Material innovation is a continuous journey at UNS. Building on the success of the Wasl Tower in Dubai — one of the tallest ceramic-clad buildings in the world — our team recently took part in the 2024 Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW) to push the boundaries of terracotta facade design even further.

The result? A full-scale prototype of a twisted terracotta shading fin that reimagines how ceramic can perform structurally, thermally, and aesthetically in high-rise applications.

From Wasl to Workshop
The Wasl Tower’s 3,800+ ceramic fins were designed to reduce solar heat gain while maintaining transparency and views. Inspired by this, the ACAW prototype aimed to evolve the concept by:

1. Increasing the exposed surface area of terracotta

2. Reducing reliance on high-embodied carbon materials like aluminum

3. Enhancing solar reflectance through advanced glazing

4. Exploring self-supporting geometries that improve structural efficiency

The prototype features a 90-degree twist in a single extruded terracotta panel, eliminating the need for post-firing cuts and allowing for a more efficient attachment system. This design not only improves heat dissipation but also enhances visibility and daylighting.

Performance Meets Sustainability
The research team conducted structural and thermal performance tests, comparing the ACAW prototype to the Wasl Tower fins. Key findings include:

1. A 50% increase in exposed terracotta surface area

2. Improved solar reflectance using a glaze inspired by “The Coolest White”

3. A 40% reduction in global warming potential (GWP) per square meter of facade, primarily due to reduced aluminum use

4. Structural feasibility under high wind loads, with a factor of safety exceeding 5

   

A Glimpse into the Future
This research underscores the potential of terracotta as a high-performance, low-carbon facade material. By integrating geometry, material science, and environmental performance, the ACAW prototype offers a compelling vision for future facade systems—especially in hot, sunny climates.

As the team continues to refine the design and explore its scalability, the project stands as a testament to UNS’ commitment to research-driven design and sustainable innovation.

Download the white paper here.