Reclaimed ancient soils

Materials for exclusive use in our restoration projects.

“Floors, walls and doors give a house its character.”

In the late nineties, on a trip to La Rioja, we discovered old clay tiles and that is where our interest in old, reclaimed materials began. Since we started using this type of material, we find the new ones cold, too uniform, lacking character and patina. Here in Mallorca, they are difficult to obtain, since in the past few houses were tiled with clay and they are not always recovered in demolitions. We have brought old stone floors, square and rectangular clay tiles, old marble tiles, or stone curbs from the peninsula. We have used these materials in new and old constructions in the areas of Pollensa, Alcudia, Inca or Campanet.

The installation technique is essential for both stone and terracotta; sensitivity and good taste when installing the material are very important.

Clay or terracotta floors

Depending on where they come from, the colours and qualities are different. Redder in areas of northern Spain such as La Rioja or the Basque Country, in Mallorca they are usually yellow or pink. For some years now we have been using old clay with remains of polychromy, blue or ochre-coloured lime that is found on some rectangular tiles and that we maintain after installation by fixing the colour with waxes.

Stone floors

Generally, the slabs are very large and thick, and are difficult to locate and transport. Laying them is also complicated, but the end result is spectacular. All the floors on the ground floor of Can Monroig are made of old, reclaimed stone, meaning they were not there before the renovation, and no one would say so.

Lime soils

In the past, floors were made of earth, sand and lime, or plaster, and were much cheaper options than terracotta. In Mallorca, this type of floor was known as “trespol” and usually included pebbles of different sizes and aggregates that increased the hydraulicity of the mortar. These natural materials prevented moisture in the floor and aged very well. We have incorporated these techniques and finishes into our decorative projects, improving the insulation of the subsoil and avoiding rising moisture. The final appearance of these floors is very varied, as it can range from a polished floor with a shiny finish, to a rougher one with inlays of river stones of different sizes or an imitation of the wear of the Mallorcan “trespol”.

Tadelakts

A shiny, waterproof lime coating. It is recommended for use indoors, both on walls and floors; in bathrooms, kitchens and even on bedroom floors where they will suffer less wear than in other areas of the house.