The contemporary “nobility” of clay in the heart of Seville

The contemporary elegance of clay, in the heart of Seville. Specifically, in a kitchen. The restoration of historic buildings requires just that: preserving the elegance of the past while updating it for the present, in keeping with the aesthetic sensibilities of today. The challenge lies in finding the way—the how—but also the what and who can help you achieve it. These are the questions Sonsoles Martínez asked herself, the owner of a regionalist-style single-family home from the early 20th century located in the Andalusian capital. A gem in the heart of the city that needed partners in the endeavor.

The key was in the details. And that’s when she thought of todobarro. “We loved your designs and finishes, and we were also interested in using high-quality materials—mainly stone, wood, and clay—but with a contemporary twist. That’s why we chose this design,” explains Sonsoles. The kitchen project, by the architecture firm Lacoste & Viñalet, was ultimately finalized with the essence of one of the brand’s most versatile collections: the Vélez collection. Specifically, the Vélez-Mezquitilla tiles, designed by Damián López of the Leblume studio.

The nobility of clay across the centuries

In this collection, the series of tile patterns pays homage to the geometry of traditional Axarquía architecture. But it also explores the possibilities of form and color. This back-and-forth journey, once again between tradition and the avant-garde, is embodied in todobarro’s concept of “neo-craftsmanship” in fired clay. The house itself already conveyed a great deal of “information” through its surfaces, particularly due to the old cladding that lends the space its own distinct identity. The work therefore focused primarily on seeking out neutral tones. The goal was to highlight the craftsmanship’s imprint on the surfaces to unify, as seen in the finish, past and present.

The end result is exactly as expected. The contemporary elegance of terracotta, right in the heart of Seville. But it also plays a key role in the home’s design, creating one of those cozy corners that make a house a peaceful place—a reflection of the grandeur it once possessed, which endures thanks to a commitment to preserving the best of our architectural tradition. The path to this is, curiously, like a journey through the centuries. From the craftsmanship of the Nasrid kiln to the early 20th-century building, which still welcomes its residents with all the comforts of modern life.