Kohler Co. unveils Transcendence by Kohler WasteLAB x Nada Debs, a series of bespoke tiles made from nearly 100 percent recycled waste materials.

Nada Debs is a Lebanese designer living and working in Beirut. The Transcendence collection borrows inspiration from Debs’ work in hammam design.

“Hammams are divided into rooms to separate each of the rituals,” Debs said. “The individual domes of each room produce a large-scale layering that is minimal in scope but visually impactful and something I wanted to also capture in my tile designs. Arches reflect the architecture of the past, it is one of our most ancient design elements, and by its very shape, creates a calming, almost spiritual effect within a room. Also, the shapes, the simple geometry and playful modularity each adds such dimension and an adaptability for personalized expression. But what was most important to me when embarking on this new, creative venture, was the pure, sustainable message that these tiles sent.

Transcendence is comprised of two field tiles, a 3”x12” size in four patterns, and a 6”x6” size in three patterns. The tiles are handmade in Kohler, Wis. by the Kohler WasteLAB group of designers, ceramicists, and engineers who rely on factory waste as their primary medium and a multi-step process. Once the clay is pressed, WasteLAB artisans remove any excess clay around the edge before glazing and firing the tiles.

The 6”x6” Transcendence field tile is available in Single Arch, Double Arch, and Double Vertical patterns, and are defined by recessed single and double arches, or triple line surface details. The 3”x12” tile has a slightly stepped, steepled pattern, featuring a single arch pattern in left and right facing designs, and a double arch pattern in left and right facing designs.

This is the third tile collection by Kohler WasteLAB and utilizes the company’s pottery scrap to create ecologically thoughtful products for the home. Transcendence can be purchased by consumers and trade in the U.S. and Canada through Ann Sacks showrooms.