The Heart of Our Identity: Artisanal Know-How and Cement Tile Manufacturing

Welcome to the heart of Maison Carocim. More than just a page, this space is an immersion into our workshops, a celebration of what defines each piece that bears our name. For over forty years, our identity has been forged not on a product, but on a method: authentic artisanal know-how dedicated to the manufacture of cement tiles. In a world dominated by industry, we have chosen to preserve an art. This art is that of the inlaid mosaic tile, born in France around 1860. Our mission is to perpetuate this craft, enhancing it in the process. Understanding our artisanal know-how means understanding the soul of Carocim. It means discovering why the manufacture of cement tiles is, for us, above all, a human and technical adventure, where the human hand takes precedence over the machine.

The Artisanal Gesture: A Pillar of Our Expertise

Our artisanal expertise is not an abstract concept. It is embodied, every day, by our master craftsmen. The production of cement tiles at Carocim is an entirely manual process, carried out in our own workshops in Morocco. It is a ballet of precise movements, a sure hand, acquired over the years, that cannot be automated or imitated. Each craftsman memorizes dozens of patterns, masters the alchemy of colors, and understands the material. It is this artisanal expertise that gives our tiles their unique character. You will never find two perfectly identical Carocim pieces, because each one carries within it the subtle vibration of this handcrafted touch. It is this controlled "imperfection" that makes our cement tile production perfect. We do not seek industrial uniformity, but artisanal excellence.

Detailed Steps in Cement Tile Manufacturing

The manufacture of cement tiles is a complex process that has remained unchanged for over a century. It is broken down into several crucial stages, where the artisanal expertise of our teams is essential. This process, which involves no firing, guarantees an environmentally friendly product with exceptional durability.

Step 1: The Mold and the Divider, Decorating Matrix

It all begins with the tool that will bring the tile to life. The mold is a sturdy metal frame that determines the tile's shape (square, hexagonal, etc.). Then, inside this mold, the craftsman places the "divider." This is the key component in the creation of the decorated cement tile. This divider is a complex metal grid, most often made of brass or bronze, that perfectly delineates the outline of each colored area of ​​the design. Its creation is in itself an act of highly precise craftsmanship. It will serve as a three-dimensional stencil to hold the colored pastes.

Step 2: The Alchemy of Colors and Manual Filling

The next step is applying the color. Our artisanal expertise is also evident in the preparation of our own colorants. This is a vibrant liquid blend of premium white marble powder, cement (white, gray, or black), and 100% natural pigments. This composition ensures the intensity, depth, and exceptional durability of our colors. Using filling cones, the craftsman then applies each color to the corresponding section of the divider. They must memorize the entire pattern and work with extreme agility and precision. This colored layer, which will become the tile's wear layer, is approximately 5 millimeters thick. Speed ​​is essential, as it must be completed before the material begins to harden.

Step 3: Removing the Divider, a Master's Gesture

This is the most critical and spectacular moment in the cement tile-making process. Once all the squares are filled, the craftsman removes the divider with a swift, vertical, and perfectly steady movement. The colors, still liquid, are now set, edge to edge, without having mixed. A hesitant or slow movement would ruin the tile. It is this "touch," this absolute artisanal skill, that guarantees the crispness of the pattern and the clarity of the lines for which our cement tile production is renowned.

Step 4: The Press and the Structure (10mm vs 16mm)

The design is in place, but still fragile. To give the tile its structure and strength, the cement tile manufacturing process continues. A first layer of dry cement is delicately sprinkled onto the colored paste to absorb moisture. Then, a second, much thicker layer of gray cement mortar is added to completely fill the mold. This structural layer ensures the tile's rigidity and forms the part known as the "base." Our artisanal expertise allows us to adjust this step: we produce a 16 mm thickness (for floors and walls) for maximum robustness, and a 10 mm thickness (for walls only) for lighter and easier wall installation. The filled mold is then placed under a hydraulic press that powerfully compacts the different layers, uniting them into an indivisible block.

Step 5: Immersion and Drying, Revealing the Material

The production of cement tiles culminates in a patient stage. The freshly removed tile is repeatedly immersed in water. This soaking, or "curing," is vital: it deeply hydrates the cement to ensure a perfect bond and prevent the tile from cracking during drying. Finally, the tiles are left to air-dry on drying racks for several days. This slow, natural maturation allows the cement to reach its final hardness and the tile to reveal the subtle nuances of its color.

Artisanal Expertise at the Service of Creation and Excellence

This artisanal expertise is not simply a technical process; it is a tool for creation. Because we master every aspect of cement tile manufacturing, we have the freedom to design and produce our own creations. This allows us to constantly push the aesthetic boundaries of this material. It is also this artisanal expertise that enables us to collaborate with world-renowned designers. We translate their creative vision and designs into the technical constraints of cement tile manufacturing, giving life to exclusive collections. This level of excellence is our standard. Maison Carocim is honored to see its creations adorn exceptional projects around the world: museums, luxury hotels, prestigious restaurants, and private residences. We work for exceptional clients, including some of the most prestigious French luxury brands. Their talent and rigor are a driving force that pushes us to continually refine our artisanal expertise.

 

Historical Restoration: Our Expertise in Action

Another fascinating aspect of our work is heritage restoration. Our expertise in crafting historical cement tiles is regularly called upon for projects involving the reconstruction of antique patterns. It's work we find truly captivating. It often begins with research: discovering period designs from fragments, investigating the origins of a motif, and understanding the techniques of the time. Thanks to our artisanal know-how, we then conduct numerous tests to recreate the divider and match the exact colors, in order to reproduce the cement tile perfectly.

The Promise of an Authentic and Durable Product

It is this total commitment – ​​from the search for patterns to the manufacture of the cement tile – that allows us to offer you a world of unparalleled decorative richness. Every cement tile that leaves our workshops in Aix-en-Provence is a promise of an authentic product. It is the fruit of genuine artisanal expertise, crafted according to time-honored techniques, using premium materials, patience, and precision. This is our commitment to quality, ensuring that your projects possess a soul and a durability that defy time.