History of Italian Porcelain

The use of Italian tile began in the Middle Ages when ceramic tile became a useful architectural medium for the decoration of walls and floors in religious and public building. The tiles, mostly hand decorated majolica, had their origin as a local handcraft. The local artisans, in turn borrowed from the hexagonal terracotta tiles prevalent in the late Roman Empire, and other medieval decorative tiles. By then, Islamic and Moresque tiles had also been introduced to Christian Europe. Italian majolica handcrafters developed new styles, adapted from those types, to fit the changing modes and patterns of interior deco-ration in both public and private buildings.

One of the first tile floors designed by a known artist, was in the chapel of S. Petronio in Bologna in 1487. It was designed by Pietro Andrea da Faenza and the use of the medium by him quickly became known. Afterwards tile usage spread rapidly in religious buildings, palaces and villas throughout Italy. In Southern Italy, artistic ceramic first was used in Sicily, during the Baroque period.

For the first time, tiles were used in the representation of large biblical and other historical scenes. By the beginning of the 19th century, large decorated scenes were no longer in use. The artistic and decorative energies of tile designers and installers become focused on the use of varying and repeating geometric patterns. Many of the design concepts and elements first used in that period remain prevalent today.

After its mass use during the Art Deco Period, ceramic tile became a product primarily manufactured in large industrial complexes. Additionally, because of technological advances, larger and thinner tiles were manufactured with greater strength and endurance. New manufacturing methods permitted the use of glazed floor tiles with high resistance to abrasion.
At the same time, decorative techniques, including hand decoration and silk-screening, evolved quite rapidly. It became virtually impossible to collect or even catalogue all the new designs. In the 1980’s tiles had become, primarily, a mass manufactured, industrial product. Decorative styles had to adapt to the new production methods which emphasized economies of scale. However, the countervailing need for product diversity continues to maintain the artisans and artistry that was the core of the origin of the industry. The artistically and industrially vibrant tile industry continues as a source of pride and economic development for the Bologna region and for the country. Naturalis Porcelain Products

Naturalis Porcelain

At Naturalis, the respect for people and the environment is a veritable work philosophy, a core value. For this reason, the company sources materials which assist in safeguarding the environment and attests Naturalis as a purveyor of products of eco-sustainable porcelain stoneware.

And it is no coincidence that the chosen factory for production was the first porcelain stoneware manufacturer in the world to obtain the ISO 14001 certification (1998), a testament to the belief that is possible to combine industrial development, quality improvement and environmental sustainability.

Moreover, Naturalis porcelain stoneware products can be used by planners following the guidelines of the Green Building Council and can contribute to the LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of buildings.

In light of this, the factory made the decision to offer a wide range of porcelain stoneware tiles containing a considerable percentage of recycled material, in order to reduce the exploitation of virgin raw materials and reduce the production of waste.

Some of the commitments in which the factory and Naturalis can benefit customers and end users.

Composite Prime

Composite decking products for the residential and commercial markets
Combining FSC® 100% certified hardwood timber with recycled plastic, our composite decking and fencing products offer the traditional look and feel of timber, with the attractive benefits the inclusion of plastic has to offer. For a longer-lasting, low maintenance alternative to timber look no further.

Naturalis Composite Prime Products

Naturalis Decking – Composite Prime

At Naturalis, we are extremely proud to have formed a unique partnership with composite Prime decking in order to maintain our beliefs and dedication to provide our customers with high quality products which are sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethically sourced.

Composites combine two or more materials with significantly different properties to produce a new product with unique characteristics to the original constituent parts. Our wood plastic composite materials combine both FSC® 100% certified hardwood timber and recycled plastic.

Some of the benefits and advantages of using Composite Prime decking: