New Terracotta

What New Terracotta does

New Terracotta is a Portuguese manufacturer of handmade ceramic tiles and limited edition ceramics, founded in 2014 and headquartered in a 7,000+ square meter factory in Mortágua, Portugal. The company produces 100% handmade tiles using traditional Portuguese ceramic techniques combined with contemporary design, with a catalog spanning 220+ sizes and shapes, 230+ colors across multiple collections, and more than 1,400 bespoke glazes developed in-house. Core products include Field Tiles, Special Tiles, 3D & Relief Tiles, Hand Painted Tiles, Bold Pattern Tiles, Natural Cotto, and Parquet Bisque, alongside designer collaboration collections from Smink Studio, Elisa Passino, and Paulo Vale. Through its NWT Materials subsidiary (formed via merger with Mother Studio in September 2019), the company also distributes Moroccan encaustic cement tiles, zellige tiles, and Italian terrazzo.

The company sells exclusively through direct consultation with in-house design advisors rather than via e-commerce, with no online direct sales. Customers contact the company by email or phone to specify custom colors, formats, volumes, and textures, with minimum orders of 3 square meters per color layer, 4-5 week lead times for custom orders, and 50% deposit payment terms. Sample kits (150-color glaze box at €300; 15-color dry sample box at €150) serve as the entry point into the sales funnel. The end market is overwhelmingly premium B2B: luxury hospitality brands (Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Hilton, Marriott, Soho House, Banyan Tree, Shangri-La), luxury retail (Chanel, Hermès, Christian Louboutin, Diptyque, SMCP), food and beverage chains (Starbucks, Nando's, Jamie Oliver), technology workspaces (Google), and high-end residential projects across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The flagship commercial reference is the supply of 92,564 handmade tiles for the Terra Sustainability Pavilion at World Expo Dubai 2020, designed by Grimshaw Architects.

Name

New Terracotta

Legal name

NWT – New Terracotta, S.A.

Website

https://newterracotta.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

New Terracotta is a Portuguese manufacturer of handmade ceramic tiles and limited edition ceramics, founded in 2014 in Mortágua, serving premium B2B customers across luxury hospitality, luxury retail, and architecture globally through direct consultation-based sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Handmade Ceramic Tiles

NAICS

Pottery, Ceramics, and Plumbing Fixture Manufacturing (327110), Clay Building Material and Refractories Manufacturing (327120)

SIC

Pottery & Related Products (3260)

akta.pro primary industry

Ceramic, Porcelain & Natural Stone Tile Flooring (IMADAJAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Terrazzo & Decorative Aggregate Flooring (IMADAJAF)

Keywords

• Handmade ceramic tiles
• Glazed clay tiles
• Architectural surface tiles
• Limited edition ceramics
• Bespoke tile manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Marmeleira

HQ country

Portugal

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Handmade Tiles: Core revenue from handmade glazed tiles in various categories including Field Tiles, Special Tiles, 3D & Relief Tiles, Hand Painted Tiles, Bold Pattern Tiles, Natural Cotto, and Parquet Bisque. Products are made to order with minimum quantities and lead times of 4-5 weeks for custom orders.
2. Limited Edition Ceramics: Sale of limited edition ceramic pieces including collections like Knit Knots, Basket Weave Anatomy, and This is Freedom - contemporary sculptural pieces created from clay
3. Bespoke/Custom Projects: Custom tile and ceramic manufacturing for specific project requirements. Pricing determined individually for custom projects. Custom sizes available for additional fees. Custom glazes and designs developed for specific client needs.
4. Sample Sales: Sale of tile samples including 150-colour kit boxes and individual sample pieces for design consultation purposes. Wooden sample boxes with full glaze collection available for €300 plus VAT and shipping.
5. NWT Materials Extended Range: Following merger with Mother Studio in September 2019, NWT Materials offers extended surface solutions including Moroccan encaustic cement tiles, zellige tiles, and Italian terrazzo in addition to core handmade tiles

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

New Terracotta is a Portuguese manufacturer of 100% handmade ceramic tiles and limited edition ceramics produced at a human-scale factory in Mortágua, Portugal. The company sells made-to-order Field Tiles, Special Tiles, 3D & Relief Tiles, Hand Painted Tiles, Bold Pattern Tiles, Natural Cotto, Parquet Bisque, and limited edition ceramic pieces (Knit Knots, Basket Weave Anatomy, This is Freedom), alongside bespoke custom projects for architects, designers, hospitality, retail, and luxury residential clients worldwide.

Product overview

New Terracotta is a Portuguese manufacturer of handmade tiles and limited edition ceramics operating from a human-scale factory in Mortágua, Portugal. The company offers an extensive portfolio including Field Tiles, Special Tiles, 3D & Relief Tiles, Hand Painted Tiles, Bold Pattern Tiles, Natural Cotto, and Parquet Bisque. The product range spans over 220 catalogued sizes/shapes, 230 catalogued colors, and more than 1,400 bespoke glazes developed. Designer collaborations include collections from Smink Studio, Elisa Passino, and Paulo Vale. The ceramics line features limited edition pieces including Knit Knots, Basket Weave Anatomy, and This is Freedom collections. The company also offers a bespoke customization service for colors, shapes, textures, and custom projects. NWT Materials, a sister company formed from the merger with Mother Studio, extends the offering to include Moroccan cement tiles, zellige tiles, and Italian terrazzo. All products are 100% handmade in Portugal with a focus on craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NWT Cement Tiles: Cement tile products under the NWT brand umbrella.
• NWT Zellige Tiles
• NWT Terrazzo Tiles
• Smink Studio Collection
• Elisa Passino Collection
• Paulo Vale Collection

Products and services

• Field Tiles Standard format handmade glazed tiles in various colours and finishes, forming the foundational collection of New Terracotta's tile range. Sold made-to-order with a minimum of 3 square meters per colour layer and 4-5 week lead times for custom orders; targeted at architects, interior designers, and hospitality/retail/residential projects.
• Special Tiles Specialised handmade tile formats including trims, V-caps, and unique shapes used for architectural detailing and finishing edges in residential and commercial installations.
• 3D & Relief Tiles Handmade tiles with three-dimensional relief patterns that create depth and visual interest on walls and surfaces. Used in hospitality, retail, and high-end residential projects to add sculptural character to facades and interiors.
• Hand Painted Tiles Artisan handmade tiles individually hand-painted using multiple glaze layers to create unique decorative patterns and artistic expression for distinctive wall installations in private residences, hospitality, and retail projects.
• Bold Pattern Tiles Handmade tiles featuring striking, distinctive patterns designed for statement installations and feature walls in hospitality, retail, and luxury residential projects.
• Natural Cotto Unglazed terracotta tiles made from natural clay, fired at high temperatures for durability and frost resistance. Used as a fundamental handmade tile product for floors and walls.
• Parquet Bisque Handmade ceramic tiles designed to create parquet-like wood patterns, combining the warmth of wood aesthetics with the durability of fired clay.
• Smink Studio Collection Designer collaboration collection of screen-printed handmade tiles created by Dutch designer Marian Smink, featuring geometric shapes in over 30 glaze colours. Produced at the New Terracotta factory for designers and architects seeking distinctive patterns.
• Elisa Passino Collection Designer collaboration tile collection by Italian designer Elisa Passino featuring distinctive aesthetic interpretations produced within New Terracotta's Portuguese handmade manufacturing process.
• Paulo Vale Collection Designer collaboration tile collection by Portuguese designer Paulo Vale showcasing unique tile designs produced within New Terracotta's artisanal framework.
• Limited Edition Ceramics Collection (Knit Knots, Basket Weave Anatomy, This is Freedom) Limited edition contemporary ceramics released in 2022 under three distinct lines: Knit Knots (interlocking knot-like forms), Basket Weave Anatomy (concave rope-basket forms inspired by woven textures), and This is Freedom (contemporary vessels celebrating clay's raw qualities). These represent experimental visual, tactile, and conceptual work in clay, sold as individual pieces through the New Terracotta ceramics line.
• Bespoke Custom Tile Projects Fully customised tile design and manufacturing service including bespoke colours, shapes, textures, and end-to-end custom projects tailored to specific client requirements. Pricing is determined individually per project and uses the company's 1,400+ bespoke glazes and 220+ catalogue formats as a starting point; offered to architects, designers, hospitality brands, and private clients.
• Knit Knots Ceramics Limited edition ceramic pieces featuring interlocking knot-like forms in contemporary design, part of New Terracotta's 2022 ceramics collection release.
• Basket Weave Anatomy Ceramics Limited edition ceramic collection inspired by woven textures, creating concave rope basket forms, part of New Terracotta's 2022 ceramics collection release.
• This is Freedom Ceramics Contemporary ceramic vessels celebrating irregularity and the raw qualities of clay, part of New Terracotta's 2022 ceramics collection release.
• NWT Materials (Moroccan Cement, Zellige, and Italian Terrazzo Tiles) Extended range of surface solutions offered through the NWT Materials subsidiary formed by the 2019 merger with Mother Studio, comprising Moroccan encaustic cement tiles, zellige tiles, and Italian terrazzo in addition to the core handmade glazed tiles and natural cotto.
• Sample Kits (150-Colour Glaze Kit and 15-Colour Dry Sample Box) Physical sample products for design consultation: a 150-colour glaze collection in a wooden box (€300 excluding VAT and shipping) containing 150 glaze colours, and a 15-colour dry sample box (€150 excluding VAT and shipping). Purchased directly by architects, designers, and clients to evaluate colours and finishes before placing tile orders.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tiles can last for hundreds of years without maintenance
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers35 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Mother StudiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2019Official merger effective 1 September 2019 to form NWT Materials, bringing tile solutions and services of unparalleled design and quality to architects worldwide. The collaboration adds a new dimension to the New Terracotta offering, expanding beyond handmade glazed tiles to include Moroccan encaustic cement tiles, zellige tiles, and Italian terrazzo.
• Grimshaw ArchitectsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Renowned British architecture firm that designed the Terra Sustainability Pavilion at World Expo Dubai 2020. New Terracotta supplied 92,564 handmade tiles for this prestigious project, creating an iconic showcase of Portuguese artisanal craftsmanship at a global sustainability event.
• Acreditar (Casa Acreditar)minorOthers · 1 January 2019National reference association in guaranteeing rights and promoting quality of life in pediatric oncology. New Terracotta donated 33,600 tiles to create the 'Verde Acreditar' facade for Casa Acreditar Porto, a home for children undergoing cancer treatment and their families. Project designed by ALA.arquitectos.
• Domus (Domus Group)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Art direction and photography collaboration since 2014. Domus has been part of New Terracotta's narrative, sharing mutual understanding of how they explore and interpret the tile market. Domus styled photo shoots including the 'Mystery Teal Explosion' hexagon tile which became one of the most popular tiles on the website.
• Smink Studio (Marian Smink)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch designer Marian Smink has collaborated with New Terracotta since 2013 (before formal company founding). Her screen-print tile workshop creates geometric shapes in over 30 glaze colours for designers and architects. Her background in fashion print design combined with Dutch design sensibility found a natural home in New Terracotta's ethical, handmade, waste-free production process.
• Elisa PassinocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian designer with dedicated collection at New Terracotta. Collaboration creates unique tile designs reflecting Italian design aesthetics within the Portuguese artisanal context.
• Paulo ValecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPortuguese designer with dedicated collection at New Terracotta. Collaboration showcases Portuguese design talent within the company's artisanal production framework.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Original Style: UK-based handmade and tile manufacturer producing ceramic wall and floor tiles, mosaics, and glass tiles for designers, architects, and luxury residential and hospitality projects. Direct comparable to New Terracotta in handmade ceramic tile production, custom formats, and designer-led specification channels.
• Carocim: French manufacturer of handmade encaustic cement and zellige tiles, positioned in the heritage and design-led specification market. Highly comparable to New Terracotta's handmade craft positioning, multi-format catalogue, and focus on architects, designers, and luxury hospitality projects.
• Maitland & Poate: UK-based maker of handmade architectural ceramics and bespoke tiles serving heritage restoration and high-end residential projects. Comparable to New Terracotta in handmade production methods, bespoke custom work, and emphasis on traditional craftsmanship for design-led specifiers.
• Winckelmans: French manufacturer of unglazed fully-vitrified ceramic tiles with extensive format and colour ranges. Comparable to New Terracotta in producing made-to-order tiles for architectural specification with deep colour palettes and custom formats, though with a different (unglazed) surface finish.
• Cevica: Spanish ceramic wall tile manufacturer focused on design-led small formats, decorative tiles, and contemporary aesthetics for interior designers. Comparable to New Terracotta in design-driven tile offerings, custom production, and specification-led sales channels across European markets.
• Mosaic del Sur: Spanish manufacturer of mosaic tiles, hydraulic tiles, and ceramic wall coverings with deep colour and format catalogues. Comparable to New Terracotta in artisan ceramic surfaces, custom formats, and specification into residential, hospitality, and commercial interior projects.
• Equipe Ceramicas: Spanish manufacturer specializing in small-format and decorative ceramic wall tiles for contemporary interior design. Comparable to New Terracotta in design-led ceramic tile offerings, custom formats, and channels serving architects and interior designers across Europe.

Broad incumbents

• Marazzi Group: One of the largest Italian ceramic tile manufacturers with a global footprint and broad product range across residential and commercial segments. Operates in the same end markets as New Terracotta but at industrial scale and price points, providing both competition for specifiers and a reference point for scale potential.
• Porcelanosa Grupo: Major Spanish manufacturer of ceramic tiles, kitchen and bath products with extensive global distribution and a strong position in luxury hospitality and residential. Comparable to New Terracotta in serving premium specification channels but at vastly larger scale and with broader product breadth.
• Iris Ceramica: Italian manufacturer of porcelain and ceramic tiles for floors, walls, and architectural surfaces with a strong design and luxury-architecture presence. Comparable to New Terracotta in target specifier audience but at industrial scale with broader distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Terracotta