Masonry Magazine October 1978 Page. 15
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This 10,000 sq. ft. Rigid Frame industrial building houses a copper fabricating firm. The 8" x 12" x 16" integrally colored split-ribbed concrete masonry units have colored mortar joints to match. Below is a view of the reception area which follows the overall design continuity. Architect: Rudolph Zemanovic, AIA.
The basic ingredients of the system are 8" x 12" x 16" insulated architectural concrete block, precast columns and beams, and 40' prestressed, hollow-core concrete roof planks. The modular building size is 121'4"x 80' and the column space 25', with a masonry module of 8" x 8", or roughly 1 meter (39.33") when stacked to five courses (40'). all the materials utilized. Yet the exterior design of each building is completely flexible, with limitless space and expansion possibilities.
Many designers now consider the 8" x 8" unit the most flexible masonry module yet conceived. The precision with which designs can be executed and take-offs made, and the unnecessary cutting of block that is eliminated are some of the obvious advantages. Remarked one mason contractor, "Any designer who doesn't realize this ought to resharpen his pencil."
In Prossen's scheme of things, the concrete masonry unit is the main building element. He says, "Architectural concrete block today is so diversified, versatile and beauti-ful in texture and color, we put it right into the basic building design. The added bonuses are energy savings, sound control and fire safety."
And since the design is modular, working bays, office spaces and service door openings can be planned using precast components for both fast and economical construc-tion.
Known as a "composite" mason contractor, Prossen performs his own excavating, as well as concrete and masonry work. Such items as roofing, electrical, plumb-ing, and interior detailing are subcontracted.
Prossen's services basically fall into the category of a "design-build" package. He and his team of specialists- including several leading architectural and engineering firms that develop plans based on the masonry module- will acquire the land, arrange financing, design the struc-ture, construct it, and turn the fully completed building over to the owner for a fixed, predetermined price. De-pending upon the owner's desires, this package can in-clude everything from landscaping and parking facilities to interior decor.
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MASONRY/OCTOBER, 1978 15