DuPont Unveils New Zodiaq® Color Collection Featuring Concrete Aesthetic at 2005 AIA Expo

LAS VEGAS, NV, May 19-21, 2005 –
DuPont™ Zodiaq ® quartz surfaces debuts four new colors – Alabaster, Sand Beige, Clay Brown, and Papyrus – featuring a fusion of the hues of nature and the aesthetic appeal of concrete combined with the strength and performance of an advanced quartz composite. The new colors’ matereality, or emotional expression, evoke feelings of rustic strength, providing architects and designers with subtle and stylish materials for modern spaces.

Concrete has enjoyed a long and illustrious history as a building material, from the ancient Egyptian Pyramids to the modern Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Due to its unpretentious and calming aesthetic, the use of concrete has evolved over time from being a structural material to decorative surfacing material that lends itself to the soft, contemporary style of today.

Inspired by the appeal of concrete, as well as natural materials such as clay and gravel, the new colors provide a matte finish with a linear, edgy subtlety. The natural-neutral colors were designed to provide a setting for modern spaces and are an appealing, earthy alternative to the current glossy, radiant Zodiaq ® palette.

According to Ginguei Ebnesajjad, DuPont Surfaces director of product styling and development, “The world outside is saturated with visual noise, so DuPont Surfaces created colors that will surround us with natural tones and rich beauty in hospitals, restaurants, workplaces and other commercial spaces. The new colors are very soothing, with a refined rusticity that evokes emotions of peace and tranquility.”

2005 New Colors for DuPont™ Zodiaq® Solid Surfaces:

Color	Description
Concrete	A warmed sage grey color with a sage undertone
Fawn	A warm mid-level taupe color
Serene Sage	Neutral warmed sage color of natural patina bronze
Suede	The deep warm brown color of an old copper penny
Tranquil	The pale aqua color of glass
Whisper	An off-white with a hint of warmth

In addition to the four new colors, DuPont™ has added Meteor Grey, to its existing Zodiaq ® aesthetic. Inspired by nature, Meteor Grey emulates the combination of a rocky coastline and shimmering waters, adding complexity and visual weight to interiors. A densely occurring complex pattern of quartz particles ranging from white to charcoal grey create a dramatic and rich effect, reflecting the depth, clarity and brilliance of natural quartz crystals that has made the Zodiaq ® aesthetic so popular. Like its counterparts, Meteor Grey will ground any space and blend harmoniously with other materials to achieve balance.

“Our 2005 collection was developed in close consultation with color specialists, architects and designers, in order to meet the consumers’ demand for colors that allow for personal expression,” said DuPont Surfaces commercial segment manager, Patrick Owens. “Zodiaq ® has a commanding presence, and now offers the aesthetic appeal of concrete with the strength, durability and performance of an advanced quartz composite that is ideal for the modern structure.”

Zodiaq ® is non-porous and does not require sealing. It does not promote the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Inherently stain- and scratch-resistant, Zodiaq ® is extremely durable, and can be used for interior horizontal and vertical surfaces in commercial applications such as food service counters because of its NSF/ANSI-51 certification for food contact. Potential commercial uses include food service counters, bar tops, wall cladding, work surfaces, reception desktops, sills, vanity tops, and transaction counters in health care, lodging/hospitality, food service, education, retail, entertainment and corporate spaces. Pricing varies based upon complexity, color and project location.

DuPont Surfaces is a strategic business unit of DuPont™ that manufactures and markets Corian ® solid surfaces and Zodiaq ® quartz surfaces. DuPont™ Zodiaq ® is a premium surfacing material made almost entirely of pure quartz crystals. More information is available at www.zodiaq.com or by calling toll-free 877-229-3935. DuPont™ Corian ® is a well-known global brand in the solid surface category. More information is available at www.corian.com or by calling 800-4-CORIAN.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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