“Terracotta wall stick” is an old product label, not a complete architectural brief. A useful selection starts with the building zone and intended composition, then defines the linear terracotta as non-loadbearing facing or screen components within an engineered support system, with controlled modules, backgrounds, edges and procurement records.
Start with a zone and composition brief
Mark the exact facade, screen, soffit, internal feature or landscape-related zones on drawings. Explain whether the linear units create privacy, visual filtering, texture, wayfinding, a backdrop or a transition. State viewing distances, orientation, public access and adjacent materials.
Separate essential visual outcomes from negotiable choices. The design team may need a strong vertical rhythm, a deep shadow, partial views through to glazing or a warm layer in front of concrete. A clear brief guides product selection without fixing an unsuitable archive item too early.
Note any zones with different use, background or access conditions. A screen at a public entrance, a high-level facade and an internal divider may share a visual language but require separate product, support, evidence and maintenance decisions. Treat them as coordinated subtypes.
Define component role and system scope
Confirm the current product family, code, section, length, color, surface, tolerances and permitted orientations. State that the terracotta units are facing or screen components rather than structural wall elements, then identify the rails, brackets, fasteners, anchors and substrate completing the support system.
Assign responsibility for the facing, supports, interfaces and complete load path. The old technical table described a 300 × 600 × 18 mm panel, not the archived stick profile, so its numerical values cannot be transferred. Current evidence must cover the proposed linear assembly.
Create a responsibility matrix covering design, product selection, support engineering, interface coordination, supply, inspection and approval. This is particularly important when the background wall, windows and linear screen come from different packages. Unassigned boundaries tend to become late site decisions.
Develop module, background and visual openness
Module
Coordinate repeated units, joints and major datums with the elevation and building grid.
Background
Review glazing, wall color, cavity darkness, structure and services visible through or behind the array.
Orientation
Study vertical, horizontal or other arrangements through project drawings and representative samples.
Layering
Decide whether the screen reads as one plane, overlapping fields or framed zones at realistic distances.
Spacing and rotation must be project-specific, informed by design intent, visibility, engineering and maintenance. This article supplies no generic layout values. Check the pattern across the whole elevation rather than approving a small isolated cluster.
Resolve corners, openings and terminations
Develop enlarged elevations and sections at internal and external corners, heads, sills, jambs, bases, parapets and movement interfaces. Show how lines begin, turn and end, and how the screen meets glazing, masonry, panels, soffits or landscape features.
Coordinate visible end conditions, caps where proposed, support transitions and service access. Avoid ad hoc cutting or drilling. If a special length or end feature is needed, return it to current product, manufacturing and system review before procurement.
Approve color, shadow and a representative assembly
Use tagged production-intent samples to approve profile, color range, surface and edge appearance. Review the proposed composition in direct and diffuse daylight, from close and distant viewpoints. Background and shadow can change the perceived color and density of an array.
A mock-up should include real supports and at least one important boundary where appropriate to the project. Set visual and technical review criteria beforehand. A successful appearance review does not by itself establish wind, impact, fire or other system performance.
Coordinate evidence, access and maintenance
Link project criteria to current drawings, calculations, tests or assessments that identify the selected profile, supports, fasteners and boundary conditions. Resolve water paths, material contacts and fire interfaces through the full wall or screen design. Record evidence gaps and responsible reviewers.
Plan access to inspect supports, clean visible faces and replace damaged units where required. Replacement feasibility depends on the approved configuration. Trial current cleaning guidance on a sample and record any area-specific limitations rather than promising universally easy maintenance.
Issue a complete procurement and handover list
Schedule profile codes, lengths, quantities, colors, surfaces, end types, supports, fasteners, accessories, packaging identification, spares and facade zones. Tie orders to approved revisions and samples. Quarantine substitutions or unverified components instead of accepting a visually similar item.
Retain as-built schedules, lots, drawings, evidence, inspections and deviations. Review current terracotta baguette options and project references for design context before project-specific verification.
Separate the bill of materials by zone and subtype so quantities are not based only on a total elevation area. Include reasonable project-defined contingencies and clearly identify special pieces. Procurement should reflect the approved composition, not a single generic “wall stick” line item.