Terracotta Panel Cladding: A Timeless and Sustainable Facade Solution
Terracotta, a material with centuries of history, has recently emerged as a warm and timeless medium for modern rainscreen design. Let’s delve into the world of terracotta panel cladding and explore its aesthetic and functional aspects.Get more news about terracotta panel cladding,you can vist our website!
Introduction to Terracotta Cladding
Terracotta cladding is manufactured from natural and aged raw clay, without any additional chemicals. It undergoes high-temperature firing, resulting in a durable and visually appealing facade material. Here are some key features of terracotta cladding:
Thermal Insulation: Terracotta provides a certain degree of thermal insulation, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings.
Weather Resistance: Its weather-resistant properties make it suitable for various climates.
Aesthetics: Terracotta’s earthy colors and unique texture create an attractive look for any building.
Terracotta Panel Formats
Terracotta panels come in two standard thicknesses: 24mm and 30mm. Architects can utilize various panel lengths and heights to achieve a modern, natural aesthetic. Understanding the type of terracotta panel and its format size is crucial for system selection.
Attachment Systems
Several attachment systems are commonly used for terracotta rainscreen applications:
Horizontal Rail System (Alpha Vci.45): Designed for thin, fluted terracotta tile formats, this system allows flexibility in panel layout. It works with stud or concrete back-up wall conditions.
Vertical Fluted Terracotta (Alpha Vci.29): Specifically designed for vertically-oriented fluted terracotta panels.
Double-Skin Terracotta (Alpha Hci.22 and Alpha Eci.22): These systems offer concealed clip fixing for double-skin terracotta tiles. The horizontal ship-lap design limits water penetration and provides a mechanical, clip-based solution for panel attachment.
Sunscreen Baguette System (Alpha Sunscreen): Engineered for terracotta baguette and louver shapes, this system incorporates threaded rods and vertical outriggers.
Recent Projects
SUNY Cortland Park Center (Cortland, NY): An award-winning renovation featuring terracotta cladding by Flynn Battaglia Architects.
SFPUC Southeast Treatment Plant (San Francisco, CA): Replacement of existing solids using terracotta cladding by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
University of Iowa Psych & Brain Sciences (Iowa City, IA): BNIM Architects used terracotta for the new department building.