he building features traditional Vietnamese architectural design with modern design elements to create a minimalist, yet spectacular energy-efficient home.  The home features porous brick walls, an open courtyard and a layout which utilizes cross-breezes.

The concept facilitates a complete redefinition of a tower which emphasizes views outward,  greenery, and natural sunlight. Along, with an interesting, beautiful and durable exterior. 

Ancient fingerprints were recently found by archaeologists - dating back 5,000 years from Egypt to Denmark. It is likely that these fingerprints were made deliberately in the mudbricks, as part of the construction of the wall. They were then filled with a crude mortar which cemented the bricks together. This technique is still common and is known as "frogs" in modern technology.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Like any composite material, there are things to consider when integrating two materials to ensure lasting performance.

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. 

Two grotesques at Westmount School are getting reconstructive surgery care of a stone carver who's come all the way from Norway.

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

Two high school seniors dabble in modern masonry and discover what it takes to be an engineer.

Our sister association MasonryWorx has written a must-read article on Building Envelope.

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.

Knights in shining armour, games of skill and chance and pretty maids all in a row.

Read more about our Masonry Design Awards!

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

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, 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 [...]

Download the PDF below to read our summer 2017 Newsletter.

An excellent article on masonry in the May 2016 edition of Avenue Magazine in Edmonton. Click on the link and flip to page 80!