In India’s rapidly evolving architectural landscape, building façades have become a crucial element in shaping both the identity and performance of structures. Architects face the ongoing challenge of balancing aesthetic appeal, environmental sustainability, and cultural relevance—especially in a country as diverse and climate-sensitive as India. Among the array of façade materials available today, two that have particularly stood out in our recent projects are glazed terracotta and Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) canopies. These materials are notable for their unique blend of durability, versatility, and visual impact. In this article, I will explore how we integrated these materials into two of our recent projects in Bengaluru, highlighting their broader significance in the context of Indian architecture.
The revival of terracotta in modern architecture
Terracotta, one of the oldest known building materials, has seen a resurgence in contemporary architecture, particularly in façade design. Its appeal in the Indian context lies in its natural warmth, earthy tones, and the connection it establishes with traditional vernacular architecture. In a country where cultural heritage plays a significant role in design, terracotta offers a tangible link to the past while allowing for modern interpretations.
The terracotta used in today’s façades is far more advanced than the simple clay bricks of the past. Although terracotta is gaining traction in India, glazed terracotta remains relatively rare but holds immense potential. By applying a thin layer of glaze to terracotta tiles, architects can achieve a wide range of finishes—from glossy to matte, and from subtle monochromes to vibrant colours—each bringing a unique aesthetic to a building’s exterior. This glazing process not only elevates the material’s visual appeal but also significantly enhances its durability and resistance to weathering, making it an ideal choice for India’s diverse climatic conditions.
Case Study – 1
Bagmane Memphis, Bengaluru, India
The first project I’d like to highlight is an office complex in Bengaluru, designed for the Bagmane Group, where glazed terracotta plays a pivotal role in shaping the building’s character. Bengaluru, known for its moderate climate and status as India’s technology hub, offers unique opportunities for material innovation. Bagmane Memphis, part of the Bagmane Group’s Capital Masterplan in East Bengaluru, stands as the final piece of this masterplan. The building’s façade needed to be both visually striking and functional, embodying the city’s dynamism while offering a comfortable environment for its occupants. Additionally, it had to distinguish itself from the predominantly hard, curtain- walled structures in the surrounding area.
Central to the masterplan is a green park, which we designed to seamlessly integrate into and through the building. We conceptualized the two towers as a single mass, wrapped in a distinctive façade. This mass was then “pulled apart,” revealing a sleek, curtain-wall façade on the inner sides of the two towers.
Glazed terracotta in an antique green finish proved to be the ideal choice for this façade. The custom-made tiles in this distinctive shade not only create a unique aesthetic but also harmonize with the surrounding environment and Central Park. The antique green finish adds a contemporary flair, reflecting light differently throughout the day and giving the building a dynamic, almost kinetic appearance. This blend of tradition and modernity is central to the project’s concept, creating a structure that feels both rooted in its context and forward-looking.
The thermal properties of terracotta were also a significant factor in our decision-making. The material’s natural insulation helps regulate the building’s internal temperature, reducing the need for artificial cooling—a crucial consideration in Bengaluru’s climate. Additionally, the modular design of the façade allows for easy maintenance and replacement of individual tiles, ensuring the building’s longevity.
The office complex further integrates the terracotta façade with expansive glass windows on the inner faces of the two towers, creating a dialogue between solid and transparent surfaces. This combination enhances natural light penetration while maintaining the building’s thermal efficiency. The result is a workspace that feels open and airy, yet grounded in the local architectural vernacular.
QUICK FACTS:
- Project Name: Bagmane Memphis
- Location: Bengaluru, India
- Client: Bagmane Group
- Architect: Design Consultant – AFW
- Executive Architect – DSP
- Materials used for façade & fenestration: Glazed Terracotta Tiles
- Commencement Date & Completion Date: 2024 –2026
The rise of ETFE in Indian architecture
While terracotta connects us to the past, ETFE represents the cutting edge of modern architecture. Originally developed as a lightweight alternative to glass, ETFE has quickly become the material of choice for canopies and atrium roofs in some of the world’s most innovative buildings. Its high strength- to-weight ratio, combined with its transparency and flexibility, allows for large-span structures that would be impossible with traditional materials.
In India, ETFE is still relatively new, but its potential is enormous, particularly in the context of large public spaces where natural light and weather protection are paramount. The material’s ability to transmit up to 95% of natural light while offering superior UV protection makes it ideal for India’s sunny climate. Additionally, ETFE’s self- cleaning properties—thanks to its low friction surface—reduce maintenance costs, a significant advantage in a country where pollution can be a major concern.
Case Study – 2
Embassy NXT, Bengaluru, India
The second project, where ETFE has proven to be a transformative material, is at Embassy NXT, a mixed-use development we designed for Embassy Group in Bengaluru. This masterplan includes a Hilton Hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, a convention centre, and two office towers within Manyata Tech Park, a key business hub serving Bengaluru’s expanding international community.
The hotels, designed to offer luxury and comfort, required a canopy that was not only functional but also iconic, serving as a focal point of the entire development.
The decision to use ETFE for this project was based on several key factors. First, the a need for a lightweight material that could span large areas without requiring heavy support structures. Traditional materials like glass were considered, but the structural impact was too great. ETFE, however, allowed us to create a vast canopy at the hotel’s entrance that provides shelter while offering a grand, welcoming sense of arrival.
Second, ETFE’s transparency was vital for maintaining a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The canopy allows natural light to flood the hotel’s entrance during the day, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. At night, the ETFE’s ability to be backlit turns the canopy into a glowing feature, enhancing the hotel’s visibility and presence within the urban landscape.
Initially, we encountered challenges with the perception of ETFE as an expensive and untested material in the Indian market, along with the complexities of integrating it into local building codes. However, through ongoing dialogue with planning authorities and showcasing its benefits, these concerns were mitigated. The canopy has been well-received and its success has spurred increased interest in ETFE across India.
QUICK FACTS:
- Project Name: Embassy NXT
- Location: Bengaluru, India
- Client: Embassy Group
- Architect: Design Consultant– AFW
- Executive Architect: Synergy Property Development Services.
- Materials used for façade & fenestration: ETFE, Steel
- Commencement Date & Completion Date: 2018 – 2022
Conclusion: A new chapter in Indian architecture
As India rapidly urbanizes, the demand for innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant architecture will only intensify. Materials like glazed terracotta and ETFE are poised to play a crucial role in this evolution, blending aesthetics with performance, and tradition with modernity. These materials offer unique opportunities to push the boundaries of façade design, allowing architects to create structures that are both contextually relevant and forward-looking.
Advances in glazing technology and fabrication techniques are likely to expand the possibilities for glazed terracotta, enabling even more varied and customizable façades. Meanwhile, ETFE’s potential integration with smart technologies, such as photovoltaic cells and dynamic shading systems, will enhance its appeal as a material for the future.
Our recent projects have highlighted the transformative potential of these materials. In Bagmane Memphis, glazed terracotta bridged the past and present, creating a façade that is both visually striking and contextually appropriate. At Embassy NXT, ETFE provided the lightness and transparency needed to craft a space that is both functional and inspiring.
As Indian architecture continues to evolve, the thoughtful use of materials like glazed terracotta and ETFE will be key to creating buildings that meet today’s demands while resonating with tomorrow’s aspirations.
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