Rice University’s New Architecture Hall Revives Terra-Cotta Tradition
SOURCE: Metropolis
AUTHOR: Lauren Jones
DATE: May 7, 2025
Read the full article here.
In a recent profile on Karamuk Kuo’s thoughtfully-designed 22,000 SF addition to the Rice School of Architecture, Metropolis magazine calls attention to the use of Boston Valley Terra Cotta’s product for its building façade. Cited by the architect for the material’s ability to reflect design intent, the glazed terra cotta panels merge craftsmanship and technological innovation — much like how the classic-contemporary design of the new William T. Cannady Hall for Architecture complements the campus’ Gothic Revival style and handmade brick structures.
Terra cotta is a suitable building material for all climates, but its long-lasting durability provides excellent performance in freeze-thaw cycles and harsh weather conditions as well. For warm regions, a cooling factor comes into play — clay in lighter colors of through-body or applied glaze will reflect direct sunlight to help reduce solar heat gain. Terra cotta louvers used in sunscreen systems can also contribute to passive cooling. The article notes that a terra cotta panel system was selected for this project based on its sustainable, adaptable qualities and for ease of maintenance. Panels installed on a standard track system can be easily removed on an individual basis for repair or replacement.
The custom-designed terra-cotta facade, fabricated by Boston Valley Terra Cotta, extends the roofline with more than 5,000 square feet of panels and louvers. The system is ideal for Houston’s hot and humid climate, as it prevents condensation from building up, reduces solar heat gain, and allows for dappled, glare-free sunlight. “For a university, ease of repair and durability are also major advantages,” [Jeanette] Kuo says of the material (Metropolis).
Terra cotta is an excellent material choice for both classic and modern façade design. The malleable clay can be formed into countless profiles and adapted to most construction methods. Though it’s already a natural material, the clay Boston Valley uses for their product is also sourced domestically and mixed with recycled content. This lowers production and transportation costs, decreasing the carbon footprint of fabrication and mitigating environmental impact. In comparison to other building products, terra cotta is lightweight and produces no emissions; when incorporated with contemporary glass and steel facade systems it can help to reduce the average embodied carbon of a building. The advantages of architectural ceramics were not lost with builders of the past; with its recent revival in popularity, today’s architects can use terra cotta to create buildings that display historical craftsmanship through a modern aesthetic.
To learn more about the use of terra cotta on William T. Cannady Hall, read Metropolis magazine’s article: Rice University’s New Architecture Hall Revives Terra-Cotta Tradition.
