Masonry Magazine August 1995 Page. 13
his ingenuity and originality when making the most of his low budget and material limitations.
BROOKS RESIDENCE
The Brooks residence, constructed of extruded severe weathered brick, modular glass block and insulated glass in aluminum frames, was contracted by S&A Masonry of White Lake, Michigan to recreate a nautical feel by using portholes, gang planks, wood decks, a bridge, and a metal chimney. To further bind the strong ties to it's ocean origin, this house was built facing 600' of lineal lake shoreline.
Masonry materials played a part in balancing hard and soft elements. Transparent, clear, and translucent block units, contrasted with the ceramic tile, marble and granite accessories. All of this, encompassed in reinforced concrete footings and a concrete block foundation. The principle masonry supplier was Brick Craft.
BLOOMFIELD AUTO WASH
Extensive use of glass block and light attracts customers to this neighborhood car wash. Movement inside, of autos, can be viewed through a long, flowing, glass wall, productively facing a four lane highway. Illumination with interior lights, at night, sparks an interest and a look, completely separate from that, experienced in daylight.
The glass block, provided by Glass Block Sales of Warren, Michigan, used with blue joints made to match the roof, accentuates the depth and movement of the masonry glass wall.
Todd Young, winner of an Excellence in Masonry award from Masonry Institute of Michigan, was commended on his creativeness in designing a lucid car wash. Even with several obstacles thrown in his path, Young decided not to create an average edifice, but chose instead, to create the extraordinary.
The criteria established for Young was that, all exposed interior materials should resist long-term deterioration from high amounts of salt and humidity, and that the building should attract customers in a dignified way.
THE BROOK'S RESIDENCE, Orchard Lake, Michigan, relies on a balance of hard and soft elements to achieve a sweeping, dramatic, effect.
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