Masonry Magazine May 1971 Page. 17
NCMA-TEK
An Information series from National Concrete Masonry Association
28
Customized
Architectural Concrete
Masonry Units
General
The increasingly evident advantages of "architectural" concrete masonry units in building construction has opened a new door to the world of creative design. Here is an exciting medium with exhilarating potential for attainment of the most lofty design aspirations. In the tradition of stone, but without its expense and with more flexibility, it looks like what it is: a sturdy, honest, viable material. Yet, it can also be delicate, but never superficial in appearance. Fitting the broad spectrum of "architectural units," concrete block are manufactured in an almost limitless number of sizes, shapes, colors and textures, and provide the designer with virtually unlimited choices in face patterns which can be arranged in many different combinations of layout, shapes, textures, sculptured effects colors, and size and extent of composite motifs, such as in the form of towering monoliths.
A look at some of the work accomplished by distinguished architects will convince the designer that here is a material that is indeed beautiful, in good taste, and sophisticated, providing infinite possibilities for self-expression, Fig. 1. Concrete masonry's well known characteristics of strength, durability, fire resistance, and sound insulation, demand a look at its versatile design possibilities when all these advantages can be included at less cost than competitive materials.
These architectural units are equally adaptable for interior as well as exterior treatments, for appealing space dividers, and for attractive exterior terrace walls and other enclosures. Many times a unit which can be readily made with the same pattern or treatment on both faces can handsomely serve as both exterior and interior finish wall material, with added economic and esthetic advantages.
Attention is invited to a very few of the special architectural units illustrated in Fig. 2.
It should be observed that most of the units shown can be inverted or otherwise installed in a multitude of pattern arrangements and combinations, to create an infinite diversity of effects. The designer usually perfers to express his own ingenuity in development of the design, but he can very often obtain helpful suggestions or useful guidance through consultation with the manufac-turers' representatives. He should not hesitate to avail himself of such technical know-how.
Certain of the units have been projected or recessed by the designer to create a geometric pattern or design. Another interesting variation consists in using units which are only one half the usual course height, sometimes projecting these units somewhat beyond the wall
FIGURE 1
ARCHITECT/PAUL RUDOLPH LOCATION/NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT
TEK 20 0 1971 National Concrete Masonry Association