Tunisian limestone enhances corporate architecture
According to lead architect Mike Rogers of HKS Architects, the main goal was to create a building that would distinguish itself from its neighbors. “The design regulations along the corridor are really strict, so we wanted something that would stick out amongst the other buildings in the area,†said Rogers. “It was difficult to convince the property owners that we could use material other than brick and still make the building look nice. At first, they were pushing for us to use cheaper materials, but luckily, the cost of the limestone was affordable and fit into our budget.†According to Rogers, the facility is one of the only limestone-clad buildings in the area.
Three varying shades of gray honed Tunisian limestone -- quarried by Belgian Quality Stone -- were used for the body of the corporate building in order to create an elegant look. A light Gardenia Gray was used as the base of the building, while darker colors, including Baltimore Gray and Courteau Fleuri Light were used as accent colors to the building's exterior facade. “We wanted to use a very sophisticated stone, which is why we chose limestone,†said Rogers. SpecCeramics Inc. of Anaheim, CA, supplied more than 100,000 square feet of limestone for the interior and exterior of the building.