2025 DCC Award Winner
Epic Universe; Celestial Park, David Allen Company, Orlando, FL
First Place: Polished Concrete & Overlays, Over 5,000 sqft
Celestial Park is the radiant core of Epic Universe—an awe-inspiring hub where all themed lands converge. Guests pass through this cosmic garden of stars, fountains, and architectural wonders. David Allen Company transformed broad design intent into high-performance, polished surfaces. Spanning 14,800 square feet of Rapid Set Tru Polishable Overlay, the work required intricate planning and close collaboration with WG Yates and Universal Creative to bring each environment to life.
At Otherworlds Mercantile guests step onto a floor that mirrors the constellation-filled ceiling above. Featuring two custom integral colors and a sparkling blend of Rose Gold Mirror, Mother of Pearl, and Clear Glass, the overlay was honed to 800 grit and sealed with Coval Ultimate TopCoat. But beneath the shimmer: significant substrate cracking required carbon fiber stitching, epoxy mortar repairs, and a full crack suppression membrane. Over 2,500 linear feet of divider strips were then installed in a circular layout to echo the ceiling’s design, completing a floor that feels both immersive and infinite.
Just steps away, Atlantic Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience overlooking the grand fountain. Here, the floor tells a story of movement toward the ocean. A gradient layout of Cobalt Glass, Aqua Glass, Turquoise Glass, Mother of Pearl, and Mirror aggregates increases in density from the entrance to the observation deck—creating the illusion of approaching the shoreline. Multiple crews mixed aggregates live during a continuous pour, ensuring the transition flowed naturally. Polished to 800 grit and finished with two coats of Coval UTC, the surface also features 53 custom brass inlays, fabricated to match Universal’s designs and installed with precision.
Finally, at Oak & Star Tavern, designed as a warm retreat with celestial elegance, the floor uses eight custom integral colors and a radiant blend of Gold Amber, Rose Mirror, Yellow Glass, Pink Quartz, Granite, and Recycled Mirror. Twenty-one custom brass inlays, water jet–cut in-house, were set into the polished surface following a carefully stenciled layout. The slab was pre-leveled to transition seamlessly into surrounding large-format tiles, and as with the other venues, finished with Ameripolish 3DHS densifier, full epoxy grout, and Coval UTC. Each floor was protected post-install using Skudo GP Mat and Skudo Board, preserving the integrity of the finishes throughout construction.
From celestial retail to oceanside dining to fireside storytelling, these three spaces share a common thread: floors that are more than functional—they are immersive surfaces, carefully crafted to elevate the guest journey. Together, they represent a singular vision brought to life with exceptional creativity, precision, and polish.
