Dane County Regional Airport, Madison, WI

Dane County Regional Airport’s South Terminal Expansion recently unveiled a striking 20,000-square-foot terrazzo installation, showcasing the adaptability of terrazzo for large-scale applications.

Spearheaded by President and Project Manager Jason Zarwell and his team at Wisconsin Terrazzo & Tile Inc., this intricate project utilized cutting-edge waterjet technology to execute a key design focal point, highlighting terrazzo’s capacity to meet unique design requirements.

The standout feature is the lake logo area near the terminal’s end, where meticulous color selection and aggregate choices, including an all-sided mirror aggregate for a ripple effect in the water, reflect a collaborative effort. Dane County, Mead & Hunt, Myron Construction, and Wisconsin Terrazzo & Tile Inc. actively participated, ensuring project success.

Collaboration emerged as a key strength, praised by Zarwell in a recent interview. He noted, “From precise waterjet cutting to a hands-on owner with a clear vision, the process was not only efficient but also enjoyable for the client.”

The overall project involved close communication with architect Jeff Manzetti and his team at Mead & Hunt, resulting in a topographical map on the floor featuring local landmarks like the state capitol and the university football stadium. This imaginative use of terrazzo maintains the Prairie Style design, seamlessly extending the existing building’s aesthetic.

An array of thoughtful details adds to the project’s complexity and wayfinding graphics like the beautifully executed black marble paw prints which lead pet owners to the animal relief area.

Another notable part of the project, as pointed out by Manzetti, was the focus on accessibility. In an interview with AviationPros, he said, “I think this project here, we tried to look at it more to say, ‘Hey, there’s these passengers, whoever they are, are coming with bags, everybody is going to have a bag.’…”

Accessibility features such as “wave to open” technology were installed leading to restrooms and meeting spaces. Additionally, the terrazzo floors were specifically chosen to make it easier for travelers to roll luggage, wheelchairs, and strollers.

The Dane County Regional Airport expansion serves as an exemplary showcase of terrazzo’s artistry and practicality in large-scale, complex installations. Zarwell, emphasizing the endless design possibilities of terrazzo, stated, “there’s so much flexibility with design – endless possibilities.” This project not only highlights terrazzo’s adaptability but also underscores the importance of collaborative decision-making in achieving a distinctive and successful installation.

See Related Projects