One of the oldest manufactured flooring materials, terra cotta has long been prized for its rich colors, tactile surfaces, and ability to evolve over time. Our curated selection of reclaimed terra cotta evokes a sense of historic tradition and timeless craftsmanship.
Antique Belgian firebricks are highly coveted for their historical significance, unique craftsmanship, and durability. They were typically made from local clay in regions like the Ardennes, which has a long history of pottery and brick-making. Featuring a broad color palette, these bricks possess uniquely rustic textures and surface irregularities that, with use, will develop a rich patina and a distinctive, weathered appearance.
The firebrick is often seen as a symbol of traditional Belgian craftsmanship, particularly those from the 18th and 19th centuries which would be embossed or marked with their artisan maker’s signature and location. These bricks were not merely construction materials, but served as the backbone of Belgium’s 19th and early 20th-century industrial revolution.
They lined factory floors where machines thrummed day and night, and cobbled busy streets that could withstand the constant traffic of horse-drawn carriages. Reclaiming these bricks means salvaging a piece of history; preserving the grit and resilience of that time and place. Whether laid in a courtyard or as flooring in a modern home, each brick carries echoes of its industrious past, making it a bridge between eras.
Forged from the sun-drenched clay of Southern France, Provençal parefeuille was used primarily for its ability to withstand the Mediterranean heat; flat terra cotta tiles were utilized as flooring in farmhouses or installed between wooden beams in ceilings to insulate against the sweltering summers. In Spain, parefeuille is still commonly used in today’s architecture—particularly in regions like Catalonia and Andalusia—but its story began during the Middle Ages, when clay tiles were widely used in Hispania as flooring and roofing materials.
Spanish parefeuille tiles tend to be thicker and flatter, while the French variation is typically thinner, longer and more rectangular. Ochre and peach color variations are among the most common for both regions. Whereas the Spanish style was influenced by the aesthetics of Roman and Moorish architecture, the French style evolved out of Gothic and medieval traditions; more concerned with symmetry and uniformity in roof construction.
Though their origins are similar, their style and uses have evolved in distinct ways based on each countries’ architectural, cultural, and climatic needs. Reclaimed parefeuille brings a sense of timelessness into contemporary spaces; carrying with it the warmth, simplicity, and historic beauty of the European countryside.
The oldest hexagonal terra cotta tiles in Paris date back to the Middle Ages, generally from the 15th to 16th centuries. They feature a lighter mix of ochre-to-orange colorations and can mainly be found throughout the more historic side of Paris, near the Louvre Museum, the cathedral of Notre Dame and around the Marais district. The smaller, rust-colored hexagon terra cotta tiles we more commonly recognize today were originally one of the iconic design elements incorporated into Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s vast urban renovation of Paris during the 19th century.
Parisian hexagonal tiles are more than a flooring material; they are an emblem of French sophistication and design. These storied tiles often graced the floors of apartments, brasseries, and cafés where writers, artists, and revolutionaries debated and dreamed.
The hexagon pattern, both elegant and geometric, reflects the golden age of Paris in the 19th century—a city that was reshaping itself into a global capital of art and culture. When you reclaim these tiles, you inherit not only their aesthetic charm but also a piece of Parisian history. Each mark and scuff is a testament to the vibrant lives and tales that unfolded around them.
Every piece of reclaimed terra cotta has a story—a life lived before it found its way to you. Each brick and tile carries centuries of history, artistry, and cultural significance. The firebricks of Belgium represent the spirit of industrial progress. The parefeuilles of France and Spain embody the pastoral essence of rural Europe. The hexagon tiles of Paris capture the enduring elegance of a city that inspired the world. By choosing reclaimed terra cotta, you’re not just adding beauty to your space—you’re preserving the past and allowing those stories to become a part of yours.
