Art printing on glass from Glastrix

There are a multitude of factors that play a role in interior design, but the decisive question is: 'What makes a room special?' In concrete terms, what decisions can be made which will influence the atmosphere, aesthetics and function of an existing space, and what kind of elements can transform it in order to achieve a positive, contemporary effect?

There are no patent recipes here, however, because every room is different, each has to fulfil very specific tasks and retain its character over a long period of time. Creativity and sure instinct are called for – particularly in the case of permanently fixed elements that cover large areas of a wall.

And just such things are what German-American Eric Frank creates in his Berlin workshop – namely, extraordinary tiles made of glass, which he prints with patterns, and abstract or artistic photographs. Anyone visiting Eric at his Lausitzer Strasse premises with a particular request or their own digital template can be sure of receiving a personalised service.

Since Eric founded Glastrix in 2015, he has made a name for himself in the Berlin interior and creative scene – and far beyond. It is not uncommon for artists who value detailed, high-quality printing to come to the 43-year-old's door with their work, or shop owners, for example, looking to visually enhance their showrooms with a large, striking motif.

When it comes to glass tiles, one might think that they are best suited to bathrooms – and that is not untrue. But they can also be used in hotel lobbies and bedrooms, conference rooms or kitchens. For each of these room types, users can find numerous, engaging motifs at glastrix.com.

All of the examples gathered here were developed by Berlin graphic designer Kathrin Kreitmeyer, who brings experience from the world of wallpaper design. And this is far from unimportant, because a feeling for the effect of wall-sized pictures is key. It makes sense not to design small but, on the contrary, to be generous: Think big!

After all, Eric can print glass elements up to 3.2 by 2 metres, so even with huge graphics on glass, there are not too many gaps to get in the way. And when it comes to rather compact bathrooms, for example, which may even be angled, Eric himself picks up the tape measure and plans individual tile formats for exactly this room, so that there are also as few joints as possible.

A short film produced by Eric shows his process and gives an insight into his workshop – a 'making-of'-style video that gives a glimpse behind the scenes. Anyone who sees it quickly understands how hands-on he himself is in the process, his technical printing know-how, and also his knowledge of materials and creative flair.

Whether clients opt for photo graphics that emphasise details such as dew drops on leaves or reflections on a water surface, or prefer playful, geometric scenarios of colourful circles or staggered lines, they can go through different variations at their leisure on the Glastrix website or, of course, create their own motif in collaboration with Eric.

Glastrix uses a digital direct printing technique that employs the latest five-colour printing process. This technique, used correctly, produces rich colours and razor-sharp details – especially when applied to glass. Multifaceted colour gradations, for example, come out in great brilliance in the high resolution of the process.

The motifs are given a subtle depth of field and exceptional contrasts. Five-colour printing also ensures a wafer-thin, yet extremely scratch-resistant application of the colours, which do not fade even in the long term. Applied directly to the transparent glass as a back-glass print, images and graphics are also protected from water and cleaning agents.

Glastrix tiles and panels offer architects and interior designers contemporary solutions for the realisation of new types of room designs, allowing wall surfaces, furniture and other design elements to be sustainably upgraded with carefully coordinated picture worlds and giving a distinctive, unique personality to both home and commercial spaces. And that creatives should explore and take advantage of these possibilities, well, it's as clear as glass.

© Architonic