A thoughtful and well-designed facade plays a crucial role in producing beautiful, high-performing buildings, not only presenting a visually appealing exterior but also being able to manage condensation, prevent water penetration, control thermal movements, and even resist the spread of fire externally.

Modern-day architects and designers have extensive design flexibility thanks to unlimited options in cladding materials ranging from aluminium, steel and zinc to timber alternatives, fibre cement and terracotta. However, in a world where energy, environmental and budgetary considerations cannot be ignored, the traditional terracotta makes perfect sense in construction projects. 

With the entire world practically restricted to their homes in the recent past, people are seeking a sense of calmness and comfort in their living environments, which is partially contributing to the significant increase being observed in the use of natural and earthy construction materials.

“By using more untreated and natural materials, we strive to build links that connect us physically and emotionally, rather than just digitally to our world.”

Terracotta is as basic and natural as it can get. A baked earth product, terracotta has a warm and rich expression that adds a sense of conviviality to your project; it also acts as a protective shield and provides the building with an unprecedented level of stability and energy efficiency.

Modern building products are tapping into a renewed interest in energy-saving, durable, low-maintenance materials with recyclable components and an organic appearance. Fairview’s Argeton, a terracotta ventilated facade system made from natural and recycled clay tiles and panels, is an example of cladding systems that are currently making their way onto residential and commercial exteriors.

When combined with elements such as brick, stone, glass or wood, and contrasted with hard textures including concrete and steel, Argeton adds an elegant and timeless look to exterior facades. Enriching new and modern buildings, the Argeton facade also imparts an exclusive contemporary character to refurbished properties. 

Baguettes or sunshades are also available in the Argeton range and are a popular choice for solar protection as well as to act as an effective ventilation screen, provide security against access, or simply add an eye-catching decorative element to your design. 

So, why should you install Argeton?

Excellent performance of terracotta cladding 

Durable and long-lasting 

  • The firing of terracotta during the manufacturing process vitrifies the colour into the surface of the panel. This process results in terracotta being resistant to ultraviolet radiation and corrosion – it does not fade in sunlight or from years of acidic rain.
  • Weather-resistant and low absorption properties.

Energy savings and thermal benefits

  • Reduces the level of sound absorption.
  • Outstanding thermal installation, which helps to mitigate the heat island effect of larger buildings, and lower overall energy consumption.
  • Terracotta is best at storing heat energy during the day and releasing it gradually at night.

Low maintenance cost 

  • Lower installation costs – fast and easy to install.
  • The terracotta rainscreen cladding system does not use grout or sealants, reducing the need to maintain the joints. 
  • Life expectancy far exceeds that of other cladding materials. 
  • The surface of terracotta cladding is not likely to gather dust. It can be easily power-washed every 2-3 years or even longer to return it to its original look. 
  • Damaged tiles can be replaced individually without having to disturb adjacent tiles. 

Safe, eco-friendly and sustainable 

  • Rated Class A Fireproof – During the manufacturing process, terracotta panels are fired at over 1000°C for days on end. This seals the terracotta and makes it almost fireproof. For this reason, terracotta construction materials can withstand large, intense fires far longer than almost any other building material. 
  • Environment-friendly building material, which can be easily recycled, repurposed, or reduced to debris.
  • Old terracotta tiles can be smashed and put back into the ground or reused to make new terracotta panels.
  • Terracotta cladding is 100% clay, which is environment-friendly and harmless to humans and the environment.

Multifarious design elements of terracotta cladding

Colours 

  • Rich, warm, and earth tone colours can be produced by extreme heat in the kilns. 
  • By blending different types of clay materials and precisely controlling the firing temperature in the kiln, it is possible to produce terracotta cladding with a rich variety of colours. 
  • A unique feature of terracotta is the result of the firing process during manufacturing, which essentially locks the colour of the panel into the terracotta for the life of the product, eliminating any deterioration due to weather or sun exposure.

Textures and finishes

  • Available in different textures, terracotta allows designers to play and experiment with shadow effects on the structure. 
  • Terracotta cladding can be processed with a wide variety of surface texture treatments including natural surface, sandblasted surface, wirestruck surface, corrugated surface, grooved surface, linear surface and wood grain surface. 

Shapes and profiles

  • Terracotta cladding is no longer confined to a flat shape. 
  • Cladding can be installed both horizontally and vertically. 
  • According to different facade structures, Argeton can offer different cross-sections and flexible geometric terracotta cladding products.