Everything we know about terrazzo points to it being first created in Italy over 500 years ago by inventive quarry workers; from humble beginnings, it has developed to become a beautiful surface that brings a touch of opulence to the home.
So when Erik and his partner Valentino set out to refurbish their North London home, it’s no surprise that terrazzo was one of their must-have materials.
The pair have resided here for around 10 years, in a one-bedroom flat on the top floor of a Victorian house on a hill, which, Erik says, proffers the most amazing views across London. After they were given the opportunity to buy the flat below, they decided to turn the two flats into one home.
Their vision was to pick up on the existing Victorian ambience and meld this with Modernism, introducing an element of Brutalism too. Working with Haines Phillips Architects, Erik and Valentino developed a scheme with functional, symmetric volumes and lines, choosing natural finishes such as wood, clay and stone as a nudge to their favourite architectural eras.
From an early stage, terrazzo was their choice for the kitchen worktops and splashbacks. Erik and Valentino knew of Diespeker as they’d worked with us when they purchased their original flat. Although they viewed designs from several suppliers, on contacting Diespeker, they were given the option to be one of the first to use a recently introduced design, TE147. This resin terrazzo has a neutral profile but plenty of interesting accents, mixing up largish chunks in varying shades of browns, greys and whites in a beige grey background. They really loved the warmth of the colour palette and how this paired with the oak of both the floor and the cabinetry.
For the ensuite bathroom they had a very specific ambition; to bring something of Venice into their home. Being fans of Italian architect Carlo Scarpa and knowing his fabulous flooring in the Olivetti showroom in St Mark’s Square, they were keen to create something with a similar vibe for the bathroom floor. Diespeker has produced such flooring before, but this design has a very unique, individual feel. Diespeker’s artisan team made up a bespoke sample so Erik and Valentino could ensure it would work within their design.
The bathroom was further inspired by a very different country, Japan, where Erik has spent a good deal of time. The bath is made from the wood of a Japanese cypress tree called ‘Asnaro’ which is not just resistant to water but emits a wonderful fragrance. The brass Vola taps are deliberately unlacquered. Erik explains, “We like the idea of things ageing, it’s part of the reason we chose terrazzo, as it develops its own character with time.”
Diespeker’s Senior Sales Manager Sydney Robertson was the key contact for the project, which MD John Krause, when he saw the finished look, referred to as ‘amazing’!
Architects: Haines Phillips Architects
Contractors: Topcraft Construction
Joinery: Flannan James
Sanitaryware provided by: West One Bathrooms
Japanese bathtub: Bartok Design