“Terracotta Panels” – The New Trend in Architecture?
The New Darling of Fashionable Materials – Terracotta Panels
Terracotta panels, made primarily from natural clay, combine high-tech innovations with ecological harmony. This material has a distinct artistic charm, rooted in human culture. Terracotta panels are not only naturally vibrant in color and pleasant in texture, but they also offer environmental benefits such as energy efficiency, sound insulation, and noise reduction. This makes it a material that preserves cultural essence while bringing a touch of modernity to architectural facades. In recent years, terracotta panels have become a popular choice in the world of construction materials.
01 UCCA Terracotta Art Museum
“Terracotta Element” as the Core Concept, Using Custom-made Terracotta Panels
The UCCA Terracotta Art Museum, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, is located in the heart of the Cultural District of Ding Shu Town, Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Covering an area of 2400 square meters, the museum consists of two floors and was recently completed, with a planned public opening in October 2024.
Yixing, located on the western shore of Taihu Lake, is an ancient city with a 7,300-year history of pottery making and is known as “China’s Ceramic Capital.” Inspired by this rich heritage, Kengo Kuma incorporated terracotta elements to blend Yixing’s unique cultural and urban characteristics. His design aimed to create a museum dedicated to contemporary ceramic art, fostering interaction between local and international art communities. UCCA Terracotta Art Museum is the fourth museum under the UCCA (Ullens Center for Contemporary Art) organization, following their locations in Beijing, Beidaihe, and Shanghai.
Panoramic View of UCCA Terracotta Art Museum
This museum marks Kengo Kuma’s first large-scale use of terracotta as a primary building material, merging traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern architectural concepts. The museum’s exterior is clad in custom-made terracotta panels, fired at high temperatures to create subtle textures and color gradients on the surface. The terracotta panels, influenced by the region’s humid climate, lend the museum a distinctive visual identity and artistic vibrancy.
The project is in line with Kuma’s philosophy of engaging all five senses in architecture. The tactile quality of the rough terracotta surface enhances the sensory experience, while the variation in the ceramic temperature evokes a tactile sense of warmth and texture. Kuma also emphasized the integration of the museum with its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the nearby Shushan Mountain and the historical legacy of the poet Su Dongpo. The design encourages a seamless connection between architecture, nature, and culture.
Collage of Exterior Views of UCCA Art Museum
02 Jiaxing Civic Center
White Terracotta Panels for the Roof, Forming an Integrated Organic Whole
The Jiaxing Civic Center, located in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, is situated along the city’s central axis and near the South Lake. The site covers nearly 130,000 square meters and includes several facilities: a science and technology museum, a women and children’s activity center, and a youth activity center, with a total construction area of 180,000 square meters.
Designed by architect Ma Yansong, the Civic Center was intended to be an inviting space for people of all ages to gather and engage in various activities. The design features a continuous, flowing roof that creates a “garden living room” for the city, combining the natural beauty of the Jiangnan water region with the architectural form. The roof, covered in locally produced white terracotta panels, echoes the traditional curved tile roofs of Jiangnan while being more cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Aerial View of Jiaxing Civic Center
The organic, flowing lines of the roof contribute to the architecture’s graceful and dynamic quality. The design integrates the building with its surroundings, providing a public space that is both open and adaptable. The large central lawn, covering 6,000 square meters, serves as a new type of urban public space, where citizens can gather, relax, and enjoy nature.
Traditional Tile Roof vs White Terracotta Roof at Jiaxing Civic Center
The terracotta panels used on the roof enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal while improving its energy efficiency, providing excellent insulation and durability, and contributing to the overall sustainable design.
Collage of Exterior Views of Jiaxing Civic Center
03 Yada Theatre, Yixing
Sky Blue Terracotta Panels, Focusing on the Terracotta Theme
The Yada Theatre, located near Yangxian Lake in Yixing, Jiangsu, is a cultural landmark within the Yada•Yangxian Creek Mountain Town. The design of the theater seeks to create a public performance space that balances both the natural environment and human experience.
Close-up of Terracotta Panels at Yada Theatre
The exterior facade of the theater is dominated by terracotta panels in a sky blue glaze, offering a unique and elegant texture that changes subtly under different lighting conditions. The architect’s use of terracotta in the design draws upon the region’s natural resources, creating a space where art and nature coexist in harmony.
Panoramic View of Yada Theatre
The terracotta panels used in this project were custom-made with various textures, including bamboo-joint patterns, which lend a classical touch to the building’s modern aesthetic. The smooth, dense surface of the terracotta also offers self-cleaning properties and reduces the long-term maintenance costs of the building. The design highlights the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary art, creating a space that celebrates both culture and the environment.
Close-up of Yada Theatre’s Architectural Exterior
Collage of Exterior Views of Yada Theatre
Conclusion
Terracotta panels are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-friendly, making them a favorite choice for modern architectural facades. Their soundproofing, fire-resistant, and easy-to-maintain properties have made them an indispensable material for both residential and commercial buildings.
References:
Major Terracotta Panel Manufacturers in China
Several companies in China have become leaders in the production of terracotta panels for architectural purposes. Among them are:
- TOB TERRACOTTA: Specializing in high-quality terracotta cladding and facades for both domestic and international projects.
- PANELTEK TERRACOTTA: Known for its innovative designs and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, Paneltek Ceramics produces custom-made terracotta panels in a wide range of textures and finishes.
- LOPO TERRACOTTA: This company focuses on sustainability and energy-efficient solutions, with a strong emphasis on integrating traditional terracotta techniques with modern architectural needs.
