Upgrade your outdoor space with tiles inspired by the Australian coastline

With summer around the corner, the outdoors is calling with lazy days by the pool and fun under the sun. Fresh off its Brisbane showroom launch, Australian outdoor exterior specialists Artisan Exterior has launched its new tile collection called Coast. With a sophisticated colour palette and contemporary aesthetic, the latest collection is inspired by the Australian coastal environment.

"Artisan Exterior is the exclusive Australian supplier of Hisbalit Mosaico tiles, one of the oldest and most innovative manufacturers in Europe," says Craig Howard, Managing Director of Artisan Exterior.

"All of the Hisbalit range are on the internationally patented thermo-polymer backing system, allowing the highest level of adhesion."

Inspiration for the collection stemmed from customer insights and the broader trends occurring in the Australian market. European designs have always been popular in Australia, but Craig explains that architects, designers and homeowners are prioritising sustainably made tiles as they become more conscious of their environmental footprints. During the expansion of their Australian collection, the Artisan Exterior team also noticed a growing demand for tiles sized 40mm by 40mm.

As a result, to accommodate those trends, the Coast collection is made from 100% recycled glass and "utilises the same impactful 40x40mm format [with] a new textured unglazed matte finish in an array of fresh opaque tones". 

As Craig succinctly puts it: "to achieve an effortlessly cool aesthetic".

As for the creative process, the collection was designed and made in the manufacturing facility of Hisbalit Mosaico, located on the north coast of Spain.

"We had a concept to combine muted tones and a matte surface finish with gentle movement in colour and texture," says Craig.

"As the concept evolved, we found the larger 40x40mm tile format led itself particularly well to this kind of design, allowing for subtle changes in tone or texture to have a greater impact on the overall appearance of each of the colours."

While the tiles are made for pool areas, the unique designs lend themselves to various external and internal uses. In addition to pools, homeowners can add the tiles to water features, outdoor showers, counters, bathrooms and splashbacks.

Indeed, the Coast collection is exemplary of style and functionality combined. It has a P5 slip rating, which is ideal for families, and the thermos polymer backing system prevents breakdown when submerged in chlorinated water.

Each tile design has a contemporary squared-edge profile to create style consistency and an overall clean look. All seven products in the collection have an opaque, matte and unglazed tactile finish. Craig mentions that the diverse palette can help homeowners achieve a range of aesthetics. 

Salt, Bluff, Dune and Shell are the top choices for understated neutrals. For subtle vibrancy, the team recommend Fin Siren and Coral.

Below is a breakdown of the seven glass pool tiles from the Coast collection:

Touted as a "designer's dream", Coral is available to see, touch and feel at Artisan Exterior's new flagship showroom in Fortitude Valley.

"[Coral] really makes a statement ­– it is very different from anything currently in our range and incredibly versatile. We can't wait to see what our clients do with it," adds Craig.

Craig says that while the team are constantly sourcing the best pool, floor and wall surfaces globally, creating quality designs and innovative products is the heart of the business.

After successfully launching the Coast collection, the team are now gearing up to launch their new line of porcelain tiles called Strukture.

Learn more about the Coast collection from Artisan Exterior here.