Florim’s SensiTerre collection, designed in collaboration with Matteo Thun, blends artisanal tradition with cutting-edge technology to offer a ceramic whose feel and appearance evoke the warmth of weathered clay, while meeting the demands of contemporary architecture.
A material that invites the touch beneath the surface
Here, Florim and Matteo Thun pursue a quest rarely articulated with such consistency: transforming a structural surface into a vibrant medium that conveys visual warmth and a sense of artisanal heritage. With SensiTerre, this approach reaches a new dimension. Here, porcelain stoneware takes on the apparent vulnerability and patina of clay, even though it is the result of a highly sophisticated industrial process.
The goal is not simply to imitate a handmade object, but to preserve its original essence. The collection serves as a bridge between the spontaneity of the artisan’s touch and the precision of architecture. It enriches the Sensi family—a staple at Florim—by weaving a nuanced narrative centered on material, texture, and that controlled imperfection that defines the great classics.
The legacy of terracotta elevated to new heights
SensiTerre reimagines the essence of clay by blending ancestral craftsmanship with technical innovation. The collection draws inspiration from traditional techniques and the imprint left by hand-forming. This creative vision also celebrates the tenth anniversary of “Venere Bianca,” an iconic series of terracotta vases designed by Matteo Thun, Benedetto Fasciana, and Bitossi.
This connection is no coincidence. It places SensiTerre firmly within the great tradition of Italian ceramics, from Renaissance workshops to the avant-garde of contemporary design. The range of finishes also echoes Roman cocciopesto, a subtle nod to material archaeology in the service of a resolutely modern aesthetic.
A muted palette for vibrant textures
The collection comes in six shades: Cotone, Sabbia, Rosato, Mattone, Amaranto, and Carbone. The mere mention of these names sets the scene. Here, ostentation gives way to earthy tones, ranging from a powdery matte to a mineral-like density. The color seems to have been softened by time, bearing an imprint from time immemorial.
Four finishes define the entire line. Naturale preserves the authenticity of a raw matte finish, while Grana evokes ancient mortar made from crushed brick. Rigatino and Cannettato, meanwhile, reinterpret the interplay of combing and engraving, a direct legacy of the original vases. This is less a reproduction than a meticulous transcription—a material translation where the scale evolves without ever betraying the original intent.
The Intelligence of a Sensitive Surface
Recently honored with a Design Award from Wallpaper* magazine, the SensiTerre collection stands out particularly for its tactile intelligence. This distinction validates a fundamental shift in surface design: the eye alone is no longer enough; the hand—or at the very least, the idea of touch—must be engaged. Florim thus creates a surface designed to be gently traced with the gaze and explored with the fingertips.
This philosophy appeals through its rejection of literal ornamentation. Thanks to its modular formats designed for both floors and walls, the collection offers immense flexibility, from residential settings to large-scale architectural projects. While the material’s meticulously crafted texture may at times stem more from conceptual intent than from pure spontaneity, this is undoubtedly the price of excellence: capturing and preserving what the hand, by its very nature, inevitably lets slip away.