Masonry Magazine August 1998 Page. 9
Why Construction
Customers are Coming
Over to Masonry
By Rob Jolley and Marybeth Bradfield
Masonry is often specified to convey a lasting impression of solidity, reflecting stability and trustworthiness. Architects and landscape architects favor the unparalleled beauty and design versatility. In fact, this design and construction flexibility sets masonry apart from other construction systems. The additional benefits of security, fire resistance, structural strength, energy efficiency, and sound insulation provide inherent "value-added" benefits.
According to Mitchell Smith of the Bellevue, WA based "Mulvanny Partnership", the change in construction material was in response to communities demanding aesthetically attractive buildings which blended more pleasingly with their environs than the traditional tilt-up warehouse with concrete slab panels for walls. From an aesthetic point of view, he says masonry is a very attractive material, available in a number of natural colors. Its natural finish allows PriceCostco's warehouse structures to complement their surrounding neighborhoods.