Polígono Industrial Canigó, C-244, km 18 – 08777 Sant Quintí de Mediona
The business Mosaics Torra is dedicated to the manufacture of hydraulic tiles following purely traditional techniques. They continue to use the same production methodology that numerous famous architects and artists such as Gaudí, Doménech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch used before.
The traditional method for the manufacture of hydraulic tiles makes their production slower than the industrial one. To obtain this product they use both original tools and faithful copies of the ones which were used in the old days for the manufacture of these kinds of flooring. In their installations they manufacture over 300 different models, with different shapes and motives.
The manufacture of hydraulic tiles starts with the kneading of the different components together with the colour. Next, they fit the trepa in a mould, fixing it adequately into the levelled steel base. Right after that, a layer is created when they pour the colour pastinas in the orifices according to the design to be carried out. The second layer is made of a 50-50 mixture of extremely fine sand and cement, which, applied on top of the previous one, absorbs its humidity. After that, they apply the inferior layer, also called the capa de gros, made of a mixture of sand and cement with a 4 to 1 proportion. This way, the tile has a perfect finish in its inferior side, guaranteeing good adherence with the mortar for its placement on site. Finally the hydraulic tile is pressed to be finally extracted from the mould.
The recently manufactured hydraulic tiles are taken to a curing warehouse where they remain for 24 hours. Right after that they are taken to a chamber where they are sprinkled with water to give them the necessary humidity for a perfect setting.
Once the optimum level of curing has been reached, the hydraulic mosaics are packed, protecting them properly and transporting them to the storage room where they will remain for a minimum period of 28 days.
The transmission of the knowledge of this craft was carried out by an artisan of a factory which was about to disappear in Tarragona.
The knowledge of this traditional technique was acquired via artisans who transmitted their knowledge to the new generations. This process continues to take place in the same factory at present.