The state-of-the-art facility features an adjoining distribution centre, event space, and several alternative surface applications including, flooring, facades, cladding, and more

Cosentino, the global leader in producing and distributing sustainable and innovative surfaces for architecture and design, officially opened its newest Canadian Centre, strategically located in Burlington, Ontario. The new location provides increased sales and distribution opportunities for the surrounding areas, including Guelph, Kitchener, London, St. Catharine’s, and Hamilton, demonstrating Cosentino’s continued commitment to the Canadian market. The modernized 4,000-square-foot showroom has an adjoined distribution warehouse, allowing individuals to see the actual slab they may be interested in.

The Centre gives architects, designers, project managers and consumers the chance to experience the wide range of Cosentino products, including Dekton and Silestone, in large slab formats. Offerings from Sensa natural stone are also on display.

The showroom features a sample atelier, a space for continuing education and events, and various surface installations, including an outdoor kitchen concept featuring Dekton’s exterior capabilities, a ventilated wall façade display, Dekton flooring, and seamless integrity sinks.

“We are really focusing on expanding in the Southern Ontario region to effectively meet the A&D industry’s surfacing needs,” said Karim Guirguis, Regional Director – North Region, Cosentino Canada. “With such rapid growth in areas west of Toronto, we chose an accessible location with plenty of parking immediately off the highway. We’re looking forward to welcoming trade and design professionals into this new beautiful and innovative showroom, which will be sure to ignite some inspiration along their design journey.”

As a Spain-based, family-owned business with over 40 years of history, Cosentino has long been a globally trusted surfacing brand. The opening of the Toronto South Centre reflects the company’s overarching strategy to strengthen its position as the surfacing leader in the North American market.

Cosentino has two City showrooms, one in Old Montreal and one in Toronto, and six Cosentino Centres located in Stanstead, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and now, Burlington.

The new Cosentino Toronto South Centre is located at 3485 North Service Road in Burlington, Ontario and is open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

It’s that time of year again. We’re kicking off our Great Canadian Backyard Series with Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens. Established in 2016, Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens was one of the first companies in Canada to specialize solely in outdoor kitchens. They are masters at their craft and create stunning outdoor spaces for their clients with the same level of detail and planning that is expected with interior kitchens. We connected with Matthew Herbert, Principal at Sherwood to learn about one of their latest projects co-designed with Madeline Schmidt of Madeline Design Group located in beautiful Langley, British Columbia.

Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the design.

Situated on a large lot, the clients wanted a resort like feel with all the same amenities available to them. As well as the outdoor kitchen, a pool, putting green and sport court allowed the space to cater to large groups of all ages. A pizza oven was a must for parties and the addition of the ice machine allowed for all drinks to be cold during larger gatherings.

What inspired the homeowners to build an outdoor kitchen?

The last couple of years allowed the clients to take stock of how they spent their time at home. They wanted to be able to entertain close friends and family in the comforts of their own home.

Were there any challenges in designing the space, and if so, how did you overcome them?

Working within the constraints of the overhead structure resulted in an extra tight fit.  Trying to achieve a balanced visual, function and whilst accommodating the appliance wish list made for many hours in concept development phase.

What elements did you feature to accommodate for larger gatherings?

Ice machines are a must for larger gatherings where lots of drinks are flowing! Also, a pizza oven is also a great addition for large scale parties allowing each guest to have a personalised and memorable experience.

Why did you choose Dekton for the kitchen?

We use Dekton for its superior performance to heat and staining. Outdoor kitchens are a high grease -high heat environment, often covered in sticky sauces and wine spills after a party. Having the confidence that the countertops will not stain or be comprised by any excessive fun really makes it the only material we recommend for our projects. The colour used in this project was Sirius with a 2 cm thickness.

Do you have any insights to share when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen space?

Clients will now often scale up their entertaining style in different ways than they had previously when it comes to an outdoor kitchen. It is important to really imagine how the space will play out for larger gatherings. Prepping, serving, spontaneous margarita making all needs to be planned when it comes to the countertop space for future parties.

To learn more about Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens visit: https://www.sherwoodoutdoorkitchens.com/

Photos by – Spencer Watson

No day is ever the same for Jose Varon, Marketing Coordinator for Cosentino in the Canadian market. For the past three years, Jose has been driving the marketing and communications efforts across the country, helping to further amplify brand awareness for the company and its umbrella of brands. No stranger to marketing and design, Jose’s role creates synergy between branding, marketing, sustainability, architecture and interior design, from global to local approaches. We recently connected with Jose to learn about what a day in his life looks like working at Cosentino.

1) Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do for fun.

I was born in Bogota, Colombia and arrived in Canada in 2011. I lived in Montreal for four years before deciding to move with my wife to the Greater Toronto Area. I love languages with the great benefit of opening doors for global networking. I’ve always been involved in design and marketing positions. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design from University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Bogota, and a Marketing Management Diploma from McGill University in Montreal.

I love family hiking, camping and playing with my two kids. I’ve also been a part of several rock bands in the past, so whenever there’s a chance to feed the spirit, I love playing cover songs on the guitar and keyboard, composing new songs, or even DJ’ing at Cosentino events.

2) What led you to joining the Cosentino team?

The opportunity to be a part of an outstanding synergy between branding, marketing, the products and their applications involving sustainability around the architecture and design industry attracted me to this position. Also, all the different angles of the company’s  organizational culture, the vast global presence and very well structured values aimed at growing the human capital for professional development. On the other hand, I was drawn to the assertive vision of Cosentino’s dedication to R&D and creating sustainable and innovative products that provide versatile multiple applications to inspire people’s spaces.

3) What does an average day as the Marketing Coordinator for Cosentino Canada look like?

Every day is different. It's always pretty dynamic and even more today working hybrid between home and the Toronto showroom, while covering the spectrum of communications from headquarters in Spain to coast-to-coast across Canada.

I start every day with a cup of coffee and work through priorities. This includes supporting our Canadian sales team to help them reach their objectives. I also look for our brand presence in sponsorship-related opportunities. Some days, I’m working on budget allocation for our media plan which includes reviewing technical design aspects of online/offline ads with their editorial deadlines to submit artwork. I also focus on monthly newsletters to send to all our audiences in English and French.

On other days I go over media outlets, A&D’s requests for collaborations and amplify corporate news with our PR agency partner. I review all marketing content for all our brochures and literature, the coordination of trade shows, global launches and monthly social media calendars. Yes, it’s a lot, however, it’s a journey I enjoy every day, and every day simply goes so quickly.

4) What do you enjoy the most about working for Cosentino?

To be happily busy and contribute to every single aspect of integrated marketing. From the strategy to the coordination of tactics for Canadian audiences in both languages, to participating and collaborating with cross-functional teams that are not only Canada, but also  our North America headquarters, it’s a role I truly enjoy. I like learning from my peers in other countries about their projects and best practices. Working for Cosentino has provided me with a rewarding experience in all aspects of my role, professional growth and personal life. That is why I love my job!

Registered Dietitian, cookbook co-author of Fraiche Food, Full Hearts and food and lifestyle blogger Tori Wesszer loves her kitchen so much that she uses it as her full-time office. She recently took on a complete renovation of her kitchen and created a functional yet beautiful crisp and clean open space where she can food prep, shoot photography, write, and so much more. We caught up with Tori to learn more about her vision behind the kitchen and why this space is her favourite room in her home.

1) What was the inspiration behind the kitchen/office renovation?  

I’ve always loved anything French, ever since I can remember.  The Fraîche brand was born from that love, which inspired the office design. A bright and airy open space that everyone would love walking into work was my goal.

2) What were the must-haves for this project? 

I really wanted to create a bright and airy kitchen with lots of working space.  At any given time, there are up to 6 people working in the kitchen: it was, therefore, important to me to incorporate a large island that had no sink or burners, just pure workspace!  With so much food prep under our belts, we added roll-out garbage cans to make clean-up a breeze (highly recommend). With a beautiful view of the lake and the need for natural light for photography, plenty of big windows was another must!

3) What in particular do you like most about your countertops? 

Beyond the fact that they are so beautiful, they are so resilient!  We cook a LOT, and with two young boys, I needed countertops that wouldn’t stain easily.  I’m so happy with them.

I’ve always loved the bright look of the Silestone Statuario that brings in the look of natural stone (without the headache).  I love how timeless the veining is: it is soft and subtle, so classy.  I will love it forever.  It is literally on every solid surface throughout our office and home. I really love the way it all came together. The brass elements, from the unlacquered brass faucets to the hardware to the lighting, really brought my vision of a traditional, bright and airy French kitchen to life. The details do matter a lot.

4) Do you have any advice about designing a live/workspace in the home? 

I love how separate the space is from my home now that we have this built.  There was no separation before building the office, which became hard to shut off at the end of the day. My best advice is to make it a space that you love walking into: you spend a lot of your day working! Invest in furniture and accessories that bring you joy and are functionally based on what you need for work and add plenty of storage so that the space doesn’t look cluttered.

5) In your opinion, what makes a happy, healthy home?

The people in it. My home is white, but there are sweet little fingerprints everywhere if you look closely.  I know I will miss that one day, so I don’t stress about it.  I try to keep the upstairs as clean and clutter-free as I can for a relaxing space for us to enjoy (no TV upstairs for us) and let the kids do their thing on our lower level.  Our home is always filled with people, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To learn more about Tori Wesszer’s kitchen project visit https://fraicheliving.com/.

Guirguis brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and commitment to the role

Cosentino Group, the global leader in producing and distributing innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, has announced Karim Guirguis as the new Regional Director of Sales and Distribution for Cosentino in the Canadian market.

Guirguis is an interior designer by trade, having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University, majoring in the study of design. Over the past 15 years, he has been working within the tile and solid surfaces industry, three of which have been with Cosentino. He formerly held the position of Regional General Manager. Quebec, Ottawa & Atlantic Canada.

“I am thrilled to be leading Cosentino in the Canadian market, particularly during such a critical time for the company and the industry,” said Guirguis, Regional Director of Sales and Distribution, Cosentino Canada. “We continue to rapidly grow our market share with product availability and short lead times, and industry leading product innovations including new colour advancements and sustainable surface offerings. Cosentino is an ever-evolving company where change, technology and design are at the core of its mission, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this amazing team.”

Guirguis’s leadership will ensure continued process and efficiency to further accelerate business growth. The company achieved a record year in 2021 in terms of turnover and net profit thanks to the pillars that underpin its business model: commitment to innovation and sustainability, human capital, global logistics network, and digital transformation.

The global campaign showcases how Silestone® has transformed thanks to the patented HybriQ® Technology, which sets the course for real and concrete sustainability in the design and architectural surfaces industry.

Silestone® by Cosentino, the leading global hybrid mineral surface for the world of architecture and design, is launching its biggest Silestone® campaign in nearly 20 years. Debuting in 21 countries simultaneously, “Changing the World From The Kitchen” celebrates how the brand has evolved through industry-leading sustainability innovations and marks the first dedicated campaign since its rebranding in 2021. It also responds to the new generation of consumers who demand a more sustainable world, and a more humane way of life.

A revolutionary surface brand for over 30 years, Silestone® was first introduced in 1990 and has been focused on maximizing nature’s resources from its origins, when CEO Paco Cosentino discovered that he could use remnants from his family quarry to deliver new, large format surfacing options. Since its debut, Silestone has been a pioneer by bringing colour into kitchens across the globe, introducing a hygienic countertop, and having a continued to focus on environmental initiatives, such as introducing its “Eco by Cosentino” line in 2012 and now culminating in its HybriQ by Silestone® – a new, high-performance blend of premium minerals, quartz, and recycled materials. The innovative HybriQ® technology marks an entirely new product composition and manufacturing method for Silestone – with a newly debuted sustainable manufacturing process that uses 99% reused water, 100% renewable electric energy, zero water waste and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials within HybriQ+® products’ composition. As of February 2022, the goal to have 100% of all Silestone® colours manufactured by Cosentino produced with HybriQ® was reached.

“Sustainability is absolutely at the core of everything we do at Cosentino Group,” said Eduardo Cosentino, EVP of Global Sales and CEO of Cosentino North America. “We want our customers to feel confident that they are getting the best of the best not only from a quality and design perspective, but also from an environmental standpoint, and we’re not afraid to take risks to push the industry forward. Our new HybriQ® technology is a bold departure for the North American market in particular - where quartz remains one of the most popular materials on the market - but we’re incredibly proud to introduce an entirely new product category with our new hybrid mineral surface and to continue to invest in best-in-class environmental innovations.”

Cosentino has now invested a total of more than $12 million in HybriQ® and related sustainability efforts, including more than 1,200 hours of research and development and its new advertising campaign, which highlights the evolution of sustainability and the importance of taking steps forward towards greener decisions. The “Changing the World From The Kitchen” digital campaign focuses on creating broad awareness of the new Silestone with its latest innovations and demonstrating how everyday people can change the world by using cleaner energy sources and materials, with lifestyle storytelling showing generational evolutions in household technologies like the shift from gas to induction and the introduction of surfacing innovations like Silestone’s HybriQ® technology. Beyond digital content, Silestone® continues its work as an activist-minded brand, committing to the evolution of its in-store displays through the use of 100% recycled and sustainably sourced materials and will continue to embrace eco-friendly solutions at all levels.

“When I joined Cosentino Group over 15 years ago, I knew we would be able to make great strides towards a greener future,” said Valentin Tijeras Garcia, Head of Research & Development at Cosentino Group. “We are constantly innovating from the inside out to find new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. In just this year alone, we’ve made incredible progress through the complete evolution of our Silestone manufacturing process and product composition and I’m so honoured to be part of such a significant mission.”

HybriQ+® is just one of the many sustainability initiatives that Cosentino has committed to over the years. Silestone Sunlit Days®, one of the brand-new collections that launched in 2021, marked Silestone’s® first-ever carbon neutral collection, building on the ‘Carbon Neutral’ declaration achieved for Cosentino’s entire Dekton® brand as of 2020, which confirms carbon neutrality is achieved throughout the entire life cycle of Dekton®, from the extraction of the raw material to the use of the product and the end of its life. Cosentino’s manufacturing headquarters is also extremely dedicated to ensuring sustainable practices, including housing or own Waste Management and Recovery plant onsite, managing water waste through a “zero waste” approach, reducing energy consumption in the production process by optimizing processes, and implementing improved air purification systems to capture both particles and volatile organic compounds to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To learn more about Silestone’s commitment to sustainability and explore the new campaign, visit https://www.cosentino.com/en-ca/silestone/hybriq-technology/

Cosentino unveiled new sustainable colours, collections, and bathroom offerings from leading brands ultra-compact Dekton and Silestone the Hybrid surface at the 2022 Interior Design Show (IDS), which took place at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre from April 7-10.

During the premier design event, Cosentino welcomed over 200 members of the architecture and design industry to their booth for a VIP party on opening day. Guests were treated to delicious food and cocktails while our in-house DJ helped set the rhythmic mood.

The following day Cosentino took part in a well-attended informative and engaging CEU session titled “On the Surface: Sustainability, Innovation, Function & Design” led by Karim Guirguis, Cosentino’s Regional General Manager Quebec, Ottawa & Atlantic Canada. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about a multitude of surface application capabilities and the importance of sustainability in design practices.

New inspirational collections were on display in the Cosentino booth including:

HybriQ Technology

100% of all Silestone® colours manufactured by Cosentino are now made with HybriQ® by Silestone® technology. Revolutionizing the quartz surfaces and engineered stone industry, HybriQ® is the first sustainable technology of its kind and is a result of Cosentino’s investment of more than €12 million euros (approximately $17.4 million CAD) and over 1,200 hours of research and development. HybriQ® involves two important elements: a new production process for manufacturing Silestone® and a new product composition. At the production level, HybriQ® allows materials to be manufactured using 99 percent reused water and 100 percent renewable electric energy while producing no particle emissions and zero water discharge to ensure the atmosphere and local water sources are not polluted. In terms of composition, HybriQ® uses a new hybrid formulation of raw mineral materials and recycled materials, while delivering equal or better performance as quartz and maintaining the technical performance and timeless beauty Silestone® is known for. Two of the first Silestone® collections made with the new HybriQ® by Silestone technology were displayed during IDS, allowing attendees to see the collections’ design details first-hand.

Silestone® Sunlit Days is Cosentino’s first-ever carbon neutral collection. With a robust colour offering inspired by nature in the Mediterranean, Sunlit Days includes five hues: Cala Blue (pictured above), Cincel Grey, Faro White, Posidonia Green, Arcilla Red. The new colours offer a wide range of applications with the potential to serve not only as countertops but also as backsplashes or wall cladding in high-moisture or high-traffic areas.

Silestone® Ethereal is marble-inspired and includes four colourways: Dusk, Haze (pictured above), Glow and Noctis. The collection offers an artistic interpretation of the fleeting, heavenly patterns cast in the sky. It showcases fine lines in deep hues against a white canvas that captures the interplay of colour, and light seen from dawn to nightfall.

Dekton Kraftizen Collection

More than ever before, design plays an integral role in channeling the peace and serenity people crave in the spaces where they live, work, learn and play. To achieve this calming effect, Cosentino introduces the Dekton Kraftizen Collection, which will be available in the Canadian market later this year. The new, highly anticipated collection is inspired by Venetian stucco and rooted in minimalism and versatility. The first large-format stucco material of its kind boasts industry-leading durability in five diverse hues with a rich, deep texture.

Dekton® Gocce Shower Trays and Silestone® Evita Bathroom Sinks

The Dekton® Gocce Shower Tray Collection provides a simple yet functional tray design that can easily be adapted into any bathroom space. Available in three Dekton colours and two size formats, Gocce offers a hygienic, stylish, and sleek shower tray manufactured with Dekton Grip+ for safety and slip-resistance. The ultra-lightweight trays have a perfected slope for optimal water flow and are only 20 mm thick.

The Silestone® Evita Bathroom Sink Collection provides a visual unity and seamless integration with the surrounding countertop through a jointless design. The sink can mesh perfectly with the vanity or serve as an accent piece in the bathroom. Made from a single piece of Silestone®, the sleek design eliminates the joints between pieces to ensure perfect cleanliness and hygiene. The collection is offered in three Silestone colours (White Zeus, Eternal Statuario and Eternal Desert Silver) and comes available in a range of custom countertop sizes.

Dekton® ONIRIKA

Previewed for the first time in the Canadian market at IDS and launching this summer, Dekton® ONIRIKA is an immersive collection designed by award-winning interior designer Nina Magon, which combines the unique beauty of stone with Dekton®’s unmatched technology. Cosentino and Magon have come together to create an eye-catching collection inspired by marble patterns and immersive living with daring colours that represent the ethos of both brands: sustainability, forward-thinking innovations, and timeless elegance.  Additionally, this Collection is entirely carbon neutral, as all Dekton solutions achieved this certification in 2020.

Dekton Optimma Shower and Bath Cladding Collection

For faster and easier installation of shower and bath wall cladding, Cosentino introduces Dekton Optimma available in a variety of colours. Crafted from ultra-thin and lightweight 4mm Dekton Slim, the pre-cut and easy-to-manoeuvre slabs eliminate the need for fabrication and reduce material waste.

From starring on the big screen to painting beautiful artwork on canvas, renowned Quebec artist and actress Brigitte Lafleur is not shy of getting creative – especially when it comes to the design of her home.

She recently took on her third kitchen renovation. Designed in collaboration with Cuisine Action and Cosentino, her new family kitchen perfectly combines light and dark elements in the surfaces she chose. We caught up with Brigitte to talk about her new space, the concept behind her design, and what her experience was like using Cosentino’s Dekton products for the first time.

Tell us a bit about your kitchen renovation.

We’re home lovers, and this project marks our third kitchen renovation. For each renovation, we changed the materials of the surfaces each time. For the countertops, we had always opted for quartz in the past. This time we chose Dekton, which we’ve come to realize is an extraordinary choice and impossible to regret.

What was the inspiration behind the design of the space?

We have a house from the 80s that needed a facelift. We wanted a Nordic-inspired kitchen. The cabinet fronts feature blonde wood which pairs perfectly with the white oak floor and our matte black panels. While the blonde wood veneer has no moldings, the black panels have a much thinner shaker outline than the usual "shaker".

It was a complete renovation from top to bottom. We had to change the floor, create a huge opening for a new patio door, install new lighting and new plumbing. It took great organization and patience, but we’re thrilled with the results.

What were some of the "must haves" you wanted to feature in the finished space?

I wanted a simple kitchen, quite masculine in style while still being bright. For lighting, nothing compares to the natural light created from our new 14 ft. patio door. The white Dekton Helena backsplash also contributes to the luminosity, allowing light to bounce off the surface. For simplicity, the Dekton Sirius counter is a “must have”. Extremely solid, durable, and functional – it’s truly a favourite.

Dekton is a real favourite of ours. We chose Dekton Helena because it made the kitchen brighter and because we wanted a change from the marble pattern we had installed in our previous kitchen. Helena has a very soft unique pattern, reminiscent of clouds – it’s wonderful. But our absolute favourite shade is Dekton Sirius. For the island design, it was the perfect choice. Resistant to stains, heat, and scratches, it allows each of us to express our inner chef freely without worry. Finally, with special felt pens, we can write or draw on the surface, which is great for writing down recipes, lists or allowing our children to draw. It’s an awesome feature of the material!

What advice do you have for those looking to renovate their kitchen?

There are several ways to update your kitchen. Painting, resurfacing, changing the lights, etc. One of the things I chose to renovate in the space was by working with Cuisine Action to update the cabinets. They have a very inspiring showroom and experienced advisors. Also, for the first time, I chose Cosentino for the surface options. Overall, I’m more than delighted with the final result! The Cosentino showroom was enchanting, the variety of products was excellent, and the staff were charming, respectful, and true connoisseurs of the brand. I felt supported from start to finish without experiencing the slightest pressure.

• Francisco Martínez-Cosentino (Paco Cosentino) received, from the King and Queen of Spain, the prize that recognizes the leading global company with the 2021 Spanish National Innovation Award in “Large Company” category.
•  Cosentino has won this prestigious award, granted by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, for developing a strategic R&D&I management model that places innovation at the heart of its value chain.

Cosentino, global leader company in the production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, has received today the Spanish National Innovation Award, from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, in ‘Large Company’ category for developing a strategic R&D&I management model that places innovation at the heart of its value chain. Furthermore, the jury noted that the company has achieved the position of world leader in the production and distribution of surfaces for design and architecture, based on the values of a family business.

These awards are the most important recognition in Spain in the sectors of innovation and design and honours those individuals and organizations that use innovation as an essential part of the development of their professional strategy and business growth. In addition to Cosentino’s recognition, awards have been presented to Certest Biotec and Expormim companies, and the designers Eduardo Anitua, Jaime Hayon, Danny Saltaren, and Ramón Úbeda.

The Awards Ceremony took place under the presidency of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, at the Valencia Exhibition Center. The King of Spain was responsible for giving the award to Francisco Martínez-Cosentino (Paco Cosentino), President & CEO of Cosentino Group. The event was also attended by Eduardo Cosentino, VP Global Sales & CEO Cosentino NorthAmerica; Valentín Tijeras, VP Innovation & Product; and Santiago Alfonso; VP Communications & Corporate Reputation.

Video Cosentino National Innovation Award here

The Ceremony also included participation by the Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant; the President of Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig; and the mayor of Valencia, Joan Ribó. Cosentino has based its business model on innovation and the development of surfaces products such as Silestone® or Dekton®, and pursues this innovative vision in a cross-cutting manner throughout the organization. In this regard, it is worth highlighting the last company’s major milestone in this field, which has largely underpinned the nomination for these awards: the unique patented HybriQ® technology.