Style! Funk! Glamour! Colour! Pizazz! - Handmade Encaustic Concrete Tile

Encaustics were originally developed in Viviers France in the 1850’s.

Machinery shipped to Vietnam in the early 1900’s where tiles were made to satisfy construction in Indo China. The machinery used to press the tiles today is incredibly similar to the original following the same original principal.

The American Wars and change of Government limited innovation but since the early 2000’s things have turned around – and companies have been rebuilt to an international export quality.

Still made in virtually the same method – with improvements in base materials & technology ensuring a quality product.

What is an encaustic tile?

In essence they are a coloured concrete tile. The design is made by inserting a steel pattern into a square – coloured concrete of your choice is inserted to the varying areas – it’s covered with cement – then pressed.

From here the tiles are pressed and dried – then go through a rigorous quality control and are sealed with the recommended solvent seal prior to packing and shipping.

One of first major jobs was totally inspired by the design inspirations of Mark Wallbank for the hugely successful Blue Breeze Inn – Ponsonby Rd – where handmade encaustic tiles were used in the foyer and walkways – even on the splash back behind the wok burners.

6 years and literally tens of thousands of happy customers have devoured delicious dumplings....consumed copious rum cocktails in these salubrious surroundings.

The encaustic formed part of a ‘warm’ base with its terracotta colouring and cream and brown pattern….it’s part of the rich texture of design elements at the Blue Breeze Inn

Care and Maintenance

Being concrete these tiles are porous.

They will mark and wear – in our opinion they get better with time. Cleaning and washing will help develop a lovely patina over time.

If you are in any doubt as to whether they are going to suit your style it’s a good idea to check them out over a cocktail at any number of restaurants where they are in use.

We recommend a penetrating solvent sealer – Fila MP 90 is the one we use. The manufacturer as well as Artedomus don’t recommend them for inside a shower box – but plenty of people do use them.

Dark coloured dyes in dark grout colours can stain these so beware and make sure your tiler does a trial.

Projects by Pennant & Triumph Devon on the Wharf & Ferizas.

Artedomus has been inspiring architects and designers in New Zealand with this handmade artisan tile.