Grasping the legacy

Marvel at perfect imperfection

Cement tiles, zellige and bejmat shine through their irregularities. It is what sets them apart from mass-produced tiles, and once installed together, the texture, look and feel results in a beautiful design piece.
Our tiles are produced on a made-to-order basis. Each production batch is bespoke according to your exact design and specifications.

Here is a short overview of the different types of tiles.

Cement tiles

Cement tiles, also referred to as concrete tiles, are the result of a process blending Portland cement, mineral pigments, and marble powder that are pressed together in a hydraulic press. The centuries-old method is environment-friendly and pollution-free, as the tiles are naturally dried. Cement tiles were the flooring of choice in Europe and European colonies across the world around the years 1855-1875, as the plethora of patterns and color combinations made them ideal for virtually every setting and environment. (Not to mention that they last for decades, owing to the natural patina, which develops on their surface over time and serves as a natural protective layer.) Genuine cement tiles, such as the ones produced by Glazentile, are made by hand, one at a time, at our artisan workshop in Morocco. (In contrast to cement tiles from Southeast Asia, which are made with machines on an industrial scale.) The tiles can display very slight differences next to each other, which enhances the handmade nature of the tile and together forms imperfect perfection.

Cement tiles collection

Green and yellow hexagonal terrazzo style cement tile designed by Glazentile

Zellige

The instantly recognizable zellige tile is a glazed clay tile that first appeared around the 10th century in Morocco. The zellige then spread to southern Spain, under Moorish rule, and became a symbol of wealth and power given the craftsmanship that went into producing the very intricate patterns and designs. To make zellige tiles, clay and water are mixed together into a paste that is set in a mold and then dried in the sun. Once dried, the clay molds are fired in a kiln – often in an olive-pit – twice, the second round including the color glaze. Then follows the most arduous and equally fascinating process of all: the manual chiseling, where every piece is chiseled by hand individually. Finally, the tiny pieces are puzzled together forming a remarkably complex one-of-a-kind mosaic design. Each tile in a batch comes with slight differences, varying color nuances, and minimal imperfections, which is part of their charm. Morocco is the only country in the world that produces zellige tiles traditionally – and proudly so. Here the production process is considered an art, which is nurtured by master craftsmen and passed on from one generation to another. Choosing zellige tiles today for your design projects preserves the historic savoir-faire while enabling you to appreciate design exactly the same way it was appreciated centuries ago. We think that is pretty cool.

Zellige collection

Terracota/Bejmat

The terracotta tile, originally known as the bejmat tile, is a clay tile usually produced in a square or rectangular shape. The tile's matte color (as, some say, its name suggests: "beige-matte") makes it ideal for both outdoors and indoors, including most living areas ranging from terraces to bathroom walls. Similar to cement tiles and zellige, the bejmat tiles have a slightly irregular finish for that gorgeous authentic look.

Terracota/Bejmat collection

Grasping the legacy

Cement tiles

Zellige

Terracota/Bejmat

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM