, you only need to add water to produce thick bed mortar with exceptional strength. 
• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield - a 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in concrete and other substrates.
• HYDRO BAN® - a thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. 
• 254 Platinum - the ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive. For interior and exterior installation of ceramic and stone tile, reduced thickness porcelain, quarry tile, pavers and thin brick. 254 Platinum provides long open time with unsurpassed adhesion and workability. 
• LATAPOXY® SP-100 - a stainless, pigment free, colourfast epoxy grout for grouting floor installations of ceramic tile, brick, and stone. Cleans with water while fresh. Can be used for interior and exterior applications.

Click here to view/download the LATICRETE Pools, Spas and Fountains System Brochure.

Contact us to discuss your next project, visit your job site or to arrange free samples. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Caloundra Pool Project

Don Macdonald and his team from The Orchid Group have been busy working on the prep for this pool in Caloundra, QLD. A range of LATICRETE materials are being used throughout the project including:

• 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed - a polymer fortified blend of carefully selected polymers, Portland cement and graded aggregates. 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed does not require the use of latex admix, you only need to add water to produce thick bed mortar with exceptional strength. 
• LATAPOXY® Moisture Shield - a 2 component, roller applied epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in concrete and other substrates.
• HYDRO BAN® - A thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. 
• 254 Platinum - The ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive. For interior and exterior installation of ceramic and stone tile, reduced thickness porcelain, quarry tile, pavers and thin brick. 254 Platinum provides long open time with unsurpassed adhesion and workability. 

Click here to view/download the LATICRETE Pools, Spas and Fountains System Brochure.

Contact us to discuss your next project, visit your job site or to arrange free samples. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

The Ultimate Thin-Set Adhesive!

The Orchid Group is busy working on this project in Noosaville, QLD. The team are using 254 Platinum for a slurry bond coat with sand and cement screed.

254 Platinum is the ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive. Suitable for interior and exterior installation of ceramic and stone tile, reduced thickness porcelain, quarry tile, pavers and thin brick. 254 Platinum provides long open time with unsurpassed adhesion and workability. Suitable for immersed installations, and meets and exceeds the requirements for a C2TES2P2 classification.

Key Features

• Designed to just mix with water
• High performance flexible cement based adhesive
• High tack, non sag
• Extended open time
• Easy to use – Plastic and workable

Click here for more product information. 

For more information on using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples or technical support please contact LATICRETE on 1800 331 012, email sales@laticrete.com.au or visit www.laticrete.com.au.

Industry Profile: Don Macdonald - "The Installation – Part 2"

Wall 6 – Mind Games by Philomena Yeatman

Wall 7 – Wild Flowers by Valmai Pollard

Wall 8 – Muddy Tracks by Valmai Pollard

Previously we saw the delays that interrupted The Orchid Group^ team’s race against the clock to beat the heat to install the Shields Street Mosaic project. This week we feature the installation of each of the walls.

Apart from the general challenges that were common to all the walls posed by adapting two dimensional panels to the three dimensional installation, each of the images had their own separate idiosyncrasies. 

What became very evident from a creative perspective throughout the project was the role played by Creative Director Keith Murphy. Although called into the process by default he was crucial to managing the creative assets; adapting and modifying the imagery to help resolve the technical challenges all the while ensuring the expansion of the artwork looked unique (not a mirror repeat) and preserved the essence of the original works. In a more ideal world he would have been engaged from the outset guiding the imagery in close consultation with the installation team to achieve the balance of artistic integrity and technical excellence. 

The Shields Street Heart project was a significant undertaking with all of its complexities and challenges, however the one undeniable constant throughout the whole process was the installation system. LATICRETE Systems provided reliability, dependability and superior performance. 

“It was the one thing I didn’t have to think about. All the products; 254 Platinum, 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed, HYDRO BAN®, LATAPOXY® SP-100 and SPECTRALOCK® PRO Grout*, performed exceptionally well individually and as a complete system. Equally as important to using the right products is the technical support. The LATICRETE team provided me with all of the essential background and technical understanding for each of the products which allowed me to execute the installation with confidence knowing I was using the very best products and industry best practice with our methodology.” said Don. 

Click here to read the full story.

Contact us on 1800 331 012 for technical support, arrange a demo, free samples, a trade event, or to discuss your next project or contact us here.

^The Orchid Group is also known as Symmetry Mosaics.
*United States Invention Patent No.: 6881768 (and other Patents)

Industry Profile: Don Macdonald - "The Installation - Part 1"

Over the last few weeks we have seen the lead up for the Shields Street Heart Mosaic project as the team prepared for the installation, which included exploring the translation of the imagery into the mosaic medium. This week The Orchid Group^ team experiences delays as the installation begins.

The project comprised of eight low walls divided into two sections.  Walls 1-6 were done in Stage I and walls 7-8 in Stage II.  The rendering of the walls in Stage I was completed in January but Stage II rendering, was not completed until mid-June as a colony of bats nursing their young, was residing in the trees above the site.  A Federal Conservation Act, restricted Council to continue with any works until the colony had moved away. 

In the weeks after leaving the site in January, Don prepared detailed drawings capturing the three dimensional shape of the walls for the manufacturer.  To be commercially viable the majority of the installation was to be created in a controlled environment off-site however, the three dimensional nature of the project was proving a considerable challenge for the mosaic supplier.  Production delays forced Council to cancel their contract and seek the supply of the mosaics from another manufacturer. 

The new supplier was similarly challenged with the three dimensional elements of the project  which resulted in large two dimensional panels being produced which greatly increased the amount of on-site stitching (the processing of cutting and laying one tile at a time to join two sheets) required to complete the project. Read the full story here.  

Next time, we see the additional challenges posed by each of the walls as the team completes the installation.

Contact us on 1800 331 012 for technical support, arrange a demo, free samples, a trade event, or to discuss your next project or contact us here.

^The Orchid Group is also known as Symmetry Mosaics

Industry Profile: Don Macdonald - "The Imagery"

Philomena Yeatman - "Mind Games"

Valmai Pollard - "Wild Flower"

Valmai Pollard - "Muddy Tracks"

The city of Cairns has a new iconic three dimensional Australian Indigenous mosaic artwork in the CBD recently completed by Don Macdonald and The Orchid Group^ team.  

Over the last few weeks we have seen the broad range of artistic and technical skills gained by the team to prepare them for such an undertaking.  We also saw the artists and the stories of their work. This week we explore the translation of the imagery into the mosaic medium.

The redevelopment of Shields Street in the Cairns CBD has enlivened the CBD with a culturally rich and engaging precinct for visitors and locals alike.  It features a range of local Indigenous artists in a variety of mediums sharing the wonderfully unique features of Cairns in the Rainforest to Ocean theme.

A significant artistic and cultural element of the redevelopment is the Shields Street Heart mosaic project.  Council undertook an exhaustive process to select the imagery from artists from the local Yarrabah Indigenous community finally selecting Edna Ambrym, Philomena Yeatman and Valmai Pollard

During Don’s first meeting with Council he expressed his concern that the installation of the mosaics had to be completed during the cooler months (June-August) due to the sensitivity of the epoxy adhesives and grout to heat.  The longest possible adhesive work time would be crucial as there were over 1,000,000 tiles to be laid, many being very small cut pieces, onto complex three dimensional shapes. Continue reading here.

Next time, "The Installation Part I".

Contact us on 1800 331 012 for technical support, arrange a demo, free samples, a trade event, or to discuss your next project or contact us here.

^The Orchid Group is also known as Symmetry Mosaics.

Industry Profile: Don Macdonald - "The Artists"

Edna Embrym - "Coral Reef"

Edna Embrym - "Meeting Place"

Philomena Yeatman - "Beetle Species"

Previously we shared how Don Macdonald and The Orchid Group^ team prepared the walls for The Shields Street Heart Mosaic project. The Shields Street Mosaic Project featured imagery from three local Indigenous artists, and this week we find out about them and their inspirations.

Edna Embrym

Walls 1 & 3 - ‘The Reef’

A thousand words in an image – a hundred tales, intrigues and whispers about a reef that is ever moving, shaping, developing, changing and encompassing. These are the thematic bases that Edna Ambrym drew upon to form her visionary drafts of walls 1 and 3 in the Shield Street project.

Wall 2 - ‘Meeting Place’

To have the energy, optimism, familiarity and homeliness of this space celebrated by the Shield Street wall called ‘Meeting Place’ is not only apt and appropriate, but strengthening in the bonds of community and togetherness.

Philomena Yeatman

Walls 4 & 5 – ‘Bidi Bidi’

“In November and December the festive seasons arrives, as do the different colour Bidi-Bidi species.” Philomena Yeatman. Shimmering blues, greens, greys and burnt orange are but a few of the shades and hues that emanate from the bidi bidi (beetles) that arrive around year’s end in Cairns.

Wall 6 – ‘Mind Games’

“Some people are successful while others get left behind.  The colours in this painting represent the different ways of thinking.” Philomena Yeatman. This wall portrays the intricacies, complexities and convolutions that can occur within the fabric of thought, attitude and mind-set of individuals.

Valmai Pollard

Wall 7 – ‘Wild Flowers’

The ways in which Valmai has depicted the changes and formations of the wild flowers in this 3 dimensional art work, cements for us the notion that hope always exists, renewal is always happening and new beginnings are there for the taking whenever we need them

Wall 8 – ‘Muddy Tracks’

Valmai Pollard’s vision and skills have transformed a forgotten concept into a mesmerising and stunning work that contributes significantly to the appreciation we feel for our own place – our own muddy tracks and paths.

Read the full story about the artists and their inspiration here.

Next time, "The Imagery".

Contact us on 1800 331 012 for technical support, arrange a demo, free samples, a trade event, or to discuss your next project or contact us here.  

^The Orchid Group is also known as Symmetry Mosaics

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here.