Tadelakt is a true hallmark of Marrakech, and you will see it in many buildings, as it is a traditional and popular solution that has made the leap to the premium segment due to its magnificent performance. So, if you are interested in architecture and decoration, you can take advantage of your trip to this city to see this coating technique up close, which is very much in vogue throughout the country… and beyond.
Composition of tadelakt
Tadelakt is a type of coating traditionally used in Marrakech that has become widespread in many other parts of the country. It primarily includes so-called Marrakech lime, named as such because the limestone surrounding this city has a particular composition of silica, alumina, quartz, and other materials. All of this, after the addition of water, results in a very specific, raw lime suitable for use in Marrakech, where temperatures are usually very high.
In any case, what makes tadelakt unique is not only its composition based on Marrakech lime, but also the final finish it requires: a rubbing with river stones that gives it an appearance full of undulations. Far from suggesting imperfection, this provides a very characteristic artisanal touch. Following this, olive oil must be applied to achieve proper waterproofing, which is optimal if this last process is repeated every few years. Furthermore, this provides a slightly glossy finish, offering an extra touch of elegance, ideal for premium buildings.
Where tadelakt is used
Tadelakt is a versatile coating, as it can be used on practically all surfaces of a building. For example, on its exteriors: this, combined with the predominant reddish pigment in Marrakech, contributes to that characteristic local appearance, which is why it is called ‘the Red City’.
However, tadelakt can also be used in interiors, across the entire wall surface. By choosing an appropriate shade, the room is filled with simple personality, without the need for tiles or other decorative elements. Nevertheless, in the most artistic and artisanal finishes, incisions can be made with a spatula or similar tools, providing the wall with an interesting play of shadows through relief, which is also very distinctive of local architecture.
Additionally, in some cases, it can be used on interior flooring if you wish to give that space a particularly pleasant feel. Furniture, especially in bathrooms, also allows for this finish if the elements are ‘built-in’ to the structure, such as a washbasin or a bench.
Advantages of tadelakt
From the above, several particularly interesting advantages of tadelakt can be deduced. Firstly, its waterproofing capacity, even outdoors, which is more than sufficient for a city where rainfall is not abundant. In interiors and bathrooms, if the application of the oily solution is renewed, it also performs well in this regard, meaning it can even be applied to shower walls.
Another notable advantage of tadelakt is its chromatic versatility: by adding the appropriate pigment to the Marrakech lime, any desired color can be achieved, making it suitable for all types of environments. In addition to the usual reddish tone abundant in the city’s exteriors, it is possible to achieve natural greens, elegant beiges, sober pastels, earthy ochres… and endless possibilities.
And of course, being a traditional and artisanal technique, the result is highly harmonious within the Marrakech context, which is why you will find it very frequently during your trip through the city, even in premium buildings and rooms.
