“Total masonry construction” is a phrase that holds special meaning to me and also to other members of our team. The residential building community recognizes masonry as a high-quality exterior wall covering, but the ability of masonry to provide load-bearing, energy-efficient walls is typically overlooked in residential construction. We believe masonry has much more to offer, and had been looking for an opportunity to showcase masonry in the residential market. We sought to demonstrate the structural application of masonry and prove masonry’s energy efficiency, while confirming its reputation for beauty and durability. After we attended energy management conferences for four years, the Northern Kentucky Homebuilder Homefest offered us the chance to construct our “Dream Home” and showcase the “total masonry construction” concept.

An architectural firm we had worked with in the past recommended Jim Fearing of the Fearing Baur-Nilsen Studio. As it turned out, Jim and Otto Baur-Nilsen were on the same wave length that I was. The result was a “renaissance” of the traditional total-masonry home. Indeed, we decided to call this home The Renaissance.

The wall design utilizes masonry from below grade to the roof. The 12-inch-thick concrete masonry foundation gives way to sandstone and brick separated by a 2-inch air space from the 6-inch partially grouted back-up block wall. The exterior face of the back-up wall is pargeted, and hollow cores are filled with tripolymer insulation. Inside the back-up wall, 2 ½-inch metal studs with blown cellulose insulation and 5/8-inch drywall complete the wall system, which provides an R-value of 27. The thermal efficiency of this construction was proven over the first year of occupancy. Electric bills were about half that experienced by owners of conventionally constructed, comparably sized homes in our area.

During construction, we purposely left the brick and sandstone veneer portion of the work until the very end of the project to dramatize the fact that this was a total-masonry home. Believe me, there were many heads turning to see this two-story home with concrete block extending to the roof. Many late afternoon “lookers” came by just to ask questions about the home. Other builders, observing the reinforced masonry construction, said they would know where to go in a tornado.

The Renaissance certainly exemplifies the beauty of traditional masonry construction. The intricate detail features special brick shapes and utilizes dark red and off-white units for a more dramatic effect. Colored masonry cement mortar complements the color of the brick. I am especially proud of the T-Weave pattern incorporated in several locations and the interior brick archways at the entry. Jack arches and segmented arches accent window, door, and louver openings.

With all of the work that went into this home, I couldn’t just sell it and walk away. After a few modifications to the floor plan, it became my family home. I am very proud of this home and also very proud of the fact that it was awarded “Best of Show” in Masonry Magazine’s 1994 International Excellence in Masonry Winner’s Circle Competition.

by Don Saylers, President
Don Saylers Masonry, Inc.

 
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