VIVA Architecture: VIVA × Paviotto

Paviotto is a Dutch specialist in sustainable flooring concepts. Under the label P8 Naturals, the company invited eight architects to each develop a unique ‘box’, in which terrazzo, parquet and cement-based poured floors are combined in an innovative way.

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VIVA enthusiastically took part in this project, which invites architects to step out from behind the drawing board and into the laboratory. This active collaboration between makers and designers results in valuable cross-pollination, with knowledge-sharing as a common thread.

For VIVA, it was essential that the three flooring types — terrazzo, cement-based poured floor and parquet — blended together harmoniously and with original aesthetic appeal within a single space. Non-directionality was a central theme: a floor that gives the space freedom and dares to embrace colour. VIVA also made a conscious choice for timeless designs that will remain attractive over the long term.

VIVA began with the development of the terrazzo, drawing inspiration from the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, where a non-directional floor with round tiles in varying sizes made a lasting impression. Following this, Paviotto incorporated recycled glass into discs of various sizes, which were playfully arranged within the terrazzo. The balance between the glass circles and the cement matrix with marble granules was carefully calibrated to ensure that both materials remained in harmony and the overall effect was not visually overwhelming.

For the colour selection of the terrazzo’s cement base, the marble granules and the glass discs, VIVA opted for shades of green. The cement-based poured floor was also executed in a warm green hue, matching one of the terrazzo’s aggregates.

All floors were designed without strong linear patterns or a fixed sense of direction. For this reason, the wooden floor was realised in block parquet, with a playful mix of smaller and larger blocks. This creates a woven, soft appearance that reinforces the non-directional effect. Unlike end-grain wood, which is sensitive to moisture and structural movement, VIVA chose long-grain sawn wood in an oiled, warm tone.
The combination of these three types of flooring offers a wealth of creative possibilities. For instance, the terrazzo can incorporate varying concentrations of glass discs — from dense to sparse — to subtly suggest a walkway. The rhythm of the larger and smaller parquet blocks can also be used to similar effect. The floors transition into one another organically, allowing interior designers the freedom to interpret and apply them in their own way.

The unique box showcasing the three materials can be viewed at both Paviotto and VIVA Architecture.

Date : 2024 - 2025

Team : Paviotto P8 Naturals x VIVA Architecture

Photography : Sil Boon - Minstreel Media