020 3005 2873
Terrazzo and Venetian Mosaic Restoration – Telephone Exchange, Kingston upon Thames
Project Overview
In May 2019, MGS Restoration Ltd carried out specialist terrazzo and Venetian mosaic restoration works at the historic Telephone Exchange building, located at 23 Brook Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2BN.
This Grade II listed building, originally constructed in 1907 and opened in 1908, is designed in the Arts and Crafts style and forms part of a wider redevelopment involving the refurbishment and reconfiguration of two historic buildings: the Old Post Office and the Telephone Exchange.
Our team was appointed to undertake essential restoration works to the original terrazzo flooring, including repairs, cleaning, and the careful relocation of a section of the historic floor to accommodate new structural changes within the building.
The total restoration area covered approximately 50m².
Project Details
Location: 23 Brook Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2BN
Building Type: Grade II Listed Historic Building
Service: Terrazzo and Mosaic Restoration
Materials: Terrazzo, Venetian Mosaic
Surface Area: Approximately 50m²
Project Date: May 2019
Project Type: Heritage Refurbishment
The Challenge
The original terrazzo floor had experienced significant wear and damage over time, including cracks, missing sections, and holes caused by previous service installations such as pipework.
As part of the building’s refurbishment, a section of the floor also needed to be carefully removed and relocated to allow for the installation of a new internal wall. This required a highly precise approach to preserve the historic material while adapting it to the updated layout.
The Venetian mosaic elements within the floor were particularly delicate, requiring careful removal, repair, and reinstatement to maintain the original design and craftsmanship.
All work had to be carried out in line with conservation standards appropriate for a Grade II listed building, ensuring the historic integrity of the floor was preserved.
The Restoration Process
Terrazzo Floor Repairs and Preparation
The terrazzo floor was carefully assessed to identify areas of damage, including cracks, worn sections, and voids left by previous pipework.
Damaged areas were prepared for repair, ensuring the surrounding material remained intact and protected throughout the process.
Relocation of Historic Flooring
A section of the existing terrazzo floor was carefully lifted and transferred to a new location within the building. This allowed for structural alterations while preserving the original historic flooring.
The relocated section was reinstated and integrated into the new layout with precision.
Venetian Mosaic Restoration
All existing hand-cut Venetian mosaic pieces were carefully salvaged and reused wherever possible. These original elements were used to carry out major repairs and to fill areas where the floor had been damaged.
Where new material was required, our skilled stone masons hand-cut new mosaic pieces to match the original design. These were carefully blended into the existing floor to ensure a seamless appearance.
Crack Repairs and Filling
Cracks and damaged areas within the terrazzo were repaired using colour-matched resin fillers, combined with Turkish White and Verdi Alpi marble chippings. This ensured the repairs closely matched the original terrazzo composition.
Polishing and Sealing
Once all repairs were complete, the entire floor was polished to restore a smooth and consistent finish. A protective sealer was then applied to protect the terrazzo surface and enhance its durability.
All work was carried out in accordance with conservation requirements set by St George, Goldsmith Group, and Historic England.
Materials and Techniques Used
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Terrazzo repair and restoration techniques
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Hand-cut Venetian mosaic installation
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Colour-matched resin crack repairs
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Turkish White and Verdi Alpi marble chippings
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Diamond polishing equipment
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Conservation-approved sealing methods
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Specialist heritage stone restoration practices
The Results
The completed restoration successfully revitalised the historic terrazzo and Venetian mosaic flooring while preserving its original craftsmanship and character.
The repaired areas were seamlessly integrated into the existing floor, with both original and newly created mosaic pieces blending together to create a consistent finish.
The relocated section of flooring was successfully incorporated into the new layout, allowing the building refurbishment to proceed without loss of historic material.
The polished and sealed surface now provides a durable and visually striking finish that reflects the building’s heritage while supporting its continued use.
Historic Stone Restoration in London
This project highlights the specialist skills required to restore and adapt historic stone flooring within listed buildings. By carefully repairing, reusing, and recreating original materials, MGS Restoration Ltd preserved the character of the Telephone Exchange while supporting its modern redevelopment.
Contact MGS Restoration
If your property requires professional terrazzo restoration or historic stone repair, our experienced team can help.
MGS Restoration Ltd provides specialist stone restoration services across London and the South East, working with terrazzo, marble, limestone, and other natural stone materials in residential, commercial, and heritage buildings.
Contact us today to discuss your project or arrange a consultation.
Address
​MGS Restoration ltd
167-169 Great Portland Street,
5th Floor,
London,
W1W 5PF
Phone
020 3005 2873
