Just what is terrazzo?

“Oozing in personality” is how the judges described terrazzo. You’ve most likely seen it before as it’s very popular and can be traced back to ancient mosaics in Egypt.

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However, the true craft of terrazzo is said to have been perfected in Venice, Italy. It’s very common today to see it in shops and homes throughout the city although it has now spread worldwide.

It’s actually a composite material which is poured directly in place or “pre-cast”, and usually used on floors or walls. It is typically made up of chips of marble, quartz, granite and glass and combined with a binding agent like a type of cement and/or polymeric.

Its unique look is made up using recycled materials, making it extremely sustainable.

It can be laid, grouted and polished directly on site to create a seamless finish, which makes it popular in big spaces like airports and shopping centres.

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Once cured, it is polished smooth, to create a uniform surface. “I love terrazzo,” admitted judge Shaynna Blaze.

Hans and Courtney used a non-traditional terrazzo which equally won over the judges. “It’s not porous, it’s easy to maintain, but you get that beautiful and very, very on trend look,” explained Darren Palmer.

Terrazzo can be paired with traditional and contemporary styles. “The area [of this year’s Block] is art deco. Terrazzo fits in with anything,” Shaynna explained. (Even the Hollywood Walk of Fame!)

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It’s not just reserved for bathrooms. It can also be used outside, for splashbacks, kitchen floors and counters or anywhere else you use a tile.

Check out the video below to see what Shaynna has to say about Courtney's choice in terrazzo