Europica Tiles suggested Laminam, a 3.5mm ceramic tile from Laminex New Zealand, that can be used in both interior and exterior applications.

The flexibility of Laminam and its ability to be used for flooring, walls and as exterior cladding quickly made it a favourite, but first Europica had to demonstrate their strategy for installation. Instead of using Laminam in its native state as a large format tile, Europica suggested a layering and planking approach that achieved a staggered finish that contributed to the overall design aesthetic of the building. In comparison with other materials under consideration, this flexibility and durability led to the selection of Laminam.

Laminam was then chosen for various applications within the interiors, including a feature within the stairwells, high-level ceilings that transitioned from the exterior to the inside of the building and exterior wall and soffit cladding. Europica’s experience as an approved Laminam installer ensured that they were able to tackle the challenges of construction, such as managing construction joints, edge detailing and implementing soffits and eyebrows on the building's exterior. In one application a partially floating panel was installed over joints to provide continuity of the design.

Laminam is both UV and graffiti resistant, meaning that it will never require painting and is easily cleaned and maintained — a huge advantage in the eyes of both the architect and the client. Creyke House is a first for Christchurch and a landmark for Laminam in New Zealand.

Laminam panels each measure 3000 x 1000mm, and are available in more than 90 colours and finishes, including solid colours, patterns, woodgrains, stone, gloss and metallic finishes. Twenty-four of these colours are held in stock in New Zealand — the rest are imported to order from Italy.