Terrazzo, but without grid lines
Terrazzo has a long history and a recognisable look: a mineral base containing aggregates that become visible as a mosaic after grinding. Classically it was laid in tiles, with all the joints that go with them.
MD Terrazzo is our mineral terrazzo binder for a poured version. The floor is applied on site and then ground, so that the surface runs on completely. No tile grid, no joints, no interruptions — only the aggregate pattern that continues across the whole space.
Why that matters in an open living space
This project shows an open kitchen flowing into a living area. In such a layout there are no walls separating the zones; the floor is the only element that physically connects the whole space.
A tiled floor inevitably lays a grid over that, and that grid requires coordination: how does it work out against the kitchen island, where does the cut line come, how does it continue under the dining table. With a poured floor that whole discussion disappears. The surface runs on right up to the walls and the furniture, which makes the space look calmer and more spacious.
In raking light — in the morning, or with a low sun — the build-up of the aggregate comes into its own. The light falls at an angle across the ground surface and reveals the depth you notice less with light falling straight on.
The technical side
MD Terrazzo is built around a mineral binder technology. The main properties:
- Seamless, so no joints in which dirt or moisture can settle
- Ultra strong and scratch-resistant, suitable for intensively used living spaces, but also for commercial and public spaces
- Fully composable: the aggregate determines colour, grain size and contrast
- Possibility of recycled aggregates, which increases the circular value of the system
One point to note: MD Terrazzo is an indoor application. For outdoor situations we use other systems.
Designing with aggregate
The most interesting thing about a poured terrazzo is that the design lies not in the colour of a binder but in the composition of the aggregate. Fine aggregate in related shades gives a calm, almost even look. Coarser aggregate with contrast gives a pronounced, lively pattern. Between those lies a wide spectrum.
In this home a dark mix with fine aggregate was chosen — enough character to make the floor interesting, restrained enough to let the kitchen furniture and the dining table set the scene.
Because we develop and produce our systems ourselves, we can tune that composition per project. A bespoke sample proposal is the logical starting point: you judge colour and grain in real life, in the light of the space itself.
Durability over the long term
A ground terrazzo floor lasts a long time and is repairable. In case of wear or damage the surface can be treated again instead of broken out. Together with the option of using recycled aggregates, that makes MD Terrazzo an interesting choice for projects in which sustainability has to be more than an intention.
Want to know more?
Are you considering MD Terrazzo for a home or a project environment? Feel free to get in touch with us for technical information or a bespoke sample proposal.
You can read which renewable and recycled raw materials are in our systems, and what local production means in practice, in our frequently asked questions.