LOPO Terracotta Cladding Revitalizes Rongxian Cultural and Arts Center - LOPO China Terracotta Facade Panel Manufacturer

Architects: Sichuan Provincial Academy of Building Research Co., Ltd.
LOPO Terracotta Products: Terracotta Panels (Combed/Glazed/Sandblasted Surface, 4,000 m²)
Completion Year: 2025

LOPO Terracotta Cladding Revitalizes Rongxian Arts Center

Located in Rongxian, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, the Rongxian Cultural and Arts Center is a transformation project that breathes new life into an existing structure. With a total site area of 5,169.98 square meters, the renovated center features clearly defined and thoughtfully designed functional zones, including a cultural hall, library, art gallery, historical exhibition space, and a youth activity center. A compact theatre with a seating capacity of nearly 200, along with multiple exhibition halls, has been incorporated to host a diverse array of performances and exhibitions—bringing the public closer to various forms of artistic expression.

According to the project lead, the redevelopment invited renowned designers who also contributed to the new Sanxingdui Museum, alongside other experts such as the curator of the Tianfu Library of Humanities and Arts in Chengdu. These professionals provided consultancy across design planning, material selection, and construction optimization.

Structural interventions included reinforcement of existing beams and spatial reorganization, enabling the compact structure to meet diverse functional demands. The architectural layout emphasizes openness and transparency; for example, the library and art gallery areas leverage abundant natural light to enhance the spatial experience.

The design of the building's façade, interior wall finishes, and portions of the ceiling predominantly features warm wood tones and soft beige hues—creating a visual language that is both calming and environmentally attuned. The terracotta panels customized by LOPO China for this project were crafted through a multi-step process that includes combing, sanding, and glazing. The resulting surface presents a natural, soft, and subtly varied wood-grain texture.

For this project, the architect designed three panel formats with face heights of 50 mm, 106 mm, and 330 mm. The varying dimensions, combined with a bespoke curtain wall system, allow the panels to be installed in a randomized and interlocking fashion. This approach creates a dynamic and textured façade that blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, achieving a seamless architectural dialogue.

Geometric Design of the Building Facades

Street-facing Facades

The facade Texture in Sandblasted, Glazing and Combed Terracotta

Staircase Clad with Terracotta Facade System

Landscape Water Element

Canopy Curtain Wall

Interior Terracotta cladding

Window Reading Nook

3 Panel Formats

Detail Drawing

This project follows in the footsteps of "Yunlai," a previous collaboration between LOPO China and DOMANI, which garnered multiple prestigious architectural awards both domestically and internationally. Much like Yunlai, this project is a testament to the creative potential of terracotta—a timeless building material—when paired with contemporary fabrication techniques and thoughtful design. As this project illustrates, terracotta facades continue to offer boundless possibilities for architectural expression in the modern era.

Related LOPO Project: Yunlai (Dreamland Club)