Mikel
Mikel at The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi features Kaji Border Burnt Russet, a Japanese porcelain tile collection produced in Japan and designed for interior architectural wall applications with a textured glaze, elongated proportions and natural kiln variation.
Project Information
Project: Mikel
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Supplier: Mittsu Japanese Tiles
Tile Collection: Kaji Border
Colour: Burnt Russet
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Material: Porcelain
Water Absorption: 0.02–0.07%
Surface: Textured gloss glaze
Application: Interior wall finish
Technical Data Sheet: Kaji Border
CAD Data: Kaji Border
Mittsu Image Folder: Kaji Border
Kaji Border at Mikel Abu Dhabi
Used throughout the kiosk joinery, the tiles wrap counters and display elements in a continuous ceramic surface that establishes a strong architectural identity within the open retail environment. The elongated proportions create a precise linear rhythm across the space, while the gloss glaze reflects surrounding light from the mall interior, introducing movement and subtle tonal variation throughout the day.
Burnt Russet was selected for its rich reddish-brown glaze with subtle copper undertones, which shift depending on viewing angle and reflected light. Combined with pale timber joinery, illuminated glass and brushed metal detailing, the tiles introduce warmth, contrast and material depth to the compact retail setting.
Material & Surface Character
Produced in Japan using high-temperature kiln firing, each tile carries natural variation in tone, gloss and surface character. These subtle irregularities prevent the repeated linear format from feeling flat, allowing the installation to retain visual depth across large uninterrupted surfaces.
Unlike printed ceramic surfaces, the variation in Kaji Border is created during firing, resulting in natural tonal movement rather than repeated pattern.
The tiles have a water absorption rate of 0.02–0.07%, reflecting the dense porcelain body formed during high-temperature firing.
Installation Approach
Kaji Border is supplied on paper-fronted sheets, helping maintain clean alignment across long horizontal runs, curved edges and detailed joinery elements. This installation method preserves the sharp visual rhythm of the project while simplifying installation across complex surfaces.
About Kaji Border
Kaji Border is a Japanese porcelain tile collection characterised by its elongated format, textured glaze and natural tonal variation created during high-temperature kiln firing in Japan. The collection is designed for architectural wall applications where light, rhythm and surface movement are central to the design.
Why Japanese Porcelain Tiles Were Selected
Japanese porcelain tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures, creating a dense ceramic body with very low water absorption and exceptional surface durability. Combined with naturally varied glazes formed during kiln firing, this allows large tiled surfaces to retain depth, movement and material character under changing light conditions.
“This project shows how a single material can define a space when it is applied with consistency and precision,” says Ian Reynolds. “The tile is not treated as a finish, but as part of the structure of the kiosk.”
Summary
At Mikel, Kaji Border is used as a continuous surface across the kiosk, defining the space through proportion, reflection and material consistency.
View and order samples of
Kaji Border Japanese Porcelain Tiles (UK)
Kaji Border Japanese Porcelain Tiles (Europe)
Kaji Border Japanese Porcelain Tiles (UAE)
Learn about Japanese Tiles
Learn about Japanese Glaze Variation
Press & Media
High-resolution images from the Mikel project are available for editorial use, including full project photography and detail imagery of Kaji Border Burnt Russet.
Download Project Image Library
Images may be used for editorial coverage with credit to Mittsu Japanese Tiles.
For press enquiries, please contact Mittsu Japanese Tiles.
FAQ
What tiles were used at Mikel Abu Dhabi?
Kaji Border Burnt Russet Japanese porcelain tiles by Mittsu Japanese Tiles.
Are Kaji Border tiles made in Japan?
Yes. Kaji Border is produced in Japan using high-temperature kiln firing.
What makes Japanese porcelain tiles different?
Japanese porcelain tiles are known for their dense ceramic body, natural glaze variation and refined surface detailing created during firing.
Are Kaji Border tiles suitable for retail interiors?
Yes. Kaji Border is designed for architectural wall applications including retail, hospitality and residential interiors.
Why does Kaji Border have variation in colour and tone?
The variation is created naturally during kiln firing, where differences in glaze thickness, temperature and atmosphere produce subtle tonal shifts across each tile.
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