What’s the latest? What have we been up to? News and interesting articles. Tips on choosing, design,using and appreciating all things terrazzo, concrete and GRC thrown in.
Palladiana began in Italy. Using Marble offcuts to create a versatile and durable flooring. Our project at De Bretts Hotel and Crane Brothers in High Street Auckland show how exquisite this look can be.
Read MoreThe University Of Auckland B201 Project has received the highest Green Star rating in New Zealand and is of worldwide status. Our Insitu Terrazzo flooring, using recycled Marble offcuts was designed by Jasmax. Check out more info and some great photos here.
Read MoreAre you looking for someone who makes New Zealand made terrazzo tiles, using New Zealand stone and marble? Are you wanting to address climate change by buying local made tiles? We are investing in the future of New Zealand and our planet by increasing our ability to provide the market with our products. We love New Zealand stones and aggregates. Using them not only provides an authentic New Zealand product, but the natural energy of them into our homes and commercial spaces.
Read MoreWhat are 10 Environmental reasons to use Terrazzo flooring? Check this out and see why you should consider it. We are doing what we can to make sustainable choices.
Read MoreArchitectural Precast Terrazzo is a perfect choice for a retail setting. It has a timeless look that only gets better with age. It is durable, solid, and easily cared for. Giacon Terrazzo work closely with designers and Architects to create something truly unique. Helping to create the image and look of a brand.
Precast Terrazzo Counter Fabric Newmarket using recycled marble offcuts.
What are the benefits of using Architectural precast over Stone or terrazzo imported slabs?
We measure and cast the items to fit exactly. This means that we produce less waste, as there are no offcuts from the manufacture.
They are made here in New Zealand, so you can buy knowing that there are less climate miles.
We can work with your designer or Architect to create something unique, to produce curves, different thicknesses, rebates for shelving and other unique features.
Terrazzo shelving unit with lights coming through
What do you need to consider when considering precast for your project?
it is important for us to be able to liaise with the designer and the cabinet maker from the beginning. The designers for the Fabric Store are Katie Lockhart Studio. Right from the beginning they engaged with us so we could work together closely to bring their vision to life.
We can consult with you and explore design colours, techniques and considerations important when using terrazzo. Undergoing the sample process. We can choose New Zealand aggregates., or look for ways to use recycled product.
Terrazzo will last the lifetime of the building. It is sustainable and refurbishable.
Terrazzo cabinet made on a frame using panels that fit together.
How can you make your name stand out in a Retail Store?
Terrazzo signs give a store an elegance. They last forever. They make a statement. For the Fabric Store we made Terrazzo letters. These were fastened to the window on the inside and the outside, to create a look that is very unique and memorable.
Fabric Sign from Terrazzo
Terrazzo panels can be made to cover cupboard doors. As we have done in the image below.
The Terrazzo creates a neutral background that allows the products to stand out.
Terrazzo precast counter low.
Finishing details. The back of the Terrazzo cabinet has been made in sections. So the store can add further shelves to it at a later date.
BACK OF THE TERRAZZO SHELVING CABINET
Terrazzo is a versatile product, that can be used in so many ways. Let us help you create your next project. Contact us for more information.
We would like to congratulate Ctrl Space for being a finalist in the Interior Awards for 110 Customs Street, Auckland.
The result of their design is stunning. We are proud of the terrazzo floor we laid in this project. The brass detail and the border, created a timeless classical look that terrazzo is best known for. Watch the video here and get an inside look at how they created this project from start to finish.
https://vimeo.com/713955970?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=8336869
Check out the photos from Ctrl Space here
https://ctrlspace.co.nz/project/110-customs-street-west-auckland
Andrew worked with the Architects to produce a bespoke terrazzo sample, that fitted their design brief:
We are delighted to share some images of the recent project we did in the Balenciaga store in Westfields Newmarket. We created custom size Ultra High performance GRC panels that are seen throughout the store, in wall , ceiling and floor panels. They created an aesthetically pleasing ‘‘canvas’” for the designer brands products to be showcased within this fab new store.
Balenciaga store front using Giacon Terrazzo Ltds GRC panels
Our experience in designing mixes was utilised to its fullest in this project . We created an ultra high performance GFRC concrete that was thin and structurally tough. Combining durability with an aesthetic look suitable for high fashion designers Balenciaga . With this mix design we were able to manufacture panels 3.6 x 1.2 x 20mm thick.
That is a beautiful feat!
Ultra high performance GRC wall, ceiling and floor panels at Balenciaga newmarket
The project was for Dimension Shopfitters. They did a great job of bringing it all together.
casting GRC panels in our factory
The panels were all manufactured in our factory in Henderson. Using local manufacturers in the design and execution process allowed Balenciaga to create a Greener build, and reducing climate change. Increasingly we are seeing our clients asking us how we can incorporate sustainable or local materials into our processes. This is exciting. We can all do our part. Ask us today how we can help you to make a difference with your choices.
Curing the wall panels on site.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum was a fabulous project for Giacon Terrazzo to be involved in. ASPEC Construction were the main contractors.
The finished result is simply stunning
Go in and check out the new section Te Ao Marama at the back of the
museum that honours our Pacific heritage in Auckland.
Check out the photos of our terrazzo flooring and tiles.
Read MoreWe were recently asked if we can do curved cementitious panels.
It is not easy, ( like making slabs on a machine. We make the panels by hand at our yard in Henderson, Auckland.
It involves a lot of crafting. From the making of the moulds through to the drying process to ensure it is done correctly. Then once the panels are fitted in place, we may have to hand grind and smooth to ensure that the finished products slot together.
Curved panel curing in the yard
Terrazzo precast is a natural hand made process. This is one of the reasons people often choose it. Each piece we make is original and unique as a result.
The photos here from the recent benches we made for Cutting Innocations at Lumley House is a great example of what is possible.
Architectural Precast Terrazzo Panels and bench
Innovation is what Kiwi's are brought up on.
Precast Terrazzo curved bench
Before you make an assumption about what is or isn’t possible, give Andrew a call. He will be able to give you some great advice on what is possible.
side view of island bench
The short answer is yes, of course you can. Saltwater pools are a great choice these days for people who want less chemicals in their lifestyle. There are a few considerations that you need to be aware of when going down this road.
Are Terrazzo & Concrete pavers suitable for salt water?
Concrete and Terrazzo pavers have salt-resistant properties. However we still recommend that you use the right type of sealer to protect them. Our terrazzo usually incorporates natural marble or other aggregates- like the Nuance sample we used in the pool pictured below..
Pool using Nuance pavers and copings at the Randall residence in Auckland
With pools you need to ensure you have the right finish, so it is not a slippery hazard.
We recommend three finishers for exterior use.
1. Fine diamond finish
2. Honed finish.
3. Brushed- exposed aggregate
All of them are non-slip for exterior and suitable around pools.
Close up of our Nuance Paver
USE THE RIGHT SEALER
Even salt-resistant paver materials are damaged by saltwater over time. To extend the life of your pavers, apply a salt-resistant sealant. The sealant not only prevents the salt in your pool water from damaging the pavers but also stabilizes the sand between your paver joints and stops splashed water from washing it into the pool. Apply sealant to all pavers within at 2 meters of the edge of your pool. You can apply several coats of sealer, if you wish.
We recommend that you discuss this with your tile layer, so that they are sure of your requirements. Ensure that you use a penetrating sealer that will not affect the slip resistance of the pavers. The sealer should be applied in dry weather to dry pavers. Do not use a sealer that leaves a surface coat on the pavers
An example of a sealer available in New Zealand that meets this standard is Dry Treat STAIN-PROOF Original™ It is an impregnating, invisible and breathable sealer that protects natural stone, tiles, pavers, concrete and grout from damage caused by water, salts and oil-based stains. It is easier to clean the pavers and keep them looking great if they have been sealed with a great sealer. More information on this product is here
Any of our range can be used for pavers, we recommend nothing too white because of sun glare, or too dark beneath the feet. Call or email us to discuss your options.
A selection of our terrazzo designs
With Co-Vid 19 causing many supply issues worldwide, we are hearing so many stories of projects being held up by shipping delays.
Don’t worry we have a cunning plan.
Giacon Terrazzo have put together a new range of terrazzo using New Zealand aggregates and
ingredients and stock that we have on hand We admit it we do like to squirrel stuff away in case it might come in handy at a later time. Well now is that time right? See the range here.
What is the time required to manufacture these?
We have the machinery in our new factory that allows to calibrate to an even thickness, then grind and polish our tiles quickly and to a highly polished ( or honed) finish. For most projects the lead
time is 4 to 6 weeks. Depending on the quantity of course.
Memoir Tile at Auckland War Memorial Museum
Are our Terrazzo Tiles eco friendly?
We are committed to making choices in our business that place the environment at the
front of our minds.
We have received a grant from the Waste Minimisation fund to allow us to recycle
marble waste for use in our products. We look forward to adding a bigger recycled range to soon.
By using NZ ingredients or recycled aggregates, it allows us to cut down on energy that would be used for overseas transport of goods. And keep New Zealanders in work. Win Win situation.
We have a new water recycling plant installed, so we use less water and dispose of our waste responsibly.
See our sustainability policy here
We can start to
address issues of
Climate change with
every decision we
make
What size are the Terrazzo tiles ?
Our standard sizes are 400 x 400mm and 600 x 600mm. However we can do special
sizes and slabs. Call us to discuss.
Can you colour match a design I like?
Of course. We can colour cement in a wide range of colours. We can source coloured aggregates .We are experts at creating designs to go with your project brief, and to bring your vision to life. We are often called to match terrazzo in heritage sites. Options are endless. Use our range as a starting point.
Here are some cool samples we made for a client recently to go with their brief.
Bespoke samples
Time we started to think about the future. We are.
We moved into new premises at 22 Aetna Place Henderson Auckland 0612. Making Terrazzo locally for all your projects.
Read MoreAs part of our kaupapa to become more sustainable and ecofriendly, we are delighted to announce that we have been granted funding from the Waste Minimisation Fund at Auckland City Council.
See the details here
The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund was established to support waste minimisation initiatives using a portion of the funds allocated to Auckland Council from the national waste levy. It is primarily intended to provide seed-funding to encourage and enable creative reuse and recovery and generate economic opportunities.
We are excited to be on this list https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/grants-community-support-housing/grants/regional-grants/docswasteminimisationfund/wmif-september-2020-recipients.pdf
Thanks to the Auckland Council for supporting us to create a greener product.
Giacon Terrazzo will be sourcing marble and granite scraps from fabricators, crushing them and using them in our terrazzo. See the video of our crusher at work below.
Reducing land fill - Yes
Recycling- Yes
Hard wearing and yet beautiful- Yes.
Look our for our new range coming soon that will use these products.
If we can all take one step at a time towards using products that help our environment we can start to create a more sustainable future for the planet.
