Every PVH product line is presented is an attractive architect product folder suitable for the contract market. As an innovative flooring company we strive to achieve an unique positioning and always seek differentiation. This philosophy is reflected in our sample cards and product presentation which each carry an unique drawing of some form of world famous architecture. This can be ancient, modern or contemporary architecture. To each monument of architecture depicted on our product folders, a brief description with some background information is provided on this page, such as historical facts, construction details of the building and the name of the architect. The same drawings used on our carpet tile sample cards are used as background on this website. If you require sample cards, please contact us.

Below you find some beautiful drawings used on our sample cards and some corresponding interesting facts. We realise that it is not the most important part of our site, but if you are interested in architecture, design and history, we hope you will enjoy and appreciate it.

Illustration to the PVH BONANZA carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: The Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Coeur, Paris, France. One of the most famous and romantic sites in Paris is the Sacré-Coeur. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it was proposed to construct a church at the top of the Montmartre hill in Paris. The architect chosen was Abadie. The plans for the new basilica called for an edifice of Romano-Byzantine style, and the first stone was laid in 1875. Construction was completed in 1914. Its famous white pastry like architecture is dominating the City. It attracts many pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution. The engineers were Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier. The architect was Stephen Sauvestre. The Eiffel tower was named after its main contractor, Gustave Eiffel. Constructed only as a temporary structure, this classic lady is as popular as ever. At 320.75m height and weighting 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building until 1930. It has 2.5 million rivets, 15,000 iron pieces and hold over 40 tons of paint. It takes 1652 steps to the top. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Bonanza polyamide loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the PVH CANYON carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous modern architecture: King Faisal Masjid, Islamabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Travellers entering Islamabad for the first time are struck by its greenness. More than six million trees have been planted here since the foundations were laid. The truly international nature of architecture today in Pakistan is seen in the folded concrete roof and the towering Ottoman-style minarets of the King Faisal Masjid. This beautiful mosque was designed by a renowned Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay and named after late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Construction was completed in 1986. The mosque is located in the vicinity of the Margalla hills. Its towering 88 meters high minarets and 40 meters high main prayer hall, which are visible from a distance, are the salient features of the building design. The capacity of entire property is 74 000 worshippers. The King Faisal Mosque is visibly located from a long distance during day and night and as such it is an important landmark of Pakistan's capital Islamabad. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Canyon polypropylene loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the EXCELLENT carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: The Selimiye Mosque, Edirne, Turkey. Edirne, once one of the three capitals of the Ottaman Empire, was the gateway of Turkey to the Western world and the first stopover for newcomers from Europe. Situated on the Greek border, this beautiful city is famed for its many mosques, elegant domes and minarets which dominate the panoramic appearance of the province. One of the most important monuments in this ancient province is the Selimiye Mosque, built in the 16th-century by Turkey's greatest architect, Mimar Sinan. Carrying the name of the then reigning Sultan, this mosque magnificently represents Turkish marble handicrafts and it is covered with valuable tiles and fine paintings. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Excellent polyamide loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the FIESTA carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: The Koppelpoort, Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Located in the centre of the country on the river Eem, Amersfoort was a geographically attractive location on the way to the North and East of the country, and functioned as an important settlement for trading purposes. Amersfoort was fortified in the 12th century and construction of the town wall commenced in 1259, the purpose being to defend the city against hostilities. Amersfoort was such a prosperous city that a century later an entirely new town wall with gates was built including the Koppelpoort, a water gate dating from around 1400 and spanning the river Eem. By aid of a great wooden wheel, a huge wooden door could be lowered and so close off the city in times of trouble. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Fiesta needlefelt carpet tiles.

Illustration to the IVORY carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: Kremlin and Ostankino Tower, Moscow, Russia. At the Southern end of the Red Square sits the cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, perhaps one of the most familiar and glorious sites associated with Moscow and the Kremlin. In 1552, Czar Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, commissioned two Russian architects to build a magnificent cathedral in celebration of the Russian victory over the Tartars. Erected in 1967, Moscow's Ostankino Tower is the second tallest free-standing building in world with a total height of 540 meters. This grandiose construction has 45 levels, tens of ring decks and balconies and contains more than 70.000 cubical meters of space inside. It was designed by N.V. Nikitin, L.I. Bataloy and D.I. Burdin were the architects. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Ivory PA loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the LAGUNA carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, USA. The Golden Gate Bridge has been heralded as one of the top ten construction achievements of the 20th Century. Total length of the Bridge is 2.737m (1.7 mi), the width is 27m (90ft) and the total weight of the bridge, anchorages and approaches amounts to approximately 887,000 tons. The Golden Gate Bridge has two main towers that support the two main cables. These main cables are secured at either end in giant anchorages and rest on top of the towers in huge steel castings called saddles. The length of one main cable is 2,332m (7,650ft) and the total length of wire used in both main cables is a stunning 129,000km (80,000 mi). The Chief Engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge, Joseph B. Strauss and consulting architects Irving F. Morrow and his wife Gertrude C. Morrow oversaw the creation of a structure which has become world-renowned, earning the reputation as the world's most spectacular Bridge and one of the most visited sites in the world. The Bridge was completed and opened to pedestrian traffic on May 27, 1937. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Laguna polyamide loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the LEOPARD carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: Skyline of Hong Kong with the Central Plaza Building, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China. The Central Plaza is currently the tallest office building in Hong Kong. Completed in 1992, it has 78 floors over ground and rises to 374 meter (1,227 ft.) Architect: Dennis Lau & Ng Chun Man Architects & Engineers (DLN). In the front a Chinese Junk in Hong Kong Harbour. It is believed that the Chinese invented the lugsail by which the Chinese junk is powered. These junks were very big and used to trade throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Chinese junk against the beautiful Hong Kong skyline provides a surrealistic ambience in which a glorious past blends with a promising future. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Leopard PP loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the LOS ANGELES carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous modern architecture: Puerta de Europa and Torrespaña, Madrid, Spain. Puerta de Europa comprises two towers which lean towards each other at an angle of 15°. The facade is made of blue glass and stainless steel. The name Puerta de Europe means 'Door of Europe'  and the towers of Puerta de Europa signify the entrance to Madrid's business district. They send a clear and bold message through the eye catching structure that the Spanish corporate world is gearing up to face the challenges of the global economy. Construction was completed in 1998. The largest tower measures 114m and has 24 stories. Philip Johnson and John Burgee, in collaboration with Pedro Senteri Cardillo, are the architects and Leslie E. Robertson Associates served as structural engineers. Torrespaña is the main communication tower of Spain with a total height of 231 meters. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Los Angeles polyamide loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the MICRA carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous ancient architecture: The Great Pyramid, Khufu, Egypt and the Obelisk of Thutmoses III, Rome, Italy. The most enigmatic aspect of the Great Pyramid is its shafts, which has made it perhaps the most mysterious building of the ancient world. These shafts go up the northern and southern sides of the pyramid and their purpose is still a mystery, although there have been countless theories. The Great Pyramid was also the first and only standing ancient wonder of the world to be built. It was the largest man made structure in the world until the 19th century AD and it measures about 137.5 metres up. 2.3 million blocks were used in the making and each weighed approximately 2.5 metric tons. The Egyptian obelisk that stands in the square of St. John Lateran in Rome is the largest in existence. Originally carved during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmoses III, it stood in the Temple of Amon in Thebes in Karnak, Egypt, but was removed to Rome by emperor Constantius (AD 317-361). The obelisk meant to honour the sun god. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Micra polypropylene loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the MISTRAL carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous modern architecture: Emirates Office Towers and Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Completed in 1999, the Emirate Office Towers are the Siamese twins of Dubai’s skyline. The taller one is the office tower measuring 355m (1163ft), has 54 floors and ranks among the largest buildings in the world. The smaller one is the Emirates Tower Hotel with a height of 309m (1014f). The two buildings are connected by a two-story shopping mall. Architect is Norr Group Consultants. Outside of central Dubai, some 10-15 kilometres, lies Dubai's most famous skyscraper, the Burj El Arab Hotel. The magnificent Burj El Arab hotel with a height of 321m (1053ft) and 60 floors was completed in 1999. It is without a doubt one of the world's most beautiful skyscrapers. It's the tallest all-hotel building and the only existing 7-star hotel in the world. There is a helipad at the 210 meter level and it is the world's tallest membrane structure. Architect is W.S. Atkins & Partners. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Mistral polypropylene loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the NEUTRAL carpet tile sample card
In the series world famous architecture: The Alhambra, Grenada, Spain. On a hill overlooking Granada, construction of the Alhambra—a sprawling palace-citadel that comprised royal residential quarters, court complexes flanked by official chambers, a bath, and a mosque—was begun in the thirteenth century by Ibn al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty, and was continued by his successors in the fourteenth century. Its most celebrated portions, a series of courtyards surrounded by rooms present a varied repertoire of Moorish arched, columnar, and domical forms. The romantic imagination of centuries of visitors has been captivated by the special combination of the slender columnar arcades, fountains and light-reflecting water basins found in those courtyards. The Lion Court in particular is understood from inscriptions to be a physical realization of descriptions of Paradise in Islamic poetry. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands.

Illustration to the PALMA carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: Merchants' canal houses and the Westertoren, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  The merchants’ canal houses are characterised by narrow, relatively tall facades, often richly crowned by ornamented gable tops. Typical forms are the stepped gables, neck gables and bell shaped gables. The reason behind the characteristic shape of the Amsterdam facades is the fact that the plots were narrow and deep with the narrow side facing the canal. It is crucial to realise that as a result the ridges of the saddle roofs were at right angles to the facades. Ornamental gable tops came to use as a way to hide the saddle roofs from view. Although every house was build as a separate entity with its own roof, front door and facade, together they form a unified whole. This is one of the reasons why the Amsterdam City centre is such a unique and rare whole. The Westertoren was built in 1638. It was designed by the architect Hendrick de Keyser, who played a dominating role in Amsterdam’s architecture of the early decades of the 17th century. He single-handedly created what is known today as the Amsterdam Renaissance style. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Palma needlefelt carpet tiles.

Illustration to the PRELUDE carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous architecture: Tower Bridge and Westminster, the Big Ben - London, England. Completed in 1894, the Tower Bridge in its time was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built. Over 11.000 tons of steel provided the framework for the towers and walkways. This was then clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone, both to protect the underlying steelwork and to provide the bridge with an unparalleled aesthetic appearance. The bridge was designed by H. Jone in collaboration with J.W. Barry. Westminster Palace or Houses of Parliament is an enormous structure of Neo-Gothic design and was built in the period 1840-1860. Designed by Sir Charles Barry, it replaced an aggregation of ancient buildings almost completely destroyed by fire in 1834. At the Northern end rises the Clock Tower, a great symbol of London with the famous clock Big Ben, and 96m (316ft) high itself. The name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock tower itself, but to the thirteen-ton bell hung within. It was named for Sir Benjamin Hall, commissioner of works when the bell was installed in 1856. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Prelude polyamide cut pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the TENNESSEE carpet tiles sample card

Notice 12 September 2001: Due to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, we have decided with immediate effect to discontinue the use of this illustration on our sample cards.

In the series world famous architecture: Landmarks of New York, New York, U.S.A. The people of France gave the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United States in 1886 in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution.  Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence and Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower, was commissioned to design the massive iron pylon and secondary skeletal framework. There are 25 windows in the crown symbolising gemstones found on the earth and the heaven's rays shining over the world. The seven rays of the Statue's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world. The Chrysler Building was completed in 1930 and measurers 319 meters. The architect was William Van Allen. The Empire State Building was completed one year later in 1931 and rises to 381 meters. The architects were Shreve, Lamb and Harmon Build. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Tennessee PA/PP loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the TIPO carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous ancient architecture: Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire, England. Mystery. Grandeur. Fascination. Fear. This megalithic ruin known as Stonehenge, an ancient monument of huge stones has captured imaginations for centuries. Theories about who built it have included the Druids, Greeks, Phoenicians, and Atlanteans. Speculation on the reason why it was built range from human sacrifice to astronomy. Investigations over the last 100 years have revealed that Stonehenge was built in several stages from 2900 to 1800 BC. It seems to have been designed to allow for observation of astronomical phenomena. The so-called Sarsen Circle with its lintels is perhaps the most remarkable feature of Stonehenge in terms of design, precision stonework and engineering. The Sarsen Circle, about 33 metres (108 ft) in diameter, was originally comprised of 30 neatly trimmed upright sandstone blocks of which only 17 are now standing. How the stones were transported to the site at Stonehenge remains the subject of much speculation. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Tipo polypropylene loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the VECTRA carpet tiles sample card
In the series world famous modern architecture: Kuwait Towers and the Liberation Tower, Kuwait City, Kuwait. The Kuwait Towers are designed by a Swedish architectural firm and opened in 1979. Located at Ras-Agoza cape it constitutes an important part of the waterfront and has become one of the main landmarks of Kuwait. The largest of the three towers rises to a height of 187m (615ft). The Liberation Tower, also known as Tahreer Tower, was officially opened on the 10th of March 1996. The tower consists of two main parts. The lower part is build of reinforced iron with circular concrete segments which are covered with aluminium plates with reinforced glass in between. The upper part is a post made of metal. Total height is 372 meters. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Vectra polypropylene loop pile carpet tiles.

Illustration to the VISION carpet tiles sample card
In the series wonders of nature: Mount Fuji, Honshu, Japan. Mt. Fuji, rising above the clouds, is symbolic of Japan and has provided a spiritual basis for the Japanese since ancient times. This 3,776 meters dormant volcano is world renowned for its symmetry and serenity. Located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Mt. Fuji is the main attraction of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Snow covered tranquillity in winter, vital and energetic presence in summer. From near or far, from plane or train, one cannot behold the sight of Mt. Fuji without marvelling at its beauty. Heavy volcanic activities, which started several hundred thousands of years ago and ended in 1707 sculptured the present gentle shape of this beautiful mountain. The left depicts a so-called gorin-to, a typical Japanese memorial stone found at temples. Illustration by A. Dusée, 2001. Copyright PVH Carpet Tiles, Almere, The Netherlands. View Vision polypropylene loop pile carpet tiles.