For those in the architecture and design industries there is nothing more exciting than stumbling across the next big trend. There are few things more stimulating than finding materials new to the market that create new opportunities and creative expression — materials that are not just about being current and on-trend, but leap ahead into the future.

This applies to all aspects of the design world, including interior and exterior tiles. Staying ahead of current trends in the tile world is an endless but enjoyable task for The Tile Depot, so regular contact with manufacturers, designers and overseas trips help the Tile Depot team maintain a fashion forward range.

The Tile Depot are very excited to announce the much-anticipated arrival of Brick One porcelain stoneware. Ordered at Cersaie, the International Bathroom and Tile Fair in September 2015, the brick porcelain tile is predicted to be one of the hottest trends for 2016.

Brick One porcelain stoneware is an incredibly convincing faux brick in a 7.4 x 31cm porcelain tile that contains all the tonal variation and surface texture found in traditional small exposed brick. Initially it is available in stock in three colours, including the classic Rosso red, and the more contemporary charcoal and white shades of the Nero and Bianco. However more colours are available on indent, as are the external corner detail tiles or angolos.

Brick One is a frost-proof glazed porcelain tile that can be used on both interiors and exteriors, including most interior walls, outdoor fences, pillars and letterboxes. It has the benefit of a considerably thinner profile than natural brick being only 9mm thick, so is ideal for cost effectively finishing existing walls. It will never require sealing and is considerably easier to clean than natural brick, so it can even be used in kitchen splashbacks and bathrooms. It is also stain resistant and colourfast.

This latest development in porcelain stoneware manufacturing is part of an exponential increase in porcelain product replication, where natural stones, marble, timbers and now exposed brick are being very convincingly produced. Porcelain stoneware has numerous benefits including being more durable, non-porous, extremely low maintenance and generally a more environmentally friendly option than the authentic materials they are replicating. Furthermore, there is the added benefit of a range of sizes and shapes being produced that don't exist or are extremely difficult to find in the natural materials.

If a project requires the charm and character of traditional or contemporary exposed brick, then the range of options in the Brick One range at the Tile Depot are ideal.