|
|
| Table
of Contents
Besser Simem Mixing Technology The World Center for Concrete Technology Expand Your Product Line: Core Puller Applications Service Parts Disaster Protection with Concrete Masonry Safe Cells All About OSHA Building from a Vision: Summit East The Future of Concrete Masonry: Spotlight Block |
Building
from a Vision Summit East Have you ever thought about building "a high tech, high-amenity commercial campus for technology-driven businesses and their employees?" This is the vision of Rick Kearney, president of Mainline Information Systems in Tallahassee, Florida who is making his dream a reality on 116 acres (46 hectacres) called "Summit East." Rick had the idea in 1998 to create Summit East to house fast growing technology companies, restaurants, hotels and other service-related businesses. The concept was to create an atmosphere that would improve employee retention and recruitment at Mainline – a place where employees would want to stay.
Rick commissioned Manausa Lewis & Dodson Architects of Tallahassee to design the initial building to represent a high-tech and environmentally friendly facility. He wanted the building material to be precast concrete because of the layering and ornamental details that he observed on other buildings. However, precast was costly and had a lengthy delivery period. The architects and the contractor, Mad Dog Design and Construction, suggested loadbearing concrete block as an alternative. The qualities inherent in concrete block allowed the architects to achieve the unity between technology and nature. Smooth and split face concrete masonry units were chosen by the architects in tan, natural gray and charcoal gray to complement the natural environment. The facade was created with 8 " (200 mm) split face and 12" (300 mm) scored, split face units which were laid in the same wall line to create 4" (100 mm) pilasters. The contrast between the smooth and rough face block gives a natural feel and each pilaster is offset ½" (12 mm) to create a relief in the band. The concrete masonry unit walls were reinforced up to 39' (13 m) high with rebar and grout.
Approximately 42,000 split face units were manufactured on a Besser V3-12 Vibrapac concrete products machine for the initial building. AAA Spec-Block in Ocala, Florida completed the production order in seven days. According to Jim Magee, masonry contractor, the masonry portion of the project was completed in six months. Pictured above: Earth-toned, concrete masonry units were used to complement the natural environment and to give the appearance that the building is emerging from the site. There is still some work being done on the 31,000 square feet (2852 sq m) structure but the employees at Mainline Information Systems took residency on 9 June 2000. Since then, Rick Kearney has become a believer in concrete masonry as an architectural feature as well as a structural enhancement. The additional benefit of being cost effective was a key factor. As Rick stated, "In our business, we call that a price performer." For more information on the Summit East project contact Rick Kearney, founder, by phone (850) 514-4415.
|
