Clay, an age-old material, is now at the heart of contemporary architecture. Initially used for its practical qualities, it has become a symbol of durability and beauty. This return to its roots is embodied in companies like Rairies Montrieux, a pioneer in the transformation of clay into high-quality products.
Clay, witness to a long history
Clay is a material whose use dates back over 10,000 years. The first Mesopotamian civilizations used it in the form of raw bricks for their buildings. Over the centuries, clay, dried or fired, became the material of choice for building. Used by the Romans for public and military infrastructures, it gradually became indispensable in European architecture. As early as the Middle Ages, brick replaced cob in construction, bringing a new aesthetic to facades.
This material, whose simplicity of use conceals great versatility, is also a vector of durability. Once fired, bricks become resistant, timeless and energy-efficient. Today, it is reused in the renovation of historic monuments. Indeed, its plasticity makes it possible to adapt old buildings to modern standards while preserving their authenticity.
Rairies Montrieux, century-old know-how
Founded in 1910 by Ernest and Victor Montrieux, Rairies Montrieux, located in the Loire Valley, perpetuates the tradition of clay transformed into bricks and wafers. The company, which celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2020, has succeeded in combining traditional know-how with innovation. Initially specializing in the manufacture of tomettes and tiles, it soon diversified into the production of facing bricks and facade tiles.
The company’s products, always made from local clay, stand out for their quality of manufacture and their ability to meet the aesthetic and technical requirements of contemporary architects. The transition from artisanal to industrial production in the 70s, under the direction of Rémy Montrieux, enabled the company to meet the challenges of large-scale production, while maintaining quality standards that have earned it prestigious awards such as the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” label.
Innovation for sustainability
Rairies Montrieux’s strength lies in its ability to combine tradition and modernity. In addition to its iconic terracotta products, the company places particular emphasis on sustainability and ecology. Indeed, clay extracted from local quarries is processed in such a way as to minimize the company’s carbon footprint. The company manages its quarries by reintegrating waste clay and recycling the water used in production. Innovations such as the use of biomass boilers and environmentally-friendly drying systems show that the terracotta industry can meet today’s environmental challenges.
Rairies Montrieux terracotta bricks and slabs are designed to withstand the test of time and the elements. They play an active role in the energy performance of buildings, thanks in particular to their ability to improve thermal insulation. Today, brick is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a response to the demands of sustainable architecture.
A company firmly rooted in its time
Rairies Montrieux is also a company in tune with contemporary trends. Its diversification into the production of made-to-measure facade products for large-scale projects, such as the Athletes’ Village or the Wellness Gallery at Galeries Lafayette Hausmann, makes it a key player in modern architecture. With its glazed bricks and decorative panels, the company offers innovative, made-to-measure solutions tailored to the needs of architects.
The company’s growing export business bears witness to its international recognition, as it continues to combine traditional know-how with technical excellence. Its products contribute to the creation of modern, durable and aesthetically pleasing buildings, while respecting the ecological values that have driven Rairies Montrieux since its inception.
By combining tradition and innovation, Rairies Montrieux shows that clay is perfectly suited to the architecture of the future, while retaining its unique, timeless character.
