Terracotta baguettes—also described as terracotta louvers, fins or sunscreens—can be arranged vertically or horizontally in front of glazing, open structures and solid walls. The ceramic profile is only one part of the assembly: the internal carrier or end fitting, support frame, fasteners, tolerances and interfaces must work together.
This updated technical guide preserves the four drawings and photographs from LOPO’s original 2018 article. They illustrate two connection concepts: an undrilled hollow profile with an internal carrier, and a profile with end holes for a more concealed bracket. They are useful for early coordination, but they are not generic approved shop drawings.
Important design boundary: the details below do not establish a universally safe span, section, fixing spacing, fastener size or installation sequence. The project’s architect, facade consultant, structural engineer, contractor and relevant suppliers must design and verify the complete assembly for the actual profile, orientation, support condition, loads, movement, durability, fire strategy and local regulations before fabrication or installation.
Two terracotta baguette connection concepts
Concept 1: internal carrier, no ceramic end holes
A purpose-made metal carrier passes into or through the hollow baguette and connects through end hardware to the supporting member. The original article regarded assembly as relatively fast, while noting that some fixing components may remain visible.
Concept 2: end holes with a concealed bracket
The original detail places holes at the two ends of the baguette so that a smaller bracket can sit behind the ceramic profile. This can reduce the front-view visibility of the fixing, but it introduces ceramic-hole geometry and fabrication controls that must be engineered.
Neither concept is automatically better. The appropriate route depends on the architectural appearance, baguette section and length, access for assembly and replacement, support-frame layout, expected loads and the approved ceramic and metal tolerances.
Concept 1: an internal carrier without drilling the baguette
The first exploded diagram shows a rectangular hollow terracotta profile receiving a project-specific internal metal carrier. An end assembly then connects the carrier to supporting hardware. In the source article, the carrier is described as a customized aluminium tube. Its alloy, wall thickness, length, end condition and connection were not specified, so they must not be inferred from the illustration.
The second drawing records a particular two-sided arrangement around a separately constructed pillar or T-shaped support. It labels an end plate, flat spring, M6 and M8 bolts, and several dimensions. Those labels document that drawing only; they are not LOPO’s general fixing schedule and must not be copied into a new project without engineering verification.
- the carrier’s material, section, insertion length, restraint and connection to the end fitting;
- how ceramic-to-metal contact, bearing, movement and possible rattling are controlled;
- the visibility and architectural finish of end plates, bolts, caps and support members;
- assembly access, erection tolerances, drainage and removal of an individual damaged baguette; and
- corrosion protection and compatibility between aluminium, steel, fasteners and surrounding materials.
Concept 2: end holes with a more concealed bracket
The second source concept describes holes at both ends of the terracotta baguette. A smaller end bracket connects the profile to the vertical subframe and is positioned behind the baguette, reducing its visibility in the normal front view. The rendering below exposes part of the assembly so the relationship between the baguettes, brackets and support can be understood.
The 2018 source also says that an internal steel tube may be used instead of the small bracket where the project requires a tube through the baguette. That substitution changes the component geometry, stiffness, weight, connections and load path; it therefore requires a new coordinated detail and cannot be treated as an on-site interchange.
Information needed before selecting a fixing method
- Ceramic profile: cross-section, wall geometry, length range, orientation, colour and surface, permissible tolerances and approved sample.
- Architectural layout: spacing, alignment, corners, terminations, views toward the fixing, and access for cleaning and replacement.
- Support condition: primary structure, secondary frame, bracket stand-off, connection zones, installation access and construction tolerances.
- Design actions: self-weight, project wind pressures and suctions, seismic or impact actions where applicable, accidental loads and maintenance conditions.
- Movement: thermal and moisture-related movement, structural deflection, joint strategy and the intended way the fixing restrains or permits movement.
- Durability: exposure environment, drainage, corrosion protection, galvanic compatibility, sealants or isolators, and long-term inspection access.
- Compliance: project fire strategy, relevant codes, required calculations, testing, mock-ups, approvals and documentation.
LOPO can coordinate available terracotta baguette profiles, colours and surfaces with the design team. Final supporting, anchoring and structural details remain part of the project’s engineered facade system.
From an early concept to an approved project detail
Use the original details as coordination references
The four retained images help architects and facade teams discuss visible hardware, internal carriers, end brackets and access. They do not show every component of the building envelope, nor do they establish a universal material grade, fastener schedule, bracket capacity, maximum span or code approval.
For design inspiration, browse the Architectural Terracotta Gallery and Terracotta Cladding Projects. Installed references can help define the intended visual result, while the current project’s engineering team develops and verifies its own support system.
Discuss a terracotta baguette project
Send LOPO your elevations, desired baguette section and orientation, spacing, approximate lengths and quantities, finish direction, support concept and project location. We can review product options and coordinate samples and fabrication information with your project team.