Timeless Craft, Contemporary Spirit

A five-color handcrafted terrazzo floor now flows through the 11,450-square-foot sanctuary, with interwoven ribbons of color tracing a celebratory path down the central aisle and anchoring the liturgical experience in beauty and meaning through layered imagery. Designed by Douglas Lasch, principal of Faith Environ Studio Architects, and installed by Amici Terrazzo of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, the project earned a 2025 National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA) Honor Award.

The initial plan called for replacing the carpet—until Mr. Lasch made the case for epoxy terrazzo. “Its endless creative possibilities, low maintenance, and longevity not only enhance any space but also eliminate the need for future replacements,” he explained. He also pointed to terrazzo’s acoustic benefits: the hard surface improves clarity and sound projection.

According to Father Gabriel Baltes, parish pastor, the terrazzo patterning symbolizes the dynamic movement of the Christian journey, while inviting multiple layers of interpretation. Golden terrazzo steps mark the ascent into the sanctuary, and mirror chips in the marble and glass aggregates give the floor added richness and sparkle.

Once the terrazzo was introduced, other surfaces in contrast showed their age—and the scope expanded. The design team opted to apply hand-applied terrazzo over the ceramic tile-clad baptismal font, bringing it into visual alignment with the sanctuary.

While terrazzo may require more time and labor up front than some less durable finishes, Mr. Lasch called it a wise investment for a building meant to last. “A church is around a long time—it’s a good use for terrazzo.”

For Amici Terrazzo, the installation was not only a stunning job well done and recognized—it was another foundation stone laid in the future of a time-honored craft. “This project was an opportunity for experienced terrazzo artisans to pass on their knowledge to the next generation,” reported Carmine Tucci, owner.