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.
One of Boston Valley’s first projects to utilize a curved panel, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s terra cotta colored exterior captures one’s interest with geometric shapes and a towering, convex column at the entrance.
Similarly, the University of Arizona Health and Sciences Innovation Building (HSIB) showcases Boston Valley’s ability to craft custom façades with custom profiles. The twisted terra cotta louvers on HSIB, manufactured for Kovach and CO Architects is a fresh take on the TerraClad® Sunshade. The signature 90° rotation on the building’s exterior disrupts our expectation of a typical sunshade panel system creating a distinct visual rhythm. To achieve the signature 90° rotation, it was necessary to develop a special manufacturing technique, manipulating the terra cotta louvers post-extrusion to achieve the desired rotation while the clay was still pliable. A combination of clays, minerals, and stains were mixed with water and fired to form a permanent bond, resulting in the dark red adobe color.
Close up of the University of Arizona Health and Sciences Innovation Building’s twisted terra cotta louvers.
A view of the convex column at the entrance of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. ©Brett Drury
In London, the Newman and Rathbone Passageway serves as a testament to the integration of traditional materials in a contemporary urban landscape. Designed by Make Architects and executed with precision by Szerelmey, the passageway’s curved terra cotta panels, adorned with a captivating jade green glaze, offer pedestrians a journey through time, showcasing the enduring allure of architectural terra cotta.
Dry fit inspection of the Newman and Rathbone Passageway units before shipping.
A hallmark of modern architectural design, curved surfaces not only enhance visual appeal, but also serve as a canvas for pushing the boundaries of traditional materials. Projects like the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) exemplify this trend. OCMA is a state-of-the-art 53,000 sq. foot building, designed by Thom Mayne of Morphosis. Undulating bands of terra cotta wrap the exterior, continuing into the interior space. The complex rainscreen, clad in off-white lightly glazed terra cotta panels, challenges conventional perceptions with its curved surfaces, revealing glimpses of structural elements beneath.
Continuing the trend of pushing the boundaries of ATC, 512 W. 22nd Street combines terra cotta and glass. Rounded corners created with a smooth radius, demonstrate the symbiotic relationship between architectural mediums in creating a visually striking façade.
Mock up of Orange County Museum of Art terra cotta panels. ©JRoss Imaging
Full scale twisted louver mockup that showcases Boston Valley’s fabrication capabilities.
Aesthetically pleasing architecture is paving the way for a new era in design. These structures provide inspiration and showcase the versatility of ATC, reminding us of the inherent beauty and resilience in the modern built environment.
Header Image: Courtesy of ©Chris Payne/Esto
