Niro Education Trip

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE· BUILDING· DESIGN
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia
EDUCATION VISIT TO NIRO GRANITE
(27 APRIL 2018)
MEASUREMENT 2 (QSB60204)
STUDENT NAME : NG BEE YEE
STUDENT ID : 0328773
COURSE : BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING
SUBMISSION DATE : 3RD
MAY 2018
MY EXPECTATIONS OF THIS TRIP (PLEASE FILL IN BEFORE DAY 1 OF TRIP) :
I had a great experience about site visit last semester with my lecturer and classmates. It is an unforgettable
experience because we had learnt a lot of information about construction site which is not available in the notes
from those patient and friendly supervisors.
Hence, I feel very excited about our education trip and hope the staff of Niro Granite Company will teach us
something out of the notes and I did some research about Niro Granite Group and they are having first factory in
1979 in Switzerland,they are also involved in a lot of construction projects. I realized that they are a brand with
long-established reputation. These make me feel excited and hoping I can get information from the staff which is
beneficial to my future studies in this trip and hope it will become a memorable experiences in my life.

2. THE SHOWROOM/ GALLERY BUILDING
Take photographs of the building of the showroom. Identify the common materials used for the construction. Try
to investigate whether the materials obtained locally or imported from other countries. What do you see the
method of construction used, type of materials for floor, wall and ceiling (if any) finishes, available sizes of
materials found and detailing of installation including skirtings, drops etc. Please make your observations:
Observation of the building :
Carpet is use inside the lecture hall
since floor soundproofing is one of the
main features of carpet. It is an
exceptional sound absorber and the act
of reducing the disruptive impact noise
carried through the carpet floor is use
to avoid disturbing surrounding spaces.
The carpet in the hall is loop pile carpet
which is made from uncut loops of yarn.
This type of carpet one of the most
durable options in commercial area
with unique textured appearance.
Suspended ceiling is a ceiling made beneath the main
ceiling of the room. It is a second layer of roof
suspended from the main roof with lining board.
And the ceiling of the lecture hall and area outside the
lecture hall is using asbestos free-cement board which
is a cost effective material and widely used in office
area. Beading act as decorative treatment and also
provide some protection against splitting.
Beading
Asbestos free
cement sheet
A floor tile found at the outside of lecture hall. Voids at
the back of the tile is for back buttering process. It is a
process of applying a thin layer of adhesive/mortar to
the back of the tiles using the flat side of the trowel.
Reason for back buttering tiles is it is not always easy to
trowel thinset mortar into hard to reach places.
Voids for
back
buttering
process
Loop pile carpet

3. Observation of Showroom :
Niro Granite Group build a lot of showrooms to help customer have a better understanding and
imagination about the suitability and adaptability of all the tiles produce and selling by Niro Granite
Group in different type of areas of the building or house such as glazed porcelain tiles with timber
looking can use in bathroom, bedroom or living room. And this is also helping customer get some
inspiration to design their houses or building.
Beam ceilings are a traditional style of
ceiling in which load bearing beams are
exposed and boxed beam ceiling is the
beam are arranged in a waffle-type
pattern.
Glass wall is helping the lobby having great
natural lighting.
Unglazed porcelain tile is more slip and
scratch resistant in high traffic areas with
aesthetic earthy colour. However, it more
vulnerable to stains and we can found
some stains on the floor of lobby.
Boxed Beam Ceiling
Glass Wall
Unglazed porcelain
tiles
Floor tile
Glazed Porcelain Tile with Timber
Looking
Size:20x120cm
Wall tile
Clay Art – 1
GCA02 Wheat& GCA03 Khaki
GCA03 Khaki
Wall – Venato Porcelain Tile
Finishes: Glossy/Matt/Polished
Size: 30x90/60x120/60x60
Floor-Land Porcelain Tile
Finished: Matt
Size: 60x60
Wall-Basis Porcelain Tile
Finishes : Lappato/Matt
Size:25x66.6/30x90/60x120/60x60
Floor-Concrete Porcelain Tile
Finishes : Matt
Size: 20x120/30x90/60x120/60x60
Showroom for Petra Antiqua,
various type of luxury wall
finishes .

4. 1.Clay serves as a binder, an inexpensive source of alumina and silica, and a
suspension aid. It is the most important element in a tile body. It gives a light
coloring in firing and contributes binding and plasticity characteristics of the
mass.
2.Feldspar as a natural mineral that are used to lower the firing temperature
during the process of manufacture the tiles. It gives a glossy finish on ceramic
bodies. It plays a vital role in attaining vitrified and high mechanical resistance of
a product.
3.Chemical additives is required for the shaping process
4.Iron-containing raw materials determine the colour of the tile
5.Silica reduces shrinkage and increases the whiteness of a fired body and there
is 3 type of silica which is rock, granular and powder. Silica is also often used as
filler and acts as a glass-former in ceramics manufacturer process.
There are a lot of difference raw materials been used in manufacture process of different type of
ceramic tiles products, but 5 of these raw materials is important during the process of manufacture
the tiles such as ceramic and porcelain tiles. It is also important to mix the right amounts of raw
materials together to achieve the desired properties such as water absorption percentage and
colour.
Types of materials for floor, wall and ceiling (if any) finishes :
Ceramic Tile :
A type of tile that is typically made from red or white clay that has been fired in a kiln.
Porcelain Tile/Glazed Tile :
Part of the larger category of tiles that can generally be called ceramic, porcelain tile is just made
from a more refined material. Although both are made from clay and other naturally occurring
materials fired in a kiln, the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified. And it is
harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. Liquid glass applied to the body of the tile
and fired at high temperatures. The glazing becomes hard and non-porous resulting in a tile.
Homogeneous Tile/Unglazed Tile :
No glazing or any other coating is applied to tile and the colour is same on the face of the tileas it is
on the back.
Identify the common materials used for the construction

5. Density:
Porcelain clays are denser and thus less porous than ceramic clays. This makes porcelain tile harder, more
impervious to moisture than ceramic tile and more difficult to break or hurt
Adaptability :
Due to the body composition, porcelain tile considered more durable and better suited for heavy usage than
ceramic tile such as exterior area or floor finishes. If they are enamelled, they are strong enough to support
heavy loads.
Ceramic tile has higher water absorption and this causes easily to break or brittle and more suitable to very
light to moderate traffic area such as wall finishes and for interior area of the house.
Durability :
Porcelain has a higher feldspar content, which makes it more durable.
Ease to Cut :
Ceramic tile is less dense than porcelain tile, it is also a far easier material for homeowners to cut manually
Price :
Porcelain is more expensive to manufacture than ceramic tile, resulting in higher retail prices
Three Types of Porcelain Tiles
Homogeneous /Unglazed Glazed Double Charge
THE EDUCATION TOUR
Ceramic Tile Porcelain Tile
Density Less denser Denser
Water
Absorption
Higher water absorption Lower water absorption
Adaptability Use as wall finishes Use as floor and wall finishes
Content More impurities Lesser impurities
Durability Less Durable Durable
Ease to
cutting
Easier to cut Require the experienced hand of an
experienced tile-setter
Price Cheaper More expensive
Also called as full body which have
pigment in entire body (thickness) of
the tile. This make scratches less
noticeable and make this an ideal
choice for high traffic zones, but the
process significantly increases the
cost.
Have a glazed surface and offer a
wide variety of design, art work and
surface textures such as wood grain
It’s an expensive process, but the
cost is dropping as digital printing
techniques are introduced.
It prints the pattern with a double
layer of pigment, 3 to 4 mm thicker
than other types of tile. The process
results in a long-wearing tile surface,
suitable for heavy traffic commercial
projects.
Differences between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

6. Materials obtained locally or imported from other countries and available sizes of the
tiles :
Majority of the raw material used to manufacture tile is purchase by local factory or company
except some colour pigment from Indonesia or Japan.
Most tiles are square or rectangular in shape. The usual formats tend to vary from 15x15cm
to 60x120cm.One of the tiles example is Cementous +Muse tile :
Detailing of installation
.
Rectangular Shape : 60x120cm
Square Shape : 60x60cm
Rectangular Shape :30x60cm
Step 2: Begin Your Layout
Start by marking the center point of each of
the walls in the room .Lay a row of loose
tiles along the center lines in both
directions, using tile spacers as you go for
even, uniform joints
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Make sure your surfaces are clean and dry.
Step 3: Apply the Adhesive
Mix enough of adhesive which only to be
used within 30minutes and use the flat side
of the trowel to apply adhesive to the back
of the tiles or surface of the floor.
Step 4: Set Your Tile
Begin by installing tiles in the center of the
room, one grid at a time
Step 5: Grouting Joints
Remove the tile spacers and spread grout on
the tile surface, use a rubber grout float or a
squeegee to force it down into the joints
Tile spacer
Ensure that all tiles are laid in an equal
distance from each other thereby giving the
tile installation a professional finish.
Tile Spacer
Tile Joints
Recommended tile joint between 3-
5mm.Grouting is for sealing and
aesthetic purposes.It can be done using
cement or cement-based products.

7. Common Defect for Porcelain Tiles
1.Shading
The differences in the shades of the single tiles can result in them looking uneven when you see them side by
side.
And according to the CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributor Association) Rating System for shade variation among
ceramic and porcelain tile, the V1 – V4 rating indicates the level at which a tile’s color, tone and texture will vary
from one piece to the next.
V1- uniform shape and appearance, have little to no
change from one production run of tile to the next.
V2- Tiles with slight variation but the overall
background is monochromatic and consistent.
V3- Tiles with moderate variation, offers handmade ceramics made by tile artisans who more than understand
variation.
V4- Dramatic range in colour and or texture. Porcelains made to look like natural stone are meant to mimic
mother nature’s high variation.
2.Curvature/Flatness
Unequal surface of the floor
This common defect can be avoid by using tile spacers or straightedge tools while or before apply the adhesive
or tile on the floor. Straight edge is a tool with a straight edge, used for drawing straight lines, or checking their
straightness.
3. Buckling
The reasons of occurring buckling might be :
-Improper adhesive - Building Movement
-Wrong method of installation -Bad Quality of Workmanship

8. Name two types of floor tiles that you found in the showroom that really attract your attention. State the reasons
(Please indicate the size if possible and attach a photo each):
When I walked into this show room, I thought the floor finishes is
really made by timber. However, the sale assistant told us the floor
finishes is glazed porcelain tiles with timber looking. I feel shocked
and surprise for the lifelike looking.
This floor finishes is under category of Glazed porcelain- Softwood -
Ecoforesta ,which is using 100% ultra-fine and high resolution
printing technology produces authentic and magnificent images that
manifest the signature of genuineness with each images’
individuality.
I am so admire to the person who invent this technology because
this floor finishes is more ecological and environmental friendly. This
floor finishes is having the aesthetic timber looking but without the
problem or decay or shrinkage in the wet area such as bathroom.
Floor –Glazed Porcelain Tile
with Timber Looking
Size:20x120cm
Floor –Porcelain Marmo
Winter White Tile
Porcelain tile :60x120cm
matt.polished
White body tile :28.5x88.5cm
glossy
This floor tile is porcelain floor tile with stylish/modern stone and
marble effect.The elegant line of exceptional tiles is redolent with
the classical flavours of ancient Italy, yet is infused with an
unmistakably modern, cosmopolitan taste.
The first idea in my mind when I see this floor tile is it is very
suitable to be used in bungalow and 5 star hotels. It can help the
area to be more elegant and stylish.
It can be wall tile also and 3D effect which called Ca Marmo white
tile as a decoration or finishes to increase the aesthetic feeling of
the area.

9. Name two types of wall tiles that you found in the showroom that really attract your attention. State the reasons
(Please indicate the size if possible and attach a photo each):
SHOWROOM TOUR
Conclude your observation on the products shown in the gallery (What are the popular or common products
produced by NIro and their usage in the construction and why?)
There two type of main product in the area of showroom or gallery which is sanitary ware and tiles. I
realised that there have a great lighting in the showroom and gallery area which will affect the
emotion/mood of the visitor. They are having a huge glass wall with great natural lighting which give the
This wall tile is inspired by the natural veins from Quartzite
stone, capturing the right depth and developing on its 3D
characteristics, the Wave series is designed to obtain
aesthetic value in any interior architectural solution.
It is suitable to use in bathroom or dining area as a
decorative tile. And I like the3D characteristic of this wall
tile with the wave effect, it create an elegant and relaxing
atmosphere.
Wall-Wave Ca Marmo White
ZCA01 28.5x88.5cm glossed
Zirconio Antique ceramic tile is inspired by the styles of
traditional Mediterranean handmade goods.I have been
attracted by this wall tile with this yellow lighting while I
walk by and I automatic captured down this aesthetic wall
finishes.
This ceramic tile collection will evoke the picturesque
Mediterranean lifestyle in your home that is warm,
comfortable and stylish. They are suitable to be apply in
most of the interior area especially kitchen and dining
area.
Wall-Zirconio Antique Ceramic Tile
Made in the basic 60x60cm and 60x120cm
sizes

10. visitor or customer some good emotion and lighting to identify or observe the colour, texture of all types
of tiles clearly.
The most popular and common products produced by Niro is porcelain tiles and the reason is this type
of tiles is more durable and suitable to a lot of different type of building or area. It can be apply in wet or
dry area and not easy to break, durable . Hence, there is a lot of costumer, contractor or developer
choose to use it. The another reason is the price is affordable and various type of construction project
also can found Niro Granite Group’s tiles such as commercial and residential area. According to the
sale assistant, some of the chain store also choosing Niro porcelain tiles to be their floor and wall tile.
The project that Niro Granit Group have been involved including KLIA 2,One Utama, Lamborghini
Showroom and etc.
POST MORTEM
Describe of what have you learnt from this visit. Do you appreciate the VISIT?
Throughout this education trip,I have learnt a lot of things that out of the notes especially the knowledge of tiles.
The staff of Niro Granite Group explained the difference between various type of tiles , manufacturing
process ,installation process ,common defect and more and more knowledge very detail and patiently .The staff
and sale assistant of Niro Granite Group is very knowledgeable about tiles industry ,they can answer all f the
question we asked and even giving some extra information to us.
From this education trip, I have better understanding different type of tiles, method and process of
manufacturing and installing tile and a lot of information or knowledge that is I never heard or concern before.
Having this education trip is really an eye opening experience and memorable experience for me, I feel very
happy and appreciate that I can gain information and communicate with all the staffs who work in Niro Granite
Group because they are very friendly and patient to us and have a lot of knowledge about tile which is an
important finishes for wall and floor
After this education trip ,I realized having an education trip is like having a vision tutorial and it is easier to
understand and learn the wall and floor finishes knowledge compare with study from notes. It is a great
experience for us to touch and observe the real floor and wall finishes which will give lots of help to us in our
studies.
Lastly, I would like to thank you our lecturers giving us this opportunity to have an education trip which benefits a
lot to me.I hope we will have more opportunities to have an eye opening trip in the future because it is very
beneficial to me to understand and gain more practical knowledge rather than theories learnt from notes.
Niro Granite Group Education Trip
THANK YOU