Some materials come and go, enjoying their time in the spotlight and then fading as new trends replace them. However, terrazzo has been able to withstand the test of time, retaining its popularity for over two centuries. It has also been able to evolve over time to provide even more value. We want to take a closer look at the material and the latest stage of its evolution. Then, if you need help with residential architecture in London or other projects, you can rely on us.
What is it?
Terrazzo is a really amazing composite, traditionally made with a cement binder and chips of material such as marble, quartz, or even glass. It can be poured and cast in-situ or used to pre-cast blocks, tiles, and other products.
What we know as terrazzo today dates back to 18th century Italy. It became popular because the finish looks fantastic. You can be incredibly creative, using different materials and colours to get a stunning design. It is also surprisingly sustainable due to the fact it generally uses waste or offcuts of materials. Impressively, it lasts a very long time too, with a lifecycle that can be longer than the buildings themselves.
Terrazzo also offers a number of other advantages that made it perfect for floors. Crucially, it is hard wearing. You can find some flooring that is over a century old but still looks great. You can seal it too, massively enhancing the water resistance. Plus, it retains warmth really effectively. All of this means it is great for high traffic areas in properties, bathrooms, and kitchens. You can use it at home or in commercial or public buildings.
Evolution
Just like residential architecture in London, terrazzo has evolved over time. One of these developments was the use of epoxy resin instead of cement. It can work as effectively and offers a number of advantages, such as faster installation, a lower weight, and higher strength. However, it isn’t suitable for exterior uses; you need a cement base here to ensure you don’t have issues like fading or peeling.
The latest development is really interesting. Developers have been working to find versions with even less embodied carbon. One is bio-based, using a pigmented resin. It is free from nonylphenol, a toxic material that has been banned in textiles and clothing in the EU since 2004.
Terrazzo is a really great choice today. It can meet modern standards for sustainability and efficiency. Plus, it can make internal environments healthier as it contains no VOCs. It works well with things like underfloor heating too. It is so popular in fact, that you can now get various other products made from it, including counter tops, homeware, and more.
Ask us about residential architecture in London
Coffey Architects knows how to use different materials to deliver stunning properties, from homes to galleries, offices to libraries. We can look at various options for floors, walls, and more. This can even include terrazzo. We’ll help you to create a beautiful design that can be sustainable and good for everyone.
So, get in touch today and talk to us about residential architecture in London or other projects. We’d love to take the adventure with you to create your space.