SIX+ Designer’s Talk x Ardex-Quicseal: Understanding the Materials That Shape Every Home

SIX+ Designer’s Talk x Ardex-Quicseal: Understanding the Materials That Shape Every Home

We often obsess over finishes, fittings and colour palettes, yet the real test of a renovation lies in the layers no homeowner ever sees. The latest SIX+ Designer’s Talk, held with Ardex-Quicseal, offered a rare window into the foundations of durability, and why deeper material knowledge matters for every Singapore home.

SIXIDES Editorial Team
17 November, 2025

Why SIXiDES Brings Technical Workshops to the Industry



At SIXiDES, our goal is to make renovation clearer and more confident for homeowners. One of the biggest gaps we see is in understanding the materials that sit beneath the tiles and décor. These hidden layers: waterproofing, levelling compounds and adhesives, quietly determine whether a bathroom stays dry, whether tiles remain secure, and whether a homeowner faces costly repairs years down the road.


This is exactly why we partner with trusted brands such as Ardex-Quicseal, a key manufacturer in Singapore known for high-performance waterproofing systems, tile adhesives and substrate solutions. Their products appear in almost every home, especially in bathrooms, kitchens and balconies where moisture is a real concern.


By giving designers a close-up understanding of these materials, we strengthen the advice they give to homeowners, and that improves renovation outcomes across the entire ecosystem.



A Behind-the-Scenes Look at What Really Happens Before Tiles Go Up


The workshop took place at the Ardex-Quicseal Academy Centre, where designers participated in a hands-on tour of the brand’s demonstration zones. Here, they watched waterproofing membranes being layered, saw how levelling compounds correct uneven floors, and learned how adhesives behave in different conditions.


Seeing these steps performed live made one thing clear: a home’s longevity depends heavily on what lies below its visible surfaces.


Technical Knowledge, Explained Simply

After the walkthrough, the Ardex-Quicseal team hosted a product sharing session that broke complex material science into everyday language. 


Designers gained practical clarity on:

• why proper waterproofing prevents long-term seepage

• how substrate preparation affects tile stability

• what causes tile popping and how to avoid it

• how levelling compounds create lasting uniformity

• how early material choices influence future maintenance


The tone was accessible and friendly, a welcome shift from the often intimidating world of construction materials.


A Thoughtful Keynote on Craft, Experience and Empathy

The afternoon closed with a keynote by Jackie Lai, Multi-Award-Winning Designer and Design Director of MCC Singapore. Speaking under the theme If I Have A Time Machine, he reflected on how his instincts evolved through landmark projects including Marina One Residences, Gucci Osteria and the Formula One Corporate Sky Suites & Twenty3.


His message was simple but powerful: good design is not just about what you see, but about the empathy, precision and lived experience that shape each decision behind the scenes.



A Warm Afternoon of Sharing and Connection

The event ended on a relaxed note over refreshments, with designers exchanging experiences, asking questions and connecting over shared challenges. These conversations often spark the most meaningful learning, the kind that shapes everyday practice.



Stay Updated on Upcoming SIXiDES Events

SIXiDES will continue to host learning sessions, workshops and dialogues that deepen industry knowledge and empower homeowners.

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about future events and educational programmes.



Stay connected with us on our social media! 

Follow us on FacebookInstagramYouTubeTelegram, and TikTok 

for the latest design trends and inspiration! 

📸💬🎵