Behind every remarkable room lies a careful choice of surfaces with the power and ability to transform. Consider the floors that withstand decades of footsteps, the wall finishes that provide light and texture, and the ceilings that improve comfort and performance. The materials for these surfaces carry the weight of daily life – which is why durability and quality matter as much as the artistry behind them.
Inside Brands International’s showroom in San Gwann, clients and design professionals can experience this first-hand, now more so than before through a new area dedicated to the high-performance floor, wall, ceiling and surface covering systems by Orac and Deco, presented as a spatial, architectural experience that inspires and informs. Here’s what to expect.
Surface materials as design tools
Orac and Deco, two brands represented by Brands International that support the growing local demand for design-led materials, share a common dialogue and objective of treating surfaces as active design tools rather than a necessity.
“Surfaces are positioned as the starting point for structuring space rather than merely covering it – where material, depth and continuity inform the architecture from the outset,” the Brands team notes.
“Floors and walls are treated as the primary framework for spatial definition, with surface systems guiding how space is articulated and experienced. Similarly, the space at the showroom is presented as a continuous design language – continuity between indoor and outdoor environments, and between different systems.”
The new area has been designed as both a working environment and a hands-on space, essentially serving as a tool for architects, designers, clients and consultants, enabling them to evaluate surface finishes and textures, transitions between spaces and application of materials across different contexts, be it an interior, exterior or high-traffic area.
The area also helps to specify coherent material palettes, explore material tactility, comparison and detailing at full scale, and encourages architects and designers to think in terms of complete surface strategies rather than isolated specification, making guided choices in a holistic way.
A deep dive into materials
Sustainability and innovation are intrinsic to Orac and Deco – both in their respective choice of materials, as well as in the pursuit of longevity and permanence, where products are designed to endure, adapt and reduce the need for replacement over time.
This is achieved through material innovation that’s highlighted across all the collections within the new showroom space. The Deco collections of decking, coverings, ceilings and sunshades are composed of shielded composite, natural woods and technopolymers that are engineered for durability, stability and performance in demanding conditions.
Among the collections on display is the striking Nova – a novel use of LED strips designed to fit perfectly into the grooves of fluted claddings, offering distinct light compositions.
With Orac, traditional architectural detailing is reinterpreted through lightweight, impact-resistant systems made from advanced polyurethane and polymers with an increasing focus on bio-circular materials and long-term durability, effectively transforming any flat or curved surface into a possibility for depth, dimension and beauty.
This is amply evident in its collaboration with internationally acclaimed designers, from interior architect Roelfien Vos’s collection that offers a feminine interpretation of the Art Deco style, to Aurélie Penneman’s contemporary collection that respects the heritage of Art Deco but makes it unquestionably current.
“A dedicated section presents Orac’s architectural elements as a complementary focus for walls, ceilings and surfaces, moving beyond flat finishes to explore layering, depth, texture and modulation of light and shadow,” the Brands team adds.
Orac profiles and wall decoration elements are used to illustrate 3D wall compositions, integrated mouldings, panels and profiles for cornices, skirting, curtain rail hiders and integrated lighting profiles, balancing technical reliability with striking aesthetics that have the potential for both minimal and more expressive interior languages – mastering modern, classical and contemporary styles to great effect.
Visit the display at Brands International, Triq Tal-Balal, San Gwann.
Photography: Peter M. Mercieca
