Request a sample

NBK Terracotta

Home / Products / NBK Terracotta

Where Architecture and Material Have Been the Same Thing Since 1927

Most facade materials peak on completion day. NBK terracotta does something different; it deepens in character as it weathers, developing the patina and tonal richness that only fired clay can produce over time. A building clad in NBK terracotta looks better at ten years than it did at handover. That’s a claim very few facade systems can honestly make.
NBK Ceramik has been manufacturing architectural terracotta in Germany since 1927. Their TERRART® ventilated facade system is used on civic buildings, universities, cultural centres and commercial towers across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. CSP Architectural brings the full NBK range to the Australian market with local specification support and technical documentation.

Request a quote

Technical Specifications

Product brochure

Alucolux color chart

Material

Natural terracotta – extruded from mixed clay and water, kiln-fired

Fire classification

Non-combustible — terracotta, support rails and clips all classified as non-combustible

System type

Ventilated rainscreen (back-ventilated) — TERRART® system

System components

15 individual components — dimensionally precise, simple installation

Panel heights

150mm–500mm modules (dependent on system and profile)

Panel lengths

Up to 1800mm for large panels; up to 2000mm for baguettes

Surface finishes

Natural clay (13 standard finishes), glazed, effect glazed, digital engobing (Inspirio)

Environmental credentials

ISO 14025 + EN 15804 EPD certified · 100% natural materials · Fully recyclable

Lifespan

100-year design life — one of the longest-rated facade systems available

Applications

Commercial, civic, educational, cultural, multi-residential, rectification and reclad

The TERRART® System

TERRART® is a back-ventilated, suspended facade system whose visible elements are exclusively natural terracotta. The ventilated cavity behind the cladding manages moisture, reduces the thermal load on the building and allows the natural stack effect to keep the facade dry, without mechanical assistance. The system consists of just 15 individual components, which makes installation straightforward despite the premium visual result.

TERRART® Large - Flat Panel System

Large-format extruded terracotta panels for broad facade surfaces, produced individually to project colour and shape requirements. Panel lengths are up to 1800 mm, heights to 800 mm, and thickness approximately 40 mm. 

TERRART® Baguette - Open Facade Profiles

Individually produced cylindrical or shaped terracotta elements used for open facades, sun shading (brise soleil) and window zone coverage. Available in horizontal or vertical orientation with lengths up to 2000 mm and a minimum section of 48 x 48 mm. 

Custom Profiles & Glazed Finishes

NBK’s manufacturing capability extends to bespoke profiles, shapes and custom glaze colours, developed in collaboration with architects for individual project requirements. 

Why Terracotta for Australian Projects?

UV and weathering resistance

Fired clay doesn't fade under UV, doesn't degrade with moisture cycling and doesn't require repainting. The material that performs best in Australian sun is also the oldest one.

Natural thermal performance

The ventilated cavity behind the TERRART® system significantly reduces solar heat gain through the building envelope — relevant in every Australian climate zone.

Sustainable credentials

NBK terracotta is made from 100% natural materials with no synthetic additives. ISO 14025 EPD certified, fully recyclable at end of life, and manufactured adjacent to the clay source to minimise raw material transport.

Non-combustible

Terracotta, support rails and clips in the TERRART® system are all classified as non-combustible — suitable for NCC external wall cladding on any building height or classification.

Featured Projects with NBK Terracotta

South Melbourne Primary School Cladding Project

Max Towers Commercial Facade Project (India)

Walmer Residential Project

R Iconic Residential Facade Project

Starbucks Cafe Warrawong Cladding Project

Sunshine Home Residential Cladding Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NBK Terracotta available in Australia through CSP Architectural?
Yes. CSP Architectural is the Australian supply partner for NBK architectural terracotta products. We provide product samples, the full TERRART® technical documentation and project-specific specification support. Contact our team to discuss availability and lead times for your project.
Yes. Fired clay is inherently UV-resistant, frost-resistant (where applicable) and waterproof, and it has been used successfully on building facades for centuries in climates far more extreme than most of Australia. The TERRART® ventilated facade system includes a back-ventilated cavity that manages moisture and reduces thermal load, making it well-suited to Australia’s high UV and temperature cycling conditions.
Yes. NBK manufactures all TERRART® panels and baguettes individually to project specifications; colour, shape and finish are all customisable. The standard range includes 13 natural clay finishes plus a broad glazed and effect glaze collection. Custom profiles, bespoke shapes and Inspirio digital engobing are available for unique project requirements. Early engagement is recommended for custom work; contact CSP to discuss your brief.
NBK terracotta has a design life of 100 years, one of the longest among any external facade system. The material does not require painting, recoating or surface treatment to maintain its appearance over this period. Periodic inspection of the subframe system and fixings is recommended as part of normal facade maintenance.