Terrazzo has without a doubt been a tremendous trend for the past couple of years. It is seen in kitchens, bathrooms, on floors and walls, basically everywhere. But what is it and how is it made? We are breaking down some basic terrazzo facts as well as learning about other unconventional products inspired by the eye-catching stone.
Read about : Interior Design: Studio 10 – Geijoeng Concept Store
WHAT IS TERRAZZO?
Terrazzo is essentially a mixture made of a cement base and a combination of different chips. The chips can be marble, granite, quartz, glass or other minerals. In other words, the end result mostly depends on the colors and materials of the chips. That is not to say that the base is any less important. While the specks depend on the material, the base can be modified. Dies can be added so as to change the grey cement color. The supplier specifies the mix based on a project’s requirements and personal preference. After the mixture hardens it is polished therefore revealing the texture and colors of the minerals. In short switching up the base and the mix-ins gives each batch of the stone its uniqueness.
WHERE DID IT COME FROM?
Although one could argue that forms of terrazzo were found in the ruins in Turkey, the origin of today’s terrazzo comes from Italy. In the 16th century Italian workers, more specifically Venetian workers used marble fragments and combined them with cement. Later they would polish the hardened mixture therefore creating terrazzo. This technique is know as seminato.
Read about : Interior Design: Studio 10 – Geijoeng Concept Store
KEY FEATURES
- Hard-wearing
- Easy to maintain
- Customizable
- Durable
- Sustainable
- Antimicrobial
- Water resistant
WHERE TO USE TERRAZZO?
As a result of the materials nature, you can use terrazzo almost anywhere, from the facade to the kitchen counter top.
- Outdoor
- Walls
- Flooring
- Stairs
- Kitchen counter tops and backsplash
- Facades
- Furniture and products
Read about : Interior Design: Studio 10 – Geijoeng Concept Store
UNCONVENTIONAL TERRAZZO
TERRAZZO MADE OUT OF PLASTIC
In 2018 two Dutch designers and entrepreneurs founded Plasticiet, a company with a mission to utilize plastic waste. In other words, by processing the plastic, they are able to manufacture a sustainable building product
“Inspired by the rough features and patterns of marble and granite we create something that is beautiful and durable that represents the way we should perceive plastics: as the incredible and precious material it actually is.”
Plasticiet for Dezeen
TERRAZZO MADE OUT OF WOOD
Foresso is a surface manufacturer that combines offcut timber, resin, birch plywood, mineral powders and pigment therefore creating a wood equivalent of terrazzo. Their goal is to develop a system that can utilize other streams of waste and as a result offer a product that is waste negative.
“We see waste as raw materials rather than something to be discarded, and we are deeply committed to reducing our ecological impact. This is not just through using recycled materials in our products, but also about reducing our use of plastics, designing our supply chain to reduce travel distances, and making thoughtful decisions in every aspect of our business.”
Foresso for Dezeen
