Mechanically Fixed Terracotta Facade
A Coordinated Tile-and-Subframe Approach
TerraFix™ coordinates purpose-made terracotta facing tiles with compatible rails and brackets for mechanically fixed exterior cladding. It provides a project-specific alternative to site-bonded tile finishes while retaining the color, texture and module of fired clay.
The complete facade build-up—including the substrate, anchors, cavity, insulation, membranes, fire barriers, movement joints and edge details—must be designed and approved for each project.
Scope and Responsibility
The Tile Is One Part of the Wall Assembly
TerraFix™ is not a universal wall assembly or a substitute for facade engineering. LOPO supplies the terracotta facing units and can provide reference component information, samples and coordination support.
The responsible project team must verify structural loads, fixing capacity, moisture management, fire performance, corrosion protection, thermal movement, tolerances and local compliance.
System Components
Coordinate the Facing, Support and Wall Interface
Each part must be selected as part of one approved project arrangement rather than treated as an independent universal component.
Rails, Brackets and Connections
A reference arrangement uses zinc-aluminum-magnesium-coated steel components. Material grade, coating, gauge, spacing, fasteners and connection capacity must suit the project exposure and design loads.
Purpose-Made Facing Tiles
Fired-clay units are formed with rear geometry intended to coordinate with the selected support arrangement. Final profile, tolerances, color range, surface and corner strategy are approved through drawings and representative samples.
Wall Interface and Cavity
Anchors, substrate, isolators, insulation, membranes, cavity barriers, flashings and drainage are part of the complete wall design and are not defined by the tile alone.
Where the approved wall design includes a drained and ventilated cavity, all interfaces and compartmentation must be coordinated with the responsible project professionals.
Existing Product Reference
Reference Configuration and Nominal Data
The values below reproduce the reference configuration currently shown for this product. They are not universal design values and must be checked against the latest approved drawings, samples and supplier documents before specification or ordering.
| Item | Existing Reference | Project Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Facing tile module | 244 × 68 × 17 mm | Nominal reference size; confirm the approved shop drawings and manufacturing tolerances. |
| Nominal tile coverage | 60.27 tiles/m² | Recalculate from the approved module and include corners, openings, cutting and project allowance. |
| Nominal facing weight | 27.5 kg/m² | Facing reference only; total system dead load must include rails, brackets, fasteners and accessories. |
| Reference horizontal profile | 68 × 24 × 0.6 mm | Reference component only; final section, gauge, spacing and connections require project engineering. |
| Reference steel grade | Q355B with zinc-aluminum-magnesium coating | Confirm current mill certificates, coating specification and suitability for the exposure category. |
| Firing temperature | Approximately 1200°C | Manufacturing reference only; product performance must be supported by relevant current test data. |
| Supporting arrangement | Horizontal profiles with optional vertical profiles | The final arrangement follows the approved facade design and component supplier information. |
Dimensions, coverage and weight are nominal. Joint module, tolerances, cutting, corners, openings and project allowance can change ordered quantities and installed loads.
Engineering Boundary
What Must Be Confirmed for Each Project
The final assembly must be reviewed and approved by the responsible architect, facade engineer, structural engineer, system supplier, installer and local authority, as applicable.
- Building location, height, geometry and environmental exposure
- Design wind, seismic and other applicable actions
- Substrate condition and anchor capacity
- Tile module, joints, corners, openings and tolerances
- Cavity ventilation, drainage and moisture management
- Insulation, membranes and fire-barrier requirements
- Corrosion category, coating and material compatibility
- Thermal and differential movement
- Required mock-ups, pull-out tests or prototypes
- Inspection, cleaning, access and replacement strategy
Material Design
Design Options for Fired-Clay Facades
LOPO can review standard or project-specific tile colors, textures and profiles, subject to manufacturing feasibility, tooling, order quantity and the approved sample range. Natural fired clay can show intended shade and texture variation, so approval should cover several units rather than one isolated sample.
Building Context
Typical Applications
TerraFix™ may be evaluated for commercial, residential, education, hospitality and civic facades, including selected new-build and renovation conditions.
Suitability does not follow from building type alone. Building height, location, substrate, exposure, geometry and local rules must be assessed by the project team.
Installation Coordination
A Project Sequence, Not a Stand-Alone Installation Manual
The exact installation procedure follows the approved system drawings, project specification, site conditions, component supplier instructions and installer method statement.
- Verify issued-for-construction drawings, substrate condition, tolerances and approved anchors.
- Set out brackets and supports in accordance with the engineered layout.
- Install rails, brackets and isolating components; check line, level and connection engagement.
- Coordinate membranes, insulation, fire barriers, flashings, cavity and drainage details.
- Fit the terracotta units using the approved compatible components and sequence.
- Inspect joints, edges, corners, fastener engagement and replacement access.
- Complete project QA records and any required testing or sign-off.
The video illustrates a general sequence only. It does not replace approved shop drawings, structural calculations, project specifications, a site-specific method statement or installer training.
Before Full Production
Quality Control, Mock-Ups and Documentation
Before production and installation at scale, coordinate approved shop drawings, a representative color range, a project mock-up, substrate and anchor checks, component certificates and installation QA records.
Project-specific testing may include pull-out, structural, air/water, fire or other assessments required by the local design team.
Frequently Asked Questions
TerraFix™ Project Questions
Is TerraFix™ suitable for every building?
No. The concept must be evaluated against the building height, location, exposure, substrate, geometry, design loads and local requirements.
Is TerraFix™ a complete engineered facade system?
This page describes a reference tile-and-support concept. LOPO supplies terracotta products and provides product information and coordination support. Qualified project professionals must design and approve the complete wall assembly.
Can the tile size, color or surface be customized?
Custom development can be reviewed subject to manufacturing feasibility, tooling, minimum order quantity, lead time and sample approval.
Does the system require grout or sealant?
Joint treatment depends on the approved wall detail. A grout-free or open-joint approach must not be assumed solely from the tile profile.
Can individual tiles be replaced?
A mechanically fixed detail may facilitate local removal and replacement where the approved connection detail and site access allow it.
What information is needed for a project review?
Send the project country, building type and height, approximate facade area, substrate information, drawings, preferred tile module, color or surface, performance requirements and target schedule.
What test reports or certificates are available?
Request the current documents for the proposed tile and components. Document availability and relevance depend on the selected product and project requirements.
Related Resources
Compare Products and Prepare Your Brief
Project Inquiry
Discuss Your TerraFix™ Facade Project
Send the project country, building type and height, approximate facade area, substrate information, drawings, preferred tile size, color or surface and target schedule. LOPO Terracotta will review product feasibility and provide the relevant next-step information.
LOPO Terracotta is the international brand of LOPO Terracotta Products Corporation Limited. Product feasibility, supply scope and current documents are confirmed for each project.