Marco e Stefano Vianello

Since 1997, Stefano and Marco Vianello have been at the forefront of a company that preserves the centuries-old tradition of Venetian terrazzo and other traditional flooring (including the famous Carlo Scarpa-style floors and the palatial Pastellone) blending ancient craftsmanship with modern needs. 

Venetian terrazzo, also known as seminato, originated from the reuse of marble and stone scraps mixed with lime or cement. Each terrazzo floor is a unique work of art, with no two textures or patterns ever identical. Although materials and techniques have evolved, the processes and methods used by terrazzo craftsmen remain largely unchanged.

The Vianello brothers follow a meticulous process, ensuring every detail is handled with precision. Their work begins with a site inspection, project evaluation, and selection of materials. For terrazzo floors, a solid foundation of lime or cement is created, with a stabilizing layer of marble, binder, and gravel applied to the subfloor. Marble chips of varying sizes are then distributed across the surface, which is moistened to achieve the proper consistency for further processing. A heavy roller compresses and smooths the terrazzo, and special tools ensure that the marble and lime are evenly compacted. Once the binder matures, the surface is roughened, and the terrazzo is polished manually or with grinding machines to achieve the desired sheen.

As the popularity of Venetian terrazzo grows, Stefano and Marco are dedicated to passing their knowledge to future generations, offering students the opportunity to learn this craft at their workshop. Additionally, they have played a pivotal role in restoring some of Venice’s most valuable floors, including the Sala del Piovego in the Doge’s Palace. Their work at these historic sites underscores their commitment to preserving Venice’s cultural heritage.