Location: Colombo Central, Sri Lanka
Client: Private Commercial Office Developer
Project Type: Terrazzo Flooring Installation
Services Provided: Terrazzo Flooring, Surface Preparation, Grinding & Polishing, Joint Management

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Project Background

The client, a leading commercial real estate developer in Colombo, commissioned Thewnadee Engineering (Pvt) Ltd to provide premium terrazzo flooring for a new multi-story office building in the CBD.

The primary goals for the project were:

• Durable and long-lasting flooring suitable for high foot traffic areas such as lobbies, corridors, and open office spaces
• Aesthetically appealing designs to enhance the office environment and corporate branding
• Low-maintenance solutions suitable for commercial operations
• Seamless integration with other interior elements including walls, stairs, and staircases

Given the project’s central location and high visibility, the flooring needed to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

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Challenges Faced

During the initial assessment, several key challenges were identified:

1. High Foot Traffic Areas
   • The building’s corridors, lobby, and atrium were expected to experience heavy foot traffic, requiring high-wear resistance.
2. Complex Layouts
   • The project included curved corridors, staircases, and decorative patterns that required precision layout and installation.
3. Time Constraints
   • The office building’s commercial launch was scheduled within a strict timeline, requiring efficient and coordinated flooring installation.
4. Consistency in Finish
   • Ensuring uniform color, shine, and aggregate distribution across multiple floors was critical to achieving a professional finish.
5. Noise and Dust Control
   • Given the building’s location in a busy CBD, dust and noise management during grinding and polishing was essential to comply with regulations and avoid disruption to neighboring properties.

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Engineering Solution

To address these challenges, Thewnadee Engineering implemented a comprehensive terrazzo flooring solution using industry-standard techniques and materials.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• The concrete substrate was inspected for cracks, voids, and uneven areas, which were repaired using high-strength patching compounds.
• Surface profiling was performed to ensure proper adhesion of the terrazzo mix.
• Moisture levels were checked to prevent adhesion failure or future delamination.

Step 2: Terrazzo Mix Design

• A custom terrazzo mix was designed using marble aggregates, high-quality cement binder, and pigments to achieve the client’s desired color and pattern.
• Divider strips were installed for geometric patterns, transitions, and expansion joint management.
• The mix was tailored for high traffic areas, combining durability with aesthetic appeal.

Step 3: Application of Terrazzo Flooring

• Terrazzo mortar was evenly applied over the prepared concrete slab in layers.
• Divider strips were used to define designs and prevent uncontrolled cracking.
• Special attention was given to curved corridors and staircases, using manual tools to achieve precision.

Step 4: Grinding and Polishing

• After curing, the floor underwent progressive grinding using diamond abrasives to achieve a smooth, level surface.
• Multiple polishing stages were carried out, gradually exposing the aggregates and enhancing the reflective, high-gloss finish.
• Quality checks ensured consistent aggregate distribution and smoothness across all floors.

Step 5: Sealing and Protective Coatings

• A high-quality sealant was applied to enhance durability, stain resistance, and gloss retention.
• Anti-slip finishes were added in staircases, lobbies, and corridor areas to ensure safety without compromising aesthetics.

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Materials and Techniques Used

• Aggregates: White and colored marble chips
• Binder: High-quality cementitious binder with chemical additives for durability
• Pigments: Customized to match the client’s branding and design preferences
• Divider Strips: Stainless steel strips for pattern definition and crack control
• Grinding & Polishing Tools: Industrial diamond abrasives for multi-stage polishing
• Sealants: High-performance, low-VOC protective sealant

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Project Outcome

The project was completed successfully, delivering a premium terrazzo flooring solution across multiple floors.

Key Achievements:

1. Aesthetic Excellence
   • High-gloss terrazzo flooring enhanced the professional appearance of the office building.
   • Custom patterns and color schemes reinforced the corporate branding.
2. Durability
   • The flooring was designed to withstand heavy foot traffic for decades with minimal maintenance.
   • The cementitious and sealed surface reduced wear and tear, preventing cracks and surface degradation.
3. Safety and Accessibility
   • Anti-slip finishes in staircases and corridors ensured maximum safety for occupants.
   • Smooth, level surfaces improved mobility for office personnel and visitors.
4. Low Maintenance
   • Sealed terrazzo floors are easy to clean and maintain, reducing long-term operational costs.
   • The reflective surface minimized dust accumulation and preserved floor aesthetics.
5. Seamless Integration
   • Terrazzo flooring transitions smoothly with staircases, lobby areas, and corridor layouts, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing interior.

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Client Feedback

The client praised the project for:

• Timely completion without compromising quality
• Exceptional design execution that enhanced the building’s aesthetics
• Durable and low-maintenance flooring suitable for long-term commercial use
• Professionalism of the Thewnadee Engineering team, who managed logistics, equipment, and workforce efficiently

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Conclusion

This commercial office building project demonstrates the advantages of professional terrazzo flooring solutions in modern construction. By combining:

• Expert surface preparation
• Custom mix design with high-quality aggregates
• Precision installation, grinding, and polishing
• Protective sealing and anti-slip treatments

Thewnadee Engineering delivered a flooring solution that is durable, aesthetically striking, and functionally efficient, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term performance.

Terrazzo flooring is not only a functional solution for commercial buildings but also an investment in long-term design, safety, and operational efficiency.