A well-designed restoration should preserve original aspects of a building, while also adding modern features that complement and enhance the historic character. This can be a challenge when working with different types of building materials.
Traditional materials like cement tiles, terrazzo and shiplap are finding new life in contemporary renovations and designs. These classic materials are durable and can withstand the test of time.
Tile
As the architectural world shifts away from cladding buildings in glass and steel, traditional materials are slowly regaining ground. Incorporating modern technology with authentic, historic construction patterns produces a building that pleases the soul, attracts the eye and will stand the test of time.
Traditional tile is a great example of this trend. A staple of historic interiors, it is a highly durable and visually appealing material that has proven itself as an excellent insulator and an ideal surface for human-scale urban architecture. Incorporating historic elements of the tile into new projects allows for the creation of timeless architecture that will attract and sustain a vibrant community.
Tile is also a very versatile material and can be used in a wide variety of applications. It can be incorporated into wall systems, floors, ceilings and other surfaces, and can be designed to mimic the appearance of more expensive stone and marble. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for high-end commercial and residential projects.
Historically, floor and wall tiles were set in thick beds of mortar directly to masonry substrates or over expanded metal lathe. This process required a high level of craftsmanship to ensure that the finished product would be structurally sound and long-lasting. Many of the problems that occur with modern tile installations stem from poor installation practices and improper maintenance.
In order to properly restore tile, it’s important to use an expert with specialized knowledge of traditional construction techniques. Specialists are able to identify the proper material for your project, and can advise you on conservation methods. Historic England’s Earth, Brick & Terracotta volume and their Practical Building Conservation Series are good resources for advice on the treatment of tile.
Restoring your existing tile will not only save on installation costs, but can reduce the cost of maintenance as well. With regular cleaning, your tiles can last for decades without the need for replacement. Additionally, the restoration process uses far less energy and resources than replacement, reducing your building’s carbon footprint.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo, whose name comes from the Latin word for ground, gives any interior an artisanal Mediterranean feel. A composite material of marble chips set into cement, it first became popular in 16th-century Italy as a way to recycle stone offcuts and is often poured by hand. Today, it’s used in restaurants and hotels for its durability and can add a touch of elegance to homes.
Aside from its beautiful flecked appearance, terrazzo is a great choice for eco-friendly interiors as it makes use of waste materials that would otherwise go to landfills and can be colored in a variety of ways with recycled glass and quartz. It’s also incredibly durable, which means it will hold up well to heavy traffic and last for decades without showing signs of wear and tear.
When used in a home, terrazzo can make a great floor or countertop and is easy to clean by giving it a once-a-month sweep with a mop and water. It can also be used as a backsplash or decorative feature wall in a bathroom or kitchen. However, like many other flooring types, terrazzo floors will need to be professionally restored occasionally. This process starts with a thorough evaluation of the existing floor to ensure it’s in good condition and the substrate is suitable for terrazzo.
Once the preparation is complete, the flooring will be coated in a base coat and a protective sealer. It will then be grouted with a color-matched mortar, and finally polished. The result is a floor that looks new and beautiful.
As you can see from this video, restoring terrazzo is a complex process that requires the knowledge of a professional. It’s important to work with a reputable company to guarantee your restoration will be done right and last for years to come.
Shiplap
While modern interior design trends are largely dominated by trendy colors and textures, classic natural materials continue to add character and sophistication. One venerable building material that is enjoying a revival in popularity is shiplap. If you’ve watched HGTV’s Fixer Upper, you may be familiar with the show’s host, Joanna Gaines’ obsession with this rustic wall material. She uses it in almost every home she rehabs and has inspired many DIY homeowners to try this look.
The basic idea behind shiplap is a series of wooden planks that are fitted together by overlapping. The overlapping creates a subtle pattern in the wall that is both beautiful and functional. These planks are typically crafted from natural woods such as pine or cedar but composite materials like vinyl can also be used. The overlapping planks are held together with a rabbet, which is a groove cut into both edges of the board. This allows the boards to be “lapped” one over another without needing any nails or adhesives.
Authentic shiplap boards are milled from lumber and can be purchased in a variety of finishes and sizes to suit your space. They are usually painted, but can be stained as well. There are even some manufacturers that offer prefinished boards designed to mimic authentic weathered barn wood or silo board. Regardless of the type of board you choose, it’s important to acclimate it to your space before starting your project. Make sure you can find all the studs in your wall and mark them with a vertical line from floor to ceiling. This will help ensure that your installation is straight and even.
When installed correctly, shiplap is a durable and beautiful way to update your space. It can be applied to the ceiling as wainscoting or on an accent wall in any room of your house. It’s also a great way to cover up a paint color that didn’t quite turn out right, hard-to-remove wallpaper or cosmetic eyesores like popcorn ceilings. Just be careful not to use shiplap to cover up any structural damage, as this could lead to problems in the future.