Creating a unique worktop design with Diespeker

On a recent project we collaborated with stone specialists, Diespeker & Co, to create bespoke terrazzo worktops combining contemporary and traditional materials and here’s how we achieved the perfect finish.

The worktops were designed as part of our bespoke joinery package for the marketing suite at 50 Fenchurch Street. The project marked just one stage in the development of the building which will provide new workplace opportunities in the City of London and restore a Grade I listed tower that will be open to the public.

Balancing modern office space with the building’s heritage was a key theme throughout the project so material specification was crucial. The bespoke serpent-like Diespeker terrazzo worktop finish, which was designed to match the tones of Granbury rock, was the perfect finishing touch for the AV unit, tea points and kitchen area where it complements the oak veneer and flooring. We worked with Diespeker to create the eye-catching terrazzo worktops; two sizeable sections for the presentation unit and three for the kitchen area.

Diespeker serves the commercial and residential sectors worldwide and is renowned for its terrazzo, marble and other quality stone. Its ‘Rubblazzo’ terrazzo is manufactured with waste building materials and this project used recycled sand, crushed bricks and blocks all salvaged from sites in London near Fenchurch Street. These locally-sourced materials formed the basis of the design which also includes a blend of three colourways of resin, white, beige and black with the resin offering superior integrity over traditional cement to account for the 20mm thickness of the worktops. The unusual finish creates a contemporary design which also gives a nod to the history of the building by incorporating local building materials.

The worktops also feature a 100mm apron section at the front to give the impression of a solid slab of stone and a waterfall leg on the end of one section which required precision work and a keen eye for detail. The process took around six days for Diespeker to create at its London manufacturing facility.

This was just one aspect of the project for us as we delivered a complete bespoke joinery package of works for the marketing suite which also included a suspended ceiling, boomerang high bench, island unit and tiled planters. Asolo European oak veneer was used on the bases with surfaces sprayed in a RAL colour to match the tiles. The suspended ceiling panels were manufactured with powder coated trims and covered with Autex Cube Acoustic to reduce reverberation and control background chatter.

When it comes to finding the perfect finish, we leave no stone unturned and pride ourselves on working closely with our supply chain partners to create unique interior spaces to meet any design brief.