Large Format Masonry (LFM)
Large Format Masonry (LFM) units from Best Block are pre-finished and ready to bring a striking appearance to large scale walls, columns and accent areas. These stately CMUs feature one or more faces that are machine processed to produce three distinct finishes: polished, textured or ground face. Either choice brings out the beautiful, variegated color of the natural aggregates used to manufacture the units.
Concrete Masonry Ideal for “Green” Projects Like Millennium High Street
Developers behind a new upscale apartment community in Houston’s Midtown have earned a top LEED® certification for their project. One aspect of the property’s “green” designation comes from the use of Split-Face Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs).
Katy Independent School District’s SJH Looks Great Inside and Out
A new school designed around collaborative outdoor learning spaces has to look great–both inside and out. Ground Face concrete masonry from Best Block is a perfect way to meet that goal.
The striking White Limestone units used in this project are an attractive, budget-friendly alternative to cast stone.
Katy Independent School District’s 15th junior high school features an all-new architectural design which incorporates the education market’s latest trends and technology.
Designed by Houston’s PBK Architects, the new school features several green spaces and includes outdoor learning gardens and a teaching amphitheater.
In published interviews, Chris Bailey, the school’s assistant principal for student support, says the new junior high emphasizes individualized learning. “Most campuses have only one flexible-use space, but SJH has six such spaces, along with a much more open design throughout that encourages collaboration,” he said.
St. Helen Catholic School Expands Existing Campus
The education building, which first opened in 1997, was updated and expanded an additional 50-thousand square feet. This also gave designers an opportunity to refresh the exterior of the 20-year old building. “We were able to update the existing building’s material and color palette. Now it matches the church and the new buildings, unifying the entire campus,” says Rowley.
Brookstone General Contractors managed construction for the education building addition and renovation.
A new dual-use building was also constructed on campus to serve as a base for maintenance operations while also providing a home for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry Ministry. “The separate facilities building needed to clearly be identified as part of the St. Helen’s campus, while delivering the functional requirements for a building that serves both a ministry group and the campus maintenance needs,” says Rowley.
Patrick Lopez Building Services managed construction for the facilities building and the Food Pantry.
