Blog posts from the ARCH Design Lab

A Closer Look at the Aesthetics of Glaze

When developing glaze for a project, there are many qualities to consider that will affect the final look. To simplify the design process, experts in our Glaze Lab use specific criteria to identify the visual aesthetic of each glaze.

Aesthetic Choices: Design Opportunities with Terra Cotta

Terra cotta's manufacturing process is highly informed by aesthetic considerations. By modifying or combining profile, color, finish, and glaze qualities, terra cotta can achieve a wide range of looks to suit the architect's intended design.

The Function of Form in Terra Cotta Manufacturing

Should today’s architecture favor minimalist design, or is there still space for decoration? When building with terra cotta, we don’t have to choose. By managing profile, forming method, and visual appearance, terra cotta can be shaped to embody any rational design.

‘Not just a building’: Yale’s Living Village welcomes its first student residents

This last month, Yale’s Living Village’s became home to its first students.
Orange County Museum of Art, Morphosis, TerraClad rainscreen, terra cotta curves

The Orange County Museum of Art Captivates Visitors with its Bold Terra Cotta Curves

Boston Valley worked closely with Morphosis Architects to design and manufacture intricate curved terra cotta panels for the Orange County Museum of Art.

Harnessing the Benefits of Terra Cotta to Face Sustainability Challenges

Sustainability is an ongoing topic in the architectural industry. One available solution: we can look to terra cotta as a geologically sourced material that may help us lower our impact on the environment.
Guaranty Building, Buffalo, NY, Terra Cotta Architecture, Louis Sullivan

Louis Sullivan’s Impact on Architectural Ceramics

Featuring an article from Village Preservation, which presents an abbreviated history of architect Louis Sullivan. Sullivan imposed great influence on significant architects and designs of America’s modern era.

Buffalo Business First Recognizes Boston Valley Terra Cotta with 2025 Manufacturing Award

9th Annual Awards showcases top companies from the area’s manufacturing sector.
Architectural terra cotta four forming methods for fabrication

Exploring Boston Valley’s Four Forming Methods for Efficient Fabrication

Boston Valley is the world’s only architectural ceramics manufacturer that employs four distinct forming methods in the creation of our products. This approach allows us to fabricate a versatile range of terra cotta products.
Boston Valley terra cotta through body colors

Designing with Through-Body Colors

When working with architects, building owners, and designers, the topic quickly falls to the color of the façade. Boston Valley manages the color for terra cotta façades during fabrication using two means — through-body color and glaze.
512 West 22nd Street, curved facade, facade design, terra cotta facade, TerraClad® Rainscreen, Boston Valley Terra Cotta

Curving Tradition – Exploring Terra Cotta in Modern Architecture

As Architects and Designers strive to create structures that are not only environmentally sustainable but also visually stunning, the choice of building materials plays a pivotal role. The use of architectural terra cotta (ATC) to craft curved façades on high-performance buildings blends tradition with innovation.
9-11 Richmond Buildings, London UK, Allies & Morrison, Szerelmey Ltd., Firmdale Hotels, custom glazed terra cotta units, custom profiles, terra cotta façade

London’s Architectural Terra Cotta Renaissance

In the heart of London, two monumental projects stand as testament to the city’s architectural heritage and its vibrant future. The revitalization of Battersea Power Station and the innovative design of Marylebone Square have redefined London’s skyline with the use of architectural terra cotta in façade design.

ACAW 2024 Team Innovations in High-Performance Terra Cotta Façades

The ACAW 2024 teams have finalized their designs after a three-month design process. Throughout this process, teams have analyzed their proposals and how to fabricate their concepts in terra cotta, resulting in some changes and shifts in focus.

Rediscovering Downtown LA’s Grand Dame: The Eastern Columbia Building

The Eastern Columbia Building has been characterized as one of the “grand dames of Art Deco Streamline Moderne” in Los Angeles. Designed by Claud Beelman and completed in 1930, the thirteen-story building is built of steel reinforced concrete.
145 Perry Street, NYC Architecture, Leroy Street Studio, terra cotta brick, terra cotta facade, TerraClad

Terra Cotta Shines in Manhattan’s West Village Residence

Recent updates show sidewalk scaffolding removed, revealing finishing touches still in progress. Work is anticipated to be completed by mid-year.