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Specifying materials remains one of the most critical steps in the project planning stage for interior designers and architects. Material specification involves a complex balance of design intentions with functionality, budget and maintenance. In search of a design material that does not compromise creativity for durability, many interior designers and architects have found their perfect solution in terrazzo. The use of limitless colors and aggregate finishes to produce a one-of-a-kind design concept may be possible. Careful design professionals understand the critical details required in specification and the intricacies associated with terrazzo installation. Yuanda Stone has worked closely with many design professionals in the design specification phase and helped translate design concepts into a sustainable installation that can be admired. In this article, interior designers and architects should focus on design decisions that need to be made to specify terrazzo in commercial projects.
Establishing Aesthetic Goals and Customization Parameters
It’s not often that a specification process involves a wealth of creative decision-making beyond color, especially for manufactured materials that typically come in a narrow palette of predetermined choices. With terrazzo, nearly the sky’s the limit when it comes to aesthetic potential. It all starts with the selection of colors for the pigment within the binder. From there, designers can choose among an endless variety of aggregates to create visual interest, including classic marble chips, mirror or glass fragments to inject light reflection, and recycled aggregates (such as broken porcelain) for a more environmentally conscious product. After the ideal blend is determined, the designer decides on the finish-be it a deeply polished surface that emphasizes the texture and detail of the chips, or a honed, less reflective finish. Yuanda Stone can work with you to generate a sample board of your proposed aggregate blend and color combination for your review prior to final project specification.
Understanding Divider Strip Options and Layout Planning
Arguably, one of the most identifiable design features of terrazzo is the inclusion of divider strips. These strips not only fulfill an important technical function by reducing the effects of cracking and controlling the movement of the floor, but they can also be used to great effect as a design tool that sets the pace of a space. A designer can decide on the appropriate type of strips to be incorporated in order to meet their design needs; these are available in Brass, Zinc and PVC. Brass can be seen as a soft, decorative contrast that works well in luxurious or classic schemes, Zinc offers a more neutral contrast for the modern interior, while PVC is ideal if the intention is for the joints to be inconspicuous or to simply disappear into the body of the floor.
Evaluating Performance Criteria and Traffic Ratings
While style is extremely important, functionality must follow closely. When a project goes to the design phase, designers must take into account such factors as anticipated foot traffic, what activities will occur in the area and what exposure to fluids or chemicals may be a risk. The answers to these questions should drive how the binder system is specified. For low-to moderate traffic areas like specialty stores or office settings, a cementitious binder will be more cost-effective and give more of a traditional feel to the area. If the area will experience a large volume of traffic, like a shopping mall, airport or hospital, then a resinous (epoxy) binder is recommended. Epoxy terrazzo provides increased abrasion and stain resistance, chemical resistance and longevity when faced with these demands. Designers may also need to account for slip-resistant characteristics. While a polished floor looks elegant, in an area with the possibility of liquid spillages a somewhat textured surface may need to be considered for safety. Yuanda Stone works with designers to ensure they get the technical specifications for their needs to meet project requirements.
Budgeting and Coordinating Installation Logistics
The two most important items on any terrazzo specification sheet are budget and installation schedule management. Terrazzo is an extremely high-performance flooring system, requiring a substantial labor force and an expert team on-site. Terrazzo can cost between $20 and $100 per square foot, depending on aggregate selection, color complexity, divider strip style, and total square footage. It is important for designers to share this information with the client and discuss the cost drivers beforehand so that everyone has managed expectations of the project. On site, the construction schedule needs to take terrazzo into account. The floor needs to be adequately prepared beforehand and humidity and temperature controls are essential during the 28-day curing period. The dust and sound produced by the terrazzo application process need to be incorporated into the project timeline. Since the terrazzo grinding and polishing process will occur last in the overall construction process, the terrazzo floor must be protected from damage until the project is finished. With a proven team from the beginning such as Yuanda Stone, designers can rest assured that the logistical challenges of installation will be handled expertly and efficiently.
In the final analysis, the designation of terrazzo is the result of various efforts that rely on an integration of creativity and engineering skill. Every aspect of the specification, starting with color and the choice of aggregates and working its way to the appropriate divider strip design and performance specification, adds a piece to the puzzle. Yuanda Stone is happy to work side-by-side with the specifier in every aspect of the terrazzo designation process.
