Terracotta has been around for centuries in art and architecture. As a building material, terracotta was prevalent in several regions across the globe. From Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, terracotta has been a significant aspect of many ancient civilisations.
What Is Terracotta?
Terracotta is a clay-based ceramic. It comes from firing that results in a hard, porous and durable material.
The name comes from Italian, which translates to “baked earth”. Usually, its reddish-brown colour causes it to stand out and distinguishes it from other materials.
Apart from its common uses in art and vessels, terracotta can make construction products such as tiles, bricks and pipes.
Benefits of Terracotta
Terracotta is a beautiful and durable material. It is hard-wearing and has a long lifespan. In addition, it is also versatile and resistant to heat and moisture.
As it is a natural material, it is to be sustainable. You can also recycle it. However, the firing process can sometimes consume a lot of energy.
Uses Of Terracotta In Tropical Homes
The versatility of terracotta means that it has several possible applications. Though many countries in several different regions use terracotta, they are some interesting ways it can enhance a home in a tropical climate.
Here are seven cool ways these tropical homes use terracotta.
1. Wall Cladding
People often appreciate terracotta wall claddings for their vibrant colours, natural patterns and durability. In addition, they offer a familiar yet distinctive look and add a ton of character to the façade of a building.
Photo: Dũng Huỳnh | Backyard House | AD+studio
Backyard House is an example of this. The bright colour and round shingle pattern add charm and texture to the façade of this home. Also, they contrast beautifully with the white projections and give a unique appearance.
2. Walls
Terracotta brick walls are historically common in several regions. They were popular in temperate and tropical climates.
However, brick has high thermal massing properties. Having thermal massing properties mean that they transfer heat slowly. Hence, it takes a while for them to transfer heat from the outside to the inside. However, they also store heat and slowly release it during the night. This slow release of heat is not ideal for tropical climates. Hence bricks, like concrete, should be shaded from direct sunlight where possible.
Photo: Hiroyuki Oki | House for Trees | VTN Architects
In House for Trees by VTN Architects, they use locally sourced bricks on the internal walls as a finish. Using bricks from local sources could reduce the cost and the carbon footprint due to long-distance shipping.
Photo: Hiroyuki Oki | House for Trees | VTN Architects
The house’s outer walls are in-situ (poured in place) concrete. In addition, the exterior concrete layer is separate from the inner brick skin with a cavity between the two. Hence, this shades the terracotta brick wall and prevents heat from transferring to the interior.
In addition, terracotta bricks do not require expensive or labour-intensive finish applications like some other materials. Its beautiful rich tones and brick patterns can add a lot of warmth and texture to a room.
Photo: Hiroyuki Oki | Ha House | VTN Architects
In Ha House, the budget was low. Therefore, VTN Architects use bricks as the finishes. This practice is common in Vietnam and was excellent at reducing construction costs. Labour cost was low, and bricks were from local sources.
3. Brick Fence
Terracotta brick fences have been around for ages. They can be an open type where you have spaces to see through or closed, which offers more privacy.
Like brick walls, the terracotta’s colour and pattern can create multiple eye-catching designs that enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Photo: Shamanth J Patil | Ha House | BetweenSpaces
Photo: Shamanth J Patil | Ha House | BetweenSpaces
The garden of Cuckoo’s Nest has a brick jaali (Indian term for a perforated screen) wall surrounding it. Architects, BetweenSpaces uses the brick perforated fence to allow good cross-ventilation across the garden into the home’s living room. The house sits on a corner lot. Hence, this tall brick perforated fence provides some privacy from the street.
The result is a decorative wall along the street and property.
4. Brick Brise-Soleil
A brise-soleil is a perforated screen that shades a building from direct sunlight. The name brise-soleil comes from the French words for “sun breaker”.
Sun shading is a critical element of tropical architectural design. Direct sunlight entering your home or hitting your walls can significantly increase the indoor temperature. This increase in temperature prevents you from obtaining optimal thermal comfort indoors.
Indonesian architect, Andyrahman, uses this strategy on the Trapezioma House. They refer to it as “breathable walls”.
Photo: Mansyur Hasan | Trapezioma House | Andyrahman Architect
Photo: Mansyur Hasan | Trapezioma House | Andyrahman Architect
The upper façade of the house uses custom-made trapezoidal bricks. Local artisans made the bricks using locally sourced materials.
Using local artisans and materials meant they could design the bricks exactly how they wanted. They designed and made bricks in the shape of a trapezoid rather than the traditional rectangular shape. The bricks carry two holes in them to receive reinforcing bars. This design made them cheaper and easier to install.
This custom shape imitates woven bamboo, a traditional construction form. However, the overall application creates a modern home that responds to the tropical climate.
Spaces between the bricks facilitate air movement passing in and through the house. Also, they allow natural light while reducing the intensity of direct sunlight.
5. Permeable Pavers
Installed terracotta permeable pavers leave spaces between them. Filling these spaces with dirt allows vegetation to grow. The holes also permit rain or stormwater to filter through the areas of the earth between the pavers.
The water eventual finds its way down to the groundwater table. Hence, this process makes permeable pavers better for the environment than solid, impervious surfaces like concrete pavements. However, they are stable and durable enough to walk or even drive on.
Photo: Quang Dam | The Umbrella | AD+studio
AD+studio uses terracotta permeable pavers in the Umbrella House. They use the pavers in the driveway as well as in the courtyard. The pavers’ bright colour contrasts with the dirt and grass.
6. Floor Tiles
Traditionally, many regions have used terracotta floor tiles throughout the ages. It has natural, earthy tones, which give it a rustic look. Hence, this rustic appearance makes it suitable for natural, tropical settings.
In tropical regions, terracotta floor tiles are suitable for indoor and outdoor uses. They are great on verandas and other covered outdoor spaces. It is solid and durable.
Photo: Quang Dam | Half Roof House | AD+studio
Photo: Quang Dam | Half Roof House | AD+studio
The terracotta floor tiles’ orange tones appeal to the Half Roof House by AD+studio. From the time you step onto the property to meandering through the outdoor corridors of the home. Furthermore, the tiles complement this house’s natural wood, brick and concrete tones.
7. Roof Tiles
One of the most common uses of terracotta in buildings is roof tiles. Terracotta clay roof tiles are still standard across the globe. Also, they are usually associated with Mediterranean styles of architecture and are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
Terracotta roof tiles come in various shapes and sizes. Their installation can create a dramatic, textured roof covering.
However, they are heavier than some other roof-covering materials.
They are a traditional roofing material for both old and new projects.
Photo: Quang Dam | Half Roof House | AD+studio
The Half Roof house renovation uses terracotta roof tiles. The roof of this house has a significant role in maintaining the traditional charm and character of the home. They kept half of the existing roof, maintaining its shape and material.
Conclusion
Terracotta is one of the oldest materials for making art, vessels and building materials.
Their reddish-brown colour makes them distinctive and can add character to your home.
In addition, it is a durable, hard-wearing material, meaning they have a long life span. This durability also makes them versatile in many different applications.
Uses include roof coverings, floor tiles, wall claddings and brise-soleils. Also, they can make interior and exterior wall structures. In addition, you can use them as part of your landscaping in the form of pavers and fencing.
Since terracotta comes from clay, a natural material, they have sustainable benefits. Using clay and artisans from local sources also reduces transportation costs and the negative environmental impact that has. It also supports the local manufacturing industry, which is vital for the many developing nations in the tropics.
Consider using terracotta to enhance your strategies for creating a tropical home.
Featured image: Omah Boto House | Andyrahman Architect
Photographer: Mansyur Hasan