The Carocim Story: The Passion for Handmade Cement Tiles

Welcome to Carocim. For over forty years, our company has been a sanctuary for a nearly lost decorative art: the handcrafted production of genuine inlaid cement tiles. More than just a material, we consider each piece the expression of a story, a precise gesture, and an enduring passion. Our identity is built on the desire to preserve and reinvent this heritage. Based in Aix-en-Provence, on the Puyricard plateau, we are not simply manufacturers; we are designers of decorative tiles, driven by a constant pursuit of excellence. Delving into our history means understanding the soul of each cement tile that leaves our workshops, from its historical French roots to the excellence of our artisanal expertise.

Our Heritage: From a Forgotten French Art to a Prestigious House

The history of the cement tile is deeply French. This unique art form, also known as mosaic tile, appeared in France around 1860 in Vivier, on the banks of the Rhône. It enjoyed its heyday before almost completely disappearing after the First World War, a victim of labor costs and industrialization. It is this flame that Maison Carocim rekindled more than four decades ago. Our approach has never been one of nostalgia, but of passing on this tradition. We took up this torch with the conviction that the beauty of these patterns and the nobility of this handcrafted process have their rightful place in contemporary architecture and decoration. Today, Carocim has become a prestigious company, renowned for its expertise and the quality of its creations. Our headquarters in Aix-en-Provence is the beating heart of this adventure, from where we imagine and promote a lifestyle that blends heritage and modernity.

The Manufacturing Secret: Preserved Artisanal Know-How

The term "artisanal craftsmanship" isn't just a marketing ploy for us; it's the literal description of our daily work. Every Carocim cement tile is entirely handmade in our Moroccan workshops, where our artisans, custodians of this complex technique, work with fascinating precision and skill. This manual manufacturing process is unchanging. It guarantees not only the vibrant appearance and depth of color, but also the unique character of each piece. Far from cold, industrial uniformity, our tiles embody the subtle variations that define the authenticity of handcrafted work.

The Key Steps in Creating a Mosaic Tile

The creation of a decorated cement tile is an alchemy of materials and patience. It all begins with the mold, which determines the tile's shape. Inside this metal frame, the artisan places the "divider": a kind of intricately designed brass or bronze grid that meticulously traces the outline of each part of the future design. Then comes the crucial stage of coloring. Our artisans prepare their own colorants, a vibrant blend of white marble powder, cement, and high-quality natural pigments. This preparation is essential to guarantee the intensity and durability of the colors for which we are renowned. The cement tile is then built layer by layer. The first, the wear layer, bears the decorative elements. This is followed by a first layer of dry cement designed to absorb moisture, and then a second layer of gray cement mortar. This three-layer structure ensures the tile's rigidity and incredible longevity. This is precisely what allows us to produce two distinct thicknesses: 16 mm for exceptional durability on floors, and 10 mm for easy wall installation. The filled mold is then placed under a hydraulic press, which joins the layers without completely fusing them. Once removed from the mold, the tile is repeatedly immersed in water to ensure a perfect bond, then patiently left to air dry on special racks for several days.

The Precision of Our Artisans' Gestures

True craftsmanship lies in the technique. When the artisan fills the divider, they must memorize the entire pattern and apply each color to its respective compartment, to a thickness of approximately 5 millimeters. They must work with great precision, but also with controlled speed, before the colored material begins to harden. The most spectacular moment is the removal of the divider. With a swift and sure movement, the artisan lifts it vertically, allowing the still-liquid colors to set without ever mixing. It's a skill that requires years of experience, and it's what makes each cement tile so vibrant.

From Workshops to Exceptional Projects: Excellence as a Signature

Our artisanal expertise would be meaningless if it didn't serve creativity. Maison Carocim is proud to have left its mark on countless exceptional projects worldwide. From museums to luxury hotels, renowned restaurants to majestic manor houses, our creations adorn the floors and walls of the most discerning spaces. We have the privilege of collaborating regularly with internationally acclaimed architects and designers, as well as with exceptional clients, including some of the most prestigious French luxury brands. Their talent, vision, and exacting standards are a constant source of inspiration for us. They push us to continually surpass ourselves, both in the creation of new patterns and in the perfection of their execution.

The Creation: Renowned Designers and Exclusive Editions

Carocim is not just a guardian of tradition; we are also publishers. Alongside our timeless designs, we produce and manufacture our own creations. We also collaborate with internationally renowned designers to imagine and create exclusive collections. This dual role as manufacturer and publisher allows us to explore new aesthetic territories, to combine our artisanal expertise with contemporary perspectives, and to constantly enrich our offerings. It is this ongoing research and development that enables us to offer you such a rich and unique world of décor.

Rehabilitation: Reviving Historical Motifs

Another fascinating aspect of our work is our involvement in historic restoration projects. Whether it involves private residences or listed public buildings, recreating antique tiles and patterns is a creative outlet we cherish. This work often resembles an investigation. We must uncover historical models, sometimes fragmentary, delve into the origins of a motif, and understand the production techniques of the period. We then conduct numerous tests to reproduce the cement tile exactly, with its specific colors and grain. It's a captivating challenge that deeply connects our company to the history of this decorative art.

A Lasting Commitment to Unique Decor

Choosing a Carocim cement tile means choosing a durable product. It is made from natural materials – marble powder, sand, cement, and pigments – and its manufacturing process requires no firing or energy expenditure other than the human power of the press. It is a healthy surface covering, designed to last for decades, developing a beautiful patina over time. Our commitment extends far beyond our workshops. We maintain a large stock in Aix-en-Provence to ensure fast delivery, both in France and worldwide. But above all, we are there to support you. Our teams are trained to offer you personalized service and guide you in your choices. From the precision of our artisans' work to the realization of your project, the Carocim story continues to be written with you.