25 Oct What is Palladiana Terrazzo?
Palladiana Terrazzo
Terrazzo has become a trending material to use in architecture and interior design projects around the world. You may have seen terrazzo used for floors, counters, bar tops, and walls. The material has received mass attention for its unique style, and the design patterns are starting to show up in other common goods such as clothing, handbags, kitchenware, and more. However, there is one particular type of terrazzo that clearly stands out from other floors – Palladiana Terrazzo.
What is Palladiana Terrazzo?
Palladiana terrazzo is a type of mosaic finish incorporating the use of large marble slabs at 3/8″ to 1″ thick. Installers will create a layout of the floor using the marble slabs and later fill in the joints between the slabs with standard terrazzo. The results are astonishing. Most terrazzo finishes use standard terrazzo today. However, the use of larger-sized aggregates can help to create a graphic-like effect. Venetian terrazzo is one of the latest trends in terrazzo, utilizing chips sizes #3 through #8 as part of the terrazzo design. Palladiana takes it one step more and uses marble slabs up to 15″ in dimension. The cost of terrazzo installations increases with the use of larger aggregates, such as Venetian and Palladiana Terrazzo. These floor styles change the perception that flooring is boring and make us believe that terrazzo can create a flooring surface that we’ve always dreamed of.
Technical Considerations – Palladiana Terrazzo
- Stone Thickness: 3/8″ to 1/2″; thicker options available
- Stone Spacing: Can be tight or open, depending on the designer’s preference
- Stone Size: Custom; irregular fragments approx. 15–20 cm (6–8″) in width
- Stone Shapes: Hand-cut for irregular shapes or waterjet for precision shapes
- Terrazzo Colors: Available in any epoxy terrazzo color
Making a Palladiana Terrazzo Floor
In this section, we will demonstrate how a Palladiana Terrazzo floor is put together. All photos were provided by Applied Green Technologies, Inc., a Division 9 specialty installer. Applied Green Technologies, Inc. is located in Miami, Florida. You can check out their projects by visiting their website www.appliedgreentechnologies.com/.
Miami and much of Florida use terrazzo for an interior floor finish. The photos you are about to see are the development of a local Miami resort.
Large marble slabs pre-installation.
Palladiana Terrazzo Floor Layout
Palladiana Terrazzo Flooring once ground.
Detail view of Palladiana Terrazzo
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of buildings or spaces are best suited for Palladiana Terrazzo?
Palladiana terrazzo can be installed in a wide range of interior spaces. It is especially well-suited for large public and hospitality environments such as lobbies, reception areas, convention centers, airports, hotels, and restaurants, where its distinctive, handcrafted appearance and durability can be fully appreciated.
What is the cost of installing Palladiana terrazzo?
Palladiana terrazzo is considered a premium flooring system and typically costs more than standard terrazzo installations. Pricing generally starts around $50 per square foot, though this can vary based on marble selection, project location, installation thickness, and overall project size. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend consulting a qualified terrazzo contractor in your area.
How long does it take to install Palladiana terrazzo?
Installing Palladiana terrazzo is generally more time-consuming than traditional terrazzo. The process involves breaking marble into irregular pieces, adhering them to the substrate, and then pouring terrazzo material around the fragments to create a seamless surface. Because of this meticulous, handcrafted approach, installation typically takes longer than standard terrazzo floors.
Can Palladiana terrazzo be used on walls, stairs, or other architectural features?
Palladiana Terrazzo is highly versatile and can be used beyond floors, including stairs, walls, and countertops. A notable example of its use is David Chipperfield’s Valentino New York Flagship Store on 5th Avenue.
Does TERRAZZCO supply the marble slabs for Palladiana Terrazzo?
Concord Terrazzo Company supplies TERRAZZCO® brand products, a single-source line of epoxy terrazzo materials. We do not provide the marble or stone fragments themselves, as these are selected by the customer. However, we can assist in sourcing the appropriate materials if needed.
What types of slabs should I use for Palladiana terrazzo?
Marble is the classic choice for Palladiana terrazzo, known for its ease of grinding and polishing. High-quality stone slabs, including travertine, can also be used. Softer materials, such as very soft limestone or soapstone, should be avoided due to their tendency to chip or break.
Terrazzo has plenty of design variety, giving architects room to create extraordinary floor finishes that not only will amaze building users with its appearance, but also help create a space that is much more inviting and engaging than traditional flooring materials. Terrazzo has many benefits other than its design. In addition to its design capabilities, terrazzo is sustainable, durable, economical, and low maintenance. If you have a question about terrazzo, give Concord Terrazzo Company a call at (704) 921-4928 or go ahead and submit a request for information here: Contact Concord Terrazzo Company.