Diespeker’s bespoke terrazzo features in this residential refurbishment project at Victoria Park in London. Here we talk to Peter Lancaric, Director at PLANSTUDIO ARCHITECTURE about the wider project and Diespeker’s part in it.
Please describe the overall design aims
We remodelled and fully refurbished the existing lower ground floor of this locally listed detached villa. While the house is grand and offers ample accommodation, the space on the lower ground floor inherited from the previous owners did not quite meet the new homeowners’ needs. Beyond just improving how the space works, the existing structure was stripped back to brick, with the floor and walls tanked to resolve issues with damp and moisture ingress. New Crittall doors and a window opening onto the rear garden replaced the non-original timber-framed glazing. The slender steel frames now let in much more natural light. Additionally, we turned one of the rooms upstairs into a dressing boudoir.
What was the client looking for?
The clients wanted a flexible family area where they could play and watch films together. There was also scope for a guest bedroom, a shower room, and a what has become a home office and music room. To give this space a modern touch, we created a sleek, minimalist vibe that stands out from the more traditional feel of the upper floors. We chose a palette of mid-grey microcement floors and Douglas Fir built-in cabinetry; all set against white walls and ceilings. The boudoir furniture was also custom-made from Douglas Fir.
And the shower room?
For the shower room, the clients asked for a luxe, yet practical approach. We therefore opted for seamless resin terrazzo, complemented with fluted tiles. Bespoke teak furniture completes the palette.
What was it you liked about terrazzo?
Terrazzo offers a durable, low-maintenance surface with a seamless finish and bespoke aesthetics, as it can be fully customised to suit the project’s requirements and design vision.
What brought you to Diespeker?
We came across Diespeker and their products some time ago, but this was our first time working with them on a truly bespoke solution for our project. Visiting their showroom and workshop was both impressive and incredibly helpful; understanding the materials and how they’re made played a key role in shaping our approach.
The design process was very hands-on. We had numerous meetings with Diespeker, who were incredibly accommodating and genuinely interested in understanding our design goals. We spent time in their workshop experimenting with different types of stone to create mock-ups and eventually had large-format samples made so we could review them in the actual space where they would be used.
How did the installation go?
The floor was installed in situ. First, the marble pieces were laid out and adjusted to our liking. Then, resin was poured over them, and once it cured, the floor was buffed to a smooth finish. There were some challenges in getting the resin colour just right, but Diespeker handled the challenge professionally, working with us until the result was spot on. The wall slab was cast in the workshop.
Drilling into the bespoke process
Peter says that they had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve, but that it took some experimentation and learning about the material to arrive at the final look. Diespeker made up three different bespoke terrazzo samples to achieve exactly the appearance that was desired. The overall palette of materials used in the room needed to work in harmony, but the terrazzo was always intended to be the standout feature.
Diespeker Senior Sales Manager Sydney Robertson was proactive in recommending the types of stones needed to help achieve a close match to the original design vision. These were all in stock at Diespeker – Peter remarked that given the vast range of slabs available on site, they were truly spoilt for choice!
Did the terrazzo design meet your / your clients expectations?
Absolutely – it was such a joy to create something truly unique for our clients, who were very complimentary of the end result. They wanted something bespoke and exclusive to them – low-maintenance but with a luxurious feel – and we delivered exactly that.
We really enjoyed the journey with Diespeker – the sharing of ideas, the creative process, and bringing the vision to life. Since then, we have already collaborated on another project, and we will certainly work together again.
Along with Sydney, Sales Advisor Ahmed provided project support, and the installation was overseen by Operations Manager Bruno Dias.
Photography: Gautier Houba