020 3005 2873
Large-Scale Terrazzo Floor Restoration – University of Westminster, London
Project Overview
MGS Restoration Ltd were appointed to undertake a large-scale terrazzo floor restoration project at the University of Westminster, London, involving the refurbishment and refinishing of more than 1,600m² of resin-based terrazzo flooring across multiple buildings and public areas within the university campus.
Over many years, the terrazzo floors had gradually lost their original appearance due to the repeated use of wax-based maintenance products. Although these coatings had originally been applied to enhance the shine of the flooring, they had instead trapped dirt, grime, and contaminants within the surface, leaving the terrazzo darkened and inconsistent in appearance.
The university’s busy event schedule had also contributed to surface deterioration. Temporary floor graphics and stickers had frequently been applied and removed throughout the buildings, lifting sections of the original lacquer finish and leaving exposed patches across the flooring.
MGS Restoration carried out a complete diamond refinishing and restoration process to restore the terrazzo surfaces to a clean, durable, and anti-slip compliant finish suitable for a high-traffic educational environment.
Project Details
Location: University of Westminster, London
Service: Large-Scale Terrazzo Restoration
Material: Resin-Based Terrazzo
Surface Area: Approximately 1,600m²
Building Type: University and Public Buildings
Project Type: Terrazzo Refinishing and Restoration
The Challenge
The terrazzo flooring across the university had experienced years of heavy use combined with unsuitable maintenance methods. Layers of wax-based products had built up over time, trapping dirt and discolouration within the floor surface.
In addition, the university regularly hosted events and exhibitions, requiring temporary graphics and adhesive floor coverings to be installed throughout the buildings. Repeated removal of these materials had caused sections of the original lacquer coating to detach, leaving uneven finishes and visible wear throughout many areas.
The project was further complicated by ongoing refurbishment works taking place simultaneously throughout the buildings. As walls were removed, relocated, and newly constructed during the programme, additional terrazzo repairs and alterations became necessary across multiple phases of the works.
Because the flooring was located within a highly trafficked public environment, the restored surfaces also needed to achieve a safe and durable anti-slip finish while maintaining the appearance of the original terrazzo.
The Restoration Process
Surface Assessment and Preparation
Our team began by carefully assessing the condition of the terrazzo flooring across all project areas. Particular attention was given to areas affected by wax contamination, adhesive damage, and surface wear.
The floors were prepared for restoration by removing surface contaminants and identifying areas requiring localised repairs.
Diamond Refinishing of Terrazzo Floors
MGS Restoration carried out a full diamond refinishing process across the terrazzo flooring. This specialist technique removes contaminated surface layers, including embedded wax residues, dirt buildup, and damaged lacquer coatings.
By gradually refining the terrazzo surface using professional diamond abrasives, we restored a smooth and consistent finish throughout the project areas.
This process also enhanced the clarity of the terrazzo aggregates and restored the natural visual character of the flooring.
Terrazzo Repairs and Alterations
As the wider refurbishment programme progressed, additional terrazzo repairs became necessary in areas where walls had been removed or altered.
Our team carried out multiple localised repairs and in-situ terrazzo works to ensure continuity throughout the floor surfaces. New terrazzo sections were blended into the existing flooring to maintain a seamless appearance across the project.
Anti-Slip Finishing
Following refinishing and repairs, the terrazzo floors were finished to achieve an anti-slip compliant surface suitable for a busy educational and public environment.
The final finish provided improved durability, safety, and ease of maintenance while preserving the appearance of the original terrazzo flooring.
Materials and Techniques Used
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Diamond terrazzo refinishing systems
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Wax and surface contamination removal
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In-situ terrazzo repair techniques
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Anti-slip terrazzo finishing
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Localised terrazzo reconstruction works
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Professional terrazzo polishing equipment
The Results
The completed restoration transformed more than 1,600m² of terrazzo flooring across the University of Westminster buildings.
The diamond refinishing process successfully removed years of wax contamination, dirt buildup, and inconsistent surface coatings, revealing a clean and uniform terrazzo finish throughout the project areas.
Additional repairs carried out during the refurbishment programme allowed newly altered spaces to integrate seamlessly with the existing flooring, maintaining visual continuity across the campus.
The final anti-slip compliant finish now provides a durable, safe, and visually consistent surface capable of withstanding the demands of a highly trafficked academic environment.
Terrazzo Restoration for Public and Educational Buildings
This project demonstrates the importance of specialist terrazzo restoration within high-traffic public environments. Through large-scale refinishing and repair works, MGS Restoration successfully restored the appearance, safety, and durability of the university’s flooring while supporting ongoing refurbishment works across the campus.
Contact MGS Restoration
If your terrazzo flooring requires professional restoration, refinishing, or repair, our experienced team can help.
MGS Restoration Ltd provides specialist terrazzo and stone restoration services across London, working within universities, commercial buildings, heritage properties, and public spaces.
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
