Cocciopesto Lime Floors Through the Eyes of an Architect

Cocciopesto lime floors are a high-performance, traditional Roman flooring system that outperforms modern limecrete alternatives in both durability and comfort. By incorporating crushed terracotta (cocciopesto) into the lime mix, the floor gains exceptional thermal mass—storing and slowly releasing heat to provide a naturally warm, stable indoor climate while reducing energy use. In this video, architect Nicolo Nigri walks through the flooring project he carried out in his own home. He explains:

  • The history and principles behind cocciopesto flooring
  • How crushed terracotta enhances thermal performance and longevity
  • Key stages of the installation process, from preparation to finishing
  • Practical benefits for energy efficiency and indoor comfort
  • Lessons learned from applying this ancient technique in a modern setting

This is both a technical insight into traditional building methods and a case study of how historic materials can meet today’s performance demands.

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