When materials become asset strategy

When materials become asset strategy
Sky Pool Embassy Gardens in London, where Atlas Concorde stone-effect porcelain tile are used to decorate the terrace floors.

Branded Content by: AtlasConcorde

In contemporary real estate, materials are no longer selected solely on the basis of aesthetics. Across residential, hospitality, retail and mixed-use developments, developers and designers are increasingly looking for solutions capable of combining visual identity, technical performance, durability and long-term value.

This evolution was one of the central themes behind Atlas Concorde's presence at Salone del Mobile 2026, where the company presented its vision of ceramics as an integrated system for contemporary architecture and real estate. More than a showcase of new collections, the exhibition highlighted how surfaces can contribute to the coherence, functionality and identity of increasingly complex projects.

Under the concept of “One Space – The Atlas Concorde Ceramic Ecosystem”, the company demonstrated how floor and wall surfaces, large-format slabs through Atlas Plan, and furniture solutions from Atlas Concorde Habitat can work together as a unified design language. The objective is to support architects, developers and operators seeking continuity across different environments while maintaining high technical and aesthetic standards.

The approach reflects a broader trend within the industry. As projects become more sophisticated and users more demanding, materials are increasingly expected to perform multiple functions. Beyond appearance, they contribute to durability, ease of maintenance, operational efficiency and the overall perception of quality within an asset.

At Salone del Mobile, Atlas Concorde explored this concept through three complementary installations. The first was a 240-square-metre Concept Home designed by Lissoni & Partners, where surfaces, furnishings and large slabs were integrated across kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces and outdoor areas. Rather than presenting individual products, the project illustrated how ceramics can create continuity across different functions and environments.

The second installation focused on the building envelope. Developed in collaboration with One Works, the research explored the application of three-dimensional parametric ceramics to façades, examining how ceramic surfaces can contribute to the architectural identity of buildings while interacting with light, ventilation and urban context. The concept is already being applied in projects nearing completion in Rome, including the C70 office complex and the Via del Serafico residential developments.

The third collaboration, developed with Talenti, focused on outdoor environments. As terraces, rooftops, wellness areas and shared exterior spaces become increasingly important within residential and hospitality assets, the integration of ceramic surfaces into outdoor furniture and design elements offers a way of extending architectural continuity beyond the building itself.

A vision already being translated into major international projects

One example is the recent expansion of Dubai Mall, the world's most visited shopping centre. Located in Downtown Dubai, adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, the asset welcomes more than 54 million visitors annually and continues to expand its retail and entertainment offer.

Dubai Mall

For the mall's new Chinatown district, Atlas Concorde surfaces were selected to help define the character of the space. The Prism collection, with its resin-effect finish and handcrafted appearance, was specified in Prism Cloud and Prism Cotton tones for large circulation areas overlooking the ice rink and connecting directly to Address Fountain Views. The collection was chosen for its ability to create depth and visual continuity while maintaining a contemporary and cosmopolitan aesthetic.

Elsewhere within the district, the concrete-effect Boost collection in the Pearl finish contributes a more urban and tactile identity. Together, the surfaces help create an environment inspired by Asian culture while incorporating the material language and design precision associated with Italian manufacturing.

A different application can be found in Nashville, Tennessee, where Atlas Concorde surfaces play a central role in two new residential towers designed by Goettsch Partners: Alcove and Prime.

Alcove residential tower, Nashville

Although conceived as part of a unified development, the two buildings express distinct architectural identities. At Alcove, the design is characterised by dynamic, overlapping volumes and sculptural forms. Within the lobbies and resident lounges, the Marvel Shine collection in Calacatta Prestigio introduces a refined marble effect that enhances natural light and creates a sense of continuity throughout the shared spaces.

According to Vladimir Andrejevic of Goettsch Partners, the surfaces help soften the building's geometries while creating a balance between contemporary design and timeless elegance.

Prime adopts a different architectural language, defined by stronger verticality and a more restrained composition. Here, Atlas Concorde's Boost Stone and Boost Pro collections introduce stone-effect and concrete-effect finishes that reinforce the building's contemporary identity. Lighter tones in communal areas and warmer shades in residential interiors contribute to a carefully balanced atmosphere, where materiality becomes part of the project's character.

Together, the two towers demonstrate how surface selection has evolved from a finishing choice into a key design decision capable of influencing the identity and perception of residential assets.

Whether in one of the world's most visited retail destinations, a high-end residential development in Nashville or the conceptual installations presented at Salone del Mobile, Atlas Concorde's projects point towards the same conclusion. In contemporary real estate, materials are increasingly expected to do more than cover surfaces. They contribute to the identity, coherence and long-term value of the spaces in which people live, work, shop and interact.

As real estate continues to evolve, the relationship between architecture, performance and materiality is becoming increasingly interconnected. Atlas Concorde's latest projects suggest that the conversation is no longer simply about finishes, but about how materials can support the broader ambitions of the built environment.

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