Potentials of Brick Slip and Terracotta Facade in Contemporary Architecture

The use of Terracotta Cladding for facades is nothing new and is rather more an age-old concept. But what the classic concepts have brought to life for modern architecture, apart from the straightforward installation and extreme cost-effectivity, is increased environmental values for the building and the construction process.

Terracotta is sourced from clay, and the natural material can be used for ventilated exterior walls, sunscreen, and rainscreen facades with slip brick cladding. A Terracotta Facade can naturally cool down the temperature in scorching climate. This feature alone can optimise the thermal performance of the building and reduce the overall carbon footprint. The energy performance obtained from the terracotta cladding facade design can fulfil a large portion of the thermal regulations practised in the Irish regions. The ventilated walls of a terracotta brick slip facade give the building a heightened heat capacity or thermal effusivity, and reduced effects of thermal shock.

Insulated Render Facade Using Terracotta Cladding

It is because of the easy-going, cost-effective utility, terracotta cladding gets to be suitable for diverse building formats - whether it is small-scale residential buildings, expansive housing complexes and even skyscrapers. Art and cultural buildings are largely smitten by the terracotta envelope and exterior designs but thanks to the burgeoning goodness of it, that every other leading Irish facade contractor today work with Terracotta Cladding with a diversifying outlook focusing on the core requirement for sustainability in external insulation systems for modern building envelopes, curtain walling and facades.

The Vision And The Mission Of Building Efficiency

Materials are the key component for Architecture - and the start possibility of it. Today architects, building developers, real estate industrialists and the common man looking for a home - the majority would respond to the vitality of Environmentally sustainable buildings and Terracotta fulfils that criteria beautifully. 

 

While used at large since times immemorial, the prominent features of insulation, durability and earthy aesthetics of terracotta have saved it a revered status in the contemporary building development diaspora.

It is 100% natural, found in abundance and is recyclable. It is immensely resilient that can withstand rain, snow and harsh sunlight with equal impact resistance capacity, plus it can’t catch fire. Whether it is cold outside or is scorching, the low-thermal diffusivity makes sure that the interiors stay with a stable temperature without much ado. What more could you ask for?

 

An Ode To The Brick Wall

You have two options - traditional brick cladding or slip brick cladding - either way there is a limited option for decorative aesthetics - though many building designers come up with terracotta mural tiles - coming from an Indian influence, that is not much in vogue in the Irish markets. When you chose brick slips and terracotta facade designs in the Irish regions, you are typically bent on getting the traditional, English industrial look. And along with it, you are bent on getting a quick installation, cost-efficient project and long-term durability without the need for any maintenance as such.