Text and Photos by Jill Gocher

Sideman - Right in the midst of a rural paradise of gorgeous vistas and verdant padi fields sits a small and unprepossessing white building. This is the centre of an enterprising small industry called Sadu's Tiles, that is creating a buzz in Bali and beyond with their beautifully made tiles - the best quality cement tiles in Indonesia. 

Owner Barbara and her Balinese husband, Wayan, started their business only a year or two ago on their return from Holland. Surveying the job prospects in Bali was a dismal exercise and they hit upon the brilliant idea of starting their own venture. With her good taste and Wayan's practical skills, they started to experiment with tile designs from their makeshift home in Sideman, until they came up with the perfect formulae - the right quality of ingredients and imported Dutch pigments for making the exquisite colours.

The tiles come in soft natural colors and traditional designs – the ones you see in old houses and renovated colonial hotels – that go so well with cane furniture and potted palms. They are also making modern designs and clients can choose their own designs if they desire. 

The technique is old but the look is new and increasingly trendy. Instead of the slippery, glassy factory built tiles, these hand made pieces create an atmosphere, a look that you may feel that you need to have.

The tiles are so gorgeous that it makes you want to build a house instantly, just so that you can use them. They evoke memories of older, more laid back times and gracious living.

The newer models are just plain pretty and give rise to thoughts of kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, front porch renovation...

The technique is simple but as with handloom weaving, it is all a mystery until explained. Basically the tiles are made with cement in a mould. The top layer utilizes white cement and Dutch colour pigments and patterns are put into the mould first, then filled with an expensive grade of cement and sand mix. The tiles are then pressed hydraulically, and put into a water bath for several days while the cement sets. They are then air dried, and lightly polished before being ready for use. 

Barbara and Wayan will come and look at your space to help you decide on colours and patterns. With such a wealth of choices it can be challenging to choose. They will then make you a printed mock-up to show how the tiles will look when set and they will come to your house to size up the area, give you a quote and make any changes you need before laying them.

Whether traditional or modern, you simply make your choices – and everything will be done for you. T: 081 337 209 805

Source: Hello Bali Magazine - May 2007