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10 Ways To Create Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transitions

  • October 4, 2024

As more homeowners seek to expand their outdoor living spaces and connect closer to nature, blurring the lines between interior spaces and outdoor living areas is increasingly important. Incorporating materials like stone, steel, and window walls can ensure these indoor-outdoor transitions are not just functional, but also aesthetically stunning.

Creating seamless transitions between the interior and outdoor living spaces is rooted in our desire to merge the comforts of the interior with the beauty of the exterior. This design approach can maximize natural light in the home for a warm and inviting atmosphere, expand the living area, enhance occupant well-being by infusing nature into daily life, and foster visual continuity.

Here are a few design and material strategies to consider as you develop seamless connections.

Leverage the Authenticity of Stone

With its natural appeal and durability, stone is a favored choice for creating harmonious indoor-outdoor transitions.

  • Stone Flooring: Using the same type of stone for indoor and outdoor flooring can establish a visual flow that seamlessly bridges the gap between spaces. It’s especially effective when the stone extends from the living room to the outdoor patio or terrace. Porcelain tile is a common choice, and you can even select different traction on the surface of the porcelain tile and porcelain outdoor pavers.
Creative Mines Split Modular in Powder. Photo courtesy: Creative Mines.
  • Stone Accent Walls: Manufactured stone veneer walls, whether indoors or outdoors, serve as focal points that unify the spaces. Whether it’s a grand fireplace in your living room or a stone accent wall around the patio or outdoor kitchen, each adds texture, character and warmth.
  • Outdoor Stone Features: Incorporating stone veneer into outdoor features like fireplaces, kitchens, or seating areas enhances functionality and aesthetics while providing a visual connection to the interior.

Infuse Modern Elegance with Steel

Steel is a contemporary material choice that brings a sense of modernity, strength, and sophistication to seamless transitions.

  • Steel Framing for Window Walls: Steel-framed windows and doors, often featuring large glass panels, are a hallmark of modern design. They provide both visual impact and structural integrity, allowing for slim profiles that maximize views and natural light.
Creative Mines Split Modular in Timberwolf. Photo courtesy: Creative Mines.
  • Steel Railings and Screens: Steel can be used for railings and screens on balconies, terraces, or patios, both indoors and outdoors. These elements create a sense of openness while ensuring safety and privacy.
  • Steel Staircases: Combining form and function, floating steel staircases can connect different levels of the home while maintaining an open, airy feel.

Embrace the Transparency of Window Walls for Indoor-Outdoor Transitions

Perhaps the most vital element in crafting seamless indoor-outdoor transitions is the use of window walls. These expansive glass structures erase the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for uninterrupted views and connections to nature.

  • Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Maximizing natural light and views, floor-to-ceiling windows create a dramatic effect. They allow you to fully appreciate your outdoor surroundings from the comfort of your interior.
  • Sliding Glass Doors: Sliding glass doors are a practical choice for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. They are user-friendly and can be fully opened to merge the areas.
  • Corner Windows: Corner windows, often referred to as “glass corners,” are a symbol of modern design. They provide panoramic views and serve as stunning architectural focal points.

Striking the Right Balance

When considering options for stone, steel, and window walls, it’s of course important to balance both aesthetics and functionality. This includes:

• Climate: Ensure the outdoor living space remains usable year-round; this may include adding climate control elements like heaters or fans.

• Privacy: Wide open transitions can create privacy concerns. Incorporating thoughtful landscaping, retractable screens, or clever architectural features to address this issue where needed.

• Maintenance: When selecting materials, be sure to factor in their required upkeep in these settings, which can make a big difference in the aesthetics and durability.

When executed thoughtfully, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions can help blur the lines between the built environment and the natural world. Consider these concepts for creating a living space worth returning to again and again.

A version of this blog originally appeared on the Creative Mines blog. 

Industry News

What to Know About Code Changes for Masonry Veneer

  • September 6, 2024

In a game-changing move, changes have been made to masonry codes to introduce new options for designing and constructing adhered masonry veneers that will have a significant impact on how products are used and installed.

As the industry gears up for changes in codes and standards for adhered masonry veneer, manufacturers are preparing. According to Nick Lang, VP of Engineering – Masonry at the Concrete Masonry &
Hardscapes Association, as masonry technology and material manufacturing continue to evolve, the industry’s installation and performance standards are changing with it.

With these changes in the 2022 version of TMS 402 and 602, which is referenced in the 2024 International Building Code and International Residential Code, local jurisdictions will begin the process to adopt these codes soon, but having information out there ahead of the codes is important for preparedness,” said Lang. “We have task groups working on manufactured stone veneer technical resources, which will be followed by education.

Until then, here is a breakdown of the updates needed to stay ahead of the curve.

Prescriptive vs. Engineered 

There will be two approved approaches for designing masonry veneer walls: Prescriptive, which are basic off-the-shelf standards, and Engineered, which are very specific to an engineer’s or architect’s customized job needs.

  • Prescriptive Approach: This is the “do it like this” method, where installations complying with specific conditions are good to go. The big changes here are in the limits and conditions set under TMS 402/602-22. What is discussed below applies to the prescriptive approach. 

  • Engineered Method: This leaves the approach up to the design engineer with less control and limits over installation. This innovative path is perfect for unique or challenging applications. It mandates an engineer’s expertise to craft the design. Provided the engineer has done their homework, they may spec what they please.
masonry and stairs
Photo courtesy: Masonry Magazine

Prescriptive Approach: More Freedom, Better Results, and Key Changes

For the prescriptive approach, several modifications have taken place that actually provide more design freedom for design and architectural pros using masonry. It’s important to know these changes even though they may not be fully adopted at the state level until 2025. These are the largest impact areas and model codes already in the works:

  • Adhered Veneers: Veneers must be manufactured units such as manufactured stone veneer units.
  • Adhered Veneer Maximum Weight: Weight per unit is increasing from 15 lbs./SF to 30 lbs./SF. With the permitted unit weight now approved for up to 30 lbs./SF, this will allow for more flexibility in design
  • Setting Bed Mortar: Use of ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 polymer-modified mortars are now required for enhanced bond strength for adhered veneers.
  • Veneer Orientation: Veneers must be installed vertically, aligning with prescriptive detailing requirements.
  • Veneer Height: Above grade is limited to 60 feet, striking a balance between design freedom and practicality. This presents an opportunity for architects and adhered veneer manufacturers, providing more wall space for veneer products.
  • Deflection: Deflection of backing is limited to ensure sturdiness in the face of wind and seismic loads.
  • Assembly Weight: The assembly weight is now the focus for prescriptive design, allowing for adhered veneers with rigid insulation.
  • Assembly Thickness: The total assembly thickness is limited to 4 5/8’ for better performance and design considerations.
  • Permitted Unit Area: Single unit surface areas can’t exceed 5 SF, and approved installation procedures are now needed for units exceeding 2.5 SF. This keeps installation quality paramount. Previous requirements on unit length or width have been removed, allowing for more freedom in unit design.

One caveat on wall height that Lang pointed out is that it does depend on the substrate. “Light-frame structural backups would still have long-standing veneer height limitations of 30 ft., and once you exceed that, the system needs to be designed and detailed properly” said Lang.

For workers and specifiers, the need for polymer-modified mortars comes with increased weight allowances and wall space. Another caveat, Lang said, is that masonry professionals may also need to enhance fasteners, especially with extensive amounts of continuous insulation. The new prescriptive provisions in the code have expanded fastener tables that take into account veneer weight, cavity width, and fastener spacing.

How does Lang anticipate the transition? “Simplifying the standard unit area to a square footage requirement will make the transition easier and simpler to apply than the current standard,” said Lang. “In addition, crews familiar with code-compliant installations are in for a smooth transition, with only minor adjustments, like using polymer-modified setting mortars.”

He said it’s also likely that existing product certifications will still hold their ground. “It’s important to remember that change can be part of innovation and opportunity. As the industry requirements and product technologies evolve, changes in codes and standards are actually allowing more design freedom and better safety to move the industry forward.”

This article was written by Joe Cicciarelli, Director of Masonry at Oldcastle APG, and was originally published in Masonry Magazine.

masonry building
Industry News Membership

Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association Awards David Hein, P.Eng the 2024 Industry Champion Award 

  • August 30, 2024

David Hein, P. Eng. was awarded the 2024 Industry Champion Award during the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association’s (CMHA) Midyear Meeting in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Industry Champion Award is a special recognition that extends beyond CMHA and the immediate concrete products industry. It honors individuals who, through their efforts and dedication, have significantly contributed to the advancement and promotion of concrete products. Those awarded come from various fields and industries who have recognized the value of concrete products and have championed their use, helping to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth.

Since 2020, Hein has been an independent engineer. Prior to this position, he spent almost 20 years working for Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) where he was a transportation infrastructure division manager, a principal investigator and a principal engineer. During his tenure at ARA, Hein was introduced to segmental concrete pavement and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Association (ICPI). In 2022, ICPI and the National Concrete Masonry Association unified to become CMHA.

During his career, Hein managed a number of notable projects for the Association. Through his work with the ICPI Foundation, he researched slab and plank finite element modeling, on/offsite Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) benefits, developed CMHA’s Permeable Design Pro Software and more. He also consulted on PICP Structural Testing for the University of California Pavement Research Center.

Hein has developed many tools for the industry. He created a pavement condition index methodology which treats pavement as an asset, monitors it performance and predicts when maintenance will be required. This methodology was developed into the ASTM E2840 standard, elevating the management of paver roads to the level of other competitive types of pavement. Hein has also developed a Life Cycle Cost Analysis of segmental concrete pavements allowing the industry to show the financial advantages of selecting pavers.

Hein chaired the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Technical Committees that created two national standards. ASCE 58-16 Structural Design of Interlocking Concrete Pavement for Municipal Streets and Roadways and ASCE 68-18 Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement. He continues to chair these committees and through his other roles at ASCE makes sure these standards are well positioned to receive the attention they need to maintain their importance.

Hein is an active and well respected member of the Transportation Association of Canada. Through his work, he has created opportunities to represent segmental concrete pavement in technical committees and present information at conferences. This has also allowed segmental concrete pavement to be included in several guides and standards, raising segmental concrete pavement to the same technical level as other traditional pavement systems.

Throughout his career, Hein has presented at several international conferences on concrete block pavement in the United States, Argentina, China, Germany and South Korea. He has also co-presented Interlocking Concrete Pavement (ICP) and PICP Symposiums in Canada and the US. He has also consulted on major ICP and PICP projects like the Olympic Village in Vancouver, BC, Alston Way in Berkley, CA, Main Street in Markham, ON and Dundas Plaza in London, ON.

“This award is our way of expressing deep appreciation for Hein’s invaluable contributions that have supported and elevated the industry as a whole,” said CMHA President and CEO Robert Thomas. “David continues to be an advocate for segmental concrete pavement, through his work with technical associations and government agencies. His recent work with the ICPI Foundation includes looking into developing a strategic map for future research and efforts needed to further institutionalize the use of segmental concrete pavements in Canada and the United States.”

Hein holds a B.A.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Learn more about CMHA’s Industry Champion Award.

David Hein
Industry News

How Color and Texture Can Influence a Home’s Mood

  • August 26, 2024

Homes are intimate spaces, and the elements we choose to style them consequently bear the ability to influence the way we feel when we enter a room. Often overlooked, design details such as color and texture can influence our brains’ perception and directly impact mood, emotion, and even energy levels.

When used intentionally, these details can be applied throughout the home to express personal style and speak to our senses on a deeper, psychological level. Here are a couple of ways we can help customers get that “just right” feeling about a newly finished project by tapping into our unique lifestyles.

A Hue For Every Mood

Much like the ebbs and flows of life itself, the resonance we feel with certain colors can change and evolve over time. When some of our favorite spaces start to lose their luster, sometimes all we need to consider is a quick palette cleanse. Deciding which colors best fit our lifestyles and complement our personalities is typically where the magic happens.

Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

Thanks to what we know regarding color theory, the shades and hues we choose to incorporate in homes can prompt a number of different psychological responses. The perception of color is highly personal, so pay close attention to how you respond to certain colorways. While bright hues of red and orange might be invigorating to some, these same shades may introduce feelings of anxiety and overstimulation to others.

This living room features Cultured Stone’s Country Ledgestone. Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

For a space that is calm and serene, look to nature-inspired shades of greens and blues, or perhaps warm, welcoming earth-toned neutrals. In contrast, deep, dark shades of greys, purples, and even black are often associated with a sense of mystique and might speak to the senses on a soulful level.

Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

Pay close attention to the color palettes you naturally gravitate toward and trust your intuition.

Tone-Setting Texture

Textures, much like color, can evoke certain feelings by adding visual depth to a space. This sense of depth, scientifically speaking, adds dimension and expands our mental engagement with the physical spaces we inhabit. It may sound surprising, but enhancing the textural elements in a space often translates in the brain to that comfortable feeling of “home.”

The fireplace shown here features Cultured Stone’s Country Ledgestone. Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

While it will manifest differently from room to room, incorporating textiles, stone, wood grains, metals, decorative accessories, and other interesting materials is what makes the space welcoming and uniquely ours. Sleek, shiny textures and geometric patterns tend to reinforce a more suave, cosmopolitan atmosphere, whereas organic shapes and natural fibered textiles often have the opposite effect, directing our senses back to the warm, cozy familiarity of nature.

This collage includes a fireplace surround made Cultured Stone’s Winterhaven Pro-Fit Alpine Ledgestone and an exterior wall made with Cultured Stone’s Canvas Handmade Brick. Photo courtesy: Cultured Stone.

Throw pillows, rugs, wall hangings and lampshades can also add texture and dimension. On a larger scale, incorporating a manufactured stone veneer or brick accent wall or woven wallpaper may be the perfect way to add charm and character.

Smart, intentional changes to color and texture may be just the adjustment needed for occupants to feel their best in every space, helping to manifest inherent creativity while creating warmth and familiarity where we live, work, and entertain.

A version of this blog originally appeared on www.culturedstone.com.

Industry News

CMHA Relaunches HardscapingIs.com

  • August 16, 2024

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) proudly announces the relaunch of its HardscapingIs.com website. This initiative fosters workforce development within the hardscape industry. The updated site offers a wide range of resources for individuals looking to enter or advance in the field.

As the construction landscape evolves, the demand for skilled professionals in hardscaping continues to rise. CMHA actively cultivates a well-trained workforce to ensure the industry delivers high-quality craftsmanship, integrates new technologies, and meets changing demands.

HardscapingIs.com now features several new resources, including:

  • Career Path Pages: Detailed descriptions of various career paths in hardscaping, from design and engineering to hands-on installation and marketing.
  • In-Depth Profiles: Personal stories and profiles of individuals thriving in the industry, offering real-world insights and inspiration.
  • Expert Video Interviews: Exclusive interviews with industry leaders discussing their career journeys, challenges, and successes in hardscaping.

Additionally, CMHA plans to expand the site further with more career path pages, profiles, and video interviews, offering even more insights and resources for job seekers and professionals.

“We are thrilled to relaunch HardscapingIs.com as a central hub for workforce development in our industry,” said Robert Thomas, President and CEO of CMHA. “Our goal is to elevate the standard of excellence within hardscaping by providing the tools and resources necessary to cultivate a skilled and innovative workforce. Through this initiative, we not only secure a prosperous future for our industry but also contribute to the economic growth of the communities we serve.”

Industry News

CMHA Releases Updated SRWall 5 Design Software

  • July 16, 2024

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) has released the newly updated SRWall 5 Design Software—the only resource for the one-stop design of segmental retaining walls (SRWs). This is the first new release for the software in 15 years. The software performs engineering design calculations for SRWs. The development of this software was a collaboration between the NCMA Foundation and Ensoltech.

Wall designers, geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, and others who design SRWs will benefit the most from CMHA’s SRWall 5 Software. This release is technically robust with updated features like easy-to-follow results, new utilization ratios, a more intuitive display, and multi-section projects, and includes a copy of CMHA’s Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls in the software.

“CMHA is excited about this new release,” said CEO and President Robert Thomas. “SRWall 5 will give the design community, engineers, and others a competitive edge in the market by allowing users to see all wall sections in one project. The software also offsets surcharges, analyzes seismic loads as rectangular dynamic loads, offers variable deflection in seismic analysis, Internal Compound Stability (ICS) analysis, and introduces the concept of utilization ratio to find the most efficient design,” added Thomas.

CMHA offers yearly subscriptions and bulk pricing for more than 10 copies. The price is $325/year and Bulk is $275 for 10 copies or more. A free 30-day trial can be downloaded from CMHA’s website.

To purchase a copy of the software visit the CMHA Website or call (703) 713-1900.

SRWall 5 brand
Industry News

Manufactured Stone Veneer Tops 2024 Cost vs. Value Report

  • June 26, 2024

The newly released 2024 Cost vs. Value (CVV) report from Zonda Media highlights manufactured stone veneer (MSV) as a standout performer, underscoring its relevance and value in the masonry and hardscaping industry. Comparing this year’s findings with those from 2023 provides insights into how MSV continues to offer strong returns amid changing economic conditions.

2023 vs. 2024

In the 2023 CVV report, MSV delivered a solid 102.3% return on investment (ROI), a remarkable feat given the economic challenges such as rising mortgage rates, inflation, declining real estate sales, and supply chain disruptions. Despite these obstacles, MSV emerged as a leading investment, ranking third among 23 remodeling projects and leading all cladding projects.

Fast forward to 2024, and MSV has surpassed its previous performance with an impressive ROI of 153%. This significant increase highlights the growing recognition of MSV’s value among homeowners and real estate professionals. While other projects also performed well, MSV’s ability to consistently offer high returns underscores its enduring appeal in the masonry and hardscaping sector.

The Appeal of Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer is highly regarded in the industry for its ability to enhance a home’s exterior without the high costs associated with natural stone. Its versatility allows for various applications, from full facades to accent walls and fireplaces, making it a preferred choice among masons and hardscaping professionals. The realistic stone look of MSV significantly boosts curb appeal, making homes more attractive to potential buyers and increasing project value.

“Since 2015, manufactured stone veneer has continued to be one of the best investments a homeowner can make in their house,” said Garen Graves, Program Director at Amerimix and chair of CMHA’s MSV Marketing Subcommittee. “Remodeling’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report expands on that trend and reminds us that not only does MSV bring durability and style to a home, but significant return for home renovations where every dollar counts. This is a testament to great products and great installations that will be beautiful for decades,” he added.

According to this year’s CVV report, MSV’s average project cost is $11,287 with a resale value of $17,291, resulting in a 153% return. This represents a significant increase of 50.7 percentage points compared to last year’s ROI of 102.3%, highlighting the growing value for homeowners investing in MSV, as well as the growing demand for professionals in the masonry and hardscaping industry.

Economic Considerations

The economic landscape has shifted from 2023 to 2024, but challenges such as rising costs and uncertainties remain. Despite these factors, the consistent high ROI of MSV projects suggests that exterior improvements are a priority for homeowners looking to maximize their investments. For professionals in the masonry and hardscaping industry, this trend highlights the importance of offering high-ROI solutions like MSV to clients.

The 2024 report reflects a market that values first impressions and curb appeal, with exterior projects like MSV leading the way. Real estate professionals surveyed for the CVV report emphasize that potential buyers are significantly influenced by a home’s exterior, making MSV a wise investment.

Conclusion

The 2024 Cost vs. Value report underscores manufactured stone veneer as a reliable investment for enhancing both the beauty and value of properties. Comparing the data from 2023 to 2024, it is clear that MSV continues to deliver maximum returns. With a 153% ROI this year, MSV stands out as a smart choice for those in the masonry and hardscaping industry looking to provide impactful solutions to their clients.

For professionals considering the best projects to recommend and undertake in 2024, the CVV report highlights the benefits of investing in manufactured stone veneer. To explore more details and see how other projects compare, read the full Cost vs. Value report from Zonda Media.

Industry News

CMHA Announces 2023 Safety Award Program Winners

  • June 18, 2024

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Safety Awards.

The prestigious honor is bestowed annually upon manufacturing plants and contractors that demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of their employees and their work environment. An impressive 155 awards were given out to manufacturing locations and contractors throughout North America that boast exemplary records. 

“Our members who consistently promote and implement safe working practices should be honored. To see our members demonstrate their commitment to safety is incredible for the industry.”

CMHA President Bob Thomas.

Participants were eligible for awards through their OSHA 300A logs or equivalent Canadian injury reports from January 1 – December 31, 2023. This year, 11 Milestone Awards were given to facilities with more than five consecutive years of Safety Award Program entries with zero OSHA/Canadian injury report injuries. For the other categories, CMHA presented: 111 Platinum Awards (highest level of single-year achievement), 29 Gold Awards, and 4 Silver Awards, based on two formulas, one for Incident Rate (IR), and Days Away for Restrictions and Transfer Rate (DART).

To view the complete list of CMHA’s 2023 winners, click here.

Learn more about CMHA’s Safety Awards Program and how you can apply!

2024 Safety awards
Industry News

Our New Website is Live

  • March 11, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website! The site has been a work in progress after the merger of ICPI and NCMA in July 2022 and the rebrand of the association to CMHA in 2023.

The new website solidifies CMHA’s role as the trusted source for segmental concrete products and systems.

The new site allows members to:

CMHA’s new brand carries through the design of the website. The site’s modern, clean look is visually appealing, relying on photography to tell CMHA’s story. New navigation and content areas provide an intuitive user experience, including a powerful new search function.

The new directories are powered by the content in the new CMHA member portal. If you have not updated your member or company profile on the new portal, take time today to log in, reset your password, and update your profile to ensure we have the most accurate and current information displaying in the directories. Have questions or need help with your profile? Contact the Membership Team.

We are excited about the opportunities the new site brings for the Association, our members, and the industry!

CMHA website on laptop
Industry News

Manufactured Stone Veneer Remains a Top Project in 2022 Cost vs. Value Study

  • May 10, 2022

In this annual study of return on investment for remodeling projects, MSV again tops 90% return.

The return on investment for installing manufactured stone veneer (MSV) on the exterior of a home is 91.4 percent according to the recently released 2022 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling Magazine (published by Zonda). This puts MSV as the second highest return on investment of the projects studied, and one of only two to return more than 90 percent of the cost of the project.

Manufactured stone veneer’s 92 percent cost vs. value return is the highest of all cladding projects in the study. Fiber-cement siding replacement was valued at 68.3 percent, while vinyl siding replacement came in at 67.2 percent.

“’Curb appeal’ and ‘first impressions’ are strong concepts in real estate because they have a big impact on how much money prospective home buyers are willing to pay for a home,” the report says.

“Prospective buyers who see a “buttoned up” exterior form the impression that the house is in good shape”, the report says. It further notes that all of the 11 exterior projects rank in the top 12 overall projects studied.

Long term value with MSV

Manufactured stone veneer has been included in the annual study since 2015. This project has had an average 93.4 percent return over the past seven years.

In addition to ranking 2nd nationally, MSV was also in the top two projects when considered regionally as well. The study looked at nine regions across the US. MSV ranked as the top project for ROI in two of those regions, and second in the remaining seven.

Manufactured stone veneer’s 2022 cost/value return of 91.4 percent was based on an average project cost of $11,066  and a return at the time of sale of $10,109.

Read more about the 2022 Cost/Value report.