Masonry Magazine March 1972 Page. 19
Industrial
Savings
The Spanish Mediterranean mood is effectively captured with the warm tones of brick units. Architects and owners felt that "masonry definitely lends a feeling of strength, of permanence and security needed by a banking institution."
Industrial Savings & Loan Association
San Bruno, California
Architects: Markling/Yamasaki Architects, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Wong & Tuan
General Contractor: Norman C. Hynding Company
Mason Contractor: Milo Masonry
A major factor in determining how the Industrial Savings Building in San Bruno, Calif., would take shape was the desire of the Board of Directors to have a structure with a Spanish Mediterranean mood. Starting from that expressed desire, Architects Markling/Yamasaki began planning, researching and sketching.
The Architects came up with several suggested different type of Spanish arches that would create the Mediterranean motif, including the full round arch so often seen in that area of Southern Europe. Then they added the typical exposed beam ceiling effect prevalent in Spanish architecture, as well as decorative floor tile to further emphasize the Mediterranean mood.
The Architects note that brick was selected as the structural material for the building because it readily conveys the dominant feeling inherent in Spanish architecture, going back centuries ago in the times of the Conquistadors. And, of course, the Architects report, "Brick conveys the warmth that was very much in keeping with the aesthetic values of the Spanish people. What's more there is no doubt that masonry definitely lends a feeling of strength, of permanence and security needed by a banking institution."
Once the basic design considerations ons were contemplated and resolved, the Architects working closely with Industrial Savings officials, proceeded to develop the final plans for this handsome structure. Since they were faced with relatively small land area and narrow strect frontage, they designed the 5700 square feet of floor space into a 3700 square-foot main floor and a mezzanine with 2000 square feet of floor area. The first floor was designed to house customer service, the tellers' section and the vault. The mezzanine floor was created to house the board room and offices for the company officials.
The main lobby area of Industrial Savings has no mezzanine space above it. In this manner, the architects created an open, dramatic, high ceiling effect that's readily evident to all who enter through the glass doors at the front of the building. This provides an unusually attractive setting for the introduction of a graceful circular staircase that leads up to the mezzanine. This staircase is particularly effective with its simply cast white concrete steps and its wrought iron railing topped with laminated wood.
The floor, also much in keeping with the Mediterranean motif, is of "Flashed Walnut" Franciscan Terra Tile at the entrance and in the customer service area. The material for the carpeted portions, both down and upstairs, was especially selected by Industrial Savings President, Nate DeGiobbi. It's a combination of loop and cut pile materials woven in a brilliant red. The texture and color add much to the total effect.
The brick structural units for the building are Port Costa Jumbo Ruffle, selected by the architect because they suited the scale of the building. The architect chose a