2006 International Excellence in Masonry Awards
Bellevue, WA
Mason Contractor: R&D Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Northwest Architect Company
The design goal was to create an elementary school that is welcoming to a diverse community and help build a sense of unity. Lake Hills Elementary School in the Bellevue School District is a new 69,000 SF building that replaced the previous building. The school is unique in that it has a rich cultural diversity. This diversity is celebrated with the knowledge that unity and community are at the core of the school. The overall form of the building is a U shape that wraps and protects a student courtyard in the center. The courtyard is a crossroads and gathering place for students. This is the physical core of unity at the school.
Judges Comments: A playful school design. Stone, brick, and concrete masonry are employed to define different areas of this school building in a very dramatic way. A bold solution.
San Diego, CA
Mason Contractor: Williams & Sons Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Mosher Drew Watson Ferguson
Materials chosen to construct this eleven building project consisted of a three-color blend of split face and precision block. The base walls start out with a 10-inch wide brown colored block 4 feet high around the perimeter of each building. The 10-inch block terminates with a beveled unit. The remaining walls then change to a three-colored blend split face block with white pumice. Pre cast concrete was used throughout the project for wall and pilaster caps and window sills. The Chapel Entry is ornamental surround trim. Approximately 330,000 block, 5300 yards of grout, and 500,000 pounds of rebar and pre-cast trim at buildings were used.
Judges Comments: An extraordinary school campus, with hints of Romanesque revival stone architecture, built with today's concrete masonry, walls are a beautiful combination of bases, frames, and belts created with smooth and split-face blocks laid in different planes.
Dallas, TX
Mason Contractor: Dee Brown, Inc.
Architect: Hanfeld Hoffer Stanford
Its Copper Domed entry is solid masonry walls with brick on both interior and exterior radiuses. The brick included watertable shapes, rowlock, rowlock caps, stacked, corbelled heads, and basketweave patterns. The cast stone includes column bases, capitals, 1/2 round column flutes, wall base, belt courses, soffits, signage, window surrounds, cornice and coping features. The interior includes grout solid partitions at the gym and natatorium, partitions, exterior wall backup, and brick columns.
Judges Comments: An exquisite example of Greek revival architecture with fine masonry detailing and superb craftsmanship. A powerful solution that shows off brick and cast stone with a high level of restraint. A building to be celebrated.
Lubbock, TX
Mason Contractor: Brazos Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Anshen & Allen
An insightful Californian architect and the Texas plains shaped a state of the art science facility. There are 110,000 eight inch CMU. Each cell is grouted and rebar runs both ways. Grout requirements were due to the university's research on protection from tornadic-wind-generated debris. The veneer used 450,000 custom-sized face brick, 11,200 pieces of cast stone, 3,800 pieces of Lueders limestone, and Indiana limestone pavers.130 arches form an arcade on three elevations. Tops of walls have tediously-installed three-piece cast stone coping assemblies. Limestone completely dresses each entrance. These pieces were 1-1/4 inches thick and tolerance was plus-or-minus zero.
Judges Comments: Brick the way it was meant to be used - in arches. The University's commitment to these masonry materials is commendable. This dignified edifice commands respect.
Lubbock, TX
Mason Contractor: Brazos Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Boka Powell
Student housing with 400,000 Big John brick and 7,000 pieces of cast stone. With masonry, the architect had clean, symmetrical lines and exploited the Gothic design found throughout campus. Expert craftsmanship and fast-track schedule were necessities. Besides the structure are two radiused site walls. One is brick capped with cast stone. The other is derived entirely from stone, some weighing +2,500 pounds. Additionally a screen wall of 2,500 split face block matching the brick.
Judges Comments: A well done example that hints of Italian Villa revival architecture. Stone detailing and craftsmanship are excellent. Crisp contrast of unusual brick color mix, white mortar, and white stone is noteworthy.
Houston, TX
Mason Contractor: Lucia, Inc.
Architect: Michael Graves & Associates; Pierce Goodwin Alexander & Linville
The new Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-Houston Branch can truly be called a "masonry masterpiece". This exciting new building, designed by the world-renowned Michael Graves, incorporates banking offices, check processing facilities and the 2nd largest currency vault in the Federal Reserve system. With its significant scale (297,000SF) and requirements for both longevity and security, Mr. Graves used masonry extensively for both the exterior and interior construction. The construction includes utility closure and accent brick, structural glazed tile, extensively reinforced CMU and even Hadrian limestone. Lucia is proud to have been part of the team on this new national "masonry masterpiece".
Judges Comments: Brilliantly dramatic handling of exterior form emphasizing vertical piers with contrasting masonry modules. If there was a "Best in Show," this would be it.
Kennewick, WA
Mason Contractor: Aden Masonry
Architect: ALSC Architects
The design team adopted a concept of treating the building as a celebration of the Three Rivers region (Columbia, Snake and Yakima). One of the design team's first decisions was to make extensive use of concrete masonry units (CMU's) inside and outside the facility. The selection of CMU paid off in a big way. Three shades of integrally colored CMU with three different surfaces (standard face, split face and ground face) offered a pallet of nine subtle variations of color and finish. Further variation was made possible by the application of different types of sealers in specific locations. This combination of finishes and surface effects, used along with other chosen materials, produced an extremely rich expression of the region's colors and textures.
Judges Comments: Staggered and stepped stone face concrete masonry panels seem to come out of the ground to anchor the glass box in place. A proud community asset.
Mukilteo, WA
Mason Contractor: R&D Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Becker Architects
The Social Hall final design encompasses four buildings within a single building, combining the lobby, the main meeting hall, a conference area and the kitchen/food bank. The main field of split-face khaki block was an economical substitute for the split-face stone desired by the owners. These structural masonry walls provide architectural finish on both the exterior and interior. The ground face buff accents and banding provide visual relief and detail to the large walls. They also help to make the smooth backside of the split-face CMU a more architectural finish, and break up the mottling of the smooth colored CMU. The ground¬face of the half-high units further works with the owner's request for a stone-like look.
Judges Comments: While this is obviously a very customized design, it appears as though it would fit into virtually any neighborhood very nicely. A wonderful small project.
Franklin, TN
Mason Contractor: Mark 1, Inc.
Architect: Thomas, Miller & Partners LLC
Nestled between historic mercantile buildings on Main Street in the "small-town" of Franklin, TN and a newly constructed County Judicial Center, this publicly owned parking structure was designed to blend new construction harmoniously within a delicate urban environment without compromising the spirit of the urban fabric apparent in the heart of the downtown district. The facility's detail was carefully chosen to emulate, but not replicate the exquisite styles found on Main Street and in the downtown area. Providing such details and design sensitivity while not compromising the functionality was an added strength of this project.
Judges Comments: Rarely does a parking garage create or enhance an urban streetscape. This one pulls it off nicely. Compliments to the owner for this commitment to its community.
Amarillo, TX
Mason Contractor: Brazos Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates
This job forever changed Amarillo, Texas. The more than 85,000 CMU and 380 yards of grout were used as back up, stair wells, and elevator shafts. More than 1000 tons of Colorado Red sandstone and 210,000 brick were used on the exterior and interior. The brick were intentionally laid shiner-side-out. 10,000 zig-zag brick were laid on-radius in the practice hall. The undulating masonry surfaces are a constant in this non-traditional masonry application. Only two facets afforded laying brick on a single plane. The exterior pinnacle reached 104 feet from curbside. The project is a true overall masterpiece.
Judges Comments: Gracefully curved undulating brick walls punctuated with irregular openings make this building a symphony of architecture. A rich palette of unusual brick faces and shapes further contribute to an extraordinary project. A design expressing great drama and impressive masonry craftsmanship.
Cheyenne, WY
Mason Contractor: Harold F. Johnson Masonry
Architect: Douglas L. Coates Architect
The Tom Long Building shows what can be done with a very basic shape- a box 60' x 60' x 60' using 3 types of face brick, glass block and both new and recycled stone from various historic buildings in or around Cheyenne. The stone for the keystones, arches and corner stone are a composite of materials, sandstone and limestone pieces from the Draper House - once the Territorial Governor’s Mansion of Wyoming, the older Governor's Mansion and the General's Mansion at Fort D.A. Russell which is currently Warren Air Force Base.
Judges Comments: Very nice craftsmanship in the brick and cast stone arches. A very simple building cube with an abundance of texture and detail - but not overdone.
Allen, TX
Mason Contractor: Dee Brown, Inc.
Architect: Brad Goldberg, Inc.
Sculpture Artist Brad Goldberg, creates a native central park-type atmosphere with its main river and plaza area originating at a fountain carved by Brad at his facility originally built to fabricate the Hall of State at Historic Fair Park near downtown Dallas. DBI installed all stone elements from large fountain stone, rock pitched quarry blocks, 7'x7' paving, and pitched to fit by our masons. 2200 tons of West Texas limestone was installed.
Judges Comments: A plaza worthy of highest award recognition. Huge stones, wandering paths, and spacious grass areas are thoughtfully arranged with beautiful geometry. The heavy stones are beautifully hewn and carefully fit, a tribute to the masons.
West Des Moines, IA
Mason Contractor: Forrest & Associate, Inc.
Architect: Murase Associates
Inspired by regional landscape and geology, the natural stone water feature forms the heart of a compelling attraction at Jordan Creek Town Center and anchors the retail mall in the local landscape. The falls and pools are given form by the creation of stone outcroppings. Locally quarried limestone provided a range of material varying in both dimension and color, exhibiting an authenticity and appearance that cannot be replicated by any other means. Stones are set on a foundation of cast concrete footings and walls, mortared in place, with the mortar deeply raked back so as not to be seen. The resulting appearance enhances the stones natural character; the coarse texture providing year round interest particularly in winter.
Judges Comments: The combination of cut stone, rough uncut stone, and water create a very tranquil destination. The stones look as if Mother Nature carefully placed them.
San Antonio, TX
Mason Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry, Ltd.
Architect: Ford, Powell and Carson
The brick restoration was very challenging because the original structure has numerous different shades of mortar colors. Many days were spent researching and preparing different mortars before any restoration took place. All of the cast stone was completely re-pointed, and damaged cast stone features were restored. Access to the courtyards was difficult because the courtyards are surrounded by the campus buildings, all of the equipment such as manlifts and scaffolding used at the courtyards had to be hoisted over the tall structures by a crane. After masonry repairs were made, the campus was completely washed down.
Judges Comments: Light colored brick and complex curvilinear cast stone ornamentation presented a significant challenge for this restoration. Cleaning and recreating requires excellent workmanship. Recognition is well deserved.
Los Angeles, CA
Mason Contractor: DBM/Hatch, Inc.
Architect: Moore, Rubel, Yudell Architects & Planners
The Kaufman Hall Project is one of several historic buildings being restored on the UCLA Campus in Los Angeles, California. This 73 year old Building is the University's World Arts and Cultural Department. Moore, Ruble, Yudell Architects and Planners provided a new design that beautifully mixes new construction with a fully renovated building to provide a modern usable structure for present day utilization. Items such as the ticket windows and Terra Cotta screens were removed, restored then replaced at a different location to utilize the new design. The restoration of this Brick and Terra Cotta building is truly magnificent.
Judges Comments: Very well done. Can't tell the difference between the new and the old. The brick patterning and arches are very striking.
Princeton, NJ
Mason Contractor: Masonry Preservation Group, Inc.
Architect: Ford Farewell Mills and Gatsch
The Princeton University Chapel was constructed between 1925 and 1928. Decades of exposure had resulted in extensive deterioration to the stonework and stained glass. Masonry Preservation Group, Inc. was selected as the masonry contractor and also executed all general contracting duties for this extensive two-year restoration project. Masonry Preservation Group, Inc. met the aggressive execution schedule, remained within budget and still kept the Chapel open for all services and events.
Judges Comments: The masonry restoration job of a lifetime. A tribute to masonry cleaning and tuck pointing of a fine Gothic chapel. Jury appreciated photos documenting the work in progress. Congratulations to all workers and thanks to the owner.
Dallas, TX
Mason Contractor: Dee Brown, Inc.
Architect: Architexas
DBI was responsible for salvaging existing materials, cmu backup system, moisture control, setting cast stone, and laying 8 '/4" x 2 3/8" x 3/2" brick laid to 1/4" mortar joints. The brick included special shaped brick at the octagonal corners, sawtooth patterns, and were all laid in red mortar color. The cast stone included belt courses, column pier caps, thru wall sills, jambs, and arches, statue enclaves, and coping.
Judges Comments: Project required that every piece and detail be removed, rehabilitated or faithfully reproduced and carefully re-installed. The attention to detail and the craftsmanship is outstanding.
Sequim, WA
Mason Contractor: Sterling Construction
Architect: KDW, PS
The project consisted of the renovation of the site and structure of a switching facility. It was entirely constructed of unreinforced concrete block with a wood framed roof structure. The materials had been selected to facilitate ease of future expansion. Growth previous to this project had been linear, from the front of the site to the rear. The block exterior had been coated with a white stone stucco veneer, interrupted with cosmetic heavy timber columns and lintels. A compromise was reached to clad the front of the building with brick and use stucco for the remaining portion of the building. The color and texture of the stucco was carefully selected to match the brick and break up the large flat walls. Reveals were used in the stucco to simulate the brick banding detail.
Judges Comments: The before and after photographs of this modest facility is truly a testament of the difference that brick can make in the quality and appearance of a building.
Seattle, WA
Mason Contractor: Spencer Brickwork, Inc.
Architect: Dick Busch Architects
This unusual Mediterranean-flavored residence demonstrates the effectiveness of ornate masonry detailing for infusing a structural design with elegance and excitement. Projected and recessed courses abound, while brick arches decorate both the front and the rear. Even the piering in the rear receives an elaborate expression. Carved Indiana Limestone brings an air of refinement to the window surrounds and balustrades, and an interesting bull nose course is also made of carved stone. From the unusual hexagon-shaped brick pizza oven on the rear deck to the home’s Alba Stone base, masonry is used creatively to produce the sophisticated appeal of this distinctive gem.
Judges Comments: Classically inspired, this residential structure combines the details and elements of the architects of yester-year and creates an image of traditional elegance. Excellent craftsmanship.
MO
Mason Contractor: Spencer Brickwork, Inc.
Architect: Dick Busch Architects
The owners of this remarkable 6,374-square-foot Old World residence challenged the architect to create an imaginative European design that would establish their home as a one-of-a-kind creation. The result is a singular English Country-styled structure that artfully uses brick and stone to create a unique identity. A courtyard on the front elevation shatters convention in a tradition-bound market, while stone elaboration rather than the conventional staircase highlights the foyer. From the home's detached family room to the antique appearance of its hearth room, imaginative masonry design and construction are used artfully to give this beautiful residence its own special character.
Judges Comments: A very established and timeless residential solution with creative new details. Celebrating today's mason who knows and appreciates old world craftsmanship.
