The search for reclaimed building materials, restoration, and/or the repair of period or antique items can sometimes be very expensive in terms of both cost and time. In some cases, it is impossible to find the original material or something similar to it.
From this need, and seeking a solution that could meet the needs of our clients, we began researching a system to age handmade terracotta products. Around 2006, we succeeded in giving the terracotta brick the appearance of a product naturally worn by time and external agents.
Antique Terracotta: production, use, aspect
Once fired, the terracotta is processed with a machine that “mechanically” and uniformly wears down the pieces, giving life to the Ars Vetus finish: an exclusive product by Fornace Bernasconi. The brick thus produced can be virtually indistinguishable from original antique terracotta.
Once on the market, our aged terracotta quickly stood out compared to all competing products and was chosen by many Italian heritage authorities as the best brick to reconstruct and restore the beauty and original appearance of monuments and historical buildings.
Morphologically, the Ars Vetus antique terracotta appears worn on the edges and surfaces: all roughness is softened, and visually the result is striking. Even in Roman times, terracotta produced in our area reached Rome and the centers it controlled. Today, after two thousand years, the bricks with the Ars Vetus finish help reintegrate this rich heritage.
The antique terracotta from Fornace Bernasconi: Ars Vetus finish
Although Fornace Bernasconi’s “antique terracotta” is a new brick, it represents a challenge against time for our company and contributes to the preservation and maintenance of important historical and cultural heritage.
Fornace Bernasconi’s antique terracotta (Ars Vetus finish) is not only chosen for the restoration of historical sites but also for private construction. This finish is highly appreciated and naturally fits in country houses, hospitality structures, and agritourism accommodations. In modern environments, it adds warmth, elegance, and exclusivity.
When used as a terracotta floor, its smooth texture gives the feeling of a soft earth carpet, inviting you to walk barefoot, especially when combined with underfloor heating. It’s important to note that terracotta has high thermal conductivity, meaning it has a superior ability to transmit heat compared to other materials such as wood or porcelain stoneware.
The Ars Vetus finish of Fornace Bernasconi’s terracotta bricks can also be customized in various formats (made to measure) for different uses: interior and exterior flooring, staircases, frames, coping stones, and more…
Antique Terracotta Floor for outdoor and indoor
As we know, terracotta is an incredibly versatile natural material, perfect for flooring due to its durability and ease of maintenance. In particular, antique terracotta can bring a unique atmosphere to both indoor and outdoor floors and spaces:
Indoor Antique Terracotta Flooring: Inside the house, the worn look of antique terracotta easily adapts to classical, modern, and rustic environments. Its smooth and velvety surface, which also showcases the signs of time (created during the brick-making process), offers a highly versatile and rewarding aesthetic. Antique terracotta can be combined with other natural materials in the interior design, creating a unique style that reflects the home in all its splendor.
Outdoor Antique Terracotta Flooring: In outdoor settings, antique terracotta offers various customization options. The Ars Vetus finish is one of the most requested for exteriors, especially where a weathered look is desired while maintaining smooth and velvety surfaces. The natural appearance of terracotta is perfect for walkways, pools, terraces, and balconies, giving them a natural and highly versatile look.
Reclaimed Antique Terracotta: Aesthetics and Sustainability
In the world of architecture and design, the concept of sustainability and eco-building is gaining increasing ground. As society shifts toward the reuse and recycling of materials, reclaimed antique terracotta is emerging as an intriguing and versatile solution. This material has deep historical roots and offers creative opportunities for modern and environmentally friendly projects.
What is reclaimed terracotta?
Reclaimed terracotta is a variation of traditional terracotta, distinguished by being made using recovered materials from old buildings, floors, or terracotta coverings. This approach embodies the essence of sustainability, as it reduces the need for extracting new raw materials and helps to decrease waste.
The production process of reclaimed terracotta is a perfect example of how even something old and broken can be reinvented into something new and captivating. Below are the key steps:
Material Collection: The first step involves gathering bricks, tiles, and terracotta artifacts from old buildings or floors. These materials are selected and prepared for the subsequent processing. We are always looking for reclaimed antique bricks. If you want to dispose of yours and give them a new life, contact us!
Cleaning and Preparation: The reclaimed materials undergo thorough cleaning to remove dirt, remaining plaster, or any other foreign elements. This process is crucial to ensure the quality and aesthetic appearance of the reclaimed terracotta.
Also, read: “How Terracotta is Made“
Where to use Reclaimed Terracotta
One of the most fascinating characteristics of reclaimed terracotta is its versatility in various contexts. This sustainable material can be used to create a unique reclaimed antique terracotta floor, adding an authentic atmosphere to both interiors and exteriors. Reclaimed antique bricks are also perfect as wall cladding, adding warmth and character to spaces.
Reclaimed antique terracotta can also be incorporated into furniture pieces such as countertops for masonry kitchens, rustic fireplaces, columns, and much more, adding a touch of originality.
In outdoor spaces, reclaimed terracotta can be used to create retaining walls, poolside borders, and decorative details.
Reclaimed Terracotta: prices
Opting for reclaimed antique terracotta means embracing a creative and environmentally friendly approach in architecture and design. It also offers cost savings: in fact, the prices of reclaimed antique terracotta are lower than those of newly fired terracotta.
At our kiln, we offer a variety of reclaimed terracotta elements depending on the availability of the pieces we receive. For reclaimed roofs, we can mix reclaimed and industrial terracotta tiles and roof ridge tiles.
Contact us to learn more!
Reclaimed Old Tiles and Antique Terracotta
Reclaimed antique terracotta represents a fascinating way to combine sustainability, history, and design. With its unique production process and ability to adapt to a wide range of uses, this material offers an opportunity to reduce environmental impact while adding character and beauty to spaces.
If you’re disposing of tiles, roof tiles, bricks, or other types of terracotta elements, contact us: we are always looking for materials to give a new life!
