Terrazzo & Marble works with architects and designers to develop durable flooring systems suitable for educational environments. Terrazzo flooring is frequently used in primary, secondary, and university buildings due to its long service life, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic qualities.
This guide outlines key factors to consider when specifying terrazzo for schools, including performance, health considerations, design, and budget.
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How to select a terrazzo floor for educational buildings:
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Assess durability and performance
School flooring must handle constant foot traffic and occasional spills. Epoxy terrazzo provides resistance to stains, chemicals, and abrasions. Unlike soft flooring materials, terrazzo maintains its performance over time with minimal repair requirements. Terrazzo floors have a long service life under regular use, maintain appearance and structure in high-traffic areas, are resistant to chemical exposure and cleaning agents.
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Evaluate long-term costs
Although terrazzo may involve higher initial costs, it generally offers lower costs over its full lifecycle compared to alternative floor finishes. Expenses associated with maintenance, repair, and replacement are reduced over time.
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Consider indoor air quality
Materials used in terrazzo systems are compliant with LEED v4 requirements and contain 100% solids with no off-gassing before, during, or after installation. These characteristics support indoor air quality in learning environments.
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Incorporate wayfinding and identity
Terrazzo allows for the integration of graphics, patterns, and color fields directly into the flooring system. This can assist with navigation within the building and support visual identity through features such as school logos or mascots. Terrazzo floors can have customized layouts and visual cues, integrated signage and directional elements and design options to reflect institutional branding.
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Plan for maintenance and hygiene
Terrazzo surfaces are dense and seamless, making them easy to clean with basic supplies. The absence of grout joints reduces areas where bacteria or mold could accumulate. Routine maintenance generally involves mopping with a neutral pH cleanser and occasional resealing. A terrazzo floor is a flat surface without joints that simplifies sanitation, does not support bacterial or fungal growth and requires a low maintenance routine for custodial teams.
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Manage costs during the design process
Design decisions impact the overall cost of a terrazzo installation. The use of multiple colors, intricate striping, or custom graphics may increase labor and material expenses. Choosing standard aggregates and simple layouts can help meet budget constraints. Consider using standard-sized marble aggregates, limit complexity in layout and color variation and select local or readily available materials.
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Follow the design development process
Terrazzo and Marble provides a step-by-step process to assist clients with material selection and design development. Early coordination can help align the floor system with project goals and financial requirements. Local representatives are available to assist with technical guidance and material recommendations.
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