Quick Overview
- Porcelain stoneware tiles inspired by natural Italian stone
- Distinctive terrazzo-style inclusions and textured surfaces
- Suitable for floors, walls and outdoor spaces
- Used in commercial projects including Starbucks stores across the UK
- Ideal for contemporary residential and commercial interiors
What Are Refin Orobica Tiles?
The Orobica collection by Ceramiche Refin is a distinctive porcelain tile range inspired by natural stone quarried in the Grè area on the slopes of Monte Clemo near Lake Iseo in northern Italy. The original stone is known for its irregular composition, with fragments of different sizes embedded within the surface, creating a unique visual texture.
Refin interprets this natural material in porcelain stoneware, recreating the stone’s dynamic appearance while enhancing it with contemporary design techniques. The result is a surface rich in movement and detail, with a mix of larger fragments and subtle inclusions that give the tile depth and character.
This blend of natural inspiration and modern manufacturing makes Orobica a versatile tile suitable for both residential interiors and larger architectural projects.
A Terrazzo-Inspired Surface with Natural Character
One of the most striking aspects of the Orobica collection is its terrazzo-like appearance. The surface features irregular stones or “clasts” distributed across a background rich in mineral inclusions, creating a layered and textured design.
Unlike traditional terrazzo, which often has a highly polished look, Orobica offers a more natural and architectural interpretation. The fragments vary in size and tone, producing a surface that feels organic while still maintaining a refined contemporary style.
This balance makes the collection particularly attractive for interior designers and architects seeking materials that add visual interest without overpowering a space.
Colours Designed for Modern Architecture
The Orobica palette focuses on timeless, versatile tones that work across a wide range of interiors.
The collection includes four key colours:
- Bianco – a clean, neutral white ideal for modern architecture
- Grigio – inspired by the natural stone with subtle warm undertones
- Antracite – a darker shade with depth and brightness
- Beige – a soft warm tone that avoids yellow hues
These colours allow the tiles to adapt easily to different design styles, from minimalist contemporary interiors to warmer, more natural living spaces.
Sizes and Applications
Orobica tiles are produced in several formats designed to suit both residential and commercial projects.
Typical formats include:
- 120 × 120 cm
- 60 × 120 cm
- 60 × 60 cm
An outdoor 20 mm thickness version is also available, making the collection suitable for exterior environments such as terraces or ventilated façades.
Because the tiles are made from porcelain stoneware, they offer excellent durability, low water absorption and resistance to wear, making them suita
Used in Commercial Spaces Across the UK
The Orobica collection is not only popular in residential interiors but is also widely used in commercial environments due to its durability and distinctive design.
At La Fabrico, we are proud to be supplying Refin Orobica tiles for Starbucks stores across the UK, demonstrating the tile’s suitability for high-traffic hospitality environments.
Commercial spaces such as cafés and retail environments require materials that combine visual impact with long-term performance, and porcelain stoneware tiles like Orobica deliver exactly that.
Its strength, durability and easy maintenance make it ideal for busy public spaces while maintaining a sophisticated design aesthetic.
Where Orobica Tiles Work Best
Thanks to their durability and distinctive appearance, Orobica tiles can be used across a wide range of spaces.
Common applications include:
- living room flooring
- contemporary kitchens
- bathroom walls and floors
- commercial interiors
- hospitality and retail spaces
- outdoor terraces and façades
The collection is particularly effective in large open spaces where the pattern variation can be fully appreciated.
Expert Design Insight
From a design perspective, tiles like Orobica are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners and architects move away from overly uniform surfaces.
Modern interiors often favour materials that feel natural, textured and slightly imperfect, echoing the look of stone or terrazzo while benefiting from the durability of porcelain.
When paired with minimalist furniture, warm lighting and natural materials such as timber or brushed metals, Orobica tiles create interiors that feel contemporary yet timeless.
Why Choose Porcelain Stoneware Tiles?
Porcelain stoneware is one of the most reliable materials used in modern tile manufacturing.
It offers several practical advantages:
- extremely durable and resistant to abrasion
- low water absorption
- resistant to temperature changes
- suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- easy to maintain and clean
These technical properties ensure the tiles retain their appearance and performance over time.
Discover Refin Orobica Tiles in Person
While photographs can highlight the pattern and colour of Orobica tiles, the full depth and texture of the collection is best experienced in person.
Viewing the tiles in a showroom allows you to appreciate the surface variation, scale and interaction with light, helping you understand how the tiles will work within your space.
For homeowners, designers and architects looking for a distinctive stone-inspired surface, the Orobica collection offers a compelling combination
