Type of building: private single-family house
Location: Finland
Scope of work: construction of a raised deck terrace around the building
Surface: large-format ceramic terrace pavers 60x60x2 cm
Mounting system: adjustable terrace pedestals SOLVER STANDARD
Additional elements: glass balustrade, structural posts, covered and open zones
Challenge – extensive surface on a varied structure
In this project, the system of adjustable pedestals was used to create an extensive terrace surrounding a modern house located directly by the water. The surface made of large-format ceramic pavers 60x60x2 cm was laid along the glazed facade, under the roof, and in the open viewing area protected by a glass balustrade.
The main task was to achieve one, even plane on a structure with a varied layout and many details requiring precise adjustment. The raised deck terrace system enabled accurate setting of the surface height, maintaining regular joints, and an aesthetic connection of the terrace with the building's architecture.
The house was founded on a rocky terrain sloping down towards the water. The terrace therefore serves not only a functional purpose but also connects the building with the surrounding landscape and creates the main leisure space with a view of the bay.
The terrace structure included several zones:
- a passage along the glazed facade,
- a leisure area under the roof,
- an open viewing platform,
- corners and narrowings at the columns,
- the zone by the glass balustrade,
- places requiring individual cutting of pavers.
The surface had to be adapted to the building's geometry, the level of the terrace doors, structural columns, and the profiles securing the balustrade. At the same time, the high aesthetics of the visible joint lines across the entire surface had to be maintained.
Solution – raised deck surface on adjustable pedestals
Large-format pavers were laid on adjustable pedestals, which created a stable structure for the raised terrace. Each support point could be set individually, allowing for compensation of local height differences in the substrate.
The system made it possible to achieve an even usable surface without having to replicate the slopes located below the deck. As a result, the upper plane of the terrace could be aligned with the thresholds and walkways of the building, and rainwater is drained beneath the pavers.
Dry installation also reduced the amount of wet work and allowed for ongoing adjustments to the position of individual elements.
Precise adaptation to the building's architecture
The modern form of the house is based on clean lines, large glazing, and a restrained palette of materials. For this reason, the layout of the pavers had to be executed with great precision.
The pedestals made it possible to maintain:
- even joints between the pavers,
- linear alignment of the joints along the facade,
- proper support for cut elements,
- a uniform level between the covered and open areas,
- aesthetic transitions around columns and balustrade profiles.
In areas with irregular shapes, the pavers were individually fitted to the structure. The appropriate placement of support points ensured stability even for narrow strips, corners, and cutouts.
Large-format pavers and additional support points
The large format of the pavers highlighted the minimalist character of the building and reduced the number of visible joints in the surface. However, this type of material requires proper planning of the pedestals and consideration of additional support points in accordance with the paver specifications.
The support was adapted to the dimensions and layout of the individual elements. Particular attention was required in areas near the terrace edges, technical openings, columns, and sections of the surface subjected to higher user loads.
Installation of the surface without permanent bonding
The pavers have been laid dry, without permanently bonding them to the substrate. This solution allows for lifting a selected element and gaining access to the space beneath the terrace.
This is especially important for extensive terraces connected to installations, drainage, and building structural elements. If inspection or repair is necessary, there is no need to break up the surface or damage the pavers.
The open joints between the elements allow rainwater to pass beneath the surface. The visible surface remains tidy, while the proper slopes and water drainage are located in the lower layer of the structure.
Implementation process
The work included:
- determining the target height of the surface relative to the doors and facade,
- planning the layout of large-format pavers,
- establishing the position of main and additional support points,
- arranging and adjusting the pedestals,
- laying pavers along the building and glass balustrade,
- fitting elements around columns and corners,
- making cutouts and technical openings,
- checking stability, levelness, and joint width.
The ability to repeatedly adjust the pedestals made it easy to precisely connect all parts of the terrace into one surface.
- Precise level alignment
Adjustable pedestals made it possible to match the surface to the height of thresholds and individual parts of the structure without applying thick leveling layers.
- Adaptation to complex geometry
The system could be used both on large, regular surfaces and around columns, railings, corners, as well as with individually cut pavers.
- Effective water drainage
Water flows through the gaps beneath the surface, so slopes do not need to be visible on the usable surface of the terrace.
- Access to the technical space
Each paver can be lifted if necessary. This facilitates inspections and maintenance work without damaging the surface.
- Installation without adhesive or screed
The dry installation technology reduces wet work and allows for ongoing adjustment of the height and positioning of the pavers.
Result – a terrace integrated with the house's structure and landscape
The result of the work is an extensive viewing terrace that creates a natural extension of the home's interior. The uniform surface runs along the glazed facade and opens the space to the landscape surrounding the building.
Large-format pavers, a transparent balustrade, and a hidden support structure give the project a light, modern character. At the same time, the applied system provides practical benefits: efficient water drainage, service access, and the ability to replace individual elements without interfering with the rest of the terrace.
The project shows that adjustable pedestals also work well in demanding projects on slopes and waterfront areas, where the terrace must be precisely connected to the building's structure and adapted to varied terrain conditions.