NTMA Awards:

Federal Reserve Bank, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaHonor Award

Architect: Federal Reserve Bank, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Terrazzo Contractor: Roman Mosaic and Tile Co., West Chester, Pennsylvania


A large multi-story renovation project included the installation of 441,000 sq. ft. of 3/8” epoxy terrazzo flooring to brighten up a previously dark interior.  Formally a 12” x 12” Terra vitra glazed tile floor, a three color band and block layout now covers the elevator lobbies and main corridors from the lower level to the eighth floor.  In addition, several floors contained utility trenches that were custom fitted with precast terrazzo covers.  Each 12” wide cover had to be set precisely flush with the surrounding terrazzo floor.  Custom precast covered base with a top bevel was also used.  All work was accomplished during off hours, to prevent disruption of the Bank’s operations.




University of South Carolina Wellness and Fitness CenterHonor Award

Architect: The Boudreaux Group, Columbia, South Carolina

Terrazzo Contractor: David Allen Company, Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina


The University of South Carolina wanted every aspect of the new University of South Carolina Wellness and Fitness Center to exude high quality and timelessness.  In response, the owner and design team emphasized the use of “real” materials in the 190,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art recreation facility.  With thousands of students projected to use the facility each day, terrazzo emerged as the best choice for the expansive common space.

The new recreation center is designed primarily for use by the general student population.  Therefore, the owner’s desire was for the interior color scheme to have it’s own unique feeling, separate and distinct from University athletics.  A palette of nine terrazzo colors was developed, based on the inherent “natural” selections from several of the main venues: charcoal grays, recalling the rock of the three-story climbing wall; warm neutrals, from the building’s brick and concrete structural frame; deep reds, reminiscent of the site; watery blues, from the natatorium an adjacent outdoor pool.  Tonal variations on the theme were selected to work in harmony with the building’s ground face cmu, translucent skylights, maple flooring, and stainless steel details.
    
The floor at the main entry presents the focal point of the building.  Beneath an oculus within the skylight-domed rotunda, rests a three-dimensionally-rendered compass rose incorporating all nine terrazzo colors.  The compass design reaches outward with radial accents and radiating bands that stretch toward each of the three main entryways.

The three-story gallery space marks the central axis of the complex, creating a meeting and circulation spine for student interaction.  Two-toned buff and gray diamond-patterned terrazzo with black accents occupy the main portions of the floor, and carnelian red fields bordered by black and white bands delineate the structural bays.  Finally, amidst a myriad of secondary corridors and residual spaces, each delineated with its own unique terrazzo field, the secondary entry area is punctuated with a 20-foot diameter circle and star pattern, recalling once again the rotunda

Previous Next »