Sannini Cotto from Impruneta

The new Moretti cellars designed by Ticinese architect Mario Botta bear witness to the importance of the research and tests that Sannini have conducted for years in tandem with some of the most significant international design projects. In such partnerships, Sannini provide their own technical staff and advanced production technologies to assure the attainment of performance levels and results that comply with all aspects of design specifications. In the case of the Suvereto cellar, the exchange of know-how with one of Italy’s leading prefabrication companies led to the production of a special cement panel/plate, a type of structural tray, featuring remarkable terracotta inserts - from the “external” series produced in the special 15 x 40 cm size - applied directly at the workshop. The prefabricated panels were positioned on a bed of sand and gravel to ensure a natural, damp foundation for the wood casks, while allowing movement by personnel and visitors between them along terracotta paths. In this way maximum integration was achieved between the natural ground beneath the wine conservation and aging zones and the terracotta covering the intermediate, high-traffic areas. The most stringent tests demonstrated that, thanks to the exceptional resistance of Sannini products, even the transit of lift trucks did not damage or wear floor surfaces. The final results indeed suggested that this system could be potentially extended to road and pavements coverings, particularly when rapid installation and resistance are priority considerations. The cement panels with terracotta inserts make up macro tiles (up to 2.5 m on each side) that are easily positioned, therefore promptly removable in the event that underlying utility lines require servicing. By this project, Sannini has further deepened.