Masonry Magazine March 1978 Page. 2
HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS TO COME IN UNDER BUDGET.
Engineered loadbearing masonry has established itself as a tight-budget building system. But with its fame for frugality came an undeserved reputation for colorless architecture. Houston's Halbouty Center, developed by Gerald D. Hines Interests, should set the record straight once and for all.
Neuhaus + Taylor, Architects, ignored the traditional notion of compartmentalized loadbearing design and erected an innovative structure featuring two handsome atria.
Wide-open spaces were a requisite for versatile leasing of the property; engineered masonry accommodated every need.
With considerable exposed brick throughout the lobby and interior, The Halbouty Center is a beautiful expression of masonry as a decorative and functional material. But its beauty is far more than skin deep. The original owner's budget was undercut 15% by the use of engineered masonry, yet architectural detail was not compromised.
Of course, there are long-range economies to an engineered masonry building, too. Fire walls are inherent to the system. The mass of masonry walls makes them highly energy-efficient. And once the tooling is finished on a masonry structure, its walls are virtually maintenance-free. Engineered masonry. It makes any budget beautiful to work with.
For more information, refer to the Engineered Loadbearing Masonry insert in Sweet's, U.S.A. #4.4d/Im & Canada #4uni, or write to IMI.
International Masonry Institute
(The Mason Contractors Association and The Bricklayers' Union of the US and Canada)
IMI Suite 1001, 823 15th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005, (202) 783-3908
ENGINEERED MASONRY. BEAUTIFUL IT IS.
Developer: Gerald D. Hines Interests. Architect: Neuhaus+Taylor. Consulting Engineers: Krahl & Gaddy.