What Lies Beneath

A Spanish-born brand turned multinational manufacturer expands beyond surfaces to shape fully integrated living environments.

By Samantha Vecchiarelli

An unlikely shift from agriculture to industry marked the beginning of Porcelanosa Group. Founded in 1973 in the small town of Villarreal, Spain, by José Soriano and brothers Héctor and Manuel Colonques, the company traces its roots to the orange trade. Recognizing a growing opportunity in ceramic tiles, the families pivoted, focusing on innovation and design and quickly establishing themselves as leaders in the space.

After identifying a gap in the broader construction market, the company expanded beyond tiles to offer more comprehensive solutions for everyday living. This evolution led to the creation of seven specialized brands within the group, each dedicated to a different aspect of architecture and home design, from kitchen surfaces and bathroom fixtures to faucets, vanities, and natural materials.

”The brand’s products are manufactured in a way that ensures they are fully integrated with each other,” says Balma Sales Diaz, U.S. marketing manager at Porcelanosa Group. “When architects, designers, or homeowners visit our showroom, they often come in looking for a specific material, like tiles, but quickly realize they can source so much more.” In turn, the brand offers a complete solution in one place, allowing clients to more seamlessly envision and create their spaces.

Sustainability is central to the brand’s ethos, with all materials responsibly sourced and certified. “For raised access flooring in particular, there are several key sustainability benefits,” Diaz explains. “The system’s structure is fully recyclable, which helps reduce construction waste compared to traditional methods. Its modular design also allows for faster installation, making the process more efficient and less resource-intensive. Additionally, the built-in drainage system prevents moisture buildup, contributing to healthier, longer-lasting building performance.”

Raised access flooring—an elevated system installed above a concrete slab—creates space beneath for heating and electrical systems. Used in both indoor and outdoor settings, it combines high-density porcelain tiles with adjustable supports to form a stable surface. “These tiles are designed to meet specific performance standards, including anti-slip finishes and optimal thickness, and in many cases, the height can be adjusted to suit the space,” Diaz says. The system can be installed over a variety of surfaces, including grass and gravel, and is often recommended for its durability and versatility.

Its design allows for efficient water drainage and safety, while the materials are highly resistant to temperature changes, UV exposure, and heavy loads. Aesthetically, the tiles can mirror interior finishes, creating a seamless transition between spaces. Used across both hospitality and high-end residential projects, raised access flooring is becoming an increasingly popular, forward-thinking approach to outdoor design.

“When architects, designers, or homeowners visit our showroom, they often come in looking for a specific material, like tiles, but quickly realize they can source so much more.”

The brand has also applied this system in collaborative projects. “We’ve seen this in standout applications, including a New York City rooftop, designed in collaboration with a well-known founder and influencer,” says Diaz. “For this project, different tile styles were combined to create a striking, chessboard-inspired look.”

Looking ahead, Porcelanosa continues to introduce new collections and advance its technology year over year, developing solutions for every part of the home. “In outdoor applications, we also offer ventilated facades, which improve a building’s thermal performance, enhance energy efficiency, and help control moisture,” Diaz adds. The brand’s XTone line further expands its offering, featuring surfaces that replicate the look of marble and natural stone so convincingly that clients are often surprised upon seeing them in person.

For a brand that began in a small town producing ceramic tiles, its evolution into a global name in architecture and design reflects decades of vision, with innovation at its core. From advanced outdoor systems to fully integrated interior solutions, Porcelanosa continues to push boundaries, redefining modern design—one surface at a time.