Concrete terrazzo has a rich history in building materials, beginning as a mosaic and now becoming a symbol of luxury, durability, and design versatility. Let’s explore the fascinating origins of terrazzo, its unique process, and why it remains a popular choice in modern architecture and interior design.
The Origins of Terrazzo
Terrazzo’s roots can be traced back to the ancient mosaics of Egypt and Greece. However, the material as we know it today originated in 15th-century Venice. Venetian workers discovered that mixing marble remnants with clay and sealing the surface created a durable, attractive flooring option. This early version of terrazzo was not only cost-effective but also aesthetically pleasing, leading to its widespread use in Venetian palazzos and public spaces. This material that originated five hundred years ago has found its way into the modern and contemporary design market and comes in two basic types.
Types of Terrazzo
There are several types of terrazzo and terrazzo itself is defined as “is a mosaic flooring consisting of small pieces of marble or granite set in mortar and given a high polish” from the Merriam-Webster dictionary, but most people understand terrazzo to be a surface that pieces of marble, granite, or glass is embedded into. There are two basic types of terrazzo:
- Cement Based Terrazzo (Concrete Terrazzo): Cement based terrazzo can be a bed of mortar that the chips are pressed into and polished or concrete that the chips are mixed into and later ground to expose the aggregates.
- Epoxy Resin Based Terrazzo: A bed of resin is applied and the chips are pressed into and polished or more modern quartz type terrazzo is a large block of quartz (which is also resin based) with large format chips embedded then the block is cut into slabs.
The Crafting Process of Concrete Terrazzo
Concrete terrazzo is a composite material, traditionally made by embedding marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips into a cementitious binder. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how concrete terrazzo is created:
- Careful weighing of each material: Each chip must be weighed as a percentage of the concrete mix. If there are several different colors of chips, then they each must be weighed out by the prescribed amount. The concrete mix can have a specified base color as well and the pigments used for the base color must also be weighed. The total amount of material weighed should match the total amount needed for the project so that nothing is wasted.
- Mixing: The chips can either be placed by hand and temporarily held in place in the mold or the chips can be mixed directly into the concrete.
- Pouring: The mixture is poured into the prepared form. The form is created based on the dimensions of the project, for kitchen countertops the form will be the exact size each piece of the countertop.
- Agitation and troweling: The mixture is spread and leveled using a trowel. Slight agitation is also helpful to avoid air pockets in the mix. A lower concentration of air pockets creates a stronger surface.
- Curing: The concrete terrazzo is covered with a moisture barrier and sometimes a blanket to cure overnight or for several days depending on the mix design. This step is crucial for the material’s durability.
- Demolding: The concrete is demolded from the forms.
- Grinding and Polishing: Once demolded, the surface is ground to reveal the embedded chips. There may be multiple stages of grinding and grouting the surface.
- Sealing: A sealant is applied to protect the concrete terrazzo from stains and wear, enhancing its longevity and ease of maintenance.
Benefits of Concrete Terrazzo
Concrete terrazzo offers numerous benefits, making it a preferred choice for both residential and commercial spaces:
- Durability: Terrazzo is incredibly resilient, able to withstand heavy use and resist cracking and chipping.
- Aesthetic Versatility: With a wide range of color and material options, terrazzo can be customized to suit any design style, from classic to contemporary.
- Sustainability: Concrete is already a sustainable material (read here why) and terrazzo can incorporate recycled materials, making it an even more eco-friendly surface. Its long lifespan further contributes to its sustainability. We also use a water based sealer that is environmentally friendly.
- Low Maintenance: Terrazzo is easy to clean and maintain.
Modern Applications
Today, terrazzo is experiencing a renaissance, gracing the floors, walls, and countertops of various spaces. Architects and designers appreciate its blend of tradition and innovation, using it in:
- Public Buildings: Airports, schools, and hospitals benefit from terrazzo’s durability and ease of maintenance.
- Commercial Spaces: Retail stores and offices use terrazzo to create stylish, inviting environments.
- Residential Homes: Homeowners are rediscovering terrazzo for its beauty and practicality, using it in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
Conclusion
Concrete terrazzo is more than just a flooring material; it can be a wall panel, a kitchen countertop and a sink but most of all it is a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. Its journey from the streets of Venice to modern architecture showcases its timeless appeal and adaptability. Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance, its aesthetic possibilities, or its practical benefits, terrazzo remains a beloved choice for those seeking to infuse their spaces with enduring elegance.
These photos are courtesy of Tre Hus Architects + Interior Designers + Builders. Tre Hus created these two beautiful kitchens, choosing to work with us to make two custom blended concrete terrazzo kitchen countertops.
