Hohmann & Barnard, Masonry Construction and “Green Build.”

Recent years have seen the development of many trends advancing the concept of “Green Build,” that is, the design and construction of buildings with an eye toward environmental responsibility.  These trends include everything from the use of recycled materials to sourcing products as close as possible to the building site, thus mitigating the environmental impact of transport.

Masonry construction is indeed compatible with the “Green Build” concept. One of the main categories for “sustainable design” according to the U.S. Green Building Council is “conservation of materials and resources.”   Bricks for masonry construction are manufactured widely and thus the geographic proximity to building sites is ordinarily way below the 500-mile maximum distance to attain possible LEED points. The life cycle for brick cladding is known to be in the neighborhood of 100 years or more.  Bricks can be salvaged and subsequently reinstalled elsewhere, saving precious landfill space.   Brick is also an energy efficient material due to its high thermal mass and insulating value, and recycled materials are sometimes incorporated during the manufacturing process.          

Some brick exterior buildings are known for their innovative design and are already hallmarks for green construction. The renowned Solaire at Battery Park City in New York, for instance, is known as the first Green Residential High Rise in North America. The brick veneer system on that building was incorporated into the LEED process.  The adjustable masonry reinforcement supplied by Hohmann & Barnard was manufactured with 99% post-industrial recycled material in a facility less than 500 miles from the jobsite. Currently, Hohmann and Barnard, Inc. is supplying The Bronx Zoo Madagascar Lion House Renovation, which is the first LEED Gold NYC Landmark. Thus, in addition to such aspects as energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality, properly designed masonry construction can be a significant contributor to LEED points. 

 At Hohmann and Barnard we recognize that decisions and building practices of today, will directly affect the future of our environment. We are committed to the development and research of environmentally friendly products.  Hohmann and Barnard’s approach to “green build” centers on the concept of “sustainability,” in that we firmly believe that properly designed and constructed buildings using superior materials can minimize or eliminate any detrimental environmental impact while delivering a building with longevity and health sustaining characteristics for its occupants.

Hohmann and Barnard has innovated numerous anchor, reinforcement and flashing products that enable masonry walls to endure and perform efficiently as intended by the architect and owner.

Hohmann and Barnard, Inc. carbon steel wire reinforcements and masonry wire ties are invariably manufactured from 99% post industrial re-cycled material. Other products such as our New Textroflash Green Flashing, Mortar Net, Re-Bonded Rubber as well as a variety of steel products are also fabricated either entirely or substantially from re-cycled materials. Hohmann and Barnard, Inc. has six manufacturing facilities around the country, so the 500-mile radius stipulation for green credits is more often satisfied. Our new marketing headquarters has been completed and upon approval aims to be the first LEED–certified commercial interior in Lafayette, Indiana.                 

Hohmann & Barnard welcomes queries regarding “green” aspects of masonry construction.