CUBE + VEGA6" x 6" Terra Forms

Terra Forms represent the finest of Spanish artistry, with attention on not only the sculptural designs of the tile but the negative space and shadows that ensue. Available in two stock colors and various glazes, these architectural blocks expand our definition of tile.

Terra Forms are uniquely shaped architectural blocks handmade in northern Spain, where artisans have been evolving the art of tile for centuries. Crafted from locally-sourced Spanish clay and molded by hand prior to firing. The raw blocks are high-fired in a kiln, then fired at least once more if glazed.

We ship our tiles anywhere that USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and any LTL carrier can reach! If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or a country outside of the United States, please email or call us for a custom freight quote. Our in stock samples of Cotto tiles typically ship out within 2 business days of order receipt from our Los Angeles warehouse.

All standard shipping orders will deliver using LTL carrier service and are curbside delivery. The LTL trucking company that is contracted to deliver your order will contact you to arrange a specific date and timeframe for curbside delivery. Your full order will ship once all tiles are in stock in our warehouse.

We are excited to offer free Pick up/Will Call from our Los Angeles Warehouse to help our local customers save on shipping costs! Because our stock tiles are ready to ship from multiple warehouses around the country, we are not able to guarantee that all stock tiles will be ready for pick up in Los Angeles at the time of order placement. Your tile may take an additional 1-3 weeks to be transferred free of charge from one of our auxiliary warehouses to our Los Angeles warehouse prior to your will call appointment. If you have any questions regarding your tile pick up availability, please reach out to our team at (310) 844-1170 or at info@ziatile.com. We are happy to discuss shipping rates or alternate options to ensure you meet your project deadline.

We offer all customers the option to order samples through our website by clicking on the Request a Sample button each tile page. All sample orders are limited to up to 4 per tile design, and customers may order up to 10 samples total. We make every effort to ship all samples within the same shipment, but some samples may ship separately if specific samples are out of stock at the time the order is placed.

Some samples of special order tiles may be available and are limited to 1 sample per customer due to the limited amount of special order tile samples we have on-hand. Frequently, special order sample tiles will have a lead time that matches the order lead time listed on each individual tile page.

The first 5 samples in our online cart are complimentary and additional samples are $3 each. The credit for the first 5 samples is is reflected on the final check out page. Shipping is $8 for every 3 tiles shipped. Our samples ship via FedEx, UPS, or USPS ground within 2-3 business days of order receipt. For questions regarding samples, please email info@ziatile.com.

-Read this guide, IN FULL, prior to beginning any installation of Terra Forms architectural blocks-

To ensure proper installation based on unique project and/or site conditions, clients are responsible for hiring a skilled installer that has experience in installing architectural blocks. Zia Tile is not responsible for installation, ongoing care, or issues arising after receipt and installation of product. If client’s installer deviates from the instructions or recommendations below, this may result in costly and undesirable outcomes.

Terra Forms architectural blocks can be used on facades or other exteriors, forming part of an enclosure, or as part of a free-standing structure. These blocks are not intended for load bearing, and reinforcement is required for each installation type. Terra Forms architectural blocks can provide privacy and contribute to the bioclimatic behavior of the building through natural ventilation and lighting.
Hairline cracks, also known as crazing, are common and can be expected on the surface of glazed Terra Forms architectural blocks. We recommend matching the grout color to the tile color as closely as possible to minimize the appearance of crazing on the surface. Contrasting grout colors will accentuate crazing on the surface and should be avoided.

REVIEWING YOUR ORDER

• Please inspect your order thoroughly, upon receipt. Zia Tile cannot be held responsible for tiles that have already been installed.

• Terra Forms architectural blocks are handmade; therefore, each piece will have tonal and textural variation. Subtle variations in shape and size are also natural and should be expected in your tiles.

• To account for pattern, inherent variation, and potential breakage in transit, it is strongly recommended that all orders include a minimum of 15% overage to avoid costly add-on shipping and schedule delays.

BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR INSTALLATION

• Due to the inherent color variation of Terra Forms architectural blocks, it is very important to blend the tiles from all boxes in your order. You should then lay out the tile in the installation area and ensure any variation is evenly distributed before beginning your installation.

• Terra Forms blocks should be installed in sections no larger than 13 feet (4 meters). Larger installation areas should be divided into sections with expansion and waterproof joints between sections. These sections must be separated from the adjacent masonry by a perimeter expansion joint.

• Reinforcement is required for all installations. See additional notes in Installation section below.

• Terra Forms architectural blocks should be installed with a masonry cement, high quality mortar, polyurethane grout or resins such as “Sikaflex.”

• Terra Forms architectural blocks should never be cut as this could sacrifice the integrity of the block/installation

• Prior to installation, clean any dust from shipping and residue with a pH neutral cleaner and soft cloth.

INSTALLATION

REQUIRED MATERIAL

For placing the tiles:

• Sponge

• Bucket

• 1⁄2” (minimum) tile spacers

• 1 1⁄2" tile spacers (minimum) for perimeter

• Expansion joints

• High quality mortar

• Trowel with 1⁄2” semi-circular notches

For cleaning and sealing the tiles:

• pH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute)

• Lint-free cotton cloth

REINFORCEMENTS

• Reinforcement is required for all installations and must be placed inside the vertical and horizontal joints so that it is not visible. Any reinforcement should not be in contact with the Terra Forms blocks and must be completely encased in mortar. Reinforcements required per project should be determined by the contractor, installer, architect, or structural engineer.

• All sections must be fastened at the perimeter to the structure, directly or by a rigid metal, wooden, or masonry frame.

• For ventilated facades, Terra Forms architectural blocks must be anchored to a substructure (metal or wood), or to a back-up wall.

• For free-standing walls, a vertical substructure of steel ribs must be embedded in the Terra Forms sections and anchored to the foundation of the building.

• Joints between Terra Forms sections should also be reinforced with small metal profiles or anchored to structural elements. These joints are delicate and different techniques may be employed to guarantee the stability of the installation.

• To reinforce installations that will encounter wind, horizontal and vertical reinforcements must be used throughout. Calculations must be checked and adapted to specific loads based on your contractor, installer or structural engineer’s specifications.

• Please note, for load bearing structure specifications, refer to your installer. Terra Forms architectural blocks are not intended for load bearing.

LAYING THE BASE

• Terra Forms architectural blocks should be installed beginning with a base row and built up one row/layer at a time.

• The subfloor, foundation, or installation surface must be uniform, in good condition, and completely cured (if applicable, usually a minimum of 30 days). Terra Forms architectural blocks should never be installed on shifting substrate. Waterproof underlayments are necessary for wet areas.

• Evenly apply the foundation mortar to the installation surface using a trowel. Wet the base and sides of each tile with a sponge before applying the adhesive to the base and sides of each tile, making sure to apply the mortar in the same direction to prevent air pockets from forming.

• Place Terra Forms architectural blocks using the appropriate size tile spacers; note: ½” is the minimum spacing required. Incorporate horizontal and vertical reinforcements as needed for your project. Ensure the blocks are level and even during installation.

• Immediately wipe off any residual mortar on the surface of the tiles. Mortar and grout can be incredibly difficult to remove without damaging the tiles if left too long.

INSTALLING LAYERS

• Continue laying the following layers in the same manner: wet the tile, apply cement grout to the base and sides of each block, and incorporate reinforcements and spacers accordingly. It is important to level the installation periodically to ensure stability and aesthetic cohesion.

• Continue to clean grout off the tiles immediately to avoid staining.

• ALWAYS cover the tiles with durable paperboard during and after installation to prevent damage and/or staining of the tiles until construction is complete.

ONGOING MAINTENANCE

CLEANING

• Promptly clean up any spills, especially oil and grease. Un-cleaned spills can cause stains.

• Tile can be wiped with warm, clean water and a pH neutral cleaner.

• Terra Forms architectural blocks should be cleaned using pH neutral cleaners ONLY. Use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles. For regular cleaning, we recommend Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile and Stone Cleaner. For heavier stains, we recommend Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute).