When choosing a facade material for a premium project, architects often narrow it down to two heavyweights: Natural Stone and Terracotta Brick Tiles. Both offer timeless appeal, but they perform very differently in terms of structural load and budget.

1. Weight & Structural Load

This is the biggest differentiator. Natural stone cladding (granite, sandstone) typically requires heavy mechanical fixing (clamps) and imposes a massive dead load on the building frame. Brick Tiles, however, are a "skin"—often just 15-20mm thick. They can be installed with high-strength adhesive, reducing the structural load by up to 70%.

2. Cost Implications

Natural stone is resource-intensive to mine, transport, and install. The labor cost for stone clamping is significant. Brick tiles offer a premium look at a fraction of the total installed cost, primarily due to the speed and ease of adhesive application.

3. Aesthetic Warmth

Stone projects a sense of cold, monumental permanence. Terracotta brick, by contrast, brings warmth and human scale. The intricate variation in fired red clay creates a connection to the earth that feels welcoming rather than imposing, making it ideal for residential and hospitality projects.