Client: Private client

Overview

The terrazzo floor design, entitled “Garden Field” is inspired by the earliest tradition of mosaic flooring and the clients desire to bring a sense of the outdoors into their home in a personal and sustainable way. The design contains 12 colors with aggregate chips including marble, glass and mother of pearl. The metal work is a mixture of brass and aluminum strip with water-jet cut elements. The oval inset measures 9’ w x 6.5’ h with 5 smaller forms placed within the surrounding 800 sq. feet of floor which runs adjacent to the living room and into the kitchen.

Goals

The terrazzo floor is a significant connecting element throughout the home. The overall color and depth within the floor needed to compliment the homes many materials including; the metal fixtures, woodwork, granite counter tops and stonework on the hearth and mantle. Key to the terrazzo design was its oval shape which echoes the curved front doors, adjacent archways and recessed elliptical ceiling. The scale and complexity of the elements within the oval design were also considered in proportion to the entryway and the adjoining hall and living areas. Each form within the artwork is articulated in a mix of metal, providing not only emphasis but a visual harmony and richness within the design. The reflective nature of both metal and exotic terrazzo aggregate lends an ever changing quality to the floor at all times of the day and night.

Process

The development of the artwork was a collaborative process between the homeowner and my studio. Preliminary meetings with the client regarding their aesthetic, lifestyle and project budget helped to establish the timeline, mood and complexity of the artwork. A conceptual theme was developed based on our discussions. I researched the site, including scale and adjacent surface materials and colors. Multiple drawings were produced, ideas refined and a colored design approved. Terrazzo color and aggregate samples were designed by my studio, fabricated and confirmed by the client. The design was coded for fabrication and during the artworks installation I worked on site with the terrazzo project manager to assure correct placement of all color and metal details.

Additional Information

It was very gratifying to develop a residential terrazzo artwork which is both practical and beautiful. The clients were delighted in the originality of its form and its harmonious color. My drawing, painting and design skills were well matched with the challenges of the project.