#United States #Lynchburg #Concrete Masonry #St. Jude Dream Home #Resilience Design

St. Jude Dream Home's Concrete Masonry Marvel

For the first time in 35 years, the St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway is transforming the residential landscape with a groundbreaking design. A house, constructed primarily using concrete masonry, will be showcased in Lynchburg's Blackwater Run neighborhood. This pioneering initiative, led by the Concrete Masonry Checkoff's Beauty of Block program, emphasizes not only aesthetic appeal but also durability, comfort, and low-maintenance living.

A Beautiful Example of Modern Construction

The newly designed 2,900-square-foot home highlights concrete masonry units (CMU) as its core structural element. This choice reveals a new approach to design that is both visually appealing and practical for today's homeowners. Brent Gleason, president of Old Dominion Block, Brick & Hardscapes, which supplied approximately 5,700 CMUs for the project, explained, "St. Jude families embody extraordinary strength and resilience, and we wanted this home to reflect those same qualities." This distinct aesthetic aims to demonstrate that resilience doesn't compromise comfort or curb appeal.

The architectural features include a contemporary two-story feature wall crafted from honed block, alongside deep window openings which imbue the space with natural light and visual interest. The home's solid walls not only contribute to thermal efficiency but also reduce noise, presenting an interior environment conducive to tranquility. The concrete masonry used significantly mitigates risks of termites, rot, and damage from moisture, while also being inherently noncombustible, offering fire resistance that can hold up to four hours.

Innovation Through Collaboration

Transitioning the original design from a conventional light-frame structure to a concrete masonry model was no small feat. The Beauty of Block Design Collective worked collaboratively with the construction team, ensuring the architectural vision remained intact throughout the design change. Andy Flint, president of L.G. Flint General Contractors, mentioned, "We expected masonry might require more time and adaptation, especially after weather pushed construction into January. Instead, early planning allowed for smooth integration of traditional floor and roof systems, enabling us to recover from the weather delay and finish the masonry structure ahead of schedule."

Despite facing snow and challenging temperatures, construction crews successfully advanced from being approximately a week behind schedule to completing their work one to two weeks ahead of plan.

Upcoming Tours and Community Involvement

Public tours of the Dream Home will be held from August 22 until September 13, with the giveaway scheduled for September 23. During this time, architects and builders are invited to gain insight into concrete masonry projects, including homes built with CMU, through free, project-specific assistance available at BlockDesign.org.

In the context of broader conversations around climate resilience and sustainable living, the St. Jude Dream Home sets a new standard for what residential construction can achieve. The collaboration of industry leaders and innovative design pushes the envelope toward creating safer, more sustainable homes that can withstand the challenges of modern living.

About the Movement

Beauty of Block® is a national marketing initiative led by the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, which is an industry-funded program aimed at educating and promoting the use of manufactured concrete masonry products throughout the United States. As communities look toward more resilient solutions in homebuilding, the Dream Home stands as a testament to the potential of concrete masonry construction.

For more information, visit Beauty of Block.