New Surface Collection from Matteo Thun

Florim and Matteo Thun have collaborated on the SensiTerre Surface Collection, a new line of hard-fired ceramic surfaces that embody the warmth and texture of handmade craftsmanship. The collection is the latest chapter in their long-running collaboration, which has been focused on creating surfaces that carry the quiet imperfection of something made by hand.

The SensiTerre collection grows out of the Sensi family, but its real origin story is rooted in the limited-edition terracotta vases Thun designed with Benedetto Fasciana and Bitossi, called “Venere Bianca”. Those handcrafted vessels, with their archetypal shapes and Renaissance-workshop markings, become the surface’s emotional reference point, a tribute to craft rendered permanent in porcelain.

Florim has translated the artisanal language of the original vases into porcelain at architectural scale, creating a dialogue between true handmade craftsmanship and the new frontiers of Industry 4.0. The collection features six earthy colors, including Cotone, Sabbia, Rosato, Mattone, Amaranto, and Carbone, which read as neutral and intense at once, drawn straight from the memory of worked clay.

Four finishes are available, each with its own unique characteristics. Naturale keeps the raw matte materiality of clay, while Grana nods to cocciopesto, the crushed-brick mortar the Ancient Romans used for waterproofing. Rigatino and Cannettato replicate the combing and engraving marks of the original vases, creating a tactile detail that invites the user to touch.

SensiTerre is produced in facilities that recover 100% of raw production waste and wastewater, are certified B Corps, and generate up to 100% of their own electricity, topped up with certified renewable energy when more is needed. This commitment to sustainability is a key aspect of the collection, which aims to be both beautiful and responsible, with neither quality compromised.

The modular small and large formats of the SensiTerre collection make it endlessly configurable across floors and walls, allowing designers to create unique and tailored spaces. As Florim notes, the surface is designed to be “touched with the eyes and seen with the fingers”, creating a multisensory experience that engages the user on multiple levels.

In practice, the SensiTerre collection offers a unique solution for designers and architects looking to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. The collection’s focus on sustainability and craftsmanship makes it an attractive option for those looking to specify materials that align with their values.

For example, the use of recycled materials and renewable energy in the production process reduces the collection’s environmental impact, while the modular format allows for efficient use of materials and minimizes waste.

Florim’s collaboration with Matteo Thun has resulted in a collection that showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in design, with a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship that makes it a compelling option for those looking to create spaces that are both beautiful and responsible.