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Beauty
Captures Attention
Landscape
Products
Although
they contain no magical powers, landscape concrete products have been
known to bring an area to life. After the units are joined together and
take form, their beauty captures attention from near and far. Although
pleasing to the eye, areas adorned with paving stone or retaining wall
units are also very functional. A few examples of what has and can be
done are illustrated in the following projects.
Westgate
Industrial Center
St. Paul, Minnesota
Several landscape
opportunities arose for CSM Corporation during the construction of a
business center, consisting of four multi-tenant buildings in St. Paul,
Minnesota. The new Westgate Industrial Center was located within a few
hundred yards from a high traffic area that contained several entrance
ramps to major highways. The area was a focal point in need of
beautification.
After completing the
fourth building of the Westgate Industrial Center, CSM realized this
corner location was a prime area for creating a dramatic entrance to the
industrial park. Leonard Lampert Architects was asked to design a
retaining wall to complement the area and support the building and
parking area. The other challenge was to make use of nearly 100,000
square feet
(9200 sq m) of excavated fill that remained on the property.
Approximately 6000
Anchor Diamond® retaining wall units were used to create multi-tiered
walls. The tiers are adorned with flowering plants and decorative bushes
that naturally enhance the industrial area.
A small curved
retaining wall was also created to conceal an otherwise conspicuous
manhole cover within the landscaped area. The top of the area remains
open to provide easy access for municipal workers.
CSM was pleased with
the attractive, cost-effective solution of the retaining walls. The
desert tan units, 6" (152 mm) high x 17-1/4" (438 mm) deep x
12" (305 mm) wide, and the design solved the problem of site fill
and optimized parking around the building area.
Architect:
Leonard Lampbert Architects, Ham Lake, Minnesota
Contractor:
North Metro Landscaping, Minneapolis, MN
Block Producer:
Anchor Block Company, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
John
F. Kennedy Library,
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, Washington
When Eastern
Washington University (EMU) renovated the John F. Kennedy Library, the
administration decided it was time to enhance the outside landscape as
well. Old clay brick walkways were replaced with concrete pavers in
shades of red and gray. The architect specified concrete pavers to tie
together the historical architecture of the campus with a contemporary
design while meeting the need for a durable walking surface.
Concrete paving stone
solved many challenges at EWU such as providing the ability to withstand
harsh winters and heavy foot traffic. The clay pavers, which were
replaced, often expanded by as much as 9 inches (225 mm) in wet weather.
During several winters, the clay paving surface had such severe movement
that certain walkways were unsafe and had to be closed.
Installing concrete
pavers eliminated the problems associated with clay paving and allows
the plaza walkways to be used year-round. Snow and debris are easily
removed with snowplows and powered sweepers.
Approximately 110,000
square feet (11,000 sq m) of concrete pavers, 2-3/8" (60 mm) thick,
were used for the renovation. This entire project provided a major
improvement to the function and aesthetics of the campus.
Architect:
ALSC Architects, P.S., Spokane, Washington
Contractor:
Shea Construction, Spokane, Washington
Masonry Contractor:
Great Northern Masonry, Spokane, Washington
Block Producer:
Mutual Materials, Spokane,
Washington
Orchard Lake Reconstruction Project
Pontiac, Michigan
Retaining wall units
provided the perfect solution when a major section of road going through
Pontiac, Michigan was realigned. Homeowners in the area were often
bothered by the noise from this high traffic area. The first part of the
project entailed raising the grade below the road to divert traffic and
reduce the noise congestion experienced by the residents. The
installation of 5800 square feet (522 sq m) of retaining wall units
supported the road above and created a restricted enclave as requested
by the neighborhood association. Keystone® sculptured rock face units
were used to accomplish these goals. As an added bonus, the desert brown
units created a beautiful landscape which is enjoyed by all who travel
the road.
Architect:
Nowak & Fraus, Pontiac, Michigan
Contractor:
John Carlo Construction, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Masonry Contractor:
Brick Paving Design, Clinton, Michigan
Block Producer:
Fendt Builder’s Supply, Inc., Farmington
Hills, Michigan
The Bedford Project
Bedford, New
Hampshire
Take split face
retaining wall units and tumble them. The result is a great new look
that is gaining popularity with homeowners and businesses. It is the
look of natural stone from a bygone era. Allan Block has replicated this
natural "old" appearance in The Europa Collection.
The Europa Collection
consists of four different sized units each 10-1/2" (260 mm) deep.
The Dover is the largest unit at 7-1/2" (190 mm) high x
17-1/8" (435 mm) wide. The Palermo is 7-1/2" (190 mm) x
8-9/16" (218 mm). The Barcelona is 3-3/4" (95 mm) x
17-1/2" (445 mm). The smallest unit is the Bordeaux, 3-3/4"
(95 mm) x 8-9/16" (218 mm). The units can be combined in an
infinite number of ways to successfully capture a hand laid stone
appearance.
The owner of this
landscape project in Bedford was sold on the benefits of concrete
products and liked the looks of the Europa Collection. The homeowner
stated, "If it wasn’t for these walls, we would not have a yard.
It came out magnificently." The pewter colored units adds a unique
charm to the surrounding area.
The project was
constructed in two phases. The first phase took a month to install
approximately 2400 square feet (216 sq m) of retaining wall behind the
home. The second phase, which was 5600 square feet (504 sq m), consisted
of creating multi-tiered walls with the retaining wall units. This
portion of the project began in June and due to the extensive
(intricate) design was completed in November 2001.
Contractor:
MATJRM, Belmont, New Hampshire
Masonry Contractor:
Monty Landscape,
Belmont, New Hampshire
Block Producer:
Del R. Gilbert & Son Block Co., Inc., Laconia, New Hampshire
Private Residence
Geneva, Illinois
Ross Thomas, the
homeowner, envisioned an area that would be suitable for lawn furniture
yet blend into the beauty of the landscape. He chose paving stone to
create an area that was functional yet attractive. He knew the units
were durable and would withstand the use of furniture and the foot
traffic from large gatherings. Ross liked the natural look of Kingston
Cobble tumbled pavers. Both large and small units in sandstone were used
to create a random pattern. This 400 square foot (36 sq m)
do-it-yourself project was designed and installed by Ross over the
course of three weekends.
Architect/Contractor/
Masonry Contractor:
Ross Thomas (Homeowner)
Block Producer:
Northfield Block, Mundelein, Illinois
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