Walnut Grove Elementary School

The floor’s engaging design reinforces the visual themes of the learning communities and aids in directional wayfinding, starting at the “tree of life” sculpture in the main entry and leading to the various color-coded learning communities. Glass aggregates and one-sided mirror chips added a bright sparkle and fun dimension to the seven terrazzo colors and a vitrified finish brought the floor to a high gloss. The accent colors seamlessly extend from the terrazzo into the carpeted “collaboration commons” and classrooms, picking up in the carpet where they leave off in the terrazzo.

No other material works as well in blending beauty and durability, according to project architect Mark Beebe of Lancert + Beebe of Indianapolis.

“When we have the budget to use terrazzo, it’s our first and foremost flooring preference,” said Darrell Thompson, director of facilities. “It’s the best and easiest floor for us to maintain and it’s well worthwhile when you look at the longevity: it lasts for the life of the building.”

Santarossa Mosaic & Tile Co. of Indianapolis, incorporated in 1924, was presented a 2020 Honor Award by the National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association for the installation. The 16,000-square-foot, epoxy thin-set terrazzo project was completed in four months. The Bargersville, IN, school opened its doors to students in the fall of 2019.