Shells and sand for a unique terrazzo floor

• Interior design of a duplex with sea view in Oosteroever (Ostend), Belgium
• Architect : Eddy Lodiso
• Craftsman : AERIS by Jelle Esprit
• Materials used : MORTEX® mineral coating and BEALSTONE® system, BEAL International

The sea as inspiration, design as language

From the outset, Eddy Lodiso wanted to anchor this project in its environment. The sea and the beach became his guiding thread. This approach is reflected in every detail: at the entrance, a circular doormat (very practical when bringing sand in from outside) evokes the curve of the waves, while breaking up the rigidity of the hall.

“My idea was to extend nature and bring the beach indoors. But I wanted to do it differently, away from the typical decor of coastal apartments, which are often white and minimalist. “ — Eddy Lodiso

Rather than light, minimalist tones, the architect opted for a warm, cosy atmosphere, playing with dark colours and highly textured materials.

Custom-made BEALSTONE® terrazzo made from shells and sand

All the terrazzo floors in the duplex were created using BEALSTONE® flooring, a highly customisable system. To capture the beach spirit, Mr Lodiso chose to incorporate crushed shells and sand into the mix, creating a unique composition deeply inspired by the surrounding nature.

Several samples were prepared to test the grain size and colour of the shells. The final result combines matt and shiny fragments, playing with the light to create a lively, nuanced and unexpected floor.

‘I didn’t want a uniform floor, but an extraordinary terrazzo that stands out from the ordinary.’

Unlike classic polished terrazzo, the floor here has been brushed to retain its grain and texture. This choice enhances the feeling of the material and makes the surface vibrate with the play of light and shadow created by the huge bay windows.

The expansion joints, which are essential in new construction, have been incorporated as a design feature. Strategically positioned to complement the layout of the rooms, they subtly delineate the spaces and provide visual consistency. Their ‘sand’ colour blends perfectly with the BEALSTONE® terrazzo flooring. Finally, the absence of baseboards allows the walls to blend directly into the floors for a continuous effect.

A refined and consistent colour palette

The apartment is based on a powerful and enveloping colour scheme:

• The walls and ceilings have been coated with lime in a ‘Chocolate’ shade and applied with broad strokes to give them texture and depth.
• The BEALSTONE® coating gives a sand beige colour to all the floors, contrasting with the green splinters of the shells.
• Green is a subtle theme in the furniture, decoration and hammam, evoking seaweed.
• Orange, distilled through certain pieces of furniture and pieces of art, energizes the whole.

This harmony of colours gives the duplex a warm and unique atmosphere that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in its coastal environment.

A natural and sensory hammam by MORTEX®

In line with his concept, Mr Lodiso designed a hammam entirely covered with MORTEX® mineral coating in a green shade inspired by seaweed.

“I didn’t hesitate to choose this green colour. It blends perfectly with the chocolate and beige tones of the rest of the apartment, while bringing light and freshness. “

MORTEX® micro-mortar provides an elegant, durable mineral finish that is perfectly suited to the humidity of a hammam. The mineral feel is reminiscent of natural stone, contributing to an even more soothing experience.

A project designed to last

It took eight weeks to complete the floors and the same amount of time for the walls and ceilings. Each step was carried out with precision, in close collaboration with local craftsmen.

‘For me, it’s important to choose local brands, contractors and craftsmen as much as possible. BEALSTONE® and MORTEX® are Belgian brands, and that was important in my choice.’

A bold architectural vision

This duplex is not just a project, but a real living space designed to be enjoyed all year round. Through this work, Eddy Lodiso expresses his desire to explore different paths, moving away from the traditional ‘seaside’ style, and to inspire other clients to dare to make bold architectural choices.

With this project, the BEALSTONE® and MORTEX® brands once again demonstrate their ability to offer almost unlimited creative freedom to bring to life bespoke, deeply personal and unique interiors.