Slip Resistance
Chamois, for example, are sprightly goat-antelopes who are in their element leaping around rocks and ravines at high altitudes above the tree line. It is these nimble creatures’ hooves, crafted specifically to cope with the smooth rock surfaces in the mountains, that reliably prevent them from taking a tumble. They can spread these hooves at will, and their soles akin to hard rubber additionally provide a solid grip that allows the animals to jump up to two metres high and across a distance of up to six metres, even in rocky terrain.
A firm grip
The gecko is a true acrobat who is able to find purchase on virtually any surface – be it suspended upside down or running up a sheer rock face. The mini lizards owe their remarkable grip to the so-called gecko effect: Tiny lamellae on their feet have millions of tiny hairs. These self-cleaning hairs produce a vast surface area – with an adhesive strength that could hold up to 140 kilogrammes when spread over all four feet!
Robustness
Alpine plants prove themselves as true survivors on rough rock. They cling closely to the surface and display a robustness that braves winds and stormy conditions. With their densely branched roots they are able to find purchase on bare rock devoid of any natural soil.
There’s always a way to keep a safe, firm grip.
Elegance
We humans find surfaces with a fine stone character anything but cold. The timeless elegance of Villeroy & Boch Outdoor porcelain provides an ideal backdrop for a stylish setting. In outdoor applications, a natural look fits seamlessly into garden and terrace scenarios. Especially when the surface offers a good grip underfoot.
