4m Floors UK- Laying the Groundwork for a Terrazzo Masterpiece at Inverness Castle – Part 1

Kev Johnson
19 hours ago
4 min read

4m Floors UK van Scotland — 4m Floors UK

4m Floors UK - Terrazzo Floor Project Scotland

At 4m Floors UK, our passion for crafting bespoke resin flooring solutions has driven us for over 30 years, transforming spaces with durability, beauty, and precision. Our latest project takes us to the heart of the Highlands: the iconic Inverness Castle, currently being reimagined as the Inverness Castle Experience, a world-class visitor attraction set to open in late summer 2025.

Tasked with creating a stunning terrazzo floor, we’re thrilled to share the journey of this prestigious project in a four-part blog series, complete with exclusive video footage. In this first installment, we dive into the critical early stages: arriving on site, conducting risk assessments, and managing material storage amidst the unique challenges of a historic, Category A listed site.

Arriving at Inverness Castle: A Historic Canvas

Stepping onto the grounds of Inverness Castle is like stepping into a chapter of Scotland’s history. Perched above the River Ness, this neo-Norman landmark has stood for centuries, witnessing everything from medieval sieges to Jacobite rebellions.

Today, it’s undergoing a £35 million transformation into a cultural hub celebrating Highland heritage. For 4m Floors UK, being chosen to contribute our expertise to this project is an honor.

4m Floors UK Mission?

To install a bespoke terrazzo floor that blends modern craftsmanship with the castle’s timeless legacy, featuring intricate triangle inlays that will captivate visitors.Our team arrived on site and was greeted by the hum of construction activity and the castle’s striking red sandstone façade.

Working within a confined, historic site presented immediate challenges—narrow access routes, ongoing restoration work, and the need to preserve the castle’s structural integrity. With over three decades of experience, we knew preparation would be key to delivering a flawless result.

Front of castle with statue — Front of Castle

Risk Assessments: Safety First on a Historic Site

Before any materials could be brought in or work could begin, our team conducted a comprehensive risk assessment tailored to the unique conditions of Inverness Castle. As a Category A listed building, every step had to respect the site’s heritage while ensuring the safety of our team and other contractors.

Key considerations included:

Site Constraints: The castle’s compact footprint and ongoing construction (e.g., the new link building and restored façades) meant limited space for movement and equipment. We coordinated closely with site experts and other contractors, to navigate shared access points.
Heritage Protection: Working near the castle’s historic features, like the medieval well and restored Rose Window, required meticulous planning to avoid damage. Protective barriers and restricted zones were established.
Health and Safety: The risk of dust from terrazzo materials, uneven surfaces from ongoing groundwork, and the need for safe scaffolding access were all addressed. Our team implemented strict protocols, including PPE compliance and regular safety briefings.

Our 30 years of experience ensured we anticipated every challenge, from weather impacts (the Highlands’ unpredictable rain!) to coordinating with other trades on this bustling site. The risk assessment wasn’t just a checklist—it was our roadmap to a smooth, safe project.

Material Storage: Precision Planning for Terrazzo Excellence

With risk assessments complete, we turned to the logistics of material storage—a critical step for a terrazzo floor of this complexity. The bespoke design, required high-quality aggregates, resins, and pigments, all of which needed careful handling to maintain their integrity. Storage on a historic site like Inverness Castle demanded precision:

Secure Storage Areas: Space constraints meant we couldn’t store materials haphazardly. We designated a weatherproof, secure storage zone on-site, approved by the project management team, to protect our materials from moisture and temperature fluctuations, which could compromise the terrazzo mix.
Material Organisation: The Terrazzo floor requires precise quantities of colored aggregates and resins. Our team meticulously labeled and organized materials to streamline the installation process, ensuring no delays when laying the floor.
Coordination with Suppliers: With over 30 years of trusted supplier relationships, we coordinated just-in-time deliveries to minimize on-site clutter, aligning with the castle’s tight construction schedule.

This careful planning reflects our commitment to excellence, ensuring every element of the terrazzo floor—from the base layer to the intricate inlays—will meet the high standards expected for the Inverness Castle Experience.

Setting the Stage for Craftsmanship

This initial phase of arriving, assessing risks, and organizing materials may seem like groundwork, but it’s the foundation of our success. At 4m Floors UK, we know that a flawless terrazzo floor begins long before the first pour. As we prepare to lay the floor in the coming weeks, we’re excited to share the next chapter of this journey with you.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the artistry of mixing and preparing the terrazzo, complete with video footage showcasing our team’s expertise in crafting a Terrazzo floor. Follow our blog and social media for updates, and get ready to see how 4m Floors UK is helping shape the future of Inverness Castle!

4m Resin Flooring Contractors for Over 30 Years

For 30 years, 4m Floors UK has been at the forefront of delivering specialised resin flooring solutions that combine durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost-efficiency. Whether you need a robust industrial floor, a decorative car park surface, or a sanitary environment, our expert team is equipped to meet your needs.

At 4m Floors UK, we take pride in being a trusted name in resin flooring contractors, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to large projects. From terrazzo installations to floor signage, manufacturing flooring, car park solutions, and food and beverage flooring, our expertise and versatility enable us to meet the unique needs of various industries. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and experience the difference our quality resin flooring solutions can make.