Why ceramic façade systems are transforming Australian architecture

The face of Australian architecture is shifting, with conventional façade solutions like glass, aluminium and concrete being set aside for ceramic cladding systems – an option favoured for its textural beauty, durability, and low maintenance needs. 

The power of ceramic

With an almost limitless selection of colours and finishes, ceramic systems like those from Klay European Tiles & Façades offer exceptional creative freedom. But their advantages go far beyond visual appeal.

Klay’s systems feature the revolutionary Hytect surface – a self-cleaning, anti-graffiti, and anti-bacterial finish. This technology uses titanium dioxide as the raw ingredient to create a photo-catalytic physical reaction, which releases dissolved oxygen at the surface of the ceramic material to ensure it remains protected across its lifetime.

“Our ceramic façades are colour- and light-fast, inherently fire-resistant, and can achieve a design life of over 60 years,” shares David Marks, General Manager of Klay European Tiles & Façades. “Made by a 270-year-old German ceramic manufacturer, these façade systems have evolved and improved with thousands of successful projects globally.”

Longevity and durability

More and more architects are prioritising the longevity of building materials – a value driven by a growing understanding of sustainability and a focus on not only the initial aesthetic and performance of materials, but also their long-term upkeep and cost implications for clients.  

Ceramic façades answer this demand by offering low lifecycle costs.

For example, Klay’s Hytect surfaces have proved valuable in many high-wear environments across Australia such as railway stations where easy graffiti removal and cleaning are vital.

A standout solution: The KeraTwin Façade System

A perfect example is the redevelopment of Victoria’s Deer Park Station where Klay’s KeraTwin ceramic façade system was paired with KeraShape vertical baguettes and a vertical black joint profile. The result is a textural, terracotta-red façade that is architecturally bold, low-maintenance, and vandal-resistant.

Systems such as KeraTwin also offer thermal benefits.

“A rear-ventilated façade system like the KeraTwin offers good insulation and low heat loss during winter, yet good indoor climate conditions in summer. Plus, ceramics display practically no temperature induced linear expansion, unlike other materials such as metals and composites,” says David.

Another upcoming showcase of this system is the Melbourne Walk redevelopment. Designed to embrace the history and culture of the building’s central locale, Klay’s ceramic façade has been elegantly integrated – a demonstration of ceramic’s ability to blend new with old.

Smarter, faster project delivery

Designed for efficiency, Klay’s panels can be prefabricated as modular cassettes offsite – a major advantage for high-rise projects where speed and precision are critical. 

For all projects, Klay collaborates closely with architects, project managers and fixing contractors to ensure a seamless process from specification to installation.

“Once we’ve worked with an architect across several projects, there’s a level of trust that allows us to be involved from the ground floor of design.”

This ensures that every system is tailored to meet every project’s unique needs. “We place a high value on asking the right questions to understand the context of an application. If something won’t work, or if a product isn’t suitable for its intended use, we will speak up. That’s how we maintain integrity and trust.”

Shaping the future of Australian architecture

With a long list of attributes – from fire-resistance and easy maintenance, to countless design possibilities – it’s little wonder ceramic is emerging as a material of choice for those shaping Australia’s build environment.  

For projects of all sizes, explore the possibilities with Klay European Tiles & Façades.