Ceramic and concrete
Glace (top), from Ann Sacks, is a modern glass version of the traditional ceramic penny rounds. The opaque sparkling tile is available as 3¼4"-wide penny rounds or 1" x 6" sticks in white, baby blue, blue blend, and celadon. Four concrete tile designs by Andy Fleishman include Diamond and Petal, two large-scale geometric designs, and Tendril and Maximus (bottom), two intricate floral-themed designs. The color palette of gray, crème, chocolate, and camel is multiplied by the various color-grout options for filling the etched lines. Ann Sacks, Portland, Ore. www.annsacks.com   [ Reader Service # 215 ]

Stone kitchen countertops
StoneDesign is a new line of kitchen countertops from SieMatic that wrap a lightweight base material with a thick layer of real stone. With thicknesses ranging from 11¼2" to 3", the worktops allow for the gapless manufacture of lengths that would otherwise be difficult to fit. The worktops, available in over 24 stone types, can be precisely cut on-site, even along inclines and in window recesses. A Jura Yellow limestone with a rough-hewn edge is shown below. SieMatic, Bensalem, Pa. www.siematic.com [ Reader Service # 216 ]

Improved concrete panel system
Nexwall is a 2"-thick panel system that utilizes a patented galvanized-steel channel to reinforce, lift, and connect the concrete panel. The panels can be finished in the same manner as most other architectural precast panels, and 1¼2" reveals and formliners can be used to add architectural features. Gray concrete panels with custom graduated formliner details and reveals were used for this plant (left) in Olathe, Kansas. Omega Concrete, Kansas City, Kansas. www.omegaconcrete.com [ Reader Service # 217 ]