Canada
USA
Japan
Italian architect Matteo Thun, renowned for his minimalist philosophy and deep respect for nature, commemorates a decade since the debut of his Venere Bianca clay vases with the launch of SensiTerre—a sophisticated porcelain tile collection crafted in collaboration with leading ceramics company Florim.
This new collection merges the soul of artisanal clay traditions with the precision of contemporary manufacturing, resulting in a tile series that feels handmade, yet is crafted using cutting-edge technology.
Honoring Craftsmanship with Modern Elegance
Designed by Matteo Thun & Partners, the SensiTerre collection captures the warmth and tactile richness of handmade clay while offering the durability and consistency of machine-made porcelain stoneware. The collection draws its inspiration from centuries-old techniques found in Renaissance-era clay workshops, where the artistry of the hand shaped everything from dinnerware to decorative tiles.
Working alongside Benedetto Fasciana, a design talent known for merging historic context with contemporary design, and produced in partnership with Bitossi—a legendary Italian ceramics brand—the team reinterpreted the ancient practices of combing, engraving, and gauze-imprinting into a tile format suitable for modern architecture and interiors.
Inspired by Renaissance Clay Techniques
At the heart of SensiTerre is a tribute to the tactile language of Italian ceramics. Each tile is a visual and textural experience, offering a selection of four distinctive surface finishes, all influenced by time-honored clay treatment methods:
- Deeply Carved Lines: Emulating traditional engraving tools used to etch texture into wet clay.
- Softly Combed Surfaces: Reminiscent of the hand-drawn ridges made with a fine-toothed comb.
- Gauze-like Impressions: Mimicking the imprint of cloth on drying ceramics.
- Organic Irregularities: Designed to appear unpredictably handcrafted, each tile feels unique.
These textures create a subtle interplay of light and shadow, making each installation dynamic and ever-changing based on the lighting and environment.
A Palette Rooted in the Earth
Color plays a vital role in this collection’s connection to its heritage. SensiTerre is available in six earthy tones, each chosen to reflect natural clay materials and the organic essence of handcrafted pottery:
- Cotone – a warm off-white inspired by natural cotton
- Sabbia – the gentle tone of fine sand
- Rosato – a soft pink evoking fired clay in early stages
- Mattone – a classic terracotta red
- Amaranto – a deep, rich maroon
- Carbone – a coal-black tone with striking contrast
These hues offer versatility for a wide range of applications, from residential living spaces to hospitality and commercial interiors. Each tile surface feels earthy and honest, yet refined and luxurious.
Format Flexibility for Design Innovation
Whether for intricate feature walls or expansive floor installations, SensiTerre empowers designers with a variety of formats and geometric shapes. The collection is available in multiple small and large sizes, enabling professionals to experiment with patterns and layouts to create custom environments.
This adaptability encourages creativity in composition—allowing for bold, rhythmic tile designs or quiet, understated surfaces depending on the desired aesthetic.
Designed for Sustainability and Performance
As with many of Florim’s leading collections, SensiTerre aligns with a commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Florim is globally recognized for its eco-conscious production processes and has received numerous certifications for energy efficiency, water recycling, and responsible sourcing.
Porcelain stoneware itself is a high-performance material, offering stain resistance, durability, and low maintenance—ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications in modern architecture.
A Collection Rooted in Heritage, Designed for the Future
With SensiTerre, Matteo Thun reimagines the poetry of Italian ceramic craftsmanship for contemporary spaces. This collection not only marks an important milestone in Thun’s career but also reinforces his dedication to timeless design, tactile beauty, and respect for nature.
As Thun himself is known for stating, “Design should be silent. It should speak through harmony, not noise.” In SensiTerre, that silence is filled with the whispers of history, translated into form and texture for a new generation of spaces.
Product Overview
- Product Name: SensiTerre
- Designer: Matteo Thun & Partners
- Collaborators: Benedetto Fasciana, Bitossi
- Brand: Florim
- Material: Porcelain stoneware
- Available Colours: Cotone, Sabbia, Rosato, Mattone, Amaranto, Carbone
- Surface Finishes: Carved, Combed, Gauze-Imprinted, Organic Irregularities
- Formats: Various sizes and geometries
- Contact for Inquiries: [email protected]
In a time when digital and fast-paced production often outweighs the value of traditional methods, SensiTerre stands as a bold reminder that history and innovation can coexist beautifully. This collection doesn’t just offer surface solutions—it tells a story of heritage, of craft, and of vision. Designers seeking to bring soul into their projects will find SensiTerre to be an exquisite canvas that bridges the past and future of ceramic art.
For more on Matteo Thun’s work, visit his official portfolio at matteothun.com, or discover Florim’s full tile catalog at florim.com.
