Design of a Concrete Masonry House: NCMA Foundation Partners with NC State University School of Architecture

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1 Design of a Concrete Masonry House: NCMA Foundation Partners with NC State University School of Architecture Thanks to the generous support of the NCMA Foundation, a team of architecture students from the NC State University College of Design received valuable experience in concrete masonry residential design and construction methods. The program, organized through the School of Architecture s Home Environments Design Initiative in partnership with Adams Products Company, challenged the future architects to design a prototype house for many kinds of neighborhoods using concrete masonry in architectural, landscape, and structural applications. In response to the program requirements, the 3100 square foot plan includes 3 bedrooms, two and half baths, and a spacious open living and dining room with a casual loft above for family gathering or children s study. The third floor bonus room (800 additional square feet) could easily be converted into an apartment for grandparents with its own full bathroom. A two car garage provides security and extra storage space. Using concrete masonry, the design also includes a walk-in closet that doubles as a family safe room and structure for an elevator. Concrete masonry features prominently in the main living area, with a large fireplace and chimney on the west and a dramatic wall supporting cantilevered stairs on the east. An exterior fireplace can be enjoyed on the second floor roof terrace. A cheerful sunroom attaches to the generous kitchen. Adjacent to the first floor owner s suite and living area, a screen porch opens onto the south facing patio. Dramatic concrete masonry columns support elegant trellises, creating a lovely exterior room for relaxing and entertaining. As a prototype, the house has no predetermined site, yet the Fall 2007 Home Environments Design Initiative College of Design NC State University

2 designers integrated concrete masonry into the entry court and the patio in ways that can readily be adapted for a variety of settings, terrains, or basement configurations. The students training began with site visits to local residential concrete masonry homes completed and under construction. Examining typical building methods informed the design team about current best practices in concrete masonry. Discussions with builders and contractors inspired research into window detailing. Graduate research assistants experimented with ideas for jambs and sills, building a full scale mock-up to test their proposal. While the new concepts proved difficult to execute, the team gained masonry techniques, an appreciation for the craft, exposure to the variety of concrete masonry units available, and insight into the challenges and benefits of the masonry modularity. Due to the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency, careful consideration of solar orientation was a guiding principle in the design process. South facing windows with appropriate shading allow for daylighting and passive solar heating. These features will minimize the energy consumption of the home. Also included in the design are several areas of green roof. This innovative green technology assists with site storm water management, pollution control, wildlife sanctuary, insulation, and acoustic dampening. Green roofs are also incorporated into the design in such a way as to be visually pleasing from the interior spaces and roof decks. The increased load requirements of this type of roof system utilize the structural capacities of concrete masonry construction. The Design of a Concrete Masonry House project has provided valuable learning opportunities to the NC State University student team, requiring them to investigate concrete masonry construction Fall 2007 Home Environments Design Initiative College of Design NC State University

3 in a manner they might not otherwise have during their architectural training. This collaboration highlights the goals of the NCMA Education and Research Foundation, advancing and supporting the industry and the public interest through research and education programs. By encouraging young designers to consider concrete masonry early in their careers, the Foundation serves the industry for years to come. Fall 2007 Home Environments Design Initiative College of Design NC State University

4 Northwest Entry Fall 2007 Home Environments Design Initiative College of Design NC State University

5 Southern Façade and Patio Fall 2007 Home Environments Design Initiative College of Design NC State University

6 Open Living and Dining Area with Stair to Loft, Sunroom and Patio Beyond Fall 2007 Home Environments Design Initiative College of Design NC State University

7 Concrete Masonry House A project supported by the National Concrete Masonry Association and Adams Products Company.

8 Project Credits: Design of a Concrete Masonry House Financial Support: Adams Products Company National Concrete Masonry Association NC State College of Design Concrete Masonry Industry Representatives: Frank Werner, Adams Products Company Harry Junk, National Concrete Masonry Association David McQueen, Adams Products Company Project Supervision: Professor Georgia Bizios, FAIA Katie Wakeford, Intern Architect, NC State Home Environments Design Initiative Student Team: Geoffrey Barton Sarah Corbitt Michael DeMonaco Jon Hindman Ryan Johnson Sang Eun Lee Wendy Legerton Erica Robertson Jim Stevens Fall 2007

9 Concrete Masonry House A project supported by the National Concrete Masonry Association and Adams Products Company.

10 CONCRETE MASONRY HOUSE: Final Report 1. Article for Concrete Masonry News (with images and captions) 2. Design Development Drawings 3. Presentation Boards (16" x 16", thumbnail versions included in binder) 4. Digital Documentation 5. Project Credits Fall 2007

11 Design of a Concrete Masonry House A project supported by the National Concrete Masonry Association and Adams Products Company. Fall 2007

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