APA reveals 2005 design winners

Masonry Construction, July-August, 2005 by Ron Holzhauer

The Architectural Precast Association has announced the winners in its annual "Design and Manufacturing Excellence" competition. Four projects shared top honors, which are awarded based on outstanding design and production work utilizing architectural precast concrete.

* 400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. The building was designed by Esocoff & Associates, Washington, D.C., and the precast supplier was Arban Precast Stone Ltd., Dumfries, Va. The building was fabricated with more than 5000 pieces of precast concrete.

* University Chapel at Fordham University, New York City. The architect was Aldo DiVitto, Bronx, N.Y., and the precast manufacturer was THR Cast Stone & GFRC, Brooklyn, N.Y. The judges noted, "Great care and craft was applied to the restoration of the church, which encompassed work to both the original 1845 structure and to a bell tower that replaced the original spire in 1929."

* U.S. Patent & Trade Office Headquarters, Washington, D.C. "Five buildings and two garages became a harmonious suite of structures through the use of precast construction elements" according to the judges. The architect was Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, Washington, D.C., and the precast manufacturer was Arban & Carosi Inc., Woodbridge, Va.

* Residences at Amory Park, Boston. "Architectural detailing shows off the versatility of the materials, creating a building that fits its historic context admirably," stated the judges. The building was designed by The Architectural Team Inc., Chelsea, Mass., and the pre-cast manufacturer was Northern Design Precast Inc., Loudon, N.H.

More information about APA is available at www.arch precast.org.