Compatta engages with nature, capturing its most primitive characteristics

The Compatta collection, brought to life by CEDIT – Ceramiche d’Italia, harmoniously merges traditional craftsmanship in rammed earth construction with technological innovation. Peri shifted his gaze towards the often overlooked elements of landscapes, directing his attention to the ground beneath our feet and the minerals and soils that compose it.

His focus lies in celebrating the primordial role of earth, which has historically been utilized to construct shelters and create vessels, showcasing the material’s inherent vitality and its infinite malleability shaped by both nature and human hands.

The designer draws inspiration from the ancient technique and imbues his personal interpretation onto the large slabs of CEDIT ceramics, notably in the unprecedented size of 280x120cm. Embarking on his first exploration of ceramics, the designer delves into the theme of “earth” in its primal and profound essence.

The design embraces the natural tones of sand, silt, clay, and gravel, establishing an intimate connection with space. These surfaces engage with nature, capturing its most primitive characteristics. The appearance is rich, textured, and rugged, softened by three-dimensional interplays of light and shadow that come alive within the decorative elements.

This narrative seamlessly weaves together the past and the present, fusing the essence of natural earth, the expressive power of the designer, and the advanced techniques of ceramic production. It exemplifies CEDIT’s spirit of experimentation and innovation flawlessly.

Federico Peri shares his insights on the collaboration with CEDIT, stating, “The dialogue with Florim started several years ago with CEDIT’s invitation to explore a material that was uncharted territory for me – ceramics. After an initial phase of discovery and learning, we have spent the past year developing a project that speaks of authenticity and harmony. It became evident quite quickly how the combination of creativity and industry, design and production, presented an opportunity to challenge and surpass limits.“

The author imprints his poetic vision onto the expansive CEDIT slabs, narrating a story of tranquility, serenity, and nature, all born from a dialogue with the company on the themes of simplicity, materiality, and genuineness.

Peri explains, “The concept of the collection is a conscious revival of the ancient technique of rammed earth construction, a method based on the layering of tightly compacted soils to form load-bearing walls or partitions within dwellings.”

Compatta, influenced by various stylistic inspirations, transcends the traditional two-dimensional nature of ceramic materials. It is enriched with three-dimensional elements of different sizes and shapes that can be assembled into a mosaic on a mesh, lending a sculptural quality to the walls.