The Adult Activity Center 50+ in Coral Gables, Florida provides educational opportunities, group activities, social events and services, and medical resources for members of the Coral Gables community over the age of 50. The Center, which is part of the city’s Parks and Recreation department, was in need of an update to its interior and with its many and varied offerings—including writing workshops, wine appreciation courses, introduction to meditation seminars, information and technology classes as well as yoga, zumba and pilates fitness programs—the required solution would need to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also suitable for a wide variety of activities, highly cleanable and low maintenance.
Coral Gables-based architecture firm Ferguson Glasgow Schuster Soto was called in to complete the design and chose to specify Crossville tile across the entirety of the space—9,000 square feet between floor and wall surfaces. For the main floor lobby and hallways, totaling 5,700 square feet, the firm chose Crossville’s SpeakEasy 6”x 36” planks. The stylish, contemporary tile features a washed wood look with subtle brown and grey undertones; the color is reminiscent of driftwood and therefore perfect for a beach community like Coral Gables. In addition, SpeakEasy provides the warm look of hardwood in a durable, long-wearing porcelain tile package that will withstand whatever Coral Gables seniors throw its way.
For the bathroom walls, Crossville’s Ebb & Flow mosaics, used sink to ceiling, add light-reflecting dimension to the space. For the bathroom floors, Ferguson Glasgow Schuster Soto selected Crossville Empire in Corsican Créme. The Empire collection mimics a timeless, marble look in rich, traditional tones and texture, such as the beautiful marfil of the Corsican Créme color. However, the durable porcelain tile body offers performance characteristics that exceed that of real marble and provide the required technical specifications to help keep facility guests on sure footing.
Crossville’s Cross-Colors Mingles in Cappuccino, with a coordinating base, was specified for the kitchen and food preparation areas, IT room, and offices. Cross-Colors products feature specks of color against background field tones and can be mixed and matched as desired to create unique looks. Like all Crossville porcelain tile, Cross-Colors requires nothing more than a mop and gentle cleanser to maintain its beauty.
Tile’s role in the overall design of this busy facility is significant. Offering both the beauty and durability necessary, Crossville collections are the foundation for a design that’s modern, welcoming, and poised to perform well for the long-term.
