Snøhetta explores the textures of terracotta in a new tile collection with Fornace Brioni
In a second collaboration ith Italian ceramic tile manufacturer Fornace Brioni, Snøhetta explores terracotta as a material and its traditional craft. The result is a collection of tiles and 3D elements named Void - focusing on material reduction and soft forms to enhance light, shadow, and texture.
After collaborating on the Forite project in 2021, Snøhetta and Fornace Brioni have worked together again to launch the Void collection. Understanding materials and their processes is central to Snøhetta's work and laid the basis for the Void project, exploring terracotta with the experts at Fornace Brioni.
"Terracotta is a highly tactile material, making you want to reach out and touch the surface. The materiality was the starting point when designing the Void tiles, focusing on the source and traditional craft, while exploring how negative space affects light and shadow", says Francesca Giulia Poli, Product Designer at Snøhetta.
Terracotta, or cotto, with its ancient tradition, is created through a simple recipe of mixing water, earth, and fire. One of terracotta's unique material qualities is its circularity. Leftover material can be collected and reused during production and even after firing.
Less is more
During the process, the aim was to reduce the amount of material used in the tile production, experimenting with different ways of reducing the material without compromising the structural quality of the tiles. With Void, less is more - and the characteristic appearance formed by the removed material is what makes the tiles stand out.
The soft forms and shapes resulting from the reduced material enhance light, shadow, and texture and bring out the uniqueness of the traditionally crafted tiles, integrating the imperfections and roughness of the material as part of the expression.
"Fornace's expert craftmanship and love for natural materials like terracotta laid the grounds for Void - allowing us to investigate the material and manual production process. The goal was to create a collection of tiles that is as beautiful and clean as practical and versatile. Void is an exploration of the usage of the material, beautiful in its simplicity, highlighting its interaction with natural light. Exploring materials is a big part of Snøhetta Product Design, and to again have the opportunity to work with Alessio and the Fornace Brioni team has been both rewarding and insightful", says Marius Myking, Director of Snøhetta Product Design.
Unique patterns and compositions
The collection consists of a wall tile system and 3D elements. The two variants of the 3D component are larger and thicker than the tiles and can be used similarly to bricks to create walls or support surfaces both inside and outdoors.
There are four variants of the tiles, including half-width options, which have a 1:1 and 1:2 ratio, respectively, and are therefore able to create a wide variety of geometric-based patterns and unique compositions.
"We are excited to unveil our collaboration with Snøhetta. Their innovative vision and our commitment to tradition come together in the Void collection, embodying the excellent craftsmanship and sustainable approach that characterize both our companies. This partnership marks a significant moment in our history, opening new perspectives for the evolution of our brand." - Alessio and Alberto Brioni, Founder of Fornace Brioni.
Natural colors
Upon launch, the Void collection is available in four different natural terracotta colors, each entirely determined by the clay's composition or way of processing.
Furthermore, the tiles will also be available in a glazed version that contrasts the rougher terracotta with a smoother finish. The glazed finish also makes the tiles more suitable for use in bathrooms and other wet rooms.
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Photo credit: Mattia Balsamini
Art direction for the photoshoot: Cristina Celestino
Project Facts
- Project Name: Void
- Timeline: 2023-2024
- Client: Fornace Brioni
- Location: Italy
- Status: Completed
- Disciplines (by Snøhetta): Product Design
- Typology: Tiles
About Fornace Brioni
Founded in 1920 and now at its fourth generation with Alessio and Alberto Brioni, the firm has always been a leader in the restoration of traditional floors. The two brothers now look to the future, investing in research and development involving infinite new interpretations of cotto, while preserving a strong bond with history.
Fornace Brioni produces handmade terracotta, starting from a mixture of only clay and water cooked over a fire. Terracotta has the specific peculiarities of an artisanal product: each product is in fact different from the other. Since 2016, Cristina Celestino, as artistic director, has reimagined cotto's history, emphasizing its unique identity and Renaissance charm through innovative designs blending craftsmanship and modernity.