NECMA Design Awards

NECMA Announces 2005 Design Awards of Excellence Winner

The winner of the 2005 New England Concrete Masonry Association (NECMA) Design Awards of Excellence has been selected. The Design Awards program is co-sponsored by NECMA and the National Concrete Masonry Association to promote the rich diversity of concrete masonry construction. The winning project reflects outstanding design innovation and aesthetics, as well as functional utility, economy, environmental harmony, energy and attention to social concerns.

A jury panel consisting of fellow architects and a representative of the Massachusetts Trowel Trades Association judged this year's entries.

This is the fifth year NECMA has sponsored this competition, which is open to all architectural firms designing with concrete masonry and landscaping products in the New England area.

NECMA is a regional organization representing manufacturers of concrete block, pavers, segmental retaining walls and related products. The association undertakes marketing, educational, government relations and other activities on behalf of its members. For more information, visit www.necma.com.

Award of Excellence

Woodward Center, Westfield State College,
Westfield, Mass.
Architect: Cambridge Seven Associates Inc., Cambridge, Mass.
Mason Contractor: Fontaine Brothers, Springfield, Mass.
Judges' Comments: The design concept for this project, including a floating roof combined with a masonry anchor, worked well together and provided a successful palate where the masonry bridges the scale between humans and the large-scale roof. In addition, the masonry materials facilitate a seamless flow from the exterior to the interior.