Studio Le Nid
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STUDIO LE NID
was founded in the 1960s as a workshop on the slopes of Mount Etna by Mr. Barbaro Messina, a versatile and talented master ceramist, to produce handmade majolica.
Today, studio Le Nid is a renowned company exporting luxurious, fine and refined majolica all over the world, without forgetting the company's original purpose: creative, handcrafted, handmade pieces and artistic designs with the pursuit of beauty in every detail.
The tiles from Studio Le Nid are the result of skillful and passionate hands that transform the images of a beautiful country, where the black lava of Etna mixes with the scent of green citrus groves, into an artistic production.
Sicily is a land of contrasts. Its generous nature and prestigious artisan tradition were the starting point for Studio Le Nid to combine tradition, innovation, research and experimentation, so that the artistic tiles are the result of a contemporary classicism. They are transformed into unique pieces that reflect a culture and a lifestyle, the Sicilian one.
The master and the Le Nid studio work with architects and designers of international renown to design and produce tiles (just think of the collaboration with Ettore Sottsass). The Le Nid studio is constantly seeking technical and aesthetic solutions for design and color effects to satisfy the good taste of demanding customers who appreciate beautiful, high-quality products and the originality of each handmade piece.
Since 2001, the Le Nid studio has been run by Vincenzo, Filippo and Rita Messina, Barbaro Messina's sons. They have continued the company's mission, renewing its image and making it a true example of Made in Sicily exported all over the world.
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Handmade terracotta tiles: a traditional masterpiece in modern architecture.
With a history stretching back thousands of years, terracotta tiles are not just a building material, but a symbol of traditional craftsmanship. Originally made from simple clay that was molded into shapes and then dried in the sun or fired in a kiln, terracotta tiles represent one of the oldest forms of floor and wall design known to human history.
The historical significance of terracotta tiles
The production of terracotta tiles can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Roman Empire, where they were valued for both their practical use and aesthetic properties. In Italy, terracotta tiles reached a new heyday during the Renaissance, when artists and architects used the natural colors and robust nature of the material to create stunning architectural works.
Over the centuries, the methods for making terracotta have been refined, but the basic process remains largely unchanged. Clay is extracted, cleaned and then carefully pressed into molds by skilled artisans. Once shaped, the tiles are air-dried slowly and then fired in specialized kilns to increase their hardness and durability. This process gives each tile a unique, distinctive look that modern replicas can rarely match.
Why choose handmade terracotta tiles?
Handmade terracotta tiles offer a range of benefits that set them apart from machine-made alternatives. Their natural color palette, ranging from earthy tones to deep reds, adds warmth and character to any space. The individual irregularities of each tile give surfaces a vibrant, tactile feel that cannot be achieved by industrial processes.
Furthermore, terracotta tiles are ideally suited to underfloor heating systems due to their porosity and ability to store and release heat slowly. Their durability makes them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, in both domestic and public spaces.
Sustainability and handmade terracotta tiles
In a world that increasingly values sustainability, handmade terracotta tiles offer an environmentally friendly option. The natural clay used to create them is a biodegradable material that can be sourced and processed locally, further minimizing the ecological impact. The tiles' longevity also means that they need to be replaced less often, resulting in less waste.
Summary
Handmade terracotta tiles are more than just a building material; they are a piece of history and art that is able to add a special touch to any room. By choosing handmade terracotta tiles, you are investing in aesthetics, quality and sustainability. For those seeking an authentic, timeless material that carries stories of craftsmanship and tradition, handmade terracotta tiles offer an unrivaled option.
Handmade tiles are prized for their uniqueness. Each tile is molded, painted or glazed by hand, which sets them apart from machine-made tiles. As such, each one is a bit different. They come in a range of colors and textures and suit both modern and traditional interiors.
Designer tiles made of terracotta and volcanic stone combine traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Terracotta, known for its warm, earthy tones, is made from natural clay materials and hardened by a firing process. These tiles offer a natural, porous surface that gives any room a rustic and cozy atmosphere. Volcanic stone, on the other hand, comes from the earth's interior and is known for its exceptional robustness and heat resistance. The dark, often almost black tones of the stone fit seamlessly into modern design concepts and offer a dramatic, stylish touch.
The combination of these materials in designer tiles allows for a variety of design options. Architects and designers use these materials to create floors and walls that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The natural beauty of the materials and their sustainability are key factors here. Terracotta and volcanic stone are also highly valued for their durability and ease of care in environments that need to withstand heavy use and impress visually.
Conclusion
Opting for handcrafted terracotta tiles means appreciating history, craftsmanship and the environment. They give every project, whether new or under renovation, a dimension of depth and character that only genuine craftsmanship can offer.