From Ceilings, to Walls, to Floors: The Versatility of Seamless Terrazzo

November 2021
Sponsored by National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association, Inc.

Presented by Gary French, Technical Director

Continuing Education

Use the following learning objectives to focus your study while reading this month’s Continuing Education article.

Learning Objectives - After reading this article, you will be able to:

  1. Explain what terrazzo is, its rich history, and why it should be specified. It will give the definition, and list components. Endless color options and various aggregates will be discussed.
  2. Explore the green elements and sustainability of terrazzo. The original recycled flooring, terrazzo has proven to last over 100 years in buildings and survive hurricanes and flooding events.
  3. Discuss renovation of old buildings through the use of terrazzo and restoration of old terrazzo.
  4. Discuss the many forms terrazzo takes from floors to walls, stairs, curbs, and countertops in both interior and exterior settings. It will explain how a change in aggregate size can enhance the design. It will show how elements like LED lights can be incorporated into the floor.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide information which will be helpful in understanding the various terrazzo systems and how terrazzo can be utilized in a variety of design applications. It will briefly explain terrazzo, its rich history, and why it should be specified. Color options and various aggregates will be discussed. We will explore the green elements and sustainability of terrazzo. The original recycled flooring, terrazzo has proven to last over 100 years in buildings and survive hurricanes and flooding events. The renovation of old buildings through the use of terrazzo and restoration of old terrazzo will be addressed. We will discuss the many forms terrazzo takes from floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, curbs, columns, and countertops in both interior and exterior settings. It will explain how a change in aggregate size can enhance the design. It will show how elements like LED lights can be incorporated into the floor. A series of photos will showcase terrazzo installations.

Ceilings to Walls

Photo courtesy of NTMA


Gary"

Gary French , Technical Director for NTMA, received a degree in Chemistry from David Lipscomb University in 1972. He assisted in the laboratory, technical service and product management, developing a number of epoxy formulas for Sherwin Williams. He has been a member of the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA) Technical Committee since 1992, as well as a presenter on resinous materials to concrete for the CSI. Gary has presented over 300 AIA seminars on terrazzo and has written several articles on resinous flooring. Gary is responsible for providing training to contractors of the NTMA, delivering courses on the installation of terrazzo and related issues.