Terrazzo is massively on trend now and it’s been increasing since 2018. You’ve probably noticed it being used recently by some of the coolest interiors and homeware brands and in modern kitchen design, but in fact terrazzo dates back as far as the 15th century. Two of the most well known UK makers using this technique are surface designers Olivia Aspinall, and Katie Gilles, both based in Nottingham.
Both of these girls have been creating products to bring to market, as well as working for cool brands, and running workshops. There’s clearly a huge market for this product, coupled with the uniqueness of each piece and it’s low environmental impact (Jesmonite AC100 which is an acyclic and resin-based material. It is solvent free and has no VOC's so it is environmentally friendly) makes it an attractive material.
I’m really keen to explore this material, especially if it can be combined with other waste material and can take vegetable dyes - this could give my product a unique selling point. Not only does jesmonite offer up lots of potential from the surface pattern side (marbling, flex, chips, custom hand painted design), I want to know if it can be drilled or laser cut post casting. Can it be sealed for kitchen use? Can I add minerals or other interesting textures to it.
