Let’s start with the basics. Terrazzo is a composite material made by combining aggregates such as marble, quartz and sometimes glass with cement that can either be poured in place or prefabricated offsite which can then be used in a variety of building and design applications. One prime example of this is the terrazzo slab. Terrazzo slabs can be utilized as countertops, stairs, bench tops and more.
Practicality and Adaptability
As mentioned, terrazzo can be applied in-situ or onsite or precast offsite and then transported for installation. Since not all residences and commercial spaces have the same considerations and factors such as location and square footage, it is fortunate that terrazzo is such a flexible raw material. For smaller spaces such as condominiums, specialty boutiques, office spaces in high rise buildings, where there is not a lot of extra room for bulky equipment and machines, the use of terrazzo slabs makes the most sense.
One other advantage of using terrazzo slabs is its design adaptability. As with all pre-cast terrazzo, the ease of matching terrazzo slabs with an existing color scheme or design pattern from minimal and utilitarian to grandiose and luxurious is quite noteworthy. Additionally, terrazzo slabs can be utilized in both interior and exterior spaces without having to worry about weathering the toughest of conditions, heavy foot traffic or usage or having to compromise any of its aesthetic value. Take for example those benchtops in public parks or promenades. They are not just extremely useful when park goers want a place to rest when they need a break from all the walking or just have a place to sit on to admire the surrounding, but because of terrazzo’s strength and durability, these benchtops can bear up against the changing weather all year round. If properly maintained, benchtops made from terrazzo slabs can last more than a good number of decades.
When it comes to interior spaces, terrazzo slabs have quite a number of applications as well- from staircases, flooring for living spaces and even bathrooms and kitchens if applied with an anti-slip sealant, wall cladding, kitchen countertops, unique art installations and many more. There really is no end to what terrazzo can be used for. This is primarily why terrazzo never goes out of style even with the constant changes in design and building trends, even with the evolving preferences in style and function, more often than not, you can enter any kind of establishment and find terrazzo on the floorings, furniture, surfaces and more.
Environmental Impact
Most recently, terrazzo’s sustainability and environmental impact has come into focus. Because terrazzo is created the way it is, it has become increasingly popular as a green building option for homes and commercial spaces alike. Add the fact that even the ways to clean and maintain terrazzo is essentially more environmentally sound when compared to the cleaning methods for some of the other building materials, more green establishments have taken to use terrazzo slabs in their floorings, walls and surfaces.