25 best ceramic facade cladding manufacturers
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25 best ceramic facade cladding manufacturers

18 Sep 2024  •  Specification  •  By Samira Ahsan

Ceramic facade cladding has become a favorite among architects and designers for its combination of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and long-term durability. Beyond its visual versatility, ceramic cladding offers significant benefits for buildings. It's a sustainable choice due to its natural materials and energy-efficient production process, contributing to reduced environmental impact. Additionally, its excellent insulation properties help improve a building's energy efficiency, lowering heating and cooling costs. Ceramic cladding is also resistant to weather, fire, and corrosion, making it a cost-effective solution with minimal maintenance requirements over time.

Whether a project calls for curtain walls, large-format ventilated facades, rain-screen systems, or insulation solutions with cutting-edge carbon technology or sustainable materials, a variety of ceramic cladding products offer maximum design flexibility in terms of material, shape, color, and texture. Below are 25 of the top ceramic cladding manufacturers, as highlighted in Archello's 25 best manufacturers series, favored by architects and designers alike.

 

1. Flexbrick, Spain

photo_credit Miguel de Guzman
Miguel de Guzman

Flexbrick reimagines the use of ceramics in architecture, delivering excellent results in the design and construction of pavements, roofing, vertical cladding, structures, urban furniture, civil engineering, and urban planning. With its innovative system, Flexbrick continues to redefine the possibilities of ceramic applications in the built environment. Flexbrick ceramic textiles for light-permeable façade cladding is an industrialized system that utilizes flexible sheets of baked clay for tiling, cladding, and laminated structures with a ceramic finish. These ceramic textiles offer endless possibilities for dry-assembly cladding systems in architecture. These can be used to cover facades, roofs, and squares, and also to explore textile architecture. 

 

2. Elemex, Canada

photo_credit William P. McElligott Photography Ltd.
William P. McElligott Photography Ltd.

Elemex is at the forefront of architectural facade systems, providing the industry with innovative design possibilities. Ceramitex® facade cladding with weather-resistant properties by Elemex is the facade system that sets a new standard for durability and aesthetics. With its large format sintered ceramic panels, Ceramitex® offers a lightweight yet robust solution that can withstand graffiti, scratches, and harsh weather conditions. Engineered with proprietary Unity® integrated attachment technology, Ceramitex® is tailored to meet any required specifications, providing both beauty and protection for projects.

 

3. Agglotech, Italy

photo_credit Fletcher Priest Architects
Fletcher Priest Architects

Agglotech is the largest producer of terrazzo in Europe. Its mission is to promote the use of marble-cement agglomerates as versatile, natural cladding material that offers excellent performance. Agglotech’s Terrazzo façade cladding with water-resistant and thermal-efficient properties is an elegant and technologically innovative solution for surfacing interiors and exteriors of various dimensions. It has gained popularity among architects and designers due to its unique qualities. Terrazzo, a composite material made of marble chips and cement, has evolved significantly over the years. At present, the material is widely used for cladding both interior and exterior walls.

 

4. Boston Valley Terra Cotta, United States

Caption

Boston Valley Terra Cotta is a renowned global provider of architectural terra cotta solutions. It specializes in restoring, renovating, and constructing new buildings, combining advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship. Its TerraClad® cladding system offers several benefits over conventional masonry cavity wall systems. It is durable, easy to maintain, and features ship-lapped open joints that protect the building while preventing mold and mildew. The system's versatility allows for various installation methods and offers unique design possibilities. TerraClad® also contributes to energy efficiency and is an environmentally friendly choice due to its non-combustible nature and long lifespan.

 

5. NBK Architectural Terracotta, Germany

photo_credit Alex Fradkin
Alex Fradkin

NBK Architectural Terracotta is committed to sustainable growth by integrating quality, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and security into its corporate objectives. It aims to deliver high-quality architectural terracotta products while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. TERRART®-BAGUETTE  is a highly adaptable ceramic cladding system with versatile features and design flexibility. NBK's expertise in advanced mixing techniques and traditional firing methods allows for precise customization of colors and surface textures, meeting the most demanding architectural requirements. Beyond facades, this system can be creatively applied to parapets and balconies.

 

6. PHOMI, Belgium

photo_credit apconsultant
apconsultant

PHOMI is the global leader and inventor of MCM (Modified Clay) technology, which has been adopted as the national industry standard for MCM material. The company's vision is to provide more green and sustainable eco-products that are beneficial to society. Phomi Modified Clay Material is made of sustainable vinyl and porcelain tiles. Similar to clay bricks and tiles, this revolutionary, patented product is based on the natural material clay. By being modified to be baked at a lower temperature, it reduces energy consumption and makes the production process more environmentally friendly.

 

7. GammaStone, Italy

photo_credit GammaStone
GammaStone

GammaStone is a leading innovator in architectural façade systems. With over 50 years of experience, GammaStone is renowned for its high-quality, versatile, and reliable solutions. GammaStone Gres Air is a premium ceramic paste panel that is ideal for all architectural projects. It is used for facade cladding and solar shading. This high-tech product is manufactured in Italy using only the finest porcelain gres, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to scratches, wear, UV rays, stains, and mold. Available in large sizes, GammaStone Gres Air offers slim manufacturing techniques for easy installation and a monolithic appearance. Its technical characteristics include UV resistance, wear resistance, and a natural stone look.

 

8. Casalgrande Padana, Italy

photo_credit Casalgrande Padana
Casalgrande Padana

Casalgrande Padana is a leading Italian manufacturer of advanced ceramic materials for building envelopes, flooring, and coverings. Founded in 1960, the company has experienced significant growth, becoming a global leader in its industry. The Fractile collection, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is a unique series of porcelain stoneware tiles inspired by fractal mathematics. It is a three-dimensional stoneware tile for exterior cladding. These tiles feature a mesmerizing color-shifting effect, achieved through a sophisticated industrial process involving glazing and firing at 1250°C. 

 

9. Koninklijke Tichelaar, Netherlands

photo_credit Bart van Hoek
Bart van Hoek

Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum is the oldest company in the Netherlands and is globally renowned for its ceramics. With centuries of experience, Tichelaar offers durable and timeless products with cultural value. Its ceramics appeal to architects, artists, and designers, creating new applications like façade cladding and interior design. While continuing traditional production, Tichelaar also expands its range of ceramic products. Custom-made glazed ceramic facade tiles are a tile range by Tichelaar. These tiles feature colored glass glazes in various tones, achieved through layered glass and firing. Besides their aesthetic appeal, these tiles are frost-resistant and have certificates for mechanical properties.

 

10. Levantina, Spain 

photo_credit  Levantina
Levantina

Levantina, a multinational company with Spanish roots, is a global leader in the Natural Stone Industry. Founded in 1959, Levantina guarantees the supply of materials for large projects. Its mission is to provide sustainable development through resource management. Techlam® Slate Ivory ceramic tiles for interior and exterior cladding by Levantina is a versatile porcelain tile suitable for architectural projects and avant-garde interior design. It features a brilliant white canvas with soft gray streaks, creating a nostalgic and bright decoration for floors and walls.

 

11. Viúva Lamego, Portugal 

photo_credit Viúva Lamego
Viúva Lamego

Viúva Lamego is a Portuguese tile company with a history dating back to 1849. Its factory building, adorned with figurative tiles, is a notable example of 19th-century naïve style tiling. Initially producing utilitarian tiles, Viúva Lamego gained recognition for its craftsmanship. The company continues to collaborate with artists and offers a wide range of tiles and ceramic products. Glazed tiles for exterior facade cladding produced with porcelain stoneware are a key product from Viúva Lamego. These porcelain stoneware tiles are known for their durability, vivid colors, and resistance to frost and water absorption. The translucent glazed tiles collection is suitable for facade cladding and other architectural applications. 

 

12. LOPO Terracotta, China

photo_credit Vincent Wu
Vincent Wu

LOPO China is a leading manufacturer of architectural terracotta products, offering durable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Established in 2002, LOPO has gained international recognition for its high-quality products used in prestigious projects. LOPO Terracotta Facade Cladding is well-known for its thermal insulation, weather resistance, low maintenance, and sustainability. With a wide range of natural-fired and glazed colors, LOPO provides versatile design options for architects and designers. 

 

13. PORCELANOSA, Spain

photo_credit PORCELANOSA
PORCELANOSA

PORCELANOSA Grupo is a leading Spanish company recognized for its innovation, quality, and global presence. With a diverse product range, including ceramic tiles, kitchen and bathroom equipment, and building solutions, PORCELANOSA has become a trusted name in the industry. XTONE Moon White tiles is a large-format porcelain tile material known for its pure white color, homogeneity, and versatility. Its high-quality raw materials and compact sintered mineral composition make it suitable for various projects, including wall cladding and interior design. XTONE offers resistance to extreme factors, elegant surfaces, and endless design possibilities.

 

14. ModCraft, United States

photo_credit Mary St. John
Mary St. John

ModCraft is a stoneware tile and lighting business specializing in handmade porcelain wall tiles. Its tiles are known for their elegant design, durability, and beautiful play of light. ModCraft offers a variety of dimensional tiles suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including residential, retail, and hospitality applications. ModCraft Hudson modern porcelain tile for dynamic facades is one of its popular products, inspired by the curves of the Hudson River. Its design creates mesmerizing effects when used on larger surfaces and can be placed either horizontally or vertically. This tile is ideal for designers seeking to create visually impressive feature walls or add a modern touch to their designs.

 

15. TONALITY, Germany

photo_credit TONALITY
TONALITY

TONALITY® is a leading manufacturer of ceramic facade tiles known for their high quality, durability, and versatility.  TONALITY's rear-ventilated ceramic facades offer a wide range of colors, surfaces, and formats, providing limitless design possibilities. The tiles are lightweight, allowing for a flexible and quick installation process. The superior quality, frost resistance, and long-lasting durability make these products ideal for both new constructions and refurbishments. TONALITY® Ondo high-quality clay cladding tiles introduce a unique surface structure with waved ridges, creating a textured and elegant look. The high-temperature firing process ensures a smooth, dense surface and lasting freedom from maintenance.

 

16. Trencadis, Spain

photo_credit Trencadis
Trencadis

Trencadís Innovación is a Spanish company specializing in handcrafted Trencadís mosaics made from irregular pieces. With over 20 years of experience and a team of skilled craftsmen, it offers personalized mosaic solutions tailored to clients' needs. Handmade Trencadis mottled porcelain finishes with diverse patterned tiles and colors are used for both indoor and outdoor cladding. The product is created from porcelain tiles with a variety of finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured. The mottled panels feature a seemingly random combination of colors, achieving aesthetic balance through dark, light, and white tones. Clients can customize their Trencadis mosaics by selecting from different color ranges and manufacturers. 

 

17. Tiles of Stow, UK

photo_credit French & Tye
French & Tye

Tiles of Stow is a family-owned business founded in 1988. It specializes in hand-painted stoneware tiles, known for high quality and durability. Their tiles are popular for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor spaces. Handmade stoneware glazed tiles for exterior cladding offered by Tiles of Stow are handmade and glazed in their Cotswold studio, ensuring uniqueness and contemporary style. These are suitable for both interior and exterior walls and can be customized for various applications.

 

18. TEMPIO, Spain 

photo_credit TEMPIO
TEMPIO

Tempio is a leading manufacturer of ceramic ventilated facade systems. As a Spanish-based company, it works for architects who consider ceramic facades to be a combination of design and functionality. Tempio high-profile tiles for ventilated facade systems terracotta tile offer a wide range of aesthetic qualities and practical benefits, including improved thermal and acoustic properties, extended warranties, low energy consumption, easy installation, fire safety, and sustainability. These features make Tempio's products a popular choice among architects and construction professionals seeking high-quality and durable facade solutions.

 

19. Cupa Pizarras, Spain

photo_credit Cupa Pizarras
Cupa Pizarras

CUPA PIZARRAS is the world's leading natural slate production company. Its reach extends across more than 60 countries on five continents, with over 98% of production being exported. CUPACLAD Honeycomb cladding opens up a world of possibilities for designing ventilated facades by introducing new shapes and combinations in natural slate. It has become the best solution for the latest architectural trends.  CUPACLAD Design emerges as a challenge to the most avant-garde architects and aims to motivate them to design the project of the future with such a noble and durable material as natural slate. 

 

20. Reviglass Glass Mosaics, Spain

photo_credit  Reviglass Glass Mosaics
Reviglass Glass Mosaics

Reviglass is a leading producer of recycled glass mosaics. It has been operating since 1985 from a factory in Bidania (Guipuzcoa), Spain. The company is dedicated to producing high-quality glass mosaic products while ensuring that its operations are sustainable and environmentally responsible. DK (facade) Reviglass mosaic tiles are visually appealing and environmentally friendly, being made from a hundred percent recycled glass.  Additionally, these tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, making them versatile for various projects. Available in a wide range of standard colors, these glass mosaic tiles can be added to several facade systems as a finish material.

 

21. IRIS CERAMICA, Italy

photo_credit IRIS CERAMICA
IRIS CERAMICA

Iris Ceramica, a world leader in glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles, offers a vast selection for residential, retail, and industrial projects. Since 1961, the company has produced Italian-made tiles, renowned for their quality and style. Ventilated facades with ceramic slabs by Iris Ceramica offer several benefits like thermal and acoustic insulation alongside protection from the elements. Their Maxi Slabs, impressive in size, have found success on floors and walls, and now on building exteriors as well.  These ventilated facades contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat gain in summer and lowering air conditioning costs. The system's innovative structure utilizes a natural "chimney effect" for ventilation, creating a more comfortable building environment. 

 

22. Wienerberger, Austria

photo_credit Wienerberger
Wienerberger

Wienerberger, a global leader in building materials, has expanded rapidly since its founding in 1819. It offers sustainable solutions for wall, roof, and landscaping projects, supporting the construction industry in creating a better built environment. KORAMIC ACTUA clay roof tile as ceramic facade cladding is a popular clay roof tile known for its elegance, reliability, and easy installation. Its sleek design and high-quality materials make it suitable for modern architectural styles. The clay roof tile material has a relatively high density and good heat storage properties. This makes it an excellent buffer for temperature fluctuations, providing a better heating economy and a comfortable indoor climate.

 

23. Moeding, Germany

photo_credit Moeding
Moeding

Moeding Keramikfassaden GmbH is a subsidiary of Girnghuber GmbH, with its primary focus on creating functional building materials with personality. The company is an innovative leader in cladding solutions with thermal insulation and aims to collaborate closely with architects to bring creativity to construction projects, resulting in visually appealing and functional references in the building landscape.  Rear-ventilated tile vertical facade systems with rain-screen cladding by MOEDING are highly customizable and energy-efficient. These systems feature an aluminum substructure and can be vertically mounted on buildings. The sustainable materials used in MOEDING's tile facades ensure long-lasting durability and environmental friendliness.

 

24. Michelmersh,  UK

photo_credit Michelmersh
Michelmersh

As Britain’s Brick Specialist, Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC unites the best in clay traditions. The Group represents seven recognized premium brands across the UK and Europe.  The Group focuses on crafting durable, high-quality construction materials that suit diverse architectural styles. Known for its innovation and sustainability, it offers sustainable products and services. Michelmersh’s Blockleys Park Royal wire-cut facing brick is an ideal choice for various construction applications. This versatile brick is suitable for educational institutions like schools, healthcare facilities such as hospitals, commercial establishments including offices, and residential properties in both the public and private sectors.

 

25. Aliva UK, UK

photo_credit Aliva UK
Aliva UK

Aliva UK is a leading provider of facade solutions, specializing in rain-screen cladding, insulated render systems, and more. It offers customized solutions tailored to client needs and delivers high-quality results through its expert team.  Grescovering natural clay rain-screen cladding is a pioneering, large-format extruded porcelain tile. It represents a comprehensive and technologically advanced solution for rain-screen systems, offering strong performance and aesthetic appeal for facade claddings.