ExCinere® Volcanic ash–glazed porcelain tiles

ExCinere® is a collection of porcelain tiles finished with glazes made from volcanic ash. Developed by Dzek in collaboration with Formafantasma, the material combines an industrial ceramic base with naturally occurring volcanic matter, resulting in surfaces that express mineral variation while meeting architectural performance requirements.

The tiles are formed from a dense, vitrified porcelain body that provides low water absorption, high mechanical strength and long-term durability. This substrate allows the material to be used in both interior and exterior applications, including floors, walls and façade surfaces. The porcelain base ensures dimensional stability, while the glaze defines the visual and tactile qualities of the tile.

The volcanic ash glaze is produced by processing ash into different particle sizes and combining it in varying quantities before firing. The mineral composition of the ash, which contains high levels of metal oxides, reacts during firing to create subtle differences in colour, texture and surface depth. As a result, each batch displays natural variation rather than uniform repetition. These differences are an inherent characteristic of the material rather than a defect.

ExCinere® is available in two small-format sizes and in a range of earth-toned and green-toned glazes. The surfaces range from relatively smooth to more granular, depending on the glaze composition and firing conditions. Special elements such as mitred edges, glazed edges and slip-resistant finishes allow the material to be adapted to different architectural detailing requirements.

In use, ExCinere® performs as a glazed porcelain tile, offering resistance to wear, moisture and frost when correctly specified and installed. The material is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, circulation areas and exterior envelopes, where durability is required alongside a visually expressive surface. Due to glaze variation, tiles are intended to be mixed during installation to achieve an even distribution of tone and texture across the finished surface.

By incorporating volcanic ash into a controlled ceramic process, ExCinere® translates a historically significant geological material into a contemporary architectural product. Rather than replicating volcanic stone, the material uses ash as an active glaze component, producing surfaces that reflect geological origin while remaining compatible with modern construction standards.