Terracotta Rainscreen · Glazed Series
Glazed Terracotta Panels for Controlled Colour and Sheen
A ceramic glaze adds another design layer to architectural terracotta, allowing colour, reflectance and surface variation to be developed beyond a natural clay finish. It can be used for a complete facade, a defined building volume or carefully placed accents.
Colour development
Specify the glazed appearance as a range, not a screen colour
Glaze appearance depends on formulation, application, clay body, firing and surface geometry. Computer colours and printed references can set a direction, but a fired sample is required to judge the actual hue, depth, sheen and variation. Curved, ribbed and flat areas may reflect light differently even within the same glaze direction.
Expanded palette
Glaze can support neutral, earthy or stronger accent directions. Availability and project suitability must be confirmed against current production capability.
Reflectance as a design tool
Matte, satin-like or more reflective visual directions change with daylight and viewing angle. The target appearance should be defined using physical samples.
Selective application
Glazed panels may mark entrances, setbacks or feature zones, or be coordinated with natural terracotta to create contrast across the elevation.
Project coordination
Review exposure, details and maintainable access
A glaze direction considered for exterior use should be reviewed for the actual project environment and the proposed panel geometry. Runoff paths, sealants, metal interfaces, cutting, exposed edges and cleaning strategy can all affect the appearance of the completed facade.
Glaze is a finish, not a substitute for facade engineering. The complete rainscreen—including panels, fixings, rails, cavity, insulation, membranes, joints and perimeter details—must satisfy the project’s structural, moisture and code requirements.
- Colour reference and desired degree of sheen
- Panel face geometry and glaze coverage intent
- Acceptable fired variation and sample-board format
- Elevation zones, edges, cuts and interface materials
- Project exposure, subframe and fixing concept
- Mock-up, quantity, phasing and replacement strategy
Manufacturing and custom feasibility
LOPO coordinates terracotta production through three factories and brings more than 20 years of manufacturing experience. Custom glaze directions require laboratory and production assessment because colour, sheen and coverage respond to the clay body, firing and panel geometry. Feasibility is reviewed per project and final production is confirmed only after technical assessment and approval of a fired sample.
Develop a glazed terracotta colour direction
Send colour references, elevations, surface intent and project exposure for initial review.