Hydraulic tile finishes

Diamond Concrete

Name: Diamond Concrete
Brand: Mosaics Torra

Terrazzo is born from hydraulic tile. Concrete Diamond embeds natural aggregate and seashell into the surface of our hydraulic mosaic, to achieve the grain, depth, and feel of classic terrazzo – handmade, piece by piece, as we have been doing since 1975.

The finish

What is Concrete Diamond finish

Concrete Diamond is not an imitation or a printed vinyl: it is a true hydraulic tile, with the same cement base and the same 18 mm thickness which characterise Mosaics Torra, to which we add a noble layer sown with mineral aggregates and fragments of snail mother-of-pearl.

The result is a piece that retains the soul of the hydraulic mosaic – its density, its resistance, its Mediterranean character – but with the visual interpretation of terrazzo: a lively speckled pattern that changes with the light and never repeats itself exactly the same between two tiles. It is, quite literally, two traditions of artisanal paving fused into a single piece.

The process

How it's made: aggregate and snail shell

Each Concrete Diamond tile is made in layers, following the traditional hydraulic method:

Aggregate selection
We select hand-calibrated mineral grains and snail shell fragments. The size and proportion of the aggregate determine the size of the speckling: from fine and homogeneous to a more generous and expressive sowing.
The noble layer
First, the coloured and aggregate layer – which will be the visible part – is placed in the mould, by mixing pigmented cement with natural aggregates.
Hydraulic press
The tile is pressed at high pressure, without firing. It is the pressure – not the kiln – that gives encaustic tiles their legendary density and durability.
Cured and polished
After setting, the surface is polished to expose the embedded aggregate and snail shell, revealing the terrazzo effect. This final polish is what brings out each inlay.

The entire process is artisanal and is carried out piece by piece. No two Concrete Diamond tiles are identical: it's the hallmark of handmade work.

Two traditions, one piece

From hydraulic mosaic to terrazzo, in a single piece

For decades, terrazzo and hydraulic tiles have been two distinct paths in the world of handcrafted flooring. Concrete Diamond brings them together: part of our cement tile of 20x20x1.8 cm and gives it the terrazzo surface, without sacrificing the colour customisation or the agile delivery that characterise our stock.

For architects and interior designers, this opens up an unusual possibility: specifying the contemporary look of terrazzo with the traceability, thickness, and backing of a hydraulic manufacturer with verifiable references – from Casa Batlló to international hotel projects.

Where does it work

Applications and environments

Concrete Diamond is designed for those who are looking for terrazzo without giving up hydraulic craftsmanship.

Residential interior designKitchens, bathrooms and living rooms that call for a textured surface with its own light.
Hospitality and retailHigh-traffic floors that require both character and durability in equal measure.
Author's projectsWhen the floor has to be the star and tell a story.

Cement tile flooring with a terrazzo effect in blue Concrete Diamond for a bathroom

Bathroom · residential

Hydraulic flooring with a Terrazzo concrete diamond effect in a hallway with wooden carpentry

Hallway · dwelling

Bathroom with hydraulic tile, terrazzo, green concrete diamond and sink

Signature bath

Its 18mm thickness and the density of hydraulic pressing make it suitable for demanding areas; Consult us Anti-slip or sealing treatment as appropriate.

To your project

Colours and personalisation

Concrete Diamond's speckle can be refined to your project: background colour, aggregate size and density, and shell tone. We work from our palette of over 100 colours and manufacture bespoke combinations for specific requirements.

Are you looking for a concrete grey with a subtle pearlescent sheen, or a warm base with plenty of aggregate? We’ll work it out with you at Design your cement tile.