Use a stone-look reference to design the complete facade elevation
This guide uses LOPO’s archived PM259 and related 3D inkjet references to explain how stone-look terracotta facade panels can be reviewed for module, joint rhythm, pattern distribution, corners and samples.
It is not a current SKU or stock sheet. Availability, dimensions, finish, technical data, quantity and programme must be confirmed for the selected product and project.
The main Terracotta Rainscreen page introduces the ventilated facade system, current format and surface options and project-support route. This article is a focused design exercise: translate one legacy stone-look family into an elevation, sample and mock-up brief without assuming that its 2016 specification is current.
PM259 information published in November 2016
The values below are transcribed from the original page. They preserve the historical product reference but are not represented as today’s specification, MOQ, availability or lead time.
| Field | Value recorded in 2016 | How to treat it now |
|---|---|---|
| Item number | PM259 | Use as an archive visual reference; ask whether it maps to a current product or sample code. |
| Size | Customized | Do not interpret this as unlimited dimensions. Submit the elevation module and ask for current production and handling limits. |
| Color | Mix | Define the desired range and distribution from physical samples rather than one screen image. |
| Surface finish | 3D Inkjet | Confirm the currently available process, reference sample, repeat strategy and appearance on the selected profile. |
| Material | Natural clay | Retained as the legacy description; request the current product data for the actual unit. |
| Thickness / weight | 18 mm / 31 kg/m² | Legacy PM259 entries only; do not transfer them to another model, module or support design. |
| Water absorption | Less than 0.5% | The old page gives no test method or report. Confirm the exact model, method and current evidence before specification. |
| MOQ / lead time | 1,500 m² / 35 days | Historical commercial entries, not a quotation or present production commitment. |
The nine references visible in the archived finish sheet are PM820, PM826, PM552, PM550, PM259, PM255, PM554, PM256 and PM258. Their presence in a 2016 image does not establish current availability, stock, dimensions or equivalence.
Resolve the module before approving the pattern
A stone-look surface is read across joints, openings and corners—not as a standalone sample. Begin with a dimensioned elevation and coordinate the proposed panel grid with the supporting rainscreen system.
- Panel module: establish nominal widths and heights, orientation, joint positions and the relationship to windows, parapets, soffits and the building datum.
- Subframe: coordinate rails, brackets, fasteners, structural attachment and tolerances with the responsible facade engineer and current system information.
- Joints and movement: decide how open joints, shadow lines, movement zones and interfaces affect the visual continuity of the printed stone effect.
- Corners and returns: draw external corners, reveals, bases and termination edges. Confirm whether cut edges, returns or purpose-made pieces change the visible finish.
- Handling: review piece size, weight, access, lifting, packing and replacement strategy before committing to a large module.
“Customized” was the original size entry, not a verified maximum or minimum. Current production feasibility and the complete wall design must be confirmed from project drawings.
Review variation, repetition and junctions at facade scale
A successful finish brief describes both the individual surface and how multiple pieces should read together.
Set an appearance benchmark
Identify the preferred archived reference, tone range, contrast, veining character and acceptable visual variation. Review physical samples in relevant daylight because screens and photographs cannot control final colour.
Map pattern distribution
Ask how the finish repeats, rotates or varies across a production lot. Use an elevation study to avoid unintended bands or obvious repetition and to coordinate the pattern at highly visible areas.
Compare sample stages
Use small references for direction, then review a full-size panel and a representative multi-panel mock-up when required. Record the approved sample, orientation and decision date so production and site review use the same benchmark.
Separate appearance from performance
The stone image describes visual intent only. Confirm current dimensions, tolerances, fixing, structural, fire, weather, water-absorption and other required technical evidence for the exact product and facade assembly.
For the current surface-category context, review LOPO’s Stone Surface Terracotta Ceramic Tile page. Treat its images as selection references and request current samples and data for the project.
Compare the finish family and facade application
All three images from the original article are retained over HTTPS, without crop derivatives. The captions distinguish visible design information from data the source does not provide.
Build a useful sample and module request
Send the following together so current product feasibility and visual intent can be reviewed against the same facade design.
Project context
Location, building type, exposure, approximate facade area, programme, required standards and the responsible facade consultant or design team.
Elevation and details
Dimensioned elevations, proposed module and orientation, joint layout, corners, openings, soffits, bases, parapets and interface details.
Finish direction
PM259 or another archived visual reference, preferred tone and contrast, physical sample requirement, variation intent and priority viewing conditions.
Current evidence
Requested dimensions, thickness, weight, fixing concept, test data, certificates, quantity, packing, delivery destination and target schedule.
Send the elevation—not only a finish image
LOPO can review current terracotta rainscreen and stone-look surface options against your module and sample brief. Final product selection, system design, performance requirements and approvals remain project-specific.
Email: roger@lopoterracotta.com