Product-family decision guide · system before surface
Choose the clay wall cladding type before choosing its appearance
Rainscreen panels, tiles or brick slips, baguettes and openwork screens solve different design and installation problems. Select the product family and complete wall route first; then coordinate surface, module, samples, edges, evidence and maintenance.
Start with the product family and wall route
Mechanically retained rainscreen panels
Panel units are coordinated with clips or other retainers, rails/subframe, anchors, insulation/membranes, a ventilated/drained cavity and verified backing structure. The design must address loads, movement, tolerances, joints, corners, openings, drainage, access and removal of a unit.
Tiles and brick slips
Relatively small modular units may be proposed in an adhered build-up or a separately defined mechanical/dry-hanging system. Substrate condition, preparation, compatible components, joints, water management, movement and height/exposure limits must follow the approved route; “tile” does not automatically mean adhesive.
Baguettes and linear screens
Extruded linear units can organize shade, screening, rhythm and partial views. Orientation, span, end/intermediate support, rotation restraint, impact, replacement and the consequence of breakage require engineering around the selected section. A decorative screen is not automatically a guard or fall-protection component.
Openwork and block screens
Jali/openwork modules create depth and filtered openings but introduce masonry or frame support, joint, tolerance, reinforcement/anchorage, edge and public-safety questions distinct from panels and baguettes. Define whether the assembly is infill, veneer, partition or another engineered condition.
| Family | Primary coordination focus | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Rainscreen panel | Complete load path, cavity/drainage, rail/anchor interfaces, movement and replacement | That the panel alone defines the wall performance |
| Tile / brick slip | Adhered or mechanical route, substrate, compatible layers, joints and exposure limits | That one adhesive or detail fits every product and wall |
| Baguette / linear screen | Section, orientation, span/support, rotation, loads, safety zones and access | That a visual screen is a guard, handrail or fall barrier |
| Openwork block / jali | Frame/masonry support, anchorage or reinforcement, joints, edges and stability | That an opening pattern establishes structural or safety compliance |
Eight panel appearances preserved from the July 2016 article
The archive images show product samples rather than installed systems. They contain no item codes or product dimensions. Their 550px image dimensions are media-file facts, not panel sizes. Current codes, manufacturable modules, finishes and sample ranges must be confirmed before specification.
Selection inputs that apply across product families
Define the exact product and use
Record current code, body/section, nominal dimensions, finish, orientation, interior/exterior zone, height, exposure, impact/consequence areas and intended system route. Do not use a 2016 image filename as the product specification.
Approve physical references
Use identified samples and an agreed colour/texture range under stated viewing conditions. Build the necessary mock-up to resolve module, joints, pattern repeat, corners, openings, transitions, drainage and cleaning before production release.
Coordinate fixing or adhesion
For mechanical systems, verify product engagement, supports, rails, anchors, substrate, loads, movement, corrosion and replacement. For adhered systems, verify substrate preparation, compatible layers, joints, curing and exposure limits. Follow one approved complete route.
Resolve edges and interfaces
Draw outside/inside corners, parapets, bases, soffits, openings, penetrations, movement joints and changes of material. Define tolerances and responsibility where the cladding meets structure, membranes, flashings, sealants and adjacent finishes.
Match evidence to the configuration
Check that drawings, calculations, test reports, classifications and certificates identify the selected product, dimensions, support/adhesive route, assembly, standard edition and intended jurisdiction. A partial or similar-product document does not close a whole-wall decision.
Plan delivery and maintenance
Coordinate quantities, specials, batch/sequence marks, packaging, transport, storage, spares, access, inspection, cleaning and replacement. Keep approved samples and as-built locations so later work can identify the correct surface and unit.
Keep appearance and performance evidence separate
- Do not infer a fixing method, maximum module, span or allowable exposure from these archive product photographs.
- Do not transfer a result between panels, tiles, brick slips, baguettes or openwork blocks without a documented technical basis.
- Do not present a glazed, wood-look, lightweight or printed label as proof of self-cleaning, fade resistance, fire safety, acoustic, moisture, health or environmental performance.
- Do not approve colours, textures or printed patterns from a screen image alone.
- Stop and resolve mismatched product codes, samples, drawings, system documents and evidence before manufacture or installation.
Send the product-family decision with the finish brief
Include application, wall/system route, elevations, dimensions, finish references, quantities, substrate, fixing or adhesion concept, interface drawings, evidence requirements, programme, destination, packaging and maintenance needs.