The Argeton Rainscreen

Terracotta rainscreen wall systems from Telling Architectural offer a broad range of commercial wall applications to meet the most demanding of designs. The Argeton system is fully tested and has been installed on thousands of projects around the world. Argeton offers a wide range of tile sizes with larger and smaller formats with additional profile options within the tiles. There are 15 standard colors and custom color matches are also available. The Argeton Systems also provides sun shades and baguettes for a complete design offering.


Technical

Argeton rainscreens are an innovative concept for the use of terracotta tiles in a rainscreen. The system utilizes the proven principle of the ventilated cavity, promoting a condensation free and thermally efficient cladding whose components are suited to modern architecture.

The natural beauty and symmetry of the Argeton format lies in the precise and clean lines achieved without overlapping, the traditional method of protecting a tile façade against water ingress. The profile of the tile minimizes water penetration and is tested to CWCT Standards at the UKAS approved Taywood Laboratories in the UK. Testing for ICC Code approval is planned.

The strong contrast of the joint and the smooth tile enhance the aesthetic appeal of the rainscreen. The walling is commonly created in a modular format with powder coated aluminum sections used as features at corners, windows and storey heights. These can facilitate fire stopping measures where regulations so require.

Argeton rainscreens interface easily with alternative forms of curtain walling, glazing metal cladding and stucco systems to provide flexibility of design in the creation of an individual style.


Composition

The Argeton Rainscreen is constructed to comply with DIN 18516 Part 1 relating to ventilated non load bearing structural cladding systems. Natural clay tiles are available to a standard grid of up to 20 inches in length and 10 inches in height. Optional height tiles are available to suit grids.

The length of the tiles is variable and where necessary can be easily adjusted on site with a diamond tipped wet cut saw.

Tiles are 1¼ in thickness and dual skin throughout their length to provide a maximum system weight of 10 lbs/ft².

Aluminum substructures are designed in accordance with the British Standards applicable to rainscreen facades and have been tested at the UKAS accredited (ILAC Approved) Taywood Laboratories in the UK for compliance with CWCT Standards.


Performance

Structural

All components have been tested for structural performance and fasteners are either stainless steel or aluminum.

At vertical tile joints a recessed powder coated aluminum drainage profile ensures the dispersal of moisture. It also performs as a compression medium against wind loading and the prevention of tile vibration. The rainscreens are designed in accordance with BS6399:Part2:1995 to tolerate wind loadings in the specific geographic location and so as to prevent tile creep under thermal expansion and contraction.

The tiles are mechanically attached to the aluminum substructure ensuring the integrity of the façade in fire conditions. There are no gaskets, or seals that can fail within the design life of the system. A minimum cavity of 1¼ is required by European DIN Standards between the outer face of the insulant and the inner face of the tile.

Fire

All components are non combustible. Fire barriers can be inserted at storey heights to prevent the spread of flame but the ventilation of the cavity must not be inhibited.

The system is not reliant upon pressure clips or hooks for its attachment if the substructure should be distorted by fire.

Acoustic

Typically a 50 dB weighted average sound reduction is achievable when lightweight steel walling is adopted as the structural support.

Thermal

The insulant thickness selected can be varied to provide exceptional thermal performance. The insulant is secured in the cavity using mechanical anchors to prevent detachment and thereby inhibit airflow. A vapor permeable moisture resistant membrane should be specified.

Maintenance

The clay tile provides a cladding virtually free of maintenance. Damaged tiles can be removed and replaced without disturbance to the surrounding panels. The low porosity of the tile makes the façade resistant to airborne pollution and organic growth.

Weathering

A horizontal ventilation space of ¼ is maintained between the tiles. The system is capable of withstanding the most adverse of weather conditions maintaining a dry envelope to the structure. The performance of clay as a building material has been established over centuries and the overall design life is expected to exceed 50 years.

Tiles are through colored UV resistant and will weather uniformly.

Special grades of aluminum and powder coatings are available for marine environments.

Appearance

Smooth faced natural clay tiles available in fourteen colors created with natural ochres and the unique firing process. External corners are formed in powder coated aluminum with either a square hollow section or a cruciform. Linings to windows and base trims can be provided either to contrast or blend with the color of the tile selected.

A grooved tile is available in the 9" module only.

Refurbishment

The Argeton Terracotta Façade can be installed in both refurbishment and new construction. Structural deviations are readily overcome by the aluminum support system recommended.

Traditional backgrounds of block or concrete are suitable for support of the Argeton System. Thermal bridging between the cleat and the structure is prevented by the use of a thermal separator.

Light gauge 'stick built' or prefabricated steel walling can be designed to accommodate the Argeton System.

Design and Planning

Standard sections are available to assist the designer in the selection of appropriate interface details. Utilizing CAD, an elevation can be laid out to grid in the preferred tile module.

International specification links are available.

Structural calculations for the fixing of the support structure, wind speeds and any loadings that may be applicable will be undertaken by the in-house design and engineering department. These calculations are project specific, particularly in refurbishment where the age and condition of the fabric will require testing and analysis to establish its structural integrity.

The system has been assessed in Germany for use on structures up to 330 feet in height.

Terracotta Rainscreens LLC provide Professional Indemnity Insurance against design defect alongside insurance backed Product Liability Insurance upon the tiles.

Installation

Only contractors experienced and trained by the suppliers or manufacturers are approved for the installation of Argeton Terracotta facades. Consideration will be given to supply the system to companies with a proven track record of Curtain walling or Rainscreen cladding.

Preparation

A thorough survey of the structure to establish tolerances is required prior to the installation of the system.

Structural fasteners are tested to destruction to ensure compliance with the engineer's factor of safety calculations.

Check adequacy of project data and grid lines for transferal to the finished cladding line.

Ensure adequacy of scaffold access to set out lines on complete elevations.

Check that full knowledge and understanding of interface details is held before commencing works.

Framework

The system can be installed on a variety of backgrounds developed with the manufacturers.

On traditional structures of masonry and concrete the normal method will involve the installation of aluminum cleats in vertical lines at four foot centers across the elevation to be clad (subject to job calculations).

When the system is installed on 'stick built' steel walling or prefabricated panels a vertical aluminum top hat is adopted due to the improved accuracy achieved in the substrate and for speed of erection.

A horizontal support system is available for special projects.

Storage

Tiles are supplied on pallets banded to prevent damage during transit and site storage.

Generic Data

  1. Manufacturing Tolerances
    • Length +/- 1/8"
    • Height +/- 1/8"
    • Thickness +/- 1/30"
    • Camber +/- 1/8"
    • Head Groove +/- 1/8"
    • Base Channel +/- 1/10"

  2. Standard Tile Dimensions
    • Module A –16" x 8"
    • Module H –18" x 9"
    • Module I – 20" x 10"

PLEASE NOTE: The length of the tile can vary from 6" x 20". Other tile height sizes are available on application.

  1. Thickness
    • 1¼"

  2. Dry Weight
    • Total system allow 10 lbs/ft²

  3. Porosity
    • Not exceeding 4.25% by mass as required by DIN

  4. Frost Resistance
    • Satisfies 50 freeze/thaw cycles as required by DIN 52252 Part 1

  5. Impact Resistance Transverse Strength
    • 5.8 KN minimum

Color Options

Natural Red – Brick Red – Iron Grey – Salmon Pastel Red – Platinum – Light Grey – Volcano Grey – Sand – Sahara Yellow – Silver Grey – Tuscany Red – Glacier Blue – Pearl White – Apricot Beige

Services

  • Electronic CAD Downloads in DXF and DWG Formats
  • Specification Downloads
  • Design & CONDAM Evaluation
  • Management and Design Coordination
  • Planning and Budgetary Advice
  • Maintenance Manuals
  • Installation Training
  • Approved List of Contractors ( Job Specific)

Contact information - Telling:
Steven Collins
Telling Architectural Systems
68 Fox Run
Cranston, RI 02921
Phone – 401- 632-4577
Fax – 401-632-4801
Email – scollins@tellingarchitectural.com
Website: www.terracotta-rainscreen.com

National Distributor:
Cladding Corp
David Stutts
1247 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Suite 201
Washington, DC 20007
Phone – 888- 826-8453
Email – dstutts@claddingcorp.com
Website: www.claddingcorp.com