Best institutional building/school

Masonry Construction, July-August, 2004

Orlando, Fla.

Colonial

High School

Thousands of teenagers and almost 50 years of use created a need for a replacement high school. The facility had to withstand the hot, humid climate of central Florida while being efficient to operate, attractive, and economical to build.

More than 140,000 Control Blok units with poured concrete beams and floors slabs were used to construct a single-wythe wall system that matched the school board's goals by providing superior moisture protection with enhanced aesthetics and durability. The concrete blocks were specified in the school's colors: Saffron (red) for the lower levels and Wheat for the upper levels. The two colors were combined with panels of gray masonry and poured concrete tie beams finished in Wheat colored stucco.

Masons installed between 4000 and 6000 units per day,

Project Participants

Masonry Contractor: Victor S. Beeler, J. Casey Barney and Vic Beeler Jr., Clarksville. Ind.

Architect: BRPH Architects-Engineers Melbourne, Fla.

Masonry Suppliers Master Builders, Cleveland, Ohio; Anchor Block of Florida, Sarasota, Fla.

New Haven, Conn.

Hopkins School

Commons and Dining Hall

Brick veneer, brick chimneys, cast stone, bluestone patios, and stone retaining walls were used at this 340-year old private school.

Brickwork included over 75,000 pieces of Brighton Tudor installed in the Flemish bond style. Special-shaped brick were placed over windows, on arches, and on all angle irons. Cast stone items included columns, sills, headers, entablatures, windows casings, and keys. Four chimneys with cast stone caps, keys, masonry arches, and masonry insets adorn the slate roof.

Constructing a radius shaped front wall and the extensive use of precast were major hurdles overcome by the masonry contractor.

Project Participants

Masonry Contractor: Sebastian J Damiata, Mason Contractor, Cromwell, Conn.

Architect; S/L/A/M Collaborative, Glastonbury, Conn.

Masonry Suppliers: Sun Precast Co Inc., McClure Pa.; Mack Brick Co, Enfield, Conn.; Better Stones & Masonry, East Hartford, Conn