Sand | Designing with algorithms
It originates from the well-known hexagonal paving tile that Antoni Gaudí designed around 1904, featuring a relief of seashells, seaweed, and starfish. This design still lines Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia and remains one of its defining landmarks. That iconic tile, now part of the MoMA collection, was revolutionary in its time, but it has not evolved since then. The company that manufactures it today, using the same craftsmanship as in the past, is also the one producing this new design. Created with the digital tools of the 21st century, it embodies Morph’s vision of “re-evolution”—reinterpreting and advancing a classic through contemporary design
A living pavement that changes with sunlight and helps reduce air pollution
It shares the same hexagonal shape and dimensions as Gaudí’s original tile, but with one fundamental difference: the tiles are laid randomly, creating a non-repetitive surface pattern—a significant innovation. Their flowing, organic geometry evokes the sensation of walking across a blanket of sand.
Sand is a living pavement that transforms with sunlight while also helping to reduce urban air pollution. Thanks to a photocatalytic additive, it breaks down harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx) into compounds that are harmless to human health. By way of comparison, paving just one hectare with Sand could offset the pollution generated by approximately 3,500 vehicles over the course of a year
Morph XS designs share the same DNA as the large-scale architectural projects developed by the studio, where façades play a central role. Their lines also echo those that wrap around the renovation of the former Incosol Hotel in Marbella, now reimagined under the Oakmond brand
Produced and marketed by ICÓNICO, Sand is available in six standard colors—New Mexico White, Mojave Grey (light), Lanzarote Grey (dark), Sahara Sand, Hawaii Green, and Namibia Red—or can be custom-made on request.
For more information, contact hola@iconico.es
