What is Palladiana Terrazzo? Check out De Brett's Hotel High Street Project.
What is Palladiana Terrazzo?
If you’ve ever admired a floor or wall with large, irregular pieces of marble or stone set into a smooth surface, you’ve likely seen Palladiana Terrazzo. This striking, mosaic-like finish is a unique variation of traditional terrazzo, offering a timeless yet eye-catching aesthetic.
Close up of Palladiana Terrazzo at De Bretts Hotel 2 High Street Auckland
The Origins of Palladiana Terrazzo
Palladiana Terrazzo has roots in ancient Roman and Venetian architecture. It takes its name from Andrea Palladio, a Renaissance architect known for his classical designs. This technique has been used for centuries to create elegant, long-lasting surfaces that celebrate the beauty of natural stone.
How is Palladiana Terrazzo Made?
Unlike our standard terrazzo, which uses small stone chips mixed into a cement base, Palladiana Terrazzo features larger, irregularly shaped pieces of marble, granite, or other natural stones. These pieces are hand-placed and fixed onto a prepared surface We then fill in the gaps with a cementitious flooring system. Once set, the surface is ground and polished to achieve a smooth, seamless look. This creates a durable hardwearing flooring.
What is the Difference Between Palladiana and Crazy Paving?
While Palladiana Terrazzo and crazy paving both use irregularly shaped stones, the key difference lies in their finishing and application. Our Palladiana Terrazzo is polished and set in a cement base, creating a seamless, refined surface, ideal for Commercial indoor or outdoor spaces, where you want to create an impact. Crazy paving, on the other hand, is typically left with visible grout lines and has a more rustic, textured appearance, making it popular for outdoor pathways and garden settings.
Why Choose Palladiana Terrazzo?
This terrazzo style is not just about looks—it’s also incredibly durable and versatile. Here’s why it stands out:
✅ Unique & Customizable – No two installations are the same, allowing for artistic, one-of-a-kind designs.
✅ Sustainable – Palladiana Terrazzo makes excellent use of offcuts and reclaimed stone, reducing waste.
✅ Long-Lasting – Like all terrazzo, it’s built to last, making it a smart investment for high-traffic areas.
✅ Versatile – Ideal for flooring, walls, outdoor spaces, and even feature pieces like benchtops.
Palladiana Terrzzzo with Brass Edging at DE Bretts Hotel High Street
LATEST PROJECT
De Bretts Hotel in High Street, asked us to provide a Palladiana floor, to match the one that has been in the hotel for years, and to the Crane Brothers entranceway adjacent.
At Giacon Terrazzo, we are specialists in creating high-quality, locally made terrazzo looks, including Palladiana Terrazzo. Andrew and our team cut and hand placed all the pieces to create the look they were after. Whether you're an architect or designer looking for a unique look or want us to match terrazzo in iconic buildings like De Bretts, our expert team can help you bring your stunning design to life.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today.
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Entrance at Crane Brothers High Street