Els panots són el tipus de hydraulic valve which is used in Barcelona's vorals. Their history is fascinating because they have unwittingly become one of the emblems of the city.
When are the breads introduced?
The paving stones are closely related to the urban development of Barcelona's Eixample district. Traditionally, macadam stone was used for paving the city. The problem was that, when it rained, it became a muddy surface due to its very nature. In fact, the city came to be known as Can Fanga. From 1903 onwards, the need to use a different type of paving for Barcelona was seriously considered. The city's expansion could not be understood without the existence of modernist architecture and this type of material.
From that moment on, the Barcelona City Council called for a public tender. A decision was then taken to finish paving the city. The option of the paving stones was the one chosen from among the five that existed. The reason that led the authorities to opt for this material was fundamentally economic. It was the cheapest option available and in 1907 it began to be introduced in the paving of the city. Now, what types are there? We'll explain it better.
Types of bread
The panot must comply with standard measurements of a 20×20 centimetre square. Another equally important aspect is that it has to be made with Portland cement. The lack of companies that manufacture it was one of the initial difficulties for the expansion of this type of slab. The main difference is usually, sooner or later, in the design that is printed, which can change. In any case, it is important to say that they can be found in almost any part of the city.
These are the most common designs, although nowadays the rose and taulette designs are only being installed. We are not talking about other varieties such as the Gaudí hexagonal ones or the traditional cobblestones that have been laid in the Gothic Quarter. Today, these are the most important ones:
- Rose panot
Traditionally, the design has been attributed to the famous architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. This is because the panels of the Casa Ametller are similar to this design. However, there are some differences of relevance and, most importantly, there is no documentary evidence. Today this is a very common design in the streets of Barcelona.
- Panot de tauletes
The taulete panot has two great virtues. Firstly, it can be built in small sections without making a difference. Secondly, it facilitates water drainage, one of the fundamental aspects to avoid problems.
- Panot de quatre tauletes amb cercles (Four-headed bread with circles)
This design tries to combine the functionality of the taulette bread with the attractiveness of the rose bread. Although it is not the most common, it is not very difficult to find it in the streets of Barcelona.
- Panot d'ensaimada
The panot d'ensaimada, so called because of its concentric shape reminiscent of this Mallorcan pastry, is not very common. In any case, it is important to say that they are no longer installed on the city's pavement.
- Skull panot
The skull panot is another of the designs that have been abandoned and are no longer restored. Although it may have seemed scary, most people in Barcelona got used to it in the end.
Who installs this type of rajoles?
The installation of this type of grid is assigned to specialised manufacturers. It should be said that there are few of them, because Barcelona City Council only works with companies with experience in the sector. This is the case of Mosaics Torra, which supplies Gaudí tiles, panels and tiles. No less important is the restoration work, which is fundamental to Barcelona's paving.
If you want to buy cement tiles, Mosaics Torra is an interesting option for several reasons. Firstly, because we are manufacturers. On the other hand, because we take care of the installation. Finally, because we can restore public buildings because we have the know-how.
If you need a high quality hydraulic valve, we can help you. Contact us and we will inform you in more detail of the possibilities available to you.
