Camarata Masonry Wins 2017 AMCH Golden Trowel Awards
Words: Mark Cavagnero, Dawn Henning, Anonymous Anonymous, James Nielsen, G. Cutsogeorge, Brian Farling, Nathan Daniel, Ryan Cialdella, Chuck Hartlage
In an effort to recognize and encourage excellence in all phases of masonry construction, the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston (AMCH), in association with the Texas Masonry Council, bestow the Golden Trowel Awards. The Golden Trowel Award is given annually to an architect, a general contractor or owner, and a masonry contractor demonstrating excellence in their respective contributions to a masonry project deemed worthy by a distinguished panel of judges.
Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. was responsible for the masonry scope on the new six-story patient tower at Methodist Hospital, Sugar Land, Texas. Camarata won a 2017 Golden Trowel Award from AMCH for this project.The 2017 Golden Trowel Awards were bestowed in May, and Camarata Masonry Systems Ltd. won the Excellence Award in four of the eight categories, with Honor Awards in the other categories.
Excellence Awards
- Chelsea Montrose, Residential Multi-Family category
- Methodist Hospital Sugar Land Bed Tower, Government/Institutional category (see below)
- San Jacinto River Authority Surface Water Facilities, Block category
- 811 Louisiana (Formerly Two Shell Plaza), Restoration category
Honor Awards
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Government/Institutional category
- TSU New Student Resident Housing, Educational Facility (College/University) category
- Kyle Field at Texas A&M University, Block category
- Energy Center III, Hardscape/Landscape category
About Methodist Sugar Land Bed Tower
In response to the rapid population growth in Fort Bend County, Methodist Hospital set forth plans to expand its presence in Sugar Land by adding a new six-story patient tower. Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. was responsible for the masonry scope on the new tower, which included the supply and installation of:
- 295,000 pre-blended DTP brick (90% Burnt Pumpkin, 10% Red Sunset).
- 15,750 TUP Garnet Modular Velour.
- 1,130 cf cast stone (for window sills, banding & parapet coping).
Because the site was an expansion of an existing functioning hospital, and interference with existing services was not allowed, several challenges were presented. The limited space required materials be brought over from a laydown yard via forklift, which had to maneuver through the hospital’s physician, staff, and visitor parking lots while open for parking.
Since scaffolding needed to be erected on the existing roof, special precautions were taken to protect the area by utilizing I-beams, Styrofoam and plywood. In order to find a suitable match for the existing façade, a special brick blend was created through experimentation. The end result is in an attractive and functional facility that will meet the growing needs of the community.
For more information on any of the other Camarata Masonry projects listed above, contact Jill Hunter at Camarata Masonry.
To view all the winners from the 2017 Golden Trowel Awards, visit www.amchhouston.org.