Masonry Magazine June 2001 Page. 13
Concrete masonry block has been used for centuries to shape and mold landscapes. However, during the past decade, segmental retaining walls (SRWs) have exploded in popularity - leading to new and advanced methods in masonry construction. With today's technological advantages of SRW units, masonry landscapes can be constructed with more creativity than ever before.
Hardscapes - including retaining wall units and interlocking pavers - are the backbone of many landscaping projects and provide a visual weight and focal point to any vista. Because masonry is comprised of natural elements, concrete SRW units lend strong unifying elements that can be used to create beautiful hardscapes ranging from planters, staircases, and concrete patios to large retaining walls. SRWs are ideal for masonry landscapes.
"Hardscapes are the brick and mortar of a landscape and there's a reason for that," said Landscape Designer John Moe of Oakdale, Minnesota-based Villa Landscapes. "Masonry products create spaces that are magnified, altered, and highlighted. Masonry hardscapes mirror permanence and scream out I'm here to stay!"
Nashville, Tennessee's newest hospital has one of the best-looking courtyards in town. The 13,000-square foot landscape was created with solid VERSA-LOK SRW units and it utilizes a wide array of design options that highlights the adjacent hospital and medical office building. Skyline Medical Center needed a retaining wall because the first floor of the eight-story building is below grade, so the main entrance is actually on the second floor. Landscape Architect Tom Martin of Nashville's Gresham Smith and Partners had to creatively design the landscape because of space constraints and the need for a deep light well to the lower level. The 20-foot-high retaining wall supports the hospital parking lot and creates room for a courtyard that acts as a waiting area and cafeteria. Patients and visitors enjoy the attractive, calming atmosphere of the courtyard.
The project has many unique qualities, including the element that all walls were designed and built vertically. The walls had to be vertical so the integrated staircase would have consistent width. Bovis Lend Lease was the general contractor for the project and Wasco, Inc. was the masonry contractor. A seven-man crew used one solid unit to create the retaining walls, double walls, free-standing walls, steps, and columns. Vertical columns were constructed by stacking solid SRW half-units and topping them with limestone. A concrete fountain was lined with matching SRW coupons to aesthetically match the wall, steps, and columns.
"This was a complicated project and no other type of masonry could have completed it," said Charlie Hall of VERSA-LOK South in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. "Nothing but solid SRW units could have done it - literally."
WIDE ARRAY OF DESIGN OPTIONS
Creative masonry landscapes portray an overall image of surrounding sites and structures. The degree of creativity is dependent upon many things, including the property owners' tastes, the surrounding environment, and the size of the site. Creativity is a personal preference the key is people