THE PROJECT STORY
Lately, there’s been a fair amount of debate around the value of a college education. While that discussion may continue, there’s no debate about the value concrete masonry provides. So, when SMITHGROUP was commissioned to design a new 83,000 square foot building supporting regional campus expansion at the University of Houston – Victoria at Katy, it was natural they turned to ground face CMU from Best Block.
The University of Houston – Victoria at Katy serves transfer students from community colleges in the area, working adults who are looking to finish their bachelor's degree, and those looking to pursue a master's degree – all at an affordable price. This positioning has proved very popular (including double digit percentage enrollment increases) creating the need for a new multi-purpose building on campus.
With one eye on aesthetics and the other on the budget, ground face blocks (which are ground on their faces to expose the natural aggregate and create a distinctive finish and a dynamic look) in terra cotta and white limestone were selected to create a dramatic and contemporary exterior for this important campus addition. To create a more robust look, multiple sizes in both colors of block were used to shape a campus focal point.
Achieving the desired result required a beautiful material and quality workmanship. Masonry remains a skilled craftmen’s trade that provides architects additional flexibility and the dedicated masons at City Masonry of Tomball, TX provided the expertise to create a beautiful result. Using multiple sized blocks and different bond patterns, the talented crew ensured each block was carefully and properly set while no attention to detail was overlooked.
In addition to ground face finish, Best Block CMU is available in split face, textured and polished architectural finishes. Multiple finishes, combined with a wide variety of popular colors, allows for unlimited design potential for projects of all scopes and sizes. The shining star of the University of Houston – Victoria at Katy is just one example of what’s
possible.
*Terra Cotta 4” ground face masonry units were recessed to create shadowing on the building façade
**Light colored ground face masonry units used in stack bond provide a neutral structure for the building
Surface Preparation
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.
The lobby previously housed a multi-level water feature, so the concrete required significant demolition and remediation. Then, the entire substrate was treated with TechPrime™ A Advanced Acyrylic Primer prior to leveling. This product is ideal for concrete slabs but is also appropriate for non-porous surfaces, making it a true all-purpose primer.