THE FACADE

Kitchell of Phoenix and Kovach worked closely with Boston Valley to develop the custom terra cotta louvers and attachment system. In order to best prepare for the fabrication of a custom façade such as this, Kitchell and Kovach needed to learn more about terra cotta, developing a greater understanding of the way the medium functions and its potential limitations. Terra cotta is flexible when wet and durable when fired. These innate properties of the material should be considered in the design of profiles.

University of Arizona, Health and Sciences Innovation Builidng, CO Architects, Kovach, Boston Valley Terra Cotta, TerraClad® Sunshade, Tuscon Arizona

TWISTED TERRA COTTA LOUVERS

The 12 “x 60” twisted terra cotta panels for HSIB were created using the extrusion forming method and feature a raked texture that was applied in the finishing department. The terra cotta louvers were manipulated post-extrusion to achieve the desired rotation while the clay was still pliable.

The highly customized terra cotta and glass façade on the Health and Sciences Innovation Building naturally required a custom attachment system. Most panel systems developed for new build architecture use Boston Valley’s standard track and clip system, but in certain cases a new system has to be implemented. This does not necessarily mean cost increases; if there is full involvement from the beginning between all parties – architect, façade contractor, installation team, and manufacturer – the design can be managed early in production to keep expenses reasonable.

Learn more about our custom design capabilities.

The façade developed for HSIB highlights the natural look of the terra cotta panels with its through-body color. 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 of the twisted louvers. The HSIB’s TerraClad® façade functions by blocking sunlight from entering the building through the eastern facing windows, therefore reducing glare in the facilities.

In order to achieve the signature 90° rotation on the HSIB terra cotta louvers, it was necessary to develop a special manufacturing technique. Boston Valley’s capability as a manufacturer is measured by each successful collaboration. Working closely with the architects from the early stages of development aids in the process of translating the design into a working production method.

Learn more about our manufacturing and production processes.

The installation of the twisted terra cotta louvers on the University of Arizona's HSIB facade, custom designed and fabricated by Boston Valley Terra Cotta

Close-up of the raked texture on one the University of Arizona's HSIB facade panels, produced by Boston Valley Terra Cotta using the extrusion forming method

The front cover of the University of Arizona's HSIB case study brochure featuring a custom facade of twisted terra cotta louvers, one of Boston Valley's projects

Download a PDF (1.2MB) of the University of Arizona HSIB Case Study Brochure

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THE FACADE

Kitchell of Phoenix and Kovach worked closely with Boston Valley to develop the custom terra cotta louvers and attachment system. In order to best prepare for the fabrication of a custom façade such as this, Kitchell and Kovach needed to learn more about terra cotta, developing a greater understanding of the way the medium functions and its potential limitations. Terra cotta is flexible when wet and durable when fired. These innate properties of the material should be considered in the design of profiles.

The façade developed for HSIB highlights the natural look of the terra cotta panels with its through-body color. 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 of the twisted louvers. The HSIB’s TerraClad® façade functions by blocking sunlight from entering the building through the eastern facing windows, therefore reducing glare in the facilities.

In order to achieve the signature 90° rotation on the HSIB terra cotta louvers, it was necessary to develop a special manufacturing technique. Boston Valley’s capability as a manufacturer is measured by each successful collaboration. Working closely with the architects from the early stages of development aids in the process of translating the design into a working production method.

Learn more about our manufacturing and production processes.

TWISTED TERRA COTTA LOUVERS

The 12 “x 60” twisted terra cotta panels for HSIB were created using the extrusion forming method and feature a raked texture that was applied in the finishing department. The terra cotta louvers were manipulated post-extrusion to achieve the desired rotation while the clay was still pliable.

The highly customized terra cotta and glass façade on the Health and Sciences Innovation Building naturally required a custom attachment system. Most panel systems developed for new build architecture use Boston Valley’s standard track and clip system, but in certain cases a new system has to be implemented. This does not necessarily mean cost increases; if there is full involvement from the beginning between all parties – architect, façade contractor, installation team, and manufacturer – the design can be managed early in production to keep expenses reasonable.

Learn more about our custom design capabilities.