At Ikon, the proverb “necessity is the mother of invention” is a lived experience; some of our most innovative work is realised when seeking solutions to sticky situations and project constraints.

We relish a creative challenge, such as ‘how to soft-launch a hefty product with a nationwide audience when it is currently unavailable?'

Recently the realities were stacked against us with the need to generate crucial pre-launch interest in Smartstone’s new Sintered Collection; 22 natural stone-inspired surfaces, next-level vein detail and each slab at 3200 x 1600mm, weighing 248kg, and time was of the essence.

Ikon’s solution? An elegant virtual gallery to view the innovative new porcelain range in a full-slab format.

This online tool was achievable by accessing a Berlin-based platform which has been changing the way the art world curates, presents and sells art internationally for over a decade. Our immersive 3D exhibition space allows viewers to experience the complete collection in realistic scale to the interior and in context with kitchen render ‘artworks’ and furniture.

The user is able to gather information about each stone by taking an automated guided tour or a self-guided walkthrough reminiscent of a real life gallery experience. Stroll up close and step back to view at a distance before registering interest for more information.

Initially proposed as a temporary solution, the popularity of the online gallery has led it to become an established viewing tool via the Smartstone website, creating a valuable virtual alternative to an in-person showroom visit.

See how the virtual gallery puts the ‘art’ into Smartstone here.