But the artisans here created their own techniques to produce the tadelakt that’s so unique to, and synonymous with, Morocco. It’s thought to be derived from qadad, a plaster that’s used in Yemen. Tadelakt is an ancient plaster finish with roots in Morocco, where its combination of lime soap plaster and application technique has been used for centuries to. It has its origins in the High Atlas, close to the city of Marrakech, where the lime is excavated still today. The word tadelakt derives from an Amazigh word meaning ‘to rub in’ and it can be shaped into lines or curves. Tadelakt is a traditional Moroccan lime plaster. Its coverage is versatile and suitable for floors, walls and ceilings. It’s very durable and robust but the pigment slowly fades in patches giving it a beautifully aged look. Originating in Morocco, Tadelakt is a waterproof plaster surface treated with soap, and a great alternative to tiles. The other characteristic we love is the patina that tadelakt develops over time. Because the colour is created when pigment is added to the plaster just before application, we ’ll stand with the artisans as they mix the two – a bit more pigment here, a bit more there – to create beautifully rich colours. Once you have applied the layers, you develop the characteristically smooth and polished look by using a. 1050-1300 g/sqm, taking care that the surface is as smooth and groove-free as possible. SECOND COAT: apply when the first coat is dry. It involves applying the lime plaster in many thin coats to an underlying surface, such as a stone wall, using various trowels depending on the surface and desired shape. This coat is applied directly to the plaster (background), taking care to apply it evenly to smooth out any imperfections in the ground. We love the character it brings to our interiors. Tadelakt application is labour-intensive but immensely rewarding. Tadelakt was first used in the eleventh century to coat Amazigh water cisterns and here at El Fenn we use it on walls and floors of course – but we’ve also created baths, sinks, fireplaces and even bed frames using it. The technique has been perfected over centuries by Moroccan artisans and, although tadelakt is growing in popularity elsewhere, there are few outside Morocco who have been expertly trained in it. What’s unique about the process is that once the lime plaster has been applied, it’s rubbed smooth with stones before olive oil soap is applied to create a soft waterproof sheen. Tadelakt (pronounced ta-dee-lact) is a form of lime plaster that is mixed and applied by hand creating subtle variations in pigmentation that give surfaces a tactile, organic feel. THINK of Moroccan decor and you might well picture the richly coloured walls and floors found in so many buildings here.Īnd what makes them so memorable is that they don’t have the uniform perfection of modern surfaces. In the first of a new series, we dive into the history and use of one of the most iconic artisanal disciplines: tadelakt lime plaster. They are a fascinating, and integral part, of the culture here. TRADITIONAL artisanal skills have been passed from generation to generation over centuries in Morocco.
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