Style and Substance – Terrazzo, the original upcycled beauty.

Fibonacci Flatlays - "Fossil" w' Sandstone Crazy Pave and Nero Fan, "Bedrock" w' Sea Green Crackle Subway and Ming Green Lozenge, "Idol" w' Nude Duchess
Pillowed edge Subway. 

Today’s vibe brought to you by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita for a brief and stylish tour of Rome...

Have you ever had that dream where you are in love with a blend of coloured stone tiles that will enhance your living space but you are concerned that anything that pretty won’t withstand the daily impact of a busy lifestyle? What about one that is “green” too?

May I introduce you to the magnificence that is terrazzo?
Terrazzo, as it is recognised today, is very similar to its earlier incarnations. Used for large flooring areas in Cathedrals and other significant buildings during the Renaissance, Venetian mosaic workers in 15th Century Italy, were credited with developing the process of modern terrazzo flooring. Initially created as a way to use up leftover chips and scraps of marble from high profile projects, Terrazzo can be found in St Peter’s Basilica as installed by Michaelangelo. 

Additionally, archaeologists have assigned the flooring style of grand buildings circa 9,000 – 8,000 BC, throughout parts of Western Asia, Turkey and Cyprus as terrazzo. One of the consistent aspects of terrazzo tiles is that it continues to be a recycled product.

Typically 70% of the product includes embedded broken chips of various materials such as quartz, marble and crushed limestone into either concrete or epoxy-resin. Terrazzo’s benefits are many, including durability, slip resistance and even acquiring Green Star ratings when certified by the Green Building Council of Australia, let’s take a closer look…

Unique and Built to Last 

When it comes to natural stone tiles, sometimes the importance of the ongoing maintenance requirements can outweigh the desirability of the product. What is truly fantastic about terrazzo tiles is that they are incredibly durable and low maintenance.

In fact, they are often used throughout commercial projects for just these benefits. Think of tiling in hotels, airports, hospitals, food courts and shopping centres. They need to be good investments in terms of maintenance and look fabulous for a long time. Terrazzo ticks these boxes, with a lifespan of approximately 30-years, and
additionally, the styles available are truly exciting. But wait, there’s more! Terrazzo also manages to be waterproof, fireproof, scratch and impact resistant. They are also highly sanitary; as they are non-porous. Terrazzo does not support microbial growth and does not allow accumulation of moisture. *set of steak knives not included.

I remember when Fibonacci Terrazzo first came onto my radar about 10 years ago, I honestly fell in love with the product immediately. I believe that it was a piece of Bedrock that I held in my hand and I looked at all of the beautifully coloured pebbles inlaid amongst the resin and I could see so many possibilities. When I opened the store Fibonacci was one of the first phone calls I made to see if we could support the brand and sell their beautiful product.  I am an Archaeology buff and a purist so Fibonacci is a perfect fit for Byzantine Design. And, I almost died when Michael first showed me a piece of their latest colour Coral, so much that I held off the renovations so that we could lay it in store. Honestly, I have never been a pink person but this tile is sublime and it makes me smile every day. 

'Coral' Fibonacci - recently laid in store!

To me, terrazzo is the perfect flooring material, whether it's an entire home, a bathroom or an outdoor area including pool surrounds. It's super hard wearing and simply improves with age, as any floor should. 

Colour me Happy

The broad variety in colours is due to the mix of coloured resin mixed with marble aggregates. Each resulting combination is unique and guaranteed to make a lasting impact. Personal favourites from our gallery include the blush-based Coral featuring a variety of marble hued embedded pieces. Fossil and Graphite are spectacular
statement choices of rich base with complementary stones, while Nougat is the perfect neutral backdrop for a variety of living spaces. 

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/the-pros-and-cons-of-terrazzo-floors

http://terrazzo.net.au/blog/hardwood-floors-vs-terrazzo-floors-pros-cons/

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32026189/list/make-your-floors-terrific-with-terrazzo

That's it from us for this week, 'til next time our tile obsessed friends... 


XOXO Byzantine Design  

Changing the World one tile at a time.