Ceramics

Unlike stone, pressed ceramic tiles or any kind of artificial panels of board type, extruded terracotta elements can easily be three-dimensional, due to the manufacturing process. Unfortunately architects do not always take advantage of this possibility, even though terracotta is a common material in façade claddings.  Here is a good example of its 3D possibilities!

And observe these difficult corners where three-dimensional elements can show their hollowness! A good challenge!

From a constructional point of view, this façade solution is quite similar to the one which the same architects have used in the office building in 22@. We just want to highlight the effectiveness that these mouldings may have if we compare them to those used in the building mentioned previously.

Have a look to the study of Profiled metal sheets for the free design of continuous enclosures for more information about the technical approach and the video that Hector Orozco sent us for the sensitive view!

An exciting challenge by Mecanotubo.

Building construction in the second half of the twentieth century, up to the start of the twenty-first century in Spain due to restrictions on inventiveness imposed by regulations, is characterized by a proliferation of systems for the blind area of façade. All of them are supported as systems by the industry and tend to be prefabricated, dry assembled and fixed.

This could not be more adequate.

It is wise in the decision of being discreet, and acute in the selection of all systems and materials. The expertise of the architects as constructors is shown in the accurate design of all the points of relation between the systems and elements.

In the façade solution of this building we want to draw attention to two factors:

The façade solution for the Institut de Recerca of the Hospital de Sant Pau illustrates the collaboration of Pich-Aguilera Arquitectes with formalization very similar to that of the Leitat building. If we look at the naked image of the thermal and watertight envelope, the two buildings can hardly be distinguished. In addition, both are covered with a ceramic lattice that partially hides the inner closure from the sun.

The MACBA, the Film Library and now the new Massana school building: all of these are large public buildings inserted into a dense, small-grain urban structure. In the case of the Massana school, the strategy was to break down the volume into two bodies that do not even seem to be part of the same building, justifying the great hall.

From Ircam to Saint Giles, Piano offers a range of proposals for closing the façade with prefabricated panels finished with ceramic pieces. It is interesting to see how these initial concerns and approaches accompany him throughout his career: prefabricating the use of small-format ceramic pieces.

Pich Aguilera studio is one of the non-conservative teams that always attract our attention, due to the overall formalization of their buildings and the technological strategies they adopt.