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Table
of Contents
Besser Simem Mixing Technology
The World Center for Concrete
Technology
New Service Parts Center
Expand Your Product Line: Core Puller
Applications Service Parts
Service
Parts
Disaster Protection with Concrete
Masonry Safe Cells
All About OSHA
(Part 2 of 3)
Product Enhancement
Service Tip
Building from a Vision: Summit
East
The Future of Concrete Masonry:
Spotlight Block
Besser Block Talk |
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.
| Pictured right: The
corporate headquarters for Mainline Information Systems was designed to
reflect the high-tech, environmentally friendly image of the company. |
 |
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.
Architect:
Manausa
Lewis & Dodson Architects, Inc. in Tallahassee,
Florida |
Contractor:
Mad Dog Design & Construction Co. in Tallahassee, Florida |
Masonry
Contractor:
Precision Masonry Construction Inc. in Tallahassee, Florida |
Concrete
Products Producer:
AAA Spec-Block in Ocala, Florida |
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