BASF Construction Chemical’s position as a leading force in the Middle East flooring sector has taken a major step forward with the launch of its Mastertop DTZ Terrazzo flooring range in the UAE region. Hard wearing and highly decorative, this epoxy terrazzo floor covering is ideal for use in public areas that are subject to high volumes of foot traffic and rolling wheels.
Mastertop DTZ combines pigmented epoxy resin with graded crushed marble, recycled crushed glass or glass aggregate. Says Ian Smith, Performance Flooring Business Systems Manager at BASF Construction Chemicals: “This range offers extensive décor possibilities, its epoxy finish is seamless and it provides the ultimate in durability and low maintenance, typically lasting the life of the building… and the product is eco friendly to boot.”
This combination of beauty, durability and low maintenance has led to a renaissance in the use of epoxy terrazzo in the past decade, with demand for this solution increasing in many market segments, from performance driven institutions such as school, airports and hospitals, to the design driven markets of retail and commercial buildings.
Says Smith: “The extensive colour choice and the broad spectrum of natural marble and coloured glass available combine to give architects and designers an enormous range of finish options. Poured in place, Mastertop DTZ can achieve the most imaginative of design possibilities. Through the creative use of divider strips, colour and texture any pattern or design can be produced.”
Adds Smith: “Epoxy terrazzo is the ultimate choice when evaluating a floor covering on a life-cycle cost basis but its classification as an eco-friendly ‘green’ solution has also found much favour in a world that is increasingly conscious of the need for sustainable solutions.”
In recent years the construction industry has begun to focus on the environmental impact of construction materials. Materials are thus now being evaluated on their longevity, composition, maintenance requirements and impact on the environment.
Says Smith: “Terrazzo floors have an outstanding record of durability dating back hundreds of years. Mastertop DTZ floors also have extremely low maintenance costs; are composed of naturally occurring aggregates, recycled glass and an epoxy binder; and are composed of zero VOC materials.
“Furthermore, the non-porous, cleanable terrazzo finish does not support bacterial growth or allow moisture to accumulate, helping to maintain a mould free environment with improved air quality.
Mastertop DTZ utilizes locally sourced materials wherever possible. Says Smith: “The solution is regionally manufactured and the terrazzo floor finishes are cast in place on site minimizing post consumer waste and transportation. By comparison, much of the marble, granite and natural stone floors laid in the Gulf is manufactured overseas and imported.
Concludes Smith: “Quite simply put, the Mastertop DTZ offers a range of benefits in terms of cost, aesthetics, durability and eco friendliness. It will certainly be a welcome addition to the construction and décor markets in the UAE.”