Masonry Magazine December 2006 Page. 23
ABOVE: Del Monte Foods Headquarters is part of the revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh and fits very well with the existing limestone structures built in the early 1900s. Custom cast stone shapes and desigs detalls were used to create shadow lines, monolithic corners, a curved western façade, and several sills and copings.
OPPOSITE PAGE: The Case Western Reserve University's seven-dormitory complex in Cleveland recently won two 2006 Cast Stone Institute Excellence Awards, one for manufacturing and the other for design.
As most mason contractors are undoubtedly aware, the use of cast stone and manufactured stone in both commercial and residential construction has increased steadily during the past decade. Cast stone producers say the volume of materials being produced and installed in the United States has doubled, while manufactured stone producers report that the stone veneer industry has been growing at an accelerated rate for several years and is projected to continue at a brisk pace into the foreseeable future. In fact, sales of manufactured stone in the United States are projected to reach $900 million by 2009.
The use of cast stone and manufactured stone as an alternative to natural stone has increased in recent years because of the materials' economy, designer freedom and universal availability. With the increased use, a highly specialized industry has developed.
Cast Stone Advantages
IN THE SIMPLEST OF TERMS, cast stone products are used to dress up brick and to finish off natural stone facades on buildings and other structures. But cast stone is much more than just architectural dressing or plain adornment. It is true that such materials provide architects, owners and mason contractors with another option to put masonry into building projects, but cast stone can be used as an alternative to natural cut stone, with advantages that often are too good to pass up.
According to the non-profit Cast Stone Institute, cast stone offers many advantages when compared with natural stone. It can be integrally reinforced with steel and precisely colored through aggregates or mineral oxides.
Sales of manufactured stone in the United States are projected to reach $900 million by 2009.
Mix designs have tested engineering values, which result in a predictable, durable life. Because the manufacturing process is controlled, strength and weathering qualities are consistently better than natural stone. Repetitive treatment, either as trim or ornament, can be achieved quite economically.