Terrazzo Tek™ A Tool Kit for Artistry in Terrazzo
"The TERRAZZO TEK™ System is the distillation of twenty-five years of experience working with contractors, artists, and architects in the fabrication of terrazzo flooring," says Jim Belilove, President of Creative Edge Master Shop
Fairfield, Iowa (PRWEB) April 05, 2016
The TERRAZZO TEK™ trademarked banner defines Creative Edge Master Shop's brand for a series of waterjet-based techniques for the terrazzo industry. Terrazzo is an ancient decorative technique that dates back 2,000 years to the Roman Empire. Marble chips are mixed with cement to create stunning patterns, art, and durable designs for palaces, villas and temples.
In the late 19th century, terrazzo became prevalent in the U.S. and Europe, as a distinguishing feature of quality structures. Schools, hotels, banks and other public buildings frequently used terrazzo in their lobby and public area floors to create vibrant logos and emblems in zinc, brass and bronze. The technique declined as cememtitious terrazzo had limitations due to its thickness and cure-time. It added weight to the structures and was prone to cracking as any concrete-based method. In the 1990's, terrazzo made a comeback with the advent of epoxy-based resins and colors. The modern epoxy matrix is significantly thinner, more colorful, more flexible and quicker to cure than older cement-based types.
Since then, terrazzo floor coverings have flourished in large venues such as convention centers, airports, and public buildings. Creative Edge Master Shop has developed waterjet techniques that supplement and enhance the decorative potential and artistry of terrazzo. Creative Edge terrazzo projects are custom designed, and a large library of previously designed projects, entries, borders, accents, and medallions are catalogued to provide inspiration for new installations.
"The TERRAZZO TEK™ System is the distillation of twenty-five years of experience working with contractors, artists, and architects in the fabrication of terrazzo flooring," says Jim Belilove, President of Creative Edge Master Shop. "TERRAZZO TEK™ is a series of novel techniques, a 'tool kit; to enhance artistry, improve efficiency, and expand options in terrazzo installations, both large and small."
The trademarked names for the new line of Creative Edge Master Shop's series of waterjet-based techniques for the terrazzo industry are:
- JETFORMZ™ uses waterjet technology to cut the metal material dividers from brass, aluminum, and bronze. This method adds to detail, complexity, and accuracy of metal dividing strips.
- TRANSFORMZ™ is the layout system that faithfully transfers architect, designer, and artist patterns to the floor to be covered in epoxy terrazzo.
- ACCUFORMZ™ is the technique of templating for layout letters, logos and emblems accurately and positioning these elements for the terrazzo pour.
- NOFORMZ™ is a technique of fabricating intricate art and pattern with no metallic joints, creating striking and colorful detail in artwork and lobby identity pieces.
As a member of the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (NTMA), Creative Edge Master Shop has been an active vendor to terrazzo contractors by helping them achieve new artistry, reducing costs, and accelerating installation time. No custom floor is too complicated or large for the Creative Edge team to achieve exceptional results in any luxury residence, business, school, hospital, hotel, casino, shop, or public installation. Creative Edge Master Shop can work from the client’s custom design or work with clients to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Creative Edge was recently commissioned to fabricate two notable terrazzo projects, the Utah State Seal in Salt Lake City by Wisconsin Terrazzo, and the NTMA 2016 Job Of The Year, Pittsburgh International Airport Airside Terminal, in Pittsburgh, PA by Roman Mosaic and Tile Company.
To learn more about the Creative Edge Master Shop TERRAZZO TEK™ System, and to view a portfolio of completed projects, visit the Creative Edge Master Shop website, email roberts(at)cec-waterjet(dot)com or call 641.919.3204
Creative Edge Master Shop is the pioneer and world leader in the application of waterjet technology in architectural fabrication. Under the leadership of Creative Edge President and CEO Jim Belilove, since its founding in 1988, the company has completed more than 10,000 projects and introduced the world to the remarkable possibilities of waterjet fabrication for architecture and design.
From their headquarters in Fairfield, Iowa the company has contributed to a number of land-marked architectural projects including O'Hare International Airport, the Astronauts' Memorial at Kennedy Space Center, the Federal Reserve Bank in Minnesota, the entrance to Disneyworld's Magic Kingdom, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, shopping centers, airports, hotels, casinos, conventions centers and prestigious residences both in the U.S. and world-wide.
