Blog Archives - Terrazzo Australian Marble Blog

2020-04-242020-04-24

Sustainable Design: How Interior Designers Contribute

When did sustainability become part of “design speak”? Sustainable practices have penetrated different design practices in different phases. The architecture world in the United States, for example, started talking about sustainable practices when a Kansas City architect named Bob Berkebile tried to introduce the idea of doing more, as architects, to save the planet. This led to the proposition to establish a committee that advocates ways of making the profession more eco-friendly.

Interior designing can contribute greatly in achieving less emissions, less carbon footprint in designing spaces and buildings. So how do interior designers contribute to achieving sustainability?

1. Maximize energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems

The most sensory-impacting elements of interior design is lighting and temperature within the space. Interior designers are continuously upping the game when it comes to maximizing natural light for spatial illumination and natural wind and air patterns for ventilation. Heating and cooling systems for different climates and temperatures across Australia impact the greater environment. So interior designers contribute by using techniques that maximize natural light as long as it’s availabl, controlling temperatures with venilation and sustainable materials.

2. Choosing materials with lowest environment consumption

Terrazzo stone, for example, has been one of the most preferred flooring materials for years because of its main composition, coming from recycled aggregates. Along with other materials such as wood or other natural stones, interior designers can choose materials that are easier to source, close to the construction site for easy transport, and are renewable. For example, interior designers can choose bamboo to accentuate the walls to match a light brown and white terrazzo flooring for retail space. Both materials are sustainable and easier on the environment.

3. Designing for durability

With almost everything instantly replaceable these days, from cupboard handles, to sink tiles, to faucets and pipes, or curtain rods, it is tempting to design to achieve quick flexibility with disposable materials. Designing for durability means prolonging the lifespan of the structure, minimizing maintenance, and keeping the original structure with lowest frequency of maintenance possible.

Sustainable design is not an “option” anymore, it is a must. Building design and construction stakeholders must work together towards achieving sustainability in every project and every space.

2020-03-102020-03-10

Terrazzo Australian Marble’s Featured Global Spot: Odette

Blushing in pink, this interior design matched classy terrazzo flooring with marble, wood, and grey velvet elements. Odette is an elegantly-designed restaurant located at the historic National Gallery in Singapore. Named after chef Julien Royer’s grandmother, this restaurant delights customers by serving Modern French Cuisine and a lavish and immersive environment.

One key feature of the interior design is the glass-enclosed kitchen where diners can get close to the chefs and witness the craft and talent put into every dish prepared. Designed by Sacha Leong of Universal Design Studio, the muted tones of all the elements coming together are complemented by the irregularities of the patterns on the terrazzo flooring and the stronger metallic elements such as plant pots, wall lamps, etc. The drinks bar is also blushing in pink, making the experience of getting drinks and being served with fine wine and cocktails very light and enticing, versus the dark designs of typical bars serving drinks.

There are several approaches in using terrazzo in order to achieve a similar theme or feel. It is important to establish the core colors of the design and determine the terrazzo aggregates that would bring out the right shade to match the identified colors. Talk to a Terrazzo expert today and learn how your terrazzo can achieve a light and soft color finish for your design project.

2020-02-262020-02-24

Terrazzo Australian Marble’s Featured Global Spot: White Rabbit House

Restorations and renovations are some of the most exciting tasks for interior designers and architects. This task was taken with much gusto by Gundry & Ducker when they restored a 1970s house in London. Created with chequerboard terrazzo patterns, touches of a vibrant green, and wood, this restored terrace of White Rabbit House is a “modern interpretation of a Georgian house”, according to the architects featured in this Dezeen.com article.

Georgian revival architecture was the most commonly-emulated styles between 1900 to 1950, especially in New England where colonial heritage was most evident. This project to revive the White Rabbit House was a colorful and lively take on Georgian architecture. The black and white terrazzo flooring and the grey terrazzo exteriors brings a genuine and elegant feel to the space, while the uncommon green walls matches the natural lighting that floods into the room from the windows. The green chosen for the interiors isn’t too bright or pale, but also isn’t too dark. This crisp color brings the modern take on interior design to life.

Aside from the design, functionality was important for the owners. And this was where the architects made clear that their vision of this renovation was worth executing. They’ve managed to meet the owner’s requirements in terms of number of rooms, storage, etc. But what stood out was the cantilevered pill shaped staircase that started out with terrazzo steps which turned into wood landings. Complemented by smooth wood handrail that elegantly curves as one traces his way up or down the steps. Even though the it was built on site and appeared contemporary, the architects built it the same way a Victorian or Georgian staircase would’ve been built. The architects also engaged terrazzo experts to use both in-situ and precast formats.

Inspired by this beautiful renovation? Talk to Terrazzo Australian Marble today to learn how you can integrate Terrazzo into your interiors.

2020-02-242020-02-24

Terrazzo for Small Spaces – Creating Personality within Limitations

Cities are becoming denser as more people flock urban spaces in search of better economic opportunities. With housing developers creating smaller spaces to fit in more units in smaller land areas, individuals and families are challenged to create livable spaces out of tight spatial limitations. Not every household would have the resources to get professional interior designers to transform a basic space. But there are a few quick improvements that can be done with the help of good terrazzo suppliers who can effectively deliver terrazzo requirements for your small space ideas.

Flooring for living area

Having small spaces should not limit one to installing a monotonous flooring across the space. Introducing space segregation doesn’t have to mean resorting to bold colors or totally different materials. One can start with a small portion of the living room with a subtle white and grey terrazzo tiles. To add depth and texture to the flooring, one can also explore textured materials such as wood parquet.

Benchtops for small kitchens

Another clever way to add personality to small spaces is to make benchtops neat yet colorful. Terrazzo benchtops is making a significant come back to kitchens because of its playful yet neat style, the color possibilities, and its elegant finish. Small spaces may mean smaller countertops. Instead of resorting to plain tiles, this can be an opportunity to bring out the homeowner’s personality by fitting terrazzo into this small kitchen top. Other options could be to look for terrazzo styles for the dining table.

Walls for bathroom

Bathrooms can be tricky for small spaces because this is an area of the house that is ideally kept neat and bright. Terrazzo can be used to add decorative touches to the bathroom’s walls. For a cohesive look, match this terrazzo with the kitchen’s terrazzo theme or at least explore the same shade of colors.

There are several creative ways to give personality to small spaces. One can also explore storage styles and maximizing vertical space (from floor to ceiling) to add fixtures that can introduce dimensions and shapes in the house. To learn more about terrazzo and how one can incorporate it into small spaces, talk to Terrazzo Australian Marble today.

2020-01-202020-01-21

Terrazzo Australian Marble’s Featured Global Spot: Montreal’s Le Marie-Victorin

In this Terrazzo Australian Marble’s Featured Global Spot article, we highlight an educational institution in Montreal Canada that’s created a space for quality training and education by creating a green suburban haven for students and adult learners. The play of modern and historical values combined concrete, metal, terrazzo, and wood, with unique shapes and colors.