TerraGlas: Terracotta with a Modern Edge

Tried and true, terracotta is a classic and diverse material. This earthy clay has been used for thousands of years in architecture, ceramics and dozens of other trades. However, despite the versatility of this ancient material, it is, at the end of the day, mud. Over time it crumbles and loses its structural integrity, no matter what superficial measures are taken to reinforce it. This fundamental flaw is something that caught the attention of the ever-resourceful Stromberg Group, an architectural firm that has made its name by researching and developing modern solutions to ancient architectural problems. Stromberg managed to create a composite of terracotta reinforced with fiberglass that is visually indistinguishable from traditional terracotta, but with several key advantages. Not only is this material more durable, it is also lighter, more resistant to frost and other extreme weather, non-combustible and more reliable and effective at consistently replicating details.

Restoration and Replication with TerraGlas

Architectural Terra Cotta for the Modern Age

TerraGlas is the perfect material for restoring old terra cotta architecture, because TerraGlas isn’t a stop-gap, it is a permanent fix. This is a material that will last for years longer than traditional terra cotta, and will endure punishing elements like harsh weather, urban smog and even acid rain. Furthermore, one of the disadvantages of working with terra cotta is that to transform this ancient material from its malleable form to its solid form, it must be fired, or baked in a kiln. Since there are so many different variables to predict such as moisture, density and mineral composition, it is very difficult to determine how the material will change when it is fired. TerraGlas suffers none of these disadvantages. Due to the unique blend of terra cotta and fiberglass, TerraGlas comes out of the mold with the same dimensions as it went in. This makes it a very predictable material to work with, and perfect for accurate restoration and replication of architectural details. Not only does this attribute give TerraGlas the edge in terms of delivering what is asked for, it also makes this material uniquely suited for historical restorations where attention to detail is absolutely critical.

Durable and Lightweight, TerraGlas is Pure Improvement

Amazingly, TerraGlas manages to improve every aspect of terra cotta across the board. This is not a material that offers a compromise or some kind of alternative, it is a raw improvement. Where terra cotta would disintegrate over time, TerraGlas keeps its form. Where terra cotta would shatter under concussive force, TerraGlas suffers zero injury. Due to the porous and brittle nature of traditional terra cotta, it is prone to breaking in deep frosts and freezing temperatures. TerraGlas is nearly impervious to cold. This is a material that is lighter, stronger and yet virtually indistinguishable visually from terra cotta.

Contact Us for More Information on TerraGlas

Sound too good to be true? Give us a call at 903.454.0904, or send an email requesting more information to [email protected].
Rachel Curling