Training in Morocco

Moroccan style is the rage right now (abroad and in the US -- see Elle Decor and Architectural Digest for a few of the recent articles). One of the integral parts of this style that you don't hear much about is found in the beautiful wall finishes that are unique to the area.

One of the inner courtyards common to Morocco in a Marrakech restaurant. 

These are created from a timeless plaster that appears to have originated over 2000 years ago for the  hammams (Moroccan steam baths) and riads (homes or palaces with an interior garden) of Marrakech. The unique blend of materials and application methods result in smooth, polished, waterproof walls of varying colors that have held up for hundreds of years. This wall finish is the perfect complement to the Moroccan style.

Tadelakt walls in a corridor leading to the street

The plaster is called Tadelakt and you will be hearing more about it.

Kasbah Tamadot - Richard Branson's destination retreat outside Marrakesh. Walls are Tadelakt.

Over the past 20 years I have constantly sought out new (and old) unique finishes. Tadelakt certainly filled the bill. I needed to find out more about it and get trained in its application. So it was off to Marrakech and the Medina (old city) to be trained in the original techniques on it with a local Malam (master).

Beginning steps in the weeklong training class

I'll be describing this portion of our trip in future blog posts,but for now suffice it to say this was an old-school training class, not for the faint of heart, using original tools and application methods (wooden trowels and smooth flat stones, hand-rubbing the walls to a high polish with natural oil soap). 

Yes, this is your pretty exclusive, high-end, esoteric kind of finish that only a certain type of client (or designer for that matter) can appreciate. Certainly not for everyone’s taste or budget. But then neither is the Moroccan look. It is however aesthetic and damn fun.

From Al Fassia Aguedal, a restaurant and hotel outside of the Medina. Tadelakt walls

Putting together some new samples of this right now, along with a few of our other new global finishes. If you're interested, call or email and we'll set some time to show you as soon as they are done and dry. Ciao ---- Kevin.