Silestone is the first and only natural quartz surfacing with built-in Microban antimicrobial product protection which provides a proven deterrent to the growth of bacteria that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. Under certain conditions, microbes on an untreated surface can double every 20 minutes. Unlike surface applied coat-ings, Silestone incorporates Microban protection into the molecular struc-ture of the product during the manu-facturing process so it will last the life of the product -- it will not wash off or wear away, according to Cosentino. Silestone will begin rolling out colors with Microban in summer 2005.

“Our exclusive agreement with Microban International will allow us to provide consumer and commercial countertop users with a unique level of product protection not available anywhere else in the countertop market,” said Mike Heylmun, vice president of sales for Cosentino, USA.

An anonymous panel of professionals representing a cross section of the design industry conducts all voting for the ADEX Awards. ADEX judges are among the best in their respective areas of expertise, and so the ADEX Award represents the best product designs of the year in the opinion of those who reside at the top of their specialty.

Each category has potential for three award levels of platinum, gold or silver. Judges award points in several categories for each entry. Total points earned determine each product's score.