Walk through any design-forward neighborhood or flip through the pages of a glossy architecture magazine, and one thing becomes clear: facades are no longer just about function; they’re about identity.
More than ever, architects are treating the exterior envelope of a building as a storytelling medium, using material, texture, and light to communicate both concept and craft.
In this design evolution, tile has made a surprising and powerful comeback. No longer confined to kitchens and bathrooms, tile has emerged as a bold, architectural finish for exterior facades, courtyards, and vertical surfaces.
And at the center of this revival is one name that keeps surfacing in design studios and material libraries: OUTERclé.
In this article, we explore why OUTERclé is becoming the material of choice for high-end exterior facades, and what makes their approach resonate so strongly with today’s most discerning architects.
A Curated Approach to Architectural Surfaces
Unlike traditional tile manufacturers that focus on volume and uniformity, OUTERclé takes a curatorial approach.
Founded by artist and tile curator Deborah Osburn, the brand operates more like a design studio than a mass-market supplier. Each collection is thoughtfully selected or developed to reflect a distinct material story; be it ancient Moroccan zellige, weathered terracotta, or ultra-modern glazed porcelain.
Known for its artisan-made, globally sourced materials, the OUTERclé exterior facade tiles collection offers architects something rare, surfaces that balance longevity with soul. Each tile is chosen not just for durability, but for its ability to elevate a design concept into a tactile, living experience. They’re foundational to the way a building presents itself to the world.
For architects, this curated philosophy means every tile has intention, each piece is chosen not just for performance but for its visual, tactile, and cultural depth. This design-led perspective appeals to studios looking to infuse their projects with timeless character, rather than just surface style.
Bridging Artisan Tradition With Modern Architecture
One of OUTERclé’s greatest strengths is its ability to bridge old-world craftsmanship with contemporary architecture.
Many of their collections such as Moroccan zellige, Japanese ceramic, or Italian terracotta are handmade by artisans using centuries-old techniques. But rather than feeling nostalgic or rustic, these tiles are reframed in modern contexts, often paired with minimalist forms, glass volumes, or steel accents.
This tension between traditional technique and modern form is what gives OUTERclé tiles their unique edge. It allows architects to bring a sense of depth and authenticity to modern buildings; something that factory-produced panels or synthetic cladding materials often lack.
Material Versatility for Exterior Applications
While many artisan tiles are reserved for interiors due to durability concerns, OUTERclé has made exterior applications a priority. Their growing line of weather-resistant tiles is specifically engineered for use on facades, courtyards, privacy walls, and outdoor living environments.
Collections like the Weathered White Zellige, Artisan Brick, and Modern Terracotta are not only visually striking but also suitable for varying climates, including freeze-thaw zones. Each tile includes detailed installation guides, finish notes, and architectural performance specs, making it easier for design teams to specify confidently and ensure longevity.
Beyond aesthetics, architects and homeowners alike are recognizing the long-term ROI of investing in quality facade materials, especially in growing design-forward markets.
Whether it’s reimagining a front entry or transforming a backyard wall into an architectural feature, updates using premium finishes like OUTERclé can increase perceived home value significantly. Learn more about outdoor home improvements that add value and how tile plays a role in that equation.
Sustainability through slow design
In a market dominated by mass production, OUTERclé champions slow, intentional design.
Many of their tiles are created using low-impact methods, from sun-drying terracotta instead of kiln-firing to using natural pigments instead of chemical dyes. Their collections are made in small batches, often by independent studios or artisan workshops around the world.
For architects prioritizing sustainability and ethical sourcing, this approach offers more than just good looks. It allows a project’s materials to reflect values such as environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and support for traditional crafts.
Aesthetic Impact: Texture, Variation, and Depth
There’s a reason tiled facades are enjoying a renaissance. Unlike flat siding or uniform cladding, tile introduces texture, variation, and depth that evolves with the light and weather. This is particularly true of OUTERclé’s handmade collections, where no two tiles are exactly the same.
When used on a facade, these materials create dynamic surfaces that shift throughout the day; catching sunlight, casting shadows, and subtly changing with the seasons. It’s an aesthetic quality that synthetic panels and paint simply can’t replicate.
Whether it’s the lustrous sheen of glazed ceramic, the sunbaked matte of terracotta, or the chiseled rawness of artisan brick, OUTERclé tiles allow architects to build facades that live and breathe with the environment.
Signature Projects and Architectural Appeal
Architects from around the globe are beginning to incorporate OUTERclé tiles into a wide range of project types, from boutique hospitality to luxury residences and cultural institutions. Notable examples include:
- Modernist homes in California clad with vertical zellige strips that shimmer under desert sun
- Urban infill townhouses where charcoal artisan brick adds texture without bulk
- Courtyard walls lined with terracotta tiles that transition seamlessly from interior to exterior
These aren’t just surface-level treatments. They’re architectural elements that serve as focal points, enhancing form, shaping spatial rhythm, and creating powerful curb appeal.
Supporting the Design Process
Another reason architects lean toward OUTERclé? Their design-friendly tools and resources. Each product page on their website includes:
- Installation guidelines specific to exterior use
- Details on color variation and natural movement
- Specifications for scale, thickness, and slip-resistance
- High-res downloads for renderings and presentations
They also offer trade support for architects and designers, including material samples, custom quotes, and technical consultation. This level of transparency and support ensures that even the most unique tile can be integrated smoothly into the construction process.
The Outerclé Edge: Why Architects Return
With so many tile and cladding options available today, what makes architects return to OUTERclé again and again?
It’s a mix of material integrity, visual richness, and brand ethos. OUTERclé tiles don’t just fill a surface; they tell a story. They ground buildings in tradition while pushing design forward. And they help projects stand out in a marketplace where originality is increasingly rare.
For architects designing luxury exteriors from boutique hotels to high-end homes, OUTERclé offers something few others can: the opportunity to create facades with soul.
Final Thoughts
In the world of architecture, materials matter. And when it comes to facades, they matter even more, shaping not just what a building looks like, but how it feels, functions, and stands the test of time.
Whether you’re designing a custom home from the ground up or upgrading an existing facade, high-quality exterior tile can enhance curb appeal and long-term value.
Even subtle upgrades, when thoughtfully executed, can make a meaningful impact on market perception and resale. For more inspiration, explore these ideas on how to boost your home’s resale value with simple upgrades.
