Trencadís is one of the best known construction techniques of Catalan modernism. In this article, we explain what it consists of, give examples of buildings that use it and indicate where to buy the material.
What is the trencadis technique?
The concept of trencadís is a translation from Catalan. The most accurate translation in French would be «cassant», and this refers to a type of encaustic cement tiles composed of cemented masonry. The result is a sun, a wall, a façade or a sculpture with a different and characteristic effect.
This construction technique has been mainly used for decorative purposes and is part of Catalan modernist architecture. However, it is also worth noting that in the Valencian Community, several buildings use this technique.
Bâtiments où trouver du trencadís
The trencadís is an invention of the great architect Antoni Gaudí, although it is true that it had been experimented earlier.
It was first used between 1883 and 1887. It is important to note that it was subsequently adopted by other architects and in other areas. Consequently, today there are civil, religious and other buildings, not only modernist, which include it.
In all cases, there is a consensus that this is an essentially Mediterranean technique. The main chronological difference is that, at the beginning, removable hydraulic ceramics were used, such as the morceaux de vaisselle. Today, this technique is much more refined and new technologies are used to obtain more attractive visual effects.
La Finca and Park Güell, located in the Pedralbes district of Barcelona, were among Gaudí's earliest works. The pavilions were built between 1883 and 1887. This technique is visible in the kiosks of the pavilion tours with clarity. This was the first time that this philosophy had been used with a certain stylistic consistency.
It is one of Gaudí's most famous buildings, although it was not without controversy. The name La Pedrera was originally a surname, and it was built between 1906 and 1912. Traccadís was used for the tours of this house, located in the Eixample district of Barcelona.
Today, they are perfectly preserved and they surround the building. We can therefore see that there is a chronological consistency in Gaudí's use of this technique in several buildings and periods.
Le Park Güell
is one of Barcelona's main tourist attractions, although it was originally designed as a housing estate and built between 1900 and 1914. The emblematic dragon is covered in tile, as is the hypostyle hall or the benches that offer a view over the city. It is probably one of Gaudí's works where this construction element is most present.
Santiago Calatrava is the contemporary architect who has made the greatest contribution to introducing the concept of trencadís in his works.
Although it has its own concept, it is in many respects inspired by the architect A. Gaudí and other modernist architects. Thus, the monumental building of the Cité des arts et des sciences de Valence contains several elements of this type.
The Adán Martín Auditorium in Tenerife
is another major work by Santiago Calatrava. It was built between 1997 and 2003, and we can see the fragments of it broken up on the outer façade. Its location and presence are examples of a clear postmodern concept. The idea is to give a living image to the building, which is possible thanks to the white mosaics of trencadis. This is an example of postmodern architecture.
Mosaics Torra as a supplier of encaustic cement tiless
At Mosaics Torra, we manufacture all types of carreaux de ciment and mosaics, inspired by the works of Antoni Gaudí. For example, the encaustic cement tiles Trencadís is inspired by this philosophy. The difference is that, if you wish, you can use it inside your home.
Our know-how as manufacturers, distributors and restorers of public buildings precedes us. In the 1990's, the manufacture of hydraulic carriages was brought back into fashion, which has enhanced the value of modernist construction techniques. We have been and still are leaders in the sector, and have contributed to the restoration of the Park Güell, among other actions. We have public and private clients.
For all these reasons, if you are looking for a reliable supplier of carts and encaustic cement tiless, we encourage you to contact us. You will find what you are looking for and you will be able to give a new touch to your space.
