Zhoushan National Fitness Center combines terracotta rainscreen panels and linear terracotta baguettes to give a large public building colour, depth and changing shadow. Grey surfaces form the main field, while red panels focus attention on selected upper volumes.
LOPO’s 2016 archive records the project in Zhejiang, attributes the design to Meihua Construction Group and lists approximately 10,000 m² of terracotta rainscreen panels. Those historical facts describe this reference; new projects require current products, samples, engineering and test evidence.
Use colour to organise a large public building
A sports and fitness complex may contain several halls, entrances and circulation volumes. A restrained grey base can connect them, while concentrated red areas identify important masses without covering every elevation in equal contrast. The success lies in proportion and placement, not colour symbolism alone.
Fired-clay colour should be approved as a representative range. Natural-body tones and glazes behave differently, and screen images cannot establish the final appearance. Compare several samples with glazing, metalwork and concrete under relevant light, then confirm how batches will be distributed.
Map the colour zones on every elevation and include returns, soffits and recessed walls. A red accent that looks balanced in a perspective image can become dominant when it wraps a corner, while a grey range may read differently beside blue sky or shaded glazing. The mock-up should therefore include adjacent materials and the intended joint colour.
Build depth through surface and panel orientation
The archive describes flat and grooved panels arranged horizontally, vertically and in offset compositions. Changing direction can respond to separate building zones, while groove depth alters shadow at close range. These options need a common grid so the facade remains coherent around windows, corners and transitions.
For a new design, schedule every panel by size, orientation, surface and colour. Confirm the maximum practical dimensions, tolerances, cut locations and special shapes with the manufacturer before the module is fixed.
Coordinate panels and baguettes as related systems
Terracotta baguettes—also called louvers, fins, profiles or blades—create an open layer rather than a continuous wall. Matching their colour and surface to adjacent panels can make the two systems read as one family, even though their subframes and connections may differ.
Panel field
Controls the main weather-shedding surface, module, joints and large colour areas.
Linear screen
Adds depth and visual permeability, with spacing set by view and shading studies.
Transition
Aligns support zones, corners, terminations and movement without improvised cuts.
Demonstrate shading and ventilation with geometry
The original article described strong ventilation and sunshading effects. A baguette screen can contribute to both, but performance cannot be inferred from the material name or photograph. Model profile depth, angle, centre spacing, facade orientation, latitude, glazing and seasonal sun.
Open gaps may preserve airflow and views; the weather, thermal and air-control layers still belong to the complete wall behind. Where profiles cover mechanical openings, confirm free area, pressure drop, access and equipment requirements. Where they sit near occupied edges, address impact, opening limits and guard-system responsibilities.
Engineer panels, profiles and supports separately
Panels and baguettes are non-structural architectural elements. The facade engineer should verify wind and seismic loads, spans, brackets, rails, inserts, anchors, movement and deflection for each type. Connections must accommodate manufacturing and building tolerances without forcing brittle clay units into place.
| Interface | Questions to resolve | Design record |
|---|---|---|
| Panel to baguette | Where do grids, support zones and visible joints meet? | Coordinated elevation and full-size detail |
| Facade to glazing | How are flashings, membranes and movement maintained? | Weather and tolerance detail |
| Base and parapet | Where do cavity air and incidental water enter or leave? | Ventilation, drainage and fire-stop detail |
| Replacement | Can one panel or profile be safely removed? | Access and replacement method |
Profile ends and corner conditions deserve particular care. A visible hollow section may need an approved end detail, whereas concealed ends still require drainage and secure restraint. Coordinate expansion zones and structural joints so neither the panel grid nor the linear screen bridges building movement. Installation access should allow fasteners to be tightened, inspected and later reached without damaging neighbouring units.
Set evidence boundaries for material claims
Clay origin and firing do not automatically establish energy conservation, sustainability, acoustic insulation, thermal insulation or non-combustibility for every product and wall. Request current reference-specific test reports and environmental information, then assess the complete assembly under the project’s standards.
Project reference boundary: this case demonstrates composition and detailing. Its historic quantity, products and performance descriptions should not be copied as current specifications or used to prove results on another building.
Carry the concept through samples and site work
Begin with elevations, typical sections, colour intent, profile spacing and quantities. Develop physical samples and a mock-up that includes panels, baguettes, joints, corners and a glazed interface. Use the approved benchmark to define visual range and workmanship before quantity production.
- product codes, dimensions, surfaces, colours and current reports;
- subframe survey, calculations, fixings, cavity and fire stopping;
- crate labels, elevation sequence, safe handling and spare allowance;
- cleaning, protection, replacement and handover documentation.
Discuss panels and baguettes for a public facade
Send the location, elevations, typical details, facade area, proposed panel module, profile section and spacing, colour, design criteria, quantity and programme. LOPO can review current terracotta panels and baguettes, samples and manufacturing feasibility.