How an accident became one of the most prestigious art forms in the history of architecture

Tadelakt, a traditional Moroccan lime plaster, was invented by accident.

The story began in the 11th century when there was a search for limestone in the mountains near Marrakech. It was during this period that Limestone deposit was discovered. A century later, this deposit was created into lime plaster and used to build defense walls. Construction workers found the ‘polished’ effect after trying to attain a straight wall by rubbing it repeatedly with a stone. Instead of a straight wall, they created a smooth and shiny surface. The material and technique became known as Tadelakt because it’s the word for “massage with a stone” in Arabic.

The limestone deposit contains impurities making it waterproof. Once this was realized, it was used in water tanks, small drinking vessels, and public baths. After a while, it spread across the city, entering homes, from the kitchens and bathrooms to the living rooms and open salons.

The process of turning the limestone deposit into polished lime plaster was very technical.

Firstly, it was extracted from the footfalls of the High Atlas. Then it was burnt in wood fires at a very high temperature. It was burnt for up to 30 hours under the watchful eye of an experienced baker. After the lime had cooled, it would be crushed. Immediately before application, this calcined powder would then be hand-mixed with water and pigment added. Sometimes egg white was even added to improve the surface hardness.

The application process was also time-consuming. 4-6 thin layers would be applied with each layer needing to be left to dry before another layer was used.

The surface was then polished with a small, hard stone.

The polishing could take days or months depending on the size of the project. After polishing, black olive soap was used for waterproofing. This was the same soap used by the people to shower. Both techniques are used to this day to create the beautiful finish. 

It was a lengthy, involved process but worth it for the smooth, warm and elegant results.

Today, many of the Tadelakt surfaces that were created centuries ago are still intact. Proof of the impressive durability of the art form. It gained so much prestige that today, Tadelakt can be found in some of the world’s most prestigious properties such as Casablanca’s famous Hassan II Mosque and Yves St Laurent. It’s easy to see why an art form with so much history continues to be regarded with so much respect.

If you would like to know more or would like to create a bespoke element to your home to give it an unique edge, click here to book a time with Jules.