About Terra Cotta

Why terra cotta is the superior choice for architectural façades.

MATERIAL CHOICES MATTER — Architects have returned to terra cotta in recent decades, recognizing the greater need for construction products that maximize efficiency and reduce waste. Architectural terra cotta is a responsibly-sourced, natural material that may help us lower our impact on the environment.

Terra cotta is well-suited for sustainable façade solutions, offering high performance while helping to lower the carbon footprint of a building. Possibilities for use of terra cotta in architecture are vast, as professionals seek to benefit from its durable, malleable, sustainable and aesthetic qualities.

Please contact Boston Valley to learn more about our terra cotta products.

What is the embedded carbon cost of terra cotta vs. other raw materials and building products?

The pyramid demonstrates the environmental impact associated with common building products. CO2 is generated by these sources in two ways: (1) from burning fuel in the firing process, and (2) during material decomposition. Terra cotta’s CO2 emissions are significantly lower than those of concrete, glass, aluminum, and other alternatives.

The unit “kg CO2 EQ” measures the warming impact of different greenhouse gases compared to carbon dioxide. It offers a standardized way to evaluate emissions by converting all to a CO2 equivalent.

materials pyramid, compare greenhouse gases in building materials, sustainable design

< 0

-0.27 – -1.20 Wood Products
-0.90 Eelgrass Insulation
-1.10 – -1.28 Straw
-1.51 Plywood
-1.65 Cellulose Insulation

0–1

0.69 Ceramic Tile
0.53 High Density Concrete
0.52 Hemp Insulation
0.48 Low Density Concrete
0.40 Terra Cotta
0.26 New Brick
0.24-0.10 Plaster
0.22 Gypsum Board
0.08 Cellulose Fiber Reinforced Gypsum
0.08 Compressed Earth
0.00 Salvaged Brick

1–2

1.93-1.34 Window Glass
1.13 Structural Steel
1.10 Natural Stone
1.10 Linoleum

> 2

12.96-10.43 Aluminum Products
3.74-2.74 Foams
3.43 Stainless Steel
3.14-2.62 Plastics
2.88 Galvanized Steel
2.50 Vinyl Flooring

DURABILITY

Architectural terra cotta is an incredibly durable and non-combustible material, making it ideal to work with for façade design. The material offers an inherent through-body color range that is resistant to UV fade, so its aesthetic appeal will not lessen over time.

Structures made using terra cotta can last for hundreds of years with proper installation and maintenance. It performs very well in extreme weather conditions and can withstand yearly freeze/thaw cycles without taking damage.

These characteristics combined result in a long-lasting product that adapts easily to environmentally-focused designs.

Non-Combustible

Mildew-Resistant

Withstands Freeze/Thaw

Long-Lasting

UV Fade-Resistant

Extrusion

Hand-Pressed

RAM-Pressed

Slip Cast

MALLEABILITY

The high plasticity ratio of terra cotta allows it to be formed into a wide range of unique shapes and profiles. This flexibility makes the product equally suited for both masonry and panel system applications, from historic restorations to new build designs.

Boston Valley Terra Cotta is the only U.S. manufacturer that offers four forming methods to produce architectural ceramics. Using the four alone or in combination ensures the union of design intent with fabrication through the most efficient approach for the project.

SUSTAINABILITY

Architectural terra cotta is a naturally derived, abundant resource that is lightweight and economical to produce and transport. Terra cotta clay requires less energy to manufacture than glass, cement and other common building materials.

In terms of cradle-to-grave material lifecycle, terra cotta contributes to a circular economy. It can include up to 30% recycled material, minimizing landfill waste. The installation system also plays a part — individual terra cotta units can be removed and replaced, instead of replacing the entire façade and wasting material.

As a natural material mined from the earth’s clay, terra cotta does not off-gas any harmful chemicals or VOCs into the air. It also provides excellent thermal insulation that helps to lower a building’s surface temperature. High-performance façades can be designed with terra cotta to mitigate heat gain or encourage passive cooling, thereby reducing building energy requirements.

Natural Material

Low Embodied Carbon

Easy Maintenance

Low Emissions

≤ 30% Recycled

Thermal/Energy Efficient

Profiles

Finish Textures

Colors

Glazes

AESTHETICS

A truly versatile construction material, architectural terra cotta merges seamlessly with classic, historical contexts as well as contemporary visual vocabulary. The design options offer unlimited combinations of profile, color, finish and glaze.

The through-body colors and tactile surface quality that terra cotta naturally possess integrate well with biophilic designs. However, if you have a different vision in mind for your façade, rest assured that Boston Valley can customize our products’ final finish to your satisfaction. Our Glaze Lab is highly experienced in developing formulas to replicate the look of existing material samples through the application of glaze.

We can also work with you to invent a new glaze formula based on your input in regards to color, sheen, layering, viscosity and other elements, to achieve the desired effect for your design.