In a quiet workshop outside Girona, the sound of machinery is absent. Instead, there is only the rhythmic thud of raw clay being slapped into wooden molds and the soft scraping of a wire blade trimming excess earth level with the frame. Here, floor tiles are made precisely as they were three hundred years ago.
Clay Derived from Surrounding Earth
The characteristic warm ochre and muted terracotta hues of Catalonian flooring come directly from the iron-rich alluvial soil of the river basin. The clay is mixed with water, left to settle in outdoor pits, and kneaded until it reaches a dense, dough-like consistency capable of holding shape without shrinking excessively.
The Slow Architecture of Curing
Before facing the wood-fired kiln, fresh tiles must dry naturally on wooden racks for several weeks. Rushing this curing process causes internal moisture to evaporate unevenly, warping the tile's profile. Patience during drying ensures that each tile retains its flat plane while preserving micro-variations in surface density.
When installed across a courtyard or living gallery, no two hand-pressed tiles are identical. Their surfaces carry subtle variations in hue, gentle thumb marks near the edges, and a rich patina that deepens with years of foot traffic.