Tag Archives: Architectural Precast

HOW DO I SELECT RIGHT PRODUCT(S) FOR MY PROJECT?

AAS provides three different product materials for architectural stone applications:

  1. Dry vibrant-tamp cast stone
  2. Wet-pour architectural precast concrete
  3. Architectural GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete

All three products offer considerable design flexibility and durability compared to natural stone products such as limestone. The project-specific detailed engineering and custom fabrication simplify the installation while also achieving a superior design aesthetic.

  • While cast stone and architectural precast use different casting techniques, the two products have similar structural properties. AAS has a track record for developing custom stone design, using either of the two products or combining the two products as required to achieve the intended design objective for a project cost-effectively.
  • Architectural GFRC panels are only 3/4″ thick and have an excellent strength to weight ratio, providing unique advantages over other casting techniques. The AAS GFRC product material is much more durable compared to other thin veneer panels. GFRC can match the look of other architectural stone products as well as limestone. The GFRC panels cost relatively more than other architectural stone products; however, it has specific advantages with less structural support requirements and simpler installation.

PRODUCTS SELECTION

SELECTION CRITERION

DRY-CAST STONE

WET-POUR PRECAST

GFRC

LIMESTONE

THIN VENEER PANELS

Design Flexibility

Extreme amount of flexibility

Can mold both sides

Complex shapes

Precision with tolerance

Dry-casting technique enables high-end look & finish

Can emulate look of limestone at much lower cost

Extreme amount of flexility

Complex shapes

No size limitation

Enables longer span or length for individual stone pieces

Suitable for heavy use surface areas such as stair treads

Higher strength to weight ratio enables larger, thin pieces including panels.

Bigger pieces, lighter weight, less structural back up

Comparable design flexibility – you can pretty much do anything using all three products

Can easily match look of other stone products

Natural variation in patterns can’t be avoided

Complex shapes, curves, intricate design details are difficult to achieve – product limitations, challenges with machining/fabrication processing

Highly valued traditionally for design aesthetic

Not easy to match look of other stone products

Cost

Much lower than limestone for custom shapes and precision design elements

Cast stone needs less number of molds and so cost-effectve compared to precast

Lower mold cost, lower overall cost

Slightly more expensive than cast stone

Still much more cost-effective than limestone for high-end design applications

Higher than cast stone or wet-pour precast concrete

Cost is much higher than architectural stone products to achieve different shapes

Veneer (flat pieces) cost is comparable to other products

Much less expensive

Durability

Very good

Very good

As good as any stone product

Much better compared to other thin veneer products such as stucco

Not as durable as cast stone

Also variable – depends on type of limestone being used – regional

Not designed for longer term use

Limited testing standards in place if at all – not as comprehensive as cast stone, precast and GFRC

Ease of Installation

Simple installation using any traditional cast stone methods

Usually manually set

Simple installation using any traditional cast stone methods

Equipment is required to set the pieces

Much easier handling of panels

Less construction equipement

Option to build anchorage connections in the products

Relatively less number of pieces required for the target area

Strength-to-weight Ratio

Comparable to other stone products

Comparable to other stone products

Higher than any other architectural stone products or limestone

Varies with product time, region, etc.

Scroll down this blog post to learn more about the cast stone, wetter precast-concrete and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).

Dry Vibrant-tamp Cast Stone

 

The dry vibrant-tamp fabrication technique allows flexibility to shape both sides of stone panels even when the shape or design of stone panels is highly complex. This offers more flexibility to realize virtually any design shape. The manufacturing process also opens up design freedom to emulate the looks of a variety of different stone types, including natural limestone. AAS has an extensive track record with projects where manufactured stone matched custom color and finish of natural stone samples.

Cast stone is very cost-effective compared to natural limestone. Learn more about the vibrant-tamp casting process in this video:

> PROJECT EXAMPLE: LA Sports HOF: Complex geometry, large size stone pieces for the interior stone veneer that achieved the architect’s design vision of complex channels of nearly Cane River.

 

LA Sports Hall of Fame | Cast Stone | Architect: Trahan Architects | Masonry Contractor: Masonry Arts | SEE CASE STUDY ...

AAS Advantage: Track Record & Experience | Design Freedom for Designers | Support System for Contractors, Masons

 

> CASE STUDY: LA SPORTS HALL OF FAME PROJECT

> PROJECT EXAMPLE: Houston Market Square – cast stone cladding combined applications for stone façade, pilasters, coping, cornices and bandings – custom color emulating Lueders limestone.

 

Project: Houston Market Square | Custom Dark Color Cast Stone for Veneer, Cladding | Design Accent at the Top of Building

Project: Houston Market Square | Custom Dark Color Cast Stone for Veneer, Cladding | Design Accent at the Top of Building

 

> CASE STUDY: CAST STONE FOR HOUSTON MARKET SQUARE PROJECT

Dry cast-stone has comparable structural properties to wet-pour precast stone.

Wet-pour Architectural Precast Concrete Stone

 

The wet-pour manufacturing technique allows flexibility to embed structural steel or other reinforcements, making it more suitable for load-bearing architectural elements. In general, architectural precast concrete can achieve a more extended span or length for individual stone pieces.

Different finishes can be achieved on the architectural precast stone using post-cure treatments such as acid etching, sand-blasting, and other techniques. On heavy use application areas such as stair treads, architectural precast can retain the stone’s surface finishing for very long time spans.

 

> PROJECT EXAMPLE: Circular stair treads for Ft. Worth Arena

 

Ft Worth Arena | Wet-pour Architectural Precast Concrete Stone for Circular Stair Tread Design

Ft Worth Arena | Wet-pour Architectural Precast Concrete Stone for Circular Stair Tread Design

 

AAS has several projects where the team has been able to work closely with customers to substitute dry-cast stone for the wet-pour stone or vice versa.

Architectural GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)

 

The architectural GFRC is also known as lightweight concrete, offers the look and finish, as well as longevity and reliability of other stone products with much lighter weight. The proprietary manufacturing technique enables very high strength to weight ratio for the GFRC panels.

While the cost of architectural GFRC can be more than other cast stone products, it can also help with less structural support requirements and simplified installation equipment requirements.

 

> Design flexibility, freedom with GFRC: LEARN MORE

 

> GFRC Design Case Study: SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House

 

SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House | Architectural GFRC Columns, Cladding for Desired Building Elevation Aesthetic

SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House | Architectural GFRC Columns, Cladding for Desired Building Elevation Aesthetic

 

> ARCHITECTURAL GFRC: PRODUCT HOME

COMBINING DIFFERENT PRODUCTS FOR A SPECIFIC PROJECT

 

Customers have options to combine any of the three product materials with seamless matching of color and finish.

> CASE STUDY: Project Examples where Different Product Materials Are Combined for Design Objectives

 

> St. Francis Xavier Church: High-end Design Combined cast stone, wet-pour concrete stone and GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) panels

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) has a dedicated customer project team working closely with customers right from the design phase. As required, the team can support customers in selecting the most appropriate product(s) application for any size projects.

In case of specific questions about your project, complete the request support form at the bottom of this page, and someone from our customer projects team will be in touch with you shortly.

 

 

PRECAST CONCRETE: PRECISION ENGINEERING FOR CIRCULAR STAIR TREADS

The Ft. Worth Arena has circular stairs leading to the entry level as shown in the image below. The AAS team custom fabricated the stone pieces using wet-pour architectural precast concrete to realize the design vision of concentric circular pattern.

 

Ft Worth Arena Project | Concentric Circles of Stair Treads Achieved using Wet-pour Architectural Precast Concrete

Ft Worth Arena Project | Concentric Circles of Stair Treads Achieved using Wet-pour Architectural Precast Concrete

 

Precision Engineering, Design Assist, Construction Assist

 

  • The AAS team developed custom molds for unique radial shape of the stone pieces required for stair treads at every step/level.
  • The molds design included the circular grooves required on each stone piece.
  • The shape, size and tolerance for each stone piece was confirmed in the design phase using CAD drawings.
  • The project team provided detailed settings plan that identified position of every stone piece.

 

Ft Worth Arena | Wet-pour Architectural Precast Concrete Stone for Circular Stair Tread DesignProject Specific Fabrication of Stone Panels | Product: Wet-pour Precast ConcreteGrooves in the Stone Pieces to Match Overall Pattern of Circular Stair Tread Designed using Precast Concrete StoneDesign Freedom, Flexibility with Custom Manufacturing of Architectural Stone | Precast Concrete Pieces Fitting Flawlessly to Realize Design VisionPrecise Custom Molds with Stringent Tolerance Requirements Confirmed using CAD Drawings | Project Specific Manufacturing for High-end Design, Smooth Project ExecutionAAS Project Planning, Collaboration Matched Manufacturing Schedule with Building Construction Milestones

 

The in-house color lab developed batch mixes to coordinate color of the precast concrete panels with the dry vibrant-tamp cast stone, and GFRC panels used on the exterior façade & surrounding support buildings of the arena.

Detailed engineering enabled stair treads design to dissolve with the overall end user experience.

 

> WET-POUR ARCHITECTURAL PRECAST CONCRETE

 

> FT WORTH ARENA CASE STUDY

 

 

TUSCAN COLUMNS

Tuscan columns are the columns used most frequently in the United States because they are also the simplest.  They are not carved and do not have scrolls.  They are columns that have a capital that is square with a circle under the square.  Think of the circle as being round crown molding.  There may be a ring under the circle, all of which would be considered the column capital.

AAS has an extensive range of molds to manufacture columns with a much shorter turn around time. The team is able to customize the column design for any diameter, length, as well as size of the capital.

  • Vibrant-tamp cast stone columns provide options for design with unparalleled flexibility and design freedom to integrate columns into facades, cladding designs, porticos, or other ornamental design elements.
  • Wet-pour architectural precast concrete columns are ideally suited for load bearing applications.
  • GFRC column covers are 3/4″ inch think. They provide very competitive strength to weight ratio and are suitable for higher elevation applications, or cladding design elements where they aren’t bearing the load by themselves.

AAS provides design assist, construction assist for the columns confirming design feasibility, and also simplifying the installation process.

 

SMU Caruth Hall Architectural Stone Cladding | Cast Stone and Wet-precast Products Combined for Desired Design Accent | Large Column Porches and Entries, Design of Eaves, Window Surround Trim

SMU Caruth Hall Architectural Stone Cladding | Cast Stone and Wet-precast Products Combined for Desired Design Accent | Large Column Porches and Entries, Design of Eaves, Window Surround Trim

 

 

PROJECT: TRT Holdings Headquarters | Case Stone | 2014 APA Award of Excellence

PROJECT: TRT Holdings Headquarters | Case Stone, Architectural Precast | 2014 APA Award of Excellence

 

Unlimited Design Freedom with Manufactured Architectural Cast Stone, Precast Concrete, GFRC | Seamless Matching with Different Materials for Optimum Value Engineering

Unlimited Design Freedom with Manufactured Architectural Cast Stone, Precast Concrete, GFRC | Seamless Matching with Different Materials for Optimum Value Engineering

IONIC COLUMNS, COLUMN COVERS/WRAPS

The Ionic columns are usually defined by the scrolls at each corner of the capital.  These scrolls are fairly large in proportion to the column itself and the scrolls are also known architecturally as volutes.

  • The AAS team is able to fabricate ionic columns using any of three different product materials: vibrant-tamp cast stone, wet-pour architectural precast, or GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete).
  • For really large size column designs, AAS is able to create modular design with different pieces fitting together at the time of installation with seamless monolithic stone look.
  • Customers have options to seamlessly integrate the columns with other cladding elements such as stone veneer, entry way elevation designs, balusters, cornices, wall coping, door and window surrounds …etc.
  • AAS offers a range of options to fabricate column covers or column wraps to envelope structural elements while seamlessly matching color with other stone products.

Designers are able to achieve any custom color for the columns with a control Sample.

 

Ionic Columns using Architectural Cast Stone | Laura Lee Blanton Building

Ionic Columns using Architectural Cast Stone | Laura Lee Blanton Building

 

Building Cladding and use of Ionic Columns | Product Used: Architectural Cast Stone | Laura Lee Blanton Building

Building Cladding and use of Ionic Columns | Product Used: Architectural Cast Stone | Laura Lee Blanton Building

 

AAS 2016 APA, CSI Awards for AAS Project Old Parkland | Cast Stone, GFRC | Custom Molds, Architectural Stone Cladding

AAS 2016 APA, CSI Awards for AAS Project Old Parkland | Cast Stone, GFRC | Custom Molds, Architectural Stone Cladding

AAS IS DOUBLING MANUFACTURING CAPACITY


Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) is doubling the production capacity to custom design and manufacture architectural precast stone and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).

AAS is planning this increase in production in two phases: phase one is an expansion to the Mesa Precast plant in Tempe (AZ), followed by second phase to augment manufacturing capabilities in its Ft. Worth (TX) plant.


Phase One: Tempe, AZ Plant (Mesa Precast)

AAS has used Mesa Precast plant in Tempe (Phoenix) for strategic manufacturing and design support for GFRC and architectural wet-precast products.

  • Mesa has expanded to a second facility adjacent to the current plant in Tempe. This has doubled the production space available for customer projects.
  • Staffing has been increased by 25% as well as an increased management team.
  • Mesa production planning and management systems have been enhanced and integrated with AAS enterprise production management systems.

 

AAS Expansion of Manufacturing Plants | Phase one - Mesa Precast, Tempe, Phoenix, AZ | New Production Space to the Left in this Image

AAS Expansion of Manufacturing Plants | Phase one – Mesa Precast, Tempe, Phoenix, AZ | New Production Space to the Left in this Image


Phase Two: Ft. Worth, TX Plant (formerly known as Advanced Cast Stone)

 

The Ft. Worth plant is the largest of AAS plants. With this phase of expansion, AAS is aiming to provide even stronger support and flexibility to customers nationwide.

  • The expansion is increasing production space by 25%.
  • New inventory control system is implemented to improve tracking and control all three types of stone panel products used in a customer project: cast stone, wet-precast, GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete).
  • Implemented new manufacturing line producing wet-pour cast stone.
  • AAS is also adding GFRC manufacturing capability to the plant in Ft. Worth, TX in this expansion phase.

 


Alex Campolo, CEO of AAS: “This expansion of our production capacity is a strategic investment that is going to not only enable us handle more complex customer projects efficiently, but also help cut down lead time for the delivery of products.”


“Our design, manufacturing system has been refined over time to work closely with customers on every phase of the project. The new inventory control system will further provide more precise control and traceability simplifying job site management. “, added Tim Michael, VP of Business Development.


 

Advanced Architectural Stone = AAS | Formely Advanced Cast Stone - ACS | Technology | Team | Customer Focus

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) Plant in Ft. Worth, TX | Formerly Advanced Cast Stone (ACS)

 

The AAS team uses a very well refined customer project management system to work closely with customers on every phase of project execution:

SMU Simmons Hall Construction | Precise engineering, Custom Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone for the Portico Columns

SMU Simmons Hall Construction | Precise engineering, Custom Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone for the Portico Columns

Precision in Design Details - Complex Curved Cast Stone Pieces Fit Together Seamlessly Without Carving or Retrofitting

Accuracy in Design Details – Complex Curved Cast Stone Pieces Fit Together Seamlessly Without Carving or Retrofitting

Installation of Portico Columns | Cast Stone Pieces Planned in Sequence of Releases and Clear Labeling Simplified Onsite Construction

Installation of Portico Columns | Cast Stone Pieces Planned in Sequence of Releases and Clear Labeling Simplified Onsite Construction

Portico Column from Inside | Columns inset in Radial Wall Installed Easily with Precise Custom Shaped Pieces and Careful Planning

Portico Column from Inside | Columns inset in Radial Wall Installed Easily with Precise Custom Shaped Pieces and Careful Planning

Architectural GFRC | Pre-engineered, Built-in Connections | Installation Support | Installation of GFRC Products at SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House

Architectural GFRC | Pre-engineered, Built-in Connections | Installation Support | Installation of GFRC Products at SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House | LEARN MORE ABOUT GFRC DESIGN PROCESS >>

 



MANUFACTURED ARCHITECTURAL STONE: PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

PRODUCTS COMPARISON GUIDE

How do different manufactured cast stone products compare? How do you select? SEE COMPARISON GUIDE >>

TRT HOLDINGS – PRECISE ENGINEERING AND CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR DESIGN


TRT Holdings Headquarters is a new 170,000 square ft, six-story Jeffersonian-style office building.  The project is one of several buildings located on the Old Parkland Campus at Dallas, Texas developed by Trammell Crow Holdings, one of the largest developers in the U.S.

  • The overriding design criterion of this building was to have the same style as all other buildings on the business campus.
  • Precast and cast stone was used exclusively as the material at all entries, the exterior connecting porches, hallways and veneer panels at the first floor of the building.
  • Pediments, lintels, sills, water tables, columns and roof coping comprised the remainder of the precast or cast stone on the project.
  • All entrances to the building have beautiful classical Tuscan columns. The Tuscan columns were repeated at a covered portico connecting the building to a restaurant as well.  The columns were connected with a deeply profiled trim. The precast portico runs a length of over 50 feet.

 

PROJECT: TRT Holdings Headquarters | Case Stone | 2014 APA Award of Excellence

PROJECT: TRT Holdings Headquarters | Case Stone, Architectural Precast | 2014 APA Award of Excellence

 

Process for Design

 

  • All pieces, of the same profile, were scaled to varying sizes due to different size windows, doors, entryways and breezeways around the structure.   Precise mold making ability of AAS enabled the required precision over wide range of sizes.
  • There were 7712 pieces of precast and cast stone on the project. The production was carried out using 153 different molds.  The mix design was the company’s standard formula with adjustment to a special color used throughout the campus.
  • Manufacturing was carried out using company’s computer-driven batch plant and computer driven liquid color system.  The automated systems provide the quality control to assure consistency of color and texture.

 

TRT Head Quarters | Cast Stone, Architectural Precast, Architectural GFRC | 2014 APA Award | Product Materials: Cast Stone, Architectural Precast, Architectural GFRC | Entries, exterior connecting porches, hallways, veneers, pediments, lintels, sills, water tables, columns and roof coping

TRT Head Quarters | Cast Stone, Architectural Precast, Architectural GFRC | 2014 APA Award | Product Materials: Cast Stone, Architectural Precast, Architectural GFRC | Entries, exterior connecting porches, hallways, veneers, pediments, lintels, sills, water tables, columns and roof coping

 


 

The owner of the Old Park Land campus, with all five of their architects visited AAS production facility throughout the project life cycle to make sure the color, texture, and scale of the precast and cast stone met the overall design intent of the campus.

 

Project Name: TRT Holdings Headquarters

Location: 4001 Maple Avenue @ the Old Parkland Campus, Dallas, Texas

Architect: HKS, Inc

General Contractor:  Brasfield & Gorrie

Products: Architectural Cast Stone, Architectural GFRC, Precast Concrete

Applications: Architectural Stone Cladding, Veneer Design, Custom Columns

 

NORTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL: CAST STONE MATCHES ART DECO DESIGN TRADITION


The Culinary Arts Building is a 48,000 square foot building for an additional phase of the North Side High School campus. The school district’s vision was to stay consistent with the traditional Art Deco styling of the school campus. The project consisted of larger than average size architectural cast stone wall panels and architectural wet-precast concrete pieces in order to illustrate the Art Deco designs.

 

North Side-High School | Culinary Arts Building | Custom Finish Coordination with architect for size alterations

North Side-High School | Culinary Arts Building | Custom Finish Coordination with architect for size alterations | Architect: Corgan Associates | Contractor: Steele-Freeman, Inc. Contractors


AAS team replicated the original art deco design using cast stone.  There were no architectural plans detailing the elaborate Art Deco style precast designs as used on earlier buildings.  Advanced Architectural Stone sent artisan mold designers to the project site to trace the designs in order to make molds.  Once all designs were drawn, the employees returned to the job site to measure the various depths of each design for exact replication.

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS Formerly ACS) | Art Deco Design style design using Cast Stone, Architectural Precast | North Side High School | Closeup of Entry | Architect: Corgan Associates | Contractor: Steele-Freeman, Inc. Contractors

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS Formerly ACS) | Art Deco Design style design using Cast Stone, Architectural Precast | North Side High School | Closeup of Entry | Architect: Corgan Associates | Contractor: Steele-Freeman, Inc. Contractors


The design craftsmanship of AAS team and technology to create custom decorative stone delivered for the project.

There were 576 pieces of architectural cast stone and architectural precast concrete on the project with detailed design at the roof coping, on panel-lintels above windows, and period fluted pilasters around the structure.

 

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS Formerly ACS) | Art Deco Design style design using Cast Stone, Architectural Precast | North Side High School | Close up Window Header | Architect: Corgan Associates | Contractor: Steele-Freeman, Inc. Contractors

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS Formerly ACS) | Art Deco Design style design using Cast Stone, Architectural Precast | North Side High School | Close up Window Header | Architect: Corgan Associates | Contractor: Steele-Freeman, Inc. Contractors


 

Project Name: North Side High School, Culinary Arts Building

Location: 2211 McKinley Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164

Architect: Corgan Associates, Inc

General Contractor: Steele-Freeman, Inc. Contractors

 

VIDEO: DEDICATED PROJECT FOCUS TEAMS FOR SMOOTH EXECUTION


AAS sales team members are experienced project coordinators.

AAS has been able to complex a wide range of complex projects, and deliver consistently good quality of products because it is able to dedicate and align team members and manufacturing resources for customer projects.

AAS project team is able to answer questions, track and manage project design as well as follow through on molding, manufacturing schedule, products sequencing and delivery. With technology support, and dedicated bandwidth, customer project leads are able to track and monitor progress of every project.

Learn more in this video.

 

Project Stories: Dedicated Support for Execution – From Design to Installation

 

Click on any of the three images below to learn more about that project.

 

Cooks Children's Hospital | Monolithic Structure using Cast Stone and Architectural Precast | Seamless Addition of the Building to Existing Hospital Complex

Cooks Children’s Hospital | Monolithic Structure using Cast Stone and Architectural Precast | Seamless Addition of the Building to Existing Hospital Complex

SMU Caruth Hall Architectural Stone Cladding | Cast Stone and Wet-precast Products Combined for Desired Design Accent | Large Column Porches and Entries, Design of Eaves, Window Surround Trim

SMU Caruth Hall Architectural Stone Cladding | Cast Stone and Wet-precast Products Combined for Desired Design Accent | Large Column Porches and Entries, Design of Eaves, Window Surround Trim

Reagan Place, Old Park Land | Cladding using Architectural Cast Stone, Precast Concrete, GFRC Products

Reagan Place, Old Park Land | Cladding using Architectural Cast Stone, Precast Concrete, GFRC Products

 


CUCTOM MOLDS ENABLE COMPLEX SHAPES, INTRICATE DESIGNS, MONOLITHIC VENEERS

Jeffersonian Design using Custom Design Manufactured Stone | Old Parkland, Dallas, TX | Specially Designed Columns, Egg-n-Dart Rope Design, Large Dentils, Profile | Project Specific Custom Molds, Product Batch Mixing, Manufacturing, Sequencing, Delivery, Installation Support

Jeffersonian Design using Custom Design Manufactured Stone | Old Parkland, Dallas, TX | Specially Designed Columns, Egg-n-Dart Rope Design, Large Dentils, Profile | Project Specific Custom Molds, Product Batch Mixing, Manufacturing, Sequencing, Delivery, Installation Support


The technology and design expertise to develop custom molds enable flexibility to fabricate stone panels with an unparalleled range of complex shapes and design details.

 

VIDEO: Custom mold making for complex shapes, intricate design details, custom sizes:

 

 

 


 

PROJECT: SMU COMMONS

 

Custom molds made it possible to create large size custom stone panels with stringent tolerance requirements. Detailed engineering of anchoring connections played a crucial role in achieving a monolithic stone look for the facade veneer of the building.

 

Architectural Stone Cladding, Veneer Design using Custom Designed Stone - Mold Making Technology, Design Craftsmanship - cast stone, precast, GFRC

Project: SMU Commons Building Facade | Architectural Stone Cladding, Veneer | Cast Stone, Precast Concrete, GFRC

 

Project: SMU Commons | Architectural Stone Cladding, Veneer Design | Custom Mold Making | Design and Technology

Project: SMU Commons | Architectural Stone Cladding, Veneer Design | Custom Mold Making | Design and Technology

 

Architectural Stone Cladding | Cast Stone, Precast, GFRC

Architectural Stone Cladding | Cast Stone, Precast, GFRC

 


 

PROJECT: High-end columns for clock tower – Highland Park shopping center

 

Columns with intricate design details at the top of the tower developed a signature highlight for the shopping center experience.

Clock tower connected with seventy five years old shopping center area | columns at the top accentuate the design accent and shopping mall experience

Clock tower connected with seventy-five years old shopping center area | columns at the top accentuate the design accent and shopping mall experience

 

Highland Park High Design Custom Columns

Highland Park High Design Custom Columns

 

The design combined cast stone and GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) product materials.

 

LEARN MORE >>


 

PROJECT: The Westbrook Building, Sundance Square, Ft. Worth, TX: Art Deco Panels

 

On The Westbrook Building, the cast stone was used in the overall design of the building to be reminiscent of the Art Deco structures located in many areas in Ft. Worth.

AAS Project: The Westbrook - Sundance Square West - Ft Worth, TX | Art Deco Design using Cast Stone | Custom Mold Design | Architect: Bennett Benner Pettit, Inc

AAS Project: The Westbrook – Sundance Square West – Ft Worth, TX | Art Deco Design using Cast Stone | Custom Mold Design | Architect: Bennett Benner Pettit, Inc

 

Architectural Stone made the molds for the Art Deco designs from isometric sketches provided by the architect.  In other words, the descriptions provided three sides, all in dimensional proportion, but none were shown as an actual shape with 90-degree corners.

The sketch was only a guide to making actual size molds.  Artisan designers created molds for the Art Deco panels combining their design craftsmanship with extensive CAD drafting and also precision cutting using CNC machines.

 

The Westbrook Building at Sundance Square, Ft Worth, TX | Art Deco Design, Custom Design Elements using Cast Stone, GFRC

The Westbrook Building at Sundance Square, Ft Worth, TX | Art Deco Design, Custom Design Elements using Cast Stone, GFRC | Architect: Bennett Benner Pettit, Inc

 

PROJECT CASE STUDY >>


 

PROJECT: High-End Design Element Using Custom Mold – Rockwall County Court House

 

The architect for this project had a vision for unique design elements on the exterior of the building. AAS team designed a highly intricate mold to create it in cast stone. The precise tolerance and detailed coordination with the construction team helped create the desired look with a smooth installation that completed on time.

 

Advanced Architectural Stone - AAS - Formerly Advanced Cast Stone | Rockwall County Courthouse | Cast Stone, Precast | Technology Allowed Complex Shapes and Desired Aesthetic Design | Brinkley Sargent Architects | DMG Masonry

Advanced Architectural Stone – AAS – Formerly Advanced Cast Stone | Rockwall County Courthouse | Cast Stone, Precast | Technology Allowed Complex Shapes and Desired Aesthetic Design | Brinkley Sargent Architects | DMG Masonry

 

 

PROJECT: Texas Christian University (TCU) Relief Panels

 

This project consisted of 6 panels installed in the entry to the remodeled and enlarged football stadium at Texas Christian University. The panels were made using architectural precast and cast stone. The purpose of the panels and the project was to honor the founders of the University dating to 1895.

The architect for the project, HKS Architects, hired an artist to approve and render the murals. The AAS team transferred the original artwork to a rubber mold for casting. The panels represent the cultural icon at the heart and soul of Texas Christian University. It was critical that the panels could be seen within a few feet of the viewer. AAS team used its experience and technology to refine every detail within the mold so that panels accurately depict the original aesthetic appeal so critical to the project’s success.

The project won the 2014 APA (Architectural Precast Association) Craftsmanship Award.

Following is a composite image showing example panels.

AAS 2014 APA Award | TCU Relief Panels | Finish and Precision for Design Appeal | HKS Architects | General Contractor: Austin Commercial

AAS 2014 APA Award | TCU Relief Panels | Finish and Precision for Design Appeal | HKS Architects | General Contractor: Austin Commercial

 

AAS 2014 APA Award | TCU Relief Panels | Forming using Precise Molds, Design Experience | HKS Architects | General Contractor: Austin Commercial

AAS 2014 APA Award | TCU Relief Panels | Forming using Precise Molds, Design Experience | HKS Architects | General Contractor: Austin Commercial


 

PROJECT: LA Sports Hall of Fame – Complex Shaped Panels – LA Sports Hall of Fame

 

Trahan Architects had a vision for emulating Cane river channels inside the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum. This required cast stone panels with complex shapes. The stone pieces were also huge. The project execution also demanded stringent tolerance requirements in the mold so that the stone would fit in seamlessly for a consistent look.

 

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS - Formerly ACS) Team Supports Contractors, Builders, Masons - construction of LA Sports Hall of Fame Museum

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS – Formerly ACS) Team Supports Contractors, Builders, Masons – construction of LA Sports Hall of Fame Museum

 

LA Sports Hall of Fame | Large Size Precision Molds for Design That Had Highly Stringent Tolerance Requirements

LA Sports Hall of Fame | Large Size Precision Molds for Design That Had Highly Stringent Tolerance Requirements

 

LA State Museum and Sports Hall of Fame | Cast Stone Realized Cane River Channels | Large Complex U-Shaped Stone Pieces | BIM Modelling | Trahan Architects | CASE STUDY ...

LA Sports Hall of Fame | Cast Stone Realized Cane River Channels | Trahan Architects | CASE STUDY >>

 

LA State Museum Sports Hall of Fame | Trahan Architects | Cast Stone Veneer Developed using Complex Shaped, Large Cast Stone Pieces Fitting within Stringent Tolerance Requirements | LEARN MORE About Design, Manufacturing Process...

LA State Museum Sports Hall of Fame | Trahan Architects | Cast Stone Veneer Developed using Complex Shaped, Large Cast Stone Pieces Fitting within Stringent Tolerance Requirements | LEARN MORE About Design, Manufacturing Process…

 

PROJECT CASE STUDY: LA SPORTS HALL OF FAME >>


 

PROJECT: 714 Main Street – Authentic High Design Roman Heads using Custom Molds

 

The requirement was that the AAS stone would match the pre-existing terracotta stone.

 

714 Main St | Cast Stone for Building Exterior | Quality Experience, Desired Colors and Finish | Cost Effective Solution

714 Main St | Cast Stone for Building Exterior | Quality Experience, Desired Colors and Finish | Cost Effective Solution

 

The design had the Roman Heads depiction on the outside, which were authenticated and designed by artists. AAS team worked closely with the architect and artist to design and create the representations in cast stone that matched the original rendering of the artist precisely.

 

AAS Custom Mold Making | Roman Head Design in Cast Stone for 714 Main Street Building, Dallas, TX | Cast Stone Cladding

AAS Custom Mold Making | Roman Head Design in Cast Stone for 714 Main Street Building, Dallas, TX | Cast Stone Cladding

 

AAS Project: 714 Main Street | Unique Technology, Craftsmanship to Replicate design of Roman Heads | Product used Architectural Cast Stone

AAS Project: 714 Main Street | Unique Technology, Craftsmanship to Replicate design of Roman Heads | Product used Architectural Cast Stone

 

>See more on this project


 

PROJECT: Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau

 

AAS team helped create exterior fronts of the building that used cast stone and architectural precast extensively. The design used grape leaves build from the cast stone panels. The integration of the grape leaf design connects with the historical name of the city, and the local culture.

The AAS project team used custom molds to create highly intricate grape leaf design elements that are an accurate representation of the original design renderings.

 

AAS Cast Stone | Custom Mold Making | Grapevine Leaf Designed using Dry Cast System

AAS Cast Stone | Custom Mold Making | Grapevine Leaf Designed using Dry Cast System

 

Specialized Rubber Molds for Grape Leaf Design | Cast Stone Design for Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau

Specialized Rubber Molds for Grape Leaf Design | Cast Stone Design for Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau

 

Grapevine Convention Center and Visitors Bureau - High End Leaf Design - Manufactured stone cladding

Grapevine Convention Center | High-End Leaf Design – Exterior Cladding | Cast Stone | APA Award of Excellence | ArchiTexas | J & E Masonry

 

AAS Cast Stone Project | Specific Color Contrast Requirements from the Architect of the Project ArchiTexas | Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

AAS Cast Stone Project | Specific Color Contrast Requirements from the Architect of the Project ArchiTexas | Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

> LEARN MORE: Creative Art Design Process for the Grapevine Leaf Design Elements

> See more on Grapevine Convention Center and Visitors Bureau Project.


 

PROJECT: Gilbert Christian High School – Custom Molds for Architectural GFRC

 

Gilbert Christian High School is located in the city of Gilbert in the Scottsdale (AZ) area. The school exterior used extensive Architectural GFRC elements that were easy to integrate with the exterior thin brick veneer of the building. The column capitals have Corinthian style.

 

AAS Architectural GFRC Case Study | Gilbert Christian Case Study

AAS Architectural GFRC Case Study | Gilbert Christian Case Study

 

AAS Architectural GFRC Case Study | Gilbert Christian High School | Custom Molds and Finish | Simplified Installation with Higher Elevations, Brick Veneer

AAS Architectural GFRC Case Study | Gilbert Christian High School | Custom Molds and Finish | Simplified Installation with Higher Elevations, Brick Veneer

 

See more about the Gilbert Christian High School project in the case study.


 

PROJECT: Texas Christian University (TCU) Worth Hills – Large Sized Molds for Curved Panels

 

This is a new development added to the school campus.

The entryway of the building has a very high elevation breezeway. The cast stone and architectural precast panels required custom molds that enabled panels of such a big size that would fit together to create a seamless effect in the breezeway.

 

AAS Case Study - TCU Worth Hills - Large Size Custom Shape Cast Stone Panels for Architectural Design

TCU Worth Hills Cast Study | Large Size Custom Shape Cast Stone Panels for Architectural Design

 

AAS Project - TCU - color matching - custom molds for Large Complex Curves - Download case study

AAS (Formerly ACS) | Project: Texas Christian University (TCU) Worth Hills Campus, Entry Gate | Cast Stone, Architectural Precast

 


 

PROJECT: SMU Simmons Hall Project: Precise molds, Construction Support, Coordination

 

Large Size Custom Stone Panels Fit in for Monolithic Stone Look | Fabricated Stone Veneer, Cladding Design

Large Size Custom Stone Panels Fit in for Monolithic Stone Look | Fabricated Stone Veneer, Cladding Design

 

The AAS team tapped into its extensive experience with the design of elaborate balustrade systems as well for this project. The dimensions and shape of balusters had specific requirements; custom molds were developed for this as well.

SMU Simmons Hall Construction | Precise engineering, Custom Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone for the Portico Columns

SMU Simmons Hall Construction | Precise engineering, Custom Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone for the Portico Columns

Precision in Design Details - Complex Curved Cast Stone Pieces Fit Together Seamlessly Without Carving or Retrofitting

Accuracy in Design Details – Complex Curved Cast Stone Pieces Fit Together Seamlessly Without Carving or Retrofitting

Installation of Portico Columns | Cast Stone Pieces Planned in Sequence of Releases and Clear Labeling Simplified Onsite Construction

Installation of Portico Columns | Cast Stone Pieces Planned in Sequence of Releases and Clear Labeling Simplified Onsite Construction

Portico Column from Inside | Columns inset in Radial Wall Installed Easily with Precise Custom Shaped Pieces and Careful Planning

Portico Column from Inside | Columns inset in Radial Wall Installed Easily with Precise Custom Shaped Pieces and Careful Planning