You know I love old homes and have a passion for historic preservation. Cuban Tile is one of the popular flooring materials of the known "Spanish Mediterranean Revival" homes found in Miami - not to be confused with Historic Cuban Barrel Tile used for roofs (see article).
*photo courtesy El Nuevo Herald - FOTOSGALERIA - losas de la Habana*
Cuban Tile flooring is popular in South Florida and found in historic 20's homes as well as 30's, 40's and 50's and although the patterns are not as intricate as their historic counterparts, it's a great material nevertheless.
Trying to find the history of Cuban Tile, my mom brought me an article written by Sarah Moreno for El Nuevo Herald that gives great information from a gentleman by the name of Arturo Hernandez who has researched and documented these beautiful historic floors. Hernandez claims that Cuban Tile known also as cement tile, Encaustic Cement Tile or Hydraulic Mosaic Tile can be traced to Cataluña back to mid 19th century where The Industrial Revolution allowed for the technical innovation and mass production of these tiles that did not need to be fired. Even known architect Gaudi, designed floors with cement tiles that looked like Persian rugs.
I was also recently contacted by Lundy Wilder, a maker of cement tile who has a beautiful site that includes not only history, but also an array of patterns for modern installation.
Until the 1920's, colorful mosaico encaustic tiles were considered high-end ultimate flooring that decorated the palaces of the Tsars, the mansions of the Côte d'Azure, Gaudi's Barcelona and Berlin's official buildings. Later on, the encaustic cement tile expanded as a creative and durable flooring all over Europe, and the French, Spanish and Portuguese colonies. Around the 1950's the mosaic hydraulic lost importance and was replaced by less labor intensive, and less colorful floors. The beginning of this century, the trend for authentic products and 'green' flooring has brought attention back to the encaustic cement tile. Recent storms along the Gulf Coast have raised awareness of durable, waterproof architecture. We hope to spread the word. We have first hand knowledge of the need for sensible flooring along coastal U.S. Additionally; this type of tile flooring is perfect for high traffic areas and any place where discriminating people gather.
Cuban tile is a mixture of Portland cement, marble powder and earth pigments for coloring. The end result can be as shiny as Terrazzo floors and as beautiful as hand painted tiles. The restoration of Cuban Tile Floors can be an intricate project depending on the tile design, but I have now given you a great resource if you need to replace or compliment existing flooring with www.VillaLagoonTile.com
The material is easy to make and fairly inexpensive, does not require heavy machinery and is considered green because of the recycled marble powder and the fact that it does not require firing. The endurance is amazing - to think that all those historic homes were thinking "green" and didn't even know it!
There are many stories why cement tile is called "Cuban Tile" here in Miami and one of the theories is that Cuban Tile was entrusted as a special order to Cuban manufacturers who would hand make these tiles for residential applications in Miami. Next time you walk into a historic home in Miami or read a miami real estate description that includes "cuban tile", you will know a little about the history of Cuban Tile, how these were made and how it is possible to restore them.
Thanks again to Lundy for sharing his beautiful website, and here's a silent video on the making of cement tiles in Morocco.
Other Historic Preservation Posts:
 |
|
|
Miami Luxury Real Estate - from Fisher Island to Aventura including Miami Beach, Miami Shores, Bay Harbor Islands & Surfside - specializing in Luxury, historic and waterfront homes
Miami Shores annual Marshmallow Drop ......continued
Miami Shores Florida - Market Conditions
Relay for Life - Purple Pelican Nesting sites in Miami Shores
1201 NE 98th Street, Miami Shores - Florida 33138 *IMPROVED PRICE*
Miami Shores annual Marshmallow Drop
The Pink House - Miami Shores, Florida
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
Ines, I don't think that I had ever seen any Cuban Tile Flooring around here, but it is beautiful. I enjoyed the video showing how it is made but the sound is not working, at least not on my end.
LOL @George! even when I don't see you for a while you always manage to make me laugh. The video is silent you silly! (but feel free to sing along with the workers if you must)
Ines- The tile is beautiful.. I love authentic Spanish revival... sadly we are losing a number of our homes that were built in the 20's and 30's to fake Mediterranean.. Yuck!l
Ines - Very interesting information on a unique tile and thanks for sharing. I still remember your post on windows.
Nice seeing you and best wishes at the new place.
Kaye - fake mediterranean makes my stomach churn although it can be done tastefully to modern standards, it rarely is executed correctly. Very sad about your historic homes, but it happens everywhere.
Jennifer - I'm glad you remember the window post....funny what sticks, no? (thanks for the good wishes)
I love reading about historical properties and materials, and coming from Boston, got pretty used to that sort of thing. These tiles are absolutely amazing, Ines. This was fascinating information. Love to see authenticity - have the pseudo look.
Jeff
That tile is beautiful. It's nice to learn the native origins of some of the items we see in houses. Thanks agains for the education =)
Jeff - what's incredible is that the Cuban Tile we see here in Miami is not as beautiful as depicted in the pictures of La Habana and Spain, although I have see some historic homes with beautiful cement tile. The tile we see here is usually very plain with a base color and a swirl - I would love to check out some of Boston's historic properties.
Lisa - It's funny how these posts happen - I go into a historic home and then have to rush home to write about an element - up to now I've done Historick Cuban Barrel Tile, windows, lime paint, awnings and now Cuban Tile floors.....I think I'm going to list them now on the post. (thanks)
Inez - such beautiful homes with SO much character
Katrina - I totally agree. When I saw the photo I featured, I was in awe because of the scale and the details (Rick looked at it and said, "It's falling apart") - I guess different eyes see different things.
Ines, I loved the post. Well writen, on topic, definitely targeting localism and history and then tied nicely to your passion. AJ
I just love how you put this together. You have noticeable passion about the architecture and history in your communites. Great job.
I've never had the opportunity to see the Cuban Tile. It sort of reminds me of some of the beautiful European mosaics.
I had the opportunity to live in both the middle east and Spain. I fell in love with the Moorish/Spanish tile and architecture. I didn't know that such architectural treasures existed in the Miami area, and I will look for them next time I am there. Very informative post. Thanks!
Love the tile! I too, love to see the history in architecture. The best most of us can hope for in our own homes is some "fake" version but it can still give us a beautiful place to retreat to after a long day.
You know how much I love your posts about historic architecture. In CA we had several popular historic tile makers....I think your Cuban tile is beautiful!
AJ - thank you! I can talk all day about historic details.....it's difficult to keep these posts short. :)
Thanks Desiree - you should see the people who contact me from all over the US to ask for my opinion, it's pretty funny.
Diane - that's another name for them - concrete mosaic tiles - you are right on the money!
Margaret - unfortunately we cannot compare what we call historic here in the States with historic properties in the Middle East and Spain, but we have to treasure what we have.
Kathy - I like to be true to the times - if you can buy old and restore, then that's the best attempt at old charm - I still don't get the "fake", but that's me.
Diane - the cool thing about these tiles (pun intended) is that they don't require firing, they are cool to the touch and so durable! I can see these tiles coming back to modern times.....no doubt about it.
Ines-Great post. Miami has some great architectural traditions.
Aloha Ines & Rick,
Thank you for the informative blog. I didn't realize that all those beautiful tiles from the early 20th century were made with cement and not kiln fired. I love Spanish Colonial and Miami has some stunning examples.
Peace,
Pete - we have traditions and historians - now to get people to appreciate and restore....that's another issue.
Kimo - wow! just saw your profile pic...nice tan! :) Cement tiles are really not the only flooring materials used in Spanish Colonial architecture, you will also find quarry tile that was kiln fired (and absolutely breathtaking)....that could be another post. Miami does have some beautiful historic examples and people pay top dollar for historic homes here as well.
The tile flooring is beautiful! I haven't seen it in my area, but hopefully in time it will make it up the coast to Myrtle Beach!
Jeremy, do you have mid-century modern homes in Myrtle Beach? Common areas of 50's homes usually have Terrazzo or Cuban Tile flooring (not as decorative as I show) - usually a light color with a second color as a swirl - some love it, others hate it.
I love this post with the video and all of the great links for Cuban Tile. I was not aware of it's "green factor" and it is very beautiful. I have bookmarked this:-)
Thank you Debra! - and I have been contacted by other cement tile manufacturers after writing this, which means it's a readily available material.
Dont see it in VA but it is gorgeous. Great to know if someone wants a unique decorating idea.
Dee Dee - unique and practical! cleaning cement tile is the best!
usually learn something when we stop by to visit. this time too. glad to have heard that you are coming all the way over here next week. looking forward to meeting such AR stars in person.
cheers
Thanks Gary, looking forward to it as well - although I think it's going to be information overload! :)
Absolutely stunning flooring. I've never been to Miami, but that picture makes me want to put that destination on my Bucket List. The design of that house makes one feel like they are in Havana.
Myrl - funny you mention it because that house IS in Habana! but we have beautiful examples in Miami as well.
Oh, I misread your article! That explains why the picture immediately transported me to Havana!
I have removed the link below my signature on my earlier post. That's the first I had heard that it would be considered spam. Me BAD!
I recently appraised a historic home in the Casa Marina area of Key West and was amazed at the intricate detail of the Cuban tile flooring. I have seen a lot of homes which feature Cuban tile which is the single color with a swirl, but had not seen this type of tile until recently. Great article!
Myrl - thank you! (you'll find a lot of posts on AR about the Spam signatures....it's a bit controversial)
Susan - most Cugan tile in South Florida will be the swirl with no intricate patterns, but I am so glad to hear that you saw a house in The Keys with it - there are some incredible specimens in Casa Marina.
Ines,
what a pleasure to meet you. way smart, spirited... just like I thought. Was very cool indeed. And thanks for the tete a tete help and tips about... you know. Maxene raved 'bout you too.
cheers
Gorgeous flooring Ines. I definitely haven't seen any up here in the NW. I would love to see it first hand though! Being able to reuse natural resources (marble) is a benefit for everyone. I love it!