In 1856, Carles Butsems i Marià founded a construction materials company, Butsems i Fradera, that was still operating in the 1870s as an artificial stone factory. Shortly after it was set up, however, it pioneered the manufacture of hydraulic flooring, incorporating the new shapes of Modernisme and the demands of the architects of the time. Its shop was one of those awarded a prize by Barcelona City Council in 1907 (Pelai; no longer in existence).

Some of the most famous architects, including J.M. Jujol, A. Gaudí, J. Puig i Cadafalch and L. Domènech i Montaner, made designs for its products and used this company in decorating their buildings.