Masonry, Masterpieces & More

Diamonds are Forever

photo by David Kreutz

With an appreciation for Old World European architecture, Dromcastle Homes, Inc. master craftsmen David Kreutz, Matt Walters and Bruce Glass designed a striking floor with a Harlequin diamond pattern reminiscent of a European ballroom. This striking floor incorporates a traditionally masculine pattern with a touch of femininity and the beauty of Missouri walnut, maple and American cherry woods.

“We treat each floor we create as a unique piece of artwork,” says Matt. “We don't duplicate any of them except to create a variation. We want each to be unique.”

By taking a traditionally handsome diamond pattern and elongating the grid by adding curved leaves for a softer line, the craftsmen created an essence of movement in this outstanding great room floor, which has been designed to last for centuries.

And to achieve a natural, honest appeal while adjoining each floorboard, the craftsmen used the mechanical method of “dovetailing.” The solid hardwood diamonds were cut with an industrial laser using Dromcastle's CAD program. The contrast in the woods selected to create the design – in addition to the curved cuts in the pattern – gives the floor an essence of having dance rhythms all its own.

Slated for Greatness

photo by David Kreutz

Another masterpiece of this Dromcastle residence is its tavern floor, which was inspired by the work of famous graphic artist M.C. Escher. As you descend the back turret to the lower level, its featured characteristic, a 3-D pattern that gives the illusion of walking on boxes, is the result of incorporating a creative design into a traditional floor.

To achieve the desired look, Matt went to Vermont and selected three different colors of one-inch-thick slate in order to create the floor's cool, unique dynamic. The Vermont slate was hand-cut and laid to blend two concepts – a 3-D pattern on a 2-D surface. “This unique pub floor sets the stage for fabulous entertaining with its European character and three-dimensional presence,” says David.

To give the new floor an aged look, the craftsmen used a technique called diamond polishing, which not only makes the floor completely smooth, but also helps give it the look of Old Europe. This floor not only looks like it has been around for centuries, but it will last for hundreds of years as well – just like the rest of this beautifully crafted “castle” residence.

Picture-Perfect Patio

photo by David Johnson

David Johnson, owner of The Outsider Landscape Design, LLC, turned an old parking pad behind a Lafayette Square home into this beautiful slate patio accented with a depth of colors that complement each other seamlessly. The color spectrum includes shades of rust and grey-black, blues and blue-greens, and the pattern is anchored by a tan background. To avoid a square look, the patio was laid in a diamond shaped design, and the area's corners were cut to round out the space.

The patio area extends to a custom-designed barbecue space and planting area that allows for a melding of the patio and surrounding landscape beds, in keeping with the aesthetic of the residence.  With the owners' desire for symmetry, the backyard was entirely rearranged to create not only a symmetrical look, but also a sense of tranquility. “A lot of thought was put into this outdoor floor to guarantee longevity, symmetry and meet the homeowners' objectives,” says David.

To ensure the floor's structure and longevity, the landscape design firm used a specific mortar that works well with slate and endures harsh weather. The patio was sealed, grouted and sealed again. All together, four coats of seal – two before grouting and two after – protect the patio from water penetration. “Now the homeowners can utilize the patio year round with confidence that the tiles won't be damaged by the freeze and thaw consequences of the weather,” explains David.

Timeless Transformation

photo by Matt Hughes Photography

Kirchner Block & Brick provided the materials to transform this outdoor living area of a Wildwood home into a backyard entertaining area that exudes a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience. Free-standing bench-height courtyard walls, stone-capped columns and a grand circular staircase add a strong degree of architectural interest to the outdoor space. The beautiful patio design meshes well with the architecture of the home and the surrounding natural wooded landscape.

The walls, columns and stair risers were constructed using a Weathered VERSA-LOK Mosaic segmental retaining wall system. A Romanstone Ledge Rock paver system was used to create the raised-courtyard patio and garden walkway surfaces. “To ensure the longevity of an intricate custom paver patio or retaining wall system, the professional experience of a knowledgeable and competent company is crucial,” says David Mudd, sales engineer for Kirchner Block & Brick.

The homeowners contacted Green Guys Landscaping – a certified installer of both interlocking paver systems and segmental retaining wall systems. The firm, specializing in hardscape design, designed and installed the custom outdoor patio project. “The owners desired a maintenance-free outdoor extension of their home – one that would last a lifetime,” says Todd Altepeter, sales manager/designer for Green Guys Landscaping. “Ultimately, we ended up with this Old World European-influenced courtyard-style patio and walkway system that can stand the test of time.”