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Ecologica

Product catalog summary

Historical Background and Significance

Handmade terracotta dates back to the Neolithic period (5,000 to 10,000 years B.C.) and has been widely used in Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and later Italy. It reached its peak during Greek and Roman times, notably in construction (e.g., Aurelian Walls, Baths of Caracalla) and flooring, demonstrating exceptional durability, weather resistance, thermal shock endurance, and seismic resilience.

Terracotta is a natural, ecological material made from earth, water, air, and fire. La Moderna Manifattura preserves ancient production methods emphasizing environmental respect.

Raw Material Preparation and Clay Processing

Clay is quarried and air-seasoned before manual working to achieve a plastic, malleable state essential for handmade terracotta’s unique qualities.

Tile Formation and Drying

Tiles are hand-shaped in wooden molds, imparting distinctive handmade effects. Air drying lasts several days, causing about 5% water loss and initial shrinkage.

Firing Process

Wood-fired kilns are used over 4-5 days, including cooling, imparting warm color and aroma. Total shrinkage reaches approximately 10%. Uniform heat distribution ensures consistent quality.

Product Characteristics and Durability

Handmade terracotta is ductile, flexible, and easy to produce. Its natural composition provides excellent resistance to weather, temperature changes, and seismic activity, proven over millennia.

Product Variants and Finishes

La Moderna Manifattura offers five series differentiated by finish and treatment: natural, rectified, polished, bevelled, and treated with oil and water repellents. Variants include light brushing and pre-finished treatments suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Visual and Archaeological References

Neolithic painted vase (~4000 B.C.)
Amphora from Stockholm (680 B.C.)
Chalice from Vulci (530-510 B.C.)
Aurelian Walls (4th century A.D.)
Roman thermal baths (1st century A.D.)
Roman terracotta floors in Marzabotto (1st century A.D.)

Handmade Terracotta Collections Overview

Five distinct series include natural terracotta with pre-finished treatments, glazed and decorated tiles, and mosaics crafted with traditional artisanal techniques emphasizing natural textures and surface variations.

Material Characteristics and Treatments

Natural Terracotta: Slightly brushed, pre-treated with water and oil repellents, suitable for indoor/outdoor use.
Glazed and Decorated: Hand-glazed and painted, unique surface and color variations.
Natural Tech Series: Rectified, polished, bevelled with oleo- and hydro-repellent treatments, mainly for indoor use.

Product Formats and Dimensions

Available in various shapes and sizes: rectangular, square (e.g., 15x15 cm, 30x30 cm), hexagonal (20x23 cm), decorative modules, mosaics with 3D effects, and special shapes like corner and diamond tiles. Dimensional tolerances range from ±1.4 cm to ±2.5 cm.

Mosaic Production and Artistic Value

Mosaics are handcrafted by artisans who individually process each tessera, preserving ancient Roman mosaic traditions and producing panels with unique 3D effects and color compositions.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Thermal Shock Resistance: Withstands 100 cycles between +15°C and -15°C without damage.
Slip Resistance: Maximum anti-slip rating (R13) on dry and wet surfaces (DIN 51130-04).
Stain Resistance: Surfaces cleanable after 24 hours of contact with common staining substances.

Packaging and Delivery

Tiles are packed in boxes on fumigated Europallets (80x120 cm) to ensure safe transport.

Best Practices and Recommendations

Expect natural variations in edges, texture, and color due to handmade production, considered aesthetic features.
Natural Tech series recommended for indoor use due to refined finishes.
Proper cleaning and maintenance preserve anti-slip and stain-resistant properties.

Product Specifications and Dimensions

Detailed specifications include sizes from small mosaics (3x3 cm) to large tiles (41x41 cm), weights, packaging units, and pallet quantities. Packaging is standardized on Euro pallets with clear piece and area counts.

Qualities and Features of Natural Terracotta

Natural terracotta tiles are bio-compatible, healthy, and made from natural components. They regulate humidity, resist frost, do not deform, are easy to clean and install, and suit both classic and modern interiors, enhancing warmth and harmony.

Installation Recommendations

For ECOLOGICA series tiles (indoor/outdoor), use adhesive without soaking tiles. Grout in small sections and clean residues immediately with water. No additional cleaning products are required during installation.

Cleaning and Maintenance Products

LAVAGGIO CLEANER: Slightly acidic detergent for persistent construction dirt.
DETERGENTE NEUTRAL: Neutral detergent for daily cleaning.
FINITURA PROTECT: Protective finish restoring oil-repellent treatment, applied post-installation and periodically to refresh protection and color.

Compatibility and Additional Information

Tiles are compatible with underfloor heating systems, enhancing versatility. Manufacturer contact details are provided for further inquiries.

Multilingual Presentation

All key information, including product qualities, installation, and maintenance instructions, is available in Italian, English, French, German, and Russian to support international customers.

Catalog excerpts

Arte e Ornamenti Fin dall’antichità l’uomo ha dato forma all’argilla ricavandone forme e figure molteplici che unite a preziosi ornamenti e decorazioni davano vita a vere e proprie opere d’arte che abbellivano ed impreziosivano dimore, palazzi ed edifici di culto. Since ancient times man has shaped clay in various shapes and figures which combined with precious ornaments and decorations gave birth to true works of art which adorned and embellished houses, palaces and religious buildings. Déjà dans l’antiquité l’homme a modelé l’argile en réalisant des objets et des formes différentes, qu’il a...

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La terre cuite réalisée à la main un prodotto antico come la storia dell’uomo Lo sviluppo della Terracotta è da situarsi nel peoriodo Neolitico, 5/10mila anni a.C.: lo dimostrano gli oggetti d’uso domestico, le stoviglie, i piatti in argilla emersi da numerosi siti archeologici. Successivamente la tecnica ceramica si è poi evoluta nel vicino Oriente e nell’area del Mediterraneo Mesopotamia, Egitto e Grecia dalla quale è stata portata in Italia. E’ infatti grazie ai Greci e soprattutto ai Romani che questa arte si sviluppa maggiormente in Europa. Nell’antica Roma la terracotta veniva usata per...

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Argilla allo stato plastico Formatura della piastrella Dalle cave si estrae l’argilla che viene lasciata stagionare all’aria aperta. Successivamente lavorandola manualmente viene portata ad uno stato plastico per ottenerne la lavorabilità. All’interno dello stampo vengono formate e rifinite le piastrelle. L’uso delle mani è fondamentale per ottenere gli effetti caratteristici del “cotto fatto a mano”. Per ottenere delle forme di piastrelle è necessario avvalersi dell’uso di stampi in legno dove viene foggiata l’argilla. Clay at plastic stage Clay is extracted from quarries and is left to season...

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natural hand made terracotta with water and oil treatment, ideal for internal applications. naturelle, avec un traitement hydrofuge et imperméable aux substances huileuses, idéale pour l’intérieur. natürlich, mit öl-und wasserabdichtender Vorbehandlung, für den Innenbereich geeignet. натуральная, с жиро-и-водо-отталкивающей обработкой, идеальна для укладки внутри помещения. cotto fatto a mano smaltato e decorato glazed and decorated hand-made terra cotta. réalisée à la main, émaillée et décorée. handgemachter, glasierter und dekorierter Cotto. глазурованная и декорированная терракота ручной работы....

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ecologica natural bio ecologica natural easy pavimento: bio · easy rombo 12,5x25 cm | bio · easy 6x36 cm | bio · easy 6x15 cm 13 pavimento: bio · easy 6x36 cm | bio · easy 30x30 cm

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pavimento: bio · easy 30x30 cm | bio · easy 15x15 cm decoro: opus 41x41 cm 16 17 pavimento: bio · easy 30x30 cm | bio · easy 15x30 cm decoro: primavera 30x30 cm | primavera fascia 15x30 cm | primavera angolo 15x15 cm ecologica natural easy

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ecologica natural bio ecologica natural easy pavimento: bio · easy 30x30 cm bio · easy 6x30 cm pavimento: bio · easy 30x30 cm bio · easy 20x20 cm decoro: astratto 80x160 cm pavimento: bio · easy esagono 20x23 cm

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sensazioni sorpresa 15x15 cm sensazioni gioia 15x15 cm

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modulo miniatura abbinamento decorativo 4 26,5x26,5 cm | easy 6x15 cm modulo miniatura tozzetto policromo 29,6x29,6 cm | easy 6x15 cm

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miniAtute eetaaut dulo miniatura acquel modulo miniatura geometria

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modulo miniatura esagono bianco 24x22 cm | easy 15x30 cm | easy 15x15 cm modulo miniatura fiori 3 27,5x32,5 cm | easy 30x30 cm modulo miniatura acquerelli 8 29,6x29,6 cm | easy 30x30 cm

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primavera fascia barocco fascia bio · easy bio · easy esagono primavera angolo barocco angolo

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Tessere manuali Decorazioni in mosaico di terracotta Queste decorazioni in mosaico su pannello sono il risultato di abilità e manualità nel lavorare ogni singola tessera in cotto. Una nobile arte, quella del mosaico, che affonda le radici nella storia millenaria di Roma e delle civiltà antiche fino ai giorni nostri riproponendolo in un materiale caldo come il cotto. Le composizioni a pannello, utilizzando cotti fatti a mano, presentano in superficie effetti di tridimensionalità su tutta la scena rendendola molto suggestiva ed originale. Tessere manuali Mosaic decorations in terracotta Manual...

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modulo miniatura abbinamento decorativo 4 26,5x26,5 cm modulo miniatura losanga smeraldo 29,6x28,5 cm modulo miniatura stella e intarsio 1 30,5x30,5 cm listello immaginne modulo miniatura geometria 1 27,5x32,5 cm modulo miniatura tozzetto policromo 29,6x29,6 cm modulo miniatura acquerelli 8 29,6x29,6 cm Cotto fatto a mano smaltato e decorato Questo materiale non essendo realizzato in serie ha il pregio di presentare varietà nella superficie, nelle dimensioni, nei lati e nei toni di colore. Glazed and decorated hand-made terra cotta This material, being not mass-produced, has the good quality...

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