a bathroom composed of ‘dtiles’

the ‘dtile’ system is an integrative collection of tiles designed for the seamless blanketing of spaces and objects, with as much of an eye towards practicality as towards aesthetics.

created by dutch designers peter van der jagt, erik jan kwakkel, and arnout visser of the studio dtile, the tiles come in a range of shapes and functionalities developed to address every household need within the framework of tile.

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile shower installation of dtiles

‘we love this grid that tilework produces,’ the designers explain, ‘and do not want to interrupt it for any reason. not because one might need a function, or for the fact that the world is three dimensional and tiles are not.’

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile the faucet, shower, and drawer pull components are each integrated into their own ‘dtile’

the project began here at designboom, when the designers entered our 2004 ‘kitchen is the heart of the home’ competition and then exhibited their work at our 2005 exhibition at imm cologne. originally unable to find a manufacturer to mass produce the pieces, the team began production independently, and is now expanding its distribution.

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile detail of tile grid

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile rounded ‘dtiles’ create smooth, seamless edges in place of hard angled joints

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile towel hook ‘dtile’

the aesthetic drive to create seamless tile spaces was accomplished relatively simply by the creation of rounded and curved pieces that would prevent the need for angular joints.

to address the practical needs of living spaces, the trio began integrating necessary functionalities directly into their tiles, some of which are three-dimensional. hooks, outlets, shelves, drawers, gaskets, control dials, plugs, and vents are just some of the many varieties of ‘functional tiles’ available. entire sinks, showers, and bathtubs are formed from simply assembling the requisite component pieces.

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile ‘dtile’ boxes offer shelf functionality without interrupting the tile grid

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile ‘dtile’ pullout square drawer

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile bathroom vent ‘dtile’ for wall or ceiling

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile bath plug ‘dtile’ for floor

moving forward from kitchens and bathrooms, the dtile team is currently expanding into tiling woodstoves, buildings, market stalls, and even vehicles.

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile a ‘dtile’ kitchen

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile detail of kitchen appliances in use

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile gaskets, shelving, and stove controls are each all built directly into ‘dtiles’

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile left: detail on hooked wall shelf right: detail on stove dial

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile faucet, sink, and drain

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile indented ‘dtiles’ create space to place a cutting board, while above, magnetic ‘dtiles’ store knives, and shelves hold books and plant pots

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile sink and drying rack

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile this ‘dtile’ is designed as a mortar

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile ceramic plant pots are built directly into these ‘dtiles’

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile blackboard tiles, one with integrated chalk shelf

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile full view of a demo ‘dtile’ kitchen

peter van der jagt + erik jan kwakkel + arnout visser: dtile profile view of the kitchen

the designers discuss the ‘dtile’ system