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Natural flooring in cocciopesto and lime

Seamless floors made with natural hydraulic lime and cocciopesto, the crushed terracotta used since Roman times to make surfaces durable and breathable. We make them for interiors and exteriors.

What cocciopesto floors are

Cocciopesto is a mix of lime and crushed terracotta, used since Roman times to cover floors and surfaces exposed to water. Natural hydraulic lime binds the aggregates and keeps the surface breathable, while the cocciopesto adds strength and its characteristic warm colour. Prima Materia floors are continuous and joint-free, and come in two families: pastelloni for interiors and battuti for interiors and exteriors.

Interior pastelloni

The pastellone is a continuous, joint-free finish designed for interior spaces. It is applied over a stable screed in two thin layers, a base coat and a finish coat, and combines natural hydraulic lime, cocciopesto in several grain sizes and selected sands.

The result is a compact surface with a warm, subtly variegated colour, suited to homes, hospitality and commercial spaces. Colour and grain are chosen for each project, with samples to approve before installation.

A continuous finish also lets you join floor, stairs, steps and built-in furniture in a single surface, as in the staircases with niches made in natural mortar.

Interior with continuous lime floor and natural mortar walls
Interior with continuous floor
Staircase and niches in natural mortar with a continuous sand-coloured floor
Interior pastellone

Interior battuti

The battuto is a floor of cocciopesto and lime laid in place and worked by hand to a compact surface. For interiors the finish is polished and stays breathable, to the benefit of indoor comfort.

It is built as a single layer, according to the characteristics of the room and the needs of the site. Working by hand gives every floor a unique pattern, with flecks of cocciopesto surfacing on the top.

Dark polished interior battuto floor with pale flecks and terracotta-coloured mortar walls
Polished interior battuto

Exterior battuti

Designed for terraces, courtyards and outdoor paths, exterior battuti have either a polished finish for outdoor use or a washed (dilavato) finish, which lets the aggregates show and makes the surface rougher to the touch.

Like the interior floors, they are made with natural hydraulic lime and cocciopesto and sit naturally in historic settings and Mediterranean landscapes.

Laying an exterior cocciopesto battuto along a path between stone walls
Exterior battuto

Choosing between pastellone and battuto

  • Pastellone: for interiors, in two thin layers over a screed, with a uniform, compact surface.
  • Interior battuto: polished, hand-worked finish, for those who want a continuous floor with an artisan character.
  • Exterior battuto: for terraces, courtyards and paths, with a polished or washed finish.

The choice depends on the room, the project and the look you want: tell us about your site and we will recommend the most suitable solution.

Frequently asked questions

Does a cocciopesto floor have joints?

No: pastelloni and battuti are continuous floors, without joints. We do recommend planning expansion joints in the screed at design stage, to limit possible cracking.

Can it be used in damp areas?

Cocciopesto was created to withstand water. The choice of finish and protective treatment is assessed on the project.

How is it cleaned and maintained?

With gentle detergents, avoiding aggressive products. The recommended protective treatment depends on the finish.

Can I choose the colour?

Yes: colour and grain are chosen for each project, with samples to approve before installation.

What substrate is it laid on?

Pastelloni are applied over a stable, shrinkage-resistant screed.

Where we work

We work with construction companies, architects and craftspeople in Piacenza, home of our showroom, and across Northern Italy. We supply the materials and the technical support for installation, even remotely.

Want to see the colours or request a sample?

Tell us about your project: we'll reply with guidance for your surface.