News
We set out to improve the longevity of architecture in Alberta through the aesthetic and stable appeal of masonry design.
Bricking It: Innovative Applications Of Man’s Most Trusted Material
Brick is one of the most ancient and familiar building materials known to man, and its strength, character and flexibility of use continue to attract architects working on innovative contemporary buildings. We examine some key projects that demonstrate the benefits of building with brick.
University of Calgary’s new City Building Design Lab receives $1.5 million in funding at official opening
Outfitted with a robotic arm, 3D printers, robotic fabrication and a full gallery of projects, the City Building Design Lab is a unique space to Calgary’s city centre that brings together students, faculty, business professionals, entrepreneurs, and city officials to produce leading-edge research and explore innovations in environmental design.
2019 Alberta Masonry Design Awards Photos
Our 2019 Alberta Masonry Design Awards were on Friday, April 12, 2019, at the historic Hudson Calgary. Take a look at some of the photos from the event!
CBC Homestretch with Darrel Babuk
Sandstone and bricks were the building materials of choice for many Alberta towns and cities more than a hundred years ago. For architect Darrel Babuk, each brick and stone tells a story about Alberta's past.
Impact Test on Complete Block System
This impact test shot 2x4"s at the Complete Blocks at 100mph. This simulates debris from a F5 tornado. This shows that a Block System is ideal for Disaster Areas, Commercial and Residential Properties, especially Rental Properties as the structure would be very low maintenance.
Can a Robot Lay Bricks?
Is there such a thing as smart bricks? Are robots the future of construction? Take a look at this video and tell us what you think!
Dr. Mark Hagel vs. Spec Mix XP 500
Are you wondering if the Thin Veneer Adhesion Mortar can hold your stone? Take a look at just how strong the mortar is!
Differential Movement Between Wood-frame and Concrete Masonry
Like any composite material, there are things to consider when integrating two materials to ensure lasting performance.
Built to Last
In the wake of Hurricane Michael, one home survived in Mexico Beach, Florida. The house stayed upright because it was built last year to codes that were even more strict than laws required. We can account for increasing weather events by building with durable materials and best-practice ways.
How November Got Her Growl Back
Two grotesques at Westmount School are getting reconstructive surgery care of a stone carver who's come all the way from Norway.
Read our Fall 2018 Newsletter Now!
Read about everything Alberta Masonry Council has been up to the last year! https://albertamasonrycouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Fall-2018-Newsletter.pdf
Building a Future in Engineering
Two high school seniors dabble in modern masonry and discover what it takes to be an engineer.
What’s In Your Wall?
Our sister association MasonryWorx has written a must-read article on Building Envelope.
Masonry Article Wins Prestigious F. Ross Browne Award
This Construction Canada article Canadian Masonry For Sound Buildings written by Gary Sturgeon is a recipient of the F. Ross Browne Award for Editorial Excellence.
Annual Medieval Faire Occurring Again This Summer!
Knights in shining armour, games of skill and chance and pretty maids all in a row.
Submissions Now Open for Masonry Design Awards!
Read more about our Masonry Design Awards!
History Goes Hand-in-Hand with Masonry
History Goes Hand-in-Hand with Masonry In Cuba over 90% of the buildings are built with masonry. This rings true with most countries across the world with buildings built and still standing before the 20th century. History and the buildings it was created in are often built with masonry. Take a [...]
Integrating Wood Frame with Masonry Technical Aids Now Available!
Integrating Wood Frame with Masonry Technical Aids Now Available! Alberta Masonry Council has partnered with MasonryWorx, the Wood Council and Moses Engineering to procure technical aids for designing buildings with masonry and wood-frame construction. Click here to Download
Listen to Why Bricklaying is a Trade Career for Women
Listen to Why Bricklaying is a Trade Career for Women
Differential Movements to Consider when Integrating Low & Mid-Rise Wood Framing and Masonry
This technical aid is for designers who are estimating the differential movement between the wood-framing and masonry components in low-rise and mid-rise wood-frame buildings.
Integrating Wood Frame with Masonry Design Aids
Integrating Wood Frame with Masonry Design Aids Struggling to design with mid-rise wood-frame and masonry construction? Stay tuned as we develop more technical aids to help with design problems and considerations! Use the button below to download our latest resources. View Resources
Benefits of Masonry – An Economic Perspective
When it comes to life safety, cost-benefits analysis, and mold resistance using a masonry system is the way to go.
Masonry Matters: Four Reasons The World Needs More Brick, Stone & Concrete
Masonry Matters: Four Reasons The World Needs More Brick, Stone & Concrete, By Steve Maxwell If you ever go to Europe, be sure to knock on some interior walls. Every one that I’ve checked out has been solid masonry – no hollow sounding, noise transmitting frame walls. They use so much [...]
The Basics of How a Masonry Heater Works
The Basics of How a Masonry Heater Works Masonry fireplaces can maximize heat while minimizing pollution. They are beautiful and a one of a kind feature to any room.
Reasons to Love Masonry
See why masonry combines the facets of beauty, heritage and durability like no other building materials can.
Block Impact Test
Look at how a concrete block wall holds up to impact.
Our Summer 2017 Newsletter
Download the PDF below to read our summer 2017 Newsletter.
May Edition of Avenue – Edmonton
An excellent article on masonry in the May 2016 edition of Avenue Magazine in Edmonton. Click on the link and flip to page 80!