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Moderno Porcelain Works is “not only a showroom, it’s a hub,” says Mario Cuevas, general manager of Moderno Porcelain Works in Northeast Minneapolis. In addition to carrying inventory from around the globe, the Minneapolis Moderno is also a fabrication facility. Moreover, Moderno is the only company in North America specializing in the fabrication and installation of ultra-luxe large-format porcelain (5’ x 10’) panels in both residential and commercial markets.
“Our showroom is an immersive experience in which homeowners, interior designers, builders, and contractors can dream about the endless possibilities of large-scale porcelain in application,” Cuevas continues. “Flooring, walls, ceilings, shower walls and vanities, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, countertops, induction cooktops; large slabs enable people to envision the options. Then, using state-of-the-art fabrication machines and a proprietary installation process, we make those dreams a reality.”
In 2019, Roberto Contreras, former CEO of Cosentino USA (the largest fabrication and distribution company in North America) saw a gap in the market and formed a team to reinvent the process of fabrication and installation of large-format porcelain in a fraction of the time and cost. The company now has showrooms and fabrication facilities in 12 locations across the United States; Northeast Minneapolis opened about a year ago, and Denver is the most recent. “This location is perfect,” Cuevas says. “We’re 30 minutes away from the vast majority of locations in the Twin Cities, so it’s easy for customers to get to us. And, we’re very close to International Market Square, which is home to so many designers and design firms.”
A versatile material—porcelain—is non-porous, lightweight, and is offered by Moderno as a large-format sintered surface. Unlike natural stone, it is maintenance-free and can be cleaned with stringent disinfectants. It’s resistant to stains, heat, scratching, UV damage, and thermal shock, and doesn’t readily absorb water. “Induction cooktops can be installed right under the surface,” he explains. “The counter remains cool to the touch while the heat is transferred to the pan.” Through the fabrication process, porcelain pieces can be book-matched and vein-matched in different textures.
Porcelain also isn’t mined or excavated; it’s made from clay, sand, and feldspar—three of the earth’s most abundant minerals. It can be recycled through basic grinding and used as a clean fill for new porcelain.
Moderno’s research and development teams continually advance large-format porcelain applications, along with methods of installation. It is not only a one-stop-shop for luxury, sustainable materials—Moderno Minneapolis, says Cuevas, “is a destination.”
