florim and matteo thun revive sensiterre collection interpreting clay using ancient techniques

FLORIM and Matteo Thun express Italian artistry with sensiterre

With SensiTerre, Florim and Matteo Thun explore the architectural potential of one of the oldest materials—clay—through a refined and tactile language. Taking inspiration from Italy’s deep-rooted ceramic heritage, the collection models together artisanal tradition and technology, offering surfaces that are both expressive and versatile. A celebration of form, texture, and natural color, SensiTerre is a material statement crafted for modern design narratives, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the limited-edition terracotta vases Venere Bianca, designed by Matteo Thun and Benedetto Fasciana in collaboration with Bitossi.

celebrating the tenth anniversary of the limited-edition terracotta vases Venere Bianca, the new Florim SensiTerre collection is born (Naturale Sabbia 120×120; Grana Sabbia 20×20; Gradino 33×120 Listello Rosato) | all images courtesy of Florim

Florim, the Italian ceramics manufacturer known for combining sustainability, design, and innovation, continues its collaboration with architect and designer Matteo Thun. The partnership marks ten years since the launch of the handcrafted ‘Venere Bianca’ vases, made by master ceramicists and inspired by the simplicity of archetypal shapes, paying tribute to the ideal woman.

This new chapter introduces SensiTerre—a surface collection that interprets clay in a contemporary key, balancing artisanal techniques with advanced production methods. Designed for both architects and aesthetes, the collection overlays soft, nuanced palettes with finishing touches including gauze imprints, comb marks, and engravings, creating textures that evoke the charm of Renaissance Italian workshops.

the diverse warm colors and textured surfaces of the clay define the design philosophy of the SensiTerre collection (Natuale Sabbia 120×120; Naturale Rosato 120×120; Listello Rosato; Naturale Amaranto; Grana Sabbia 120×120)

The collection takes inspiration from the earth—its colors, textures, and historical uses—offering a surface system that is as tactile as it is visual. The natural palette and various finishes create surfaces that feel familiar yet elevated. With its modular formats and multiple configurations, the collection extends the language of ceramic design into spaces that are personal, flexible, and materially rich.

Drawing on the spirit of the Venere Bianca series, SensiTerre brings the aesthetic and emotional qualities of handmade ceramics into architectural design. The surfaces replicate techniques traditionally used by master artisans—gauze impressions, combed textures, and fine engravings—translating them into formats suitable for interior and exterior applications.

The six core colors—Cotone, Sabbia, Rosato, Mattone, Amaranto, and Carbone—represent a thoughtful chromatic range. Each tone is grounded in natural pigment, offering depth and subtle variation across the collection. The finishes include Naturale and Grana (available in all colors), and Cannettato and Rigatino (in Sabbia and Mattone only). While Naturale maintains the matte authenticity of raw clay, Grana recalls the granular texture of Roman cocciopesto. The linear finishes reinterpret traditional engraving methods through contemporary means.

Functionality is matched by sustainability. Produced in Florim’s Italian facilities with a closed-loop system that recycles 100% of waste and water, the collection is also part of the CarbonZero project. It features surfaces that are certified carbon neutral, from production to end of life. Florim, a certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation, powers its manufacturing primarily with self-generated renewable energy. More than a new product line, SensiTerre reflects a broader conversation around material culture, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. It invites designers to engage with clay not as a historical material, but as a contemporary medium—responsive, adaptive, and imbued with meaning.

the natural color palette and material surface faithfully reproduce the various textures of clays, creating a warm and enveloping atmosphere (Natuale sabbia 120×120; Naturale Rosato 120×120; Listello Rosato; Naturale Amaranto; Grana Sabbia 120×120)

the colors Cotone, Sabbia, Rosato, Mattone, Amaranto, and Carbone are neutral yet intense (Naturale Rosato 120×120; Naturale Amaranto 15×30; Listello Naturale Carbone)

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project info: 

name: SensiTerre

company: Florim | @florim_ceramiche

designer: Matteo Thun | @matteothun and Benedetto Fasciana | @benedettofasciana

material: Porcelain Stoneware

colors: Cotone, Sabbia, Rosato, Mattone, Amaranto, and Carbone

finishes: Naturale, Grana, Cannettato, and Rigatino