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AAS IS DOUBLING MANUFACTURING CAPACITY


Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) is doubling the production capacity to custom design and manufacture architectural precast stone and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).

AAS is planning this increase in production in two phases: phase one is an expansion to the Mesa Precast plant in Tempe (AZ), followed by second phase to augment manufacturing capabilities in its Ft. Worth (TX) plant.


Phase One: Tempe, AZ Plant (Mesa Precast)

AAS has used Mesa Precast plant in Tempe (Phoenix) for strategic manufacturing and design support for GFRC and architectural wet-precast products.

  • Mesa has expanded to a second facility adjacent to the current plant in Tempe. This has doubled the production space available for customer projects.
  • Staffing has been increased by 25% as well as an increased management team.
  • Mesa production planning and management systems have been enhanced and integrated with AAS enterprise production management systems.

 

AAS Expansion of Manufacturing Plants | Phase one - Mesa Precast, Tempe, Phoenix, AZ | New Production Space to the Left in this Image

AAS Expansion of Manufacturing Plants | Phase one – Mesa Precast, Tempe, Phoenix, AZ | New Production Space to the Left in this Image


Phase Two: Ft. Worth, TX Plant (formerly known as Advanced Cast Stone)

 

The Ft. Worth plant is the largest of AAS plants. With this phase of expansion, AAS is aiming to provide even stronger support and flexibility to customers nationwide.

  • The expansion is increasing production space by 25%.
  • New inventory control system is implemented to improve tracking and control all three types of stone panel products used in a customer project: cast stone, wet-precast, GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete).
  • Implemented new manufacturing line producing wet-pour cast stone.
  • AAS is also adding GFRC manufacturing capability to the plant in Ft. Worth, TX in this expansion phase.

 


Alex Campolo, CEO of AAS: “This expansion of our production capacity is a strategic investment that is going to not only enable us handle more complex customer projects efficiently, but also help cut down lead time for the delivery of products.”


“Our design, manufacturing system has been refined over time to work closely with customers on every phase of the project. The new inventory control system will further provide more precise control and traceability simplifying job site management. “, added Tim Michael, VP of Business Development.


 

Advanced Architectural Stone = AAS | Formely Advanced Cast Stone - ACS | Technology | Team | Customer Focus

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) Plant in Ft. Worth, TX | Formerly Advanced Cast Stone (ACS)

 

The AAS team uses a very well refined customer project management system to work closely with customers on every phase of project execution:

SMU Simmons Hall Construction | Precise engineering, Custom Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone for the Portico Columns

SMU Simmons Hall Construction | Precise engineering, Custom Manufacturing of Architectural Cast Stone for the Portico Columns

Precision in Design Details - Complex Curved Cast Stone Pieces Fit Together Seamlessly Without Carving or Retrofitting

Accuracy in Design Details – Complex Curved Cast Stone Pieces Fit Together Seamlessly Without Carving or Retrofitting

Installation of Portico Columns | Cast Stone Pieces Planned in Sequence of Releases and Clear Labeling Simplified Onsite Construction

Installation of Portico Columns | Cast Stone Pieces Planned in Sequence of Releases and Clear Labeling Simplified Onsite Construction

Portico Column from Inside | Columns inset in Radial Wall Installed Easily with Precise Custom Shaped Pieces and Careful Planning

Portico Column from Inside | Columns inset in Radial Wall Installed Easily with Precise Custom Shaped Pieces and Careful Planning

Architectural GFRC | Pre-engineered, Built-in Connections | Installation Support | Installation of GFRC Products at SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House

Architectural GFRC | Pre-engineered, Built-in Connections | Installation Support | Installation of GFRC Products at SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House | LEARN MORE ABOUT GFRC DESIGN PROCESS >>

 



DRY CAST STONE VS WET CAST STONE: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?


Customers often ask the difference between dry or vibrant tamped cast stone and wet cast stone. Both products have their place in design and construction.

Wet cast product is better when a structural product is needed and where much bigger pieces need to span large openings. On the other hand, dry or vibrant cast stone panels generally have finish similar to limestone; they look more like a natural products enhancing the beauty of the building.

Generally dry cast is going to replicate a carved stone where wet cast is going to look like a molded product that does not show detail as well as the dry cast piece. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame project is a great example of a project where the architectural requirement was to show great curving detail in the interior walls. Dry-cast stone was chosen for the project over wet cast to achieve a refined, detailed look.

The dry cast product is actually hand-tamped into the mold offering the ability of the production artist to make sure that product follows all of the detail of the mold. The wet cast method does not allow for the additional care in finishing. When a natural looking product with great detail is needed, the dry-tamp choice is often the better method.

See in this video tutorial the dry or vibrant-tamp cast stone manufacturing process:

 


 

DESIGN ASSIST, CONSTRUCTION ASSIST FOR PROJECT SUCCESS


Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS – formerly ACS) has well developed system to design and manufacture products that are customized for every project.

The accuracy and precision of the stone panels, along with ability to realize any complex shape or intricate design details enables designers to create high-end design whether that is for monolithic stone veneers, architectural stone cladding, modular architectural columns, custom signage, or other unique branding/cultural icons on exterior facades of buildings.

The AAS team has developed methodology to review design schematics and collaborate closely with contractor, or architect for the project.

The AAS system is designed for project specific focus, integrating required installation support in the design of stone panels as well.

See in this video project examples of the AAS design assist, construction assist to architects, general contractors and masonry contractors.

 


 

 

AAS PROJECT EXECUTION: DESIGN SUPPORT: LEARN MORE >>

 

 

ART AND SCIENCE OF STONE MANUFACTURING: DESIGN FREEDOM WITH CUSTOM PANELS


Concrete and stone products have enabled architectural design of buildings for hundreds of years.

The manufacturing technology combined with opportunity to develop fully integrated solutions for construction projects enable wide range of new design possibilities using architectural stone panels. The project specific focus leads to not only more flexibility and options in design, but also much simpler construction at lower cost.

Learn more with this video how the AAS team is able to start with project specifications, work through the design process, and develop products that create un-paralleled design freedom.


 

Advantages of manufactured architectural stone panels:

  • Combine different product materials for optimum value while maintaining seamless design aesthetic
  • Get consistent product characteristics throughout the project of any size and design complexity
  • Simplify construction and mitigate risk with pre-engineered, built-in installation support
  • Create highly complex shapes for wall panels with stringent tolerance requirements
  • Customize color to any control sample

 

AAS PRODUCTS OVERVIEW >>                     PROJECTS GALLERY >>

 


 

SMU COMMONS: EXTERIOR VENEER, CLADDING, HARDSCAPE DESIGN USING STONE PANELS


Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) has extensive track record for manufacturing cast stone, architectural precast and GFRC for cladding, exterior veneer, and almost any other architectural design.

These pictures are of a number of buildings at the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus. You are viewing a new dining hall and housing complex call the SMU Commons; the vision was to integrate these buildings with the overall identity of the campus. At the same time, the designers wanted to create a contemporary feel to the buildings to reflect the school’s cutting edge approach to education and its fun, nurturing, and exciting environment for students.

The AAS team proposed carrying out the design including the exterior cladding and stone veneers using two different products: cast stone and glass fiber reinforced concrete panels (GFRC).

 

Anita and Truman Arnolds Dining Commons, SMU | Unparalleled Design Freedom with Manufactured Stone | Cast Stone, GFRC Cladding, Veneer Design | TECHNOLOGY: CUSTOM MOLD MAKING >>

Unparalleled Design Freedom with Manufactured Stone | Cast Stone, GFRC Cladding, Veneer Design

 

Precision molds combining the use of the CNC technology and employee craftsmanship made it possible to create veneer wall panels that fit together seamlessly for look of monolithic stone. With computerized batch mixing as part of the integral manufacturing process, the stone panels, using both  cast stone and GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete), had the required structural properties, as well as matching color and finish.

The new buildings are huge success for the campus since they excite students, faculty and visitors.

 

Anita and Truman Arnolds Dining Commons, SMU | Cast stone, Architectural GFRC | Custom Molds, Customer Project Management Simplified Installation, Achieved Design with Precision

Cast stone, GFRC | Monolithic Stone Facade, Veneer Design, Stone Capping | Custom Molds, Customer Project Management Simplified Installation

 

PROJECT: SMU Commons | Architectural Stone Cladding

PROJECT: SMU Commons | Architectural Stone Cladding Developed Quality Experience

 

Stone Panels | Technology, Design Flexibility | GFRC, Cast Stone and Wet-percast Concrete Products Materials Combined for Uniform Aesthetic Accent

Stone Panels | Technology, Design Flexibility | GFRC, Cast Stone and Wet-percast Concrete Products Materials Combined for Uniform Aesthetic Accent


VENEER, FACADE DESIGN USING FABRICATED STONE PANELS: MORE PROJECT EXAMPLES, LEARN MORE >>

 

ARCHITECTURAL STONE CLADDING: SEE MORE PROJECT EXAMPLES, LEARN MORE >>

 

WALL COPING, PIER CAPS, HARDSCAPE >>


 

 

STONE PANELS FOR STONELEIGH RESIDENTIAL TOWER

AAS stone panels are used on this project in various applications, as an exterior veneer rain-screen, at the entry and base of the facade, as the surround stone on all balconies, as a banding at the penthouse tower area, and extensively at the garden and pool areas. This project is an excellent example of using matching masonry materials, GFRC and cast stone.

When the structural shell of this building was completed in 2008, AAS provided cast stone wall panels for the first two floors of the parking garages. However, the building went into receivership soon after construction started, and was then purchased by a new owner in 2012. After a four years hiatus, a different general contractor was hired to complete the project along with a number of new suppliers. The architects for the project continued to emphasize the importance of the original design vision particularly of the stone panels on the balconies and on every floor of the tower. The AAS team recommended using GFRC panels for this to take advantage of the lighter weight and ease of installation. The carefully controlled batch mix of the GFRC wall panels matched the color and finish of the cast stone used on the first two floors.

Stoneleigh Residential Tower - Cast Stone, GFRC Panels for Rain-screen, Cladding, Exterior Veneer Design

Stoneleigh Residential Tower – Cast Stone, GFRC Panels for Rain-screen, Cladding, Exterior Veneer Design | Custom Mold Making, Project Coordination with Installers

Stoneleigh Residential Tower | Matching Custom GFRC Panels on Balconies

Stoneleigh Residential Tower | Matching Custom GFRC Panels on Balconies

 

Stoneleight Residential Tower | Dry Vibrant-tamp Cast Stone for Rain-screen, Veneer, Cladding at Lower Levels of the Residential Tower Elevation

Stoneleight Residential Tower | Dry Vibrant-tamp Cast Stone for Rain-screen, Veneer, Cladding at Lower Levels of the Residential Tower Elevation

The challenge for AAS team was to understand the requirements of the new installer, and to modify the stone panels accordingly. While the balcony areas on different floors appear the same visually, there was a large variation in the dimensions. The support cut-out further complicated the balconies because there were different railing suppliers with varying cut-out positons. AAS engineering team created a series of unique notch and block-outs in the panel molds in order to create custom panels for almost every balcony. The built-in, pre-engineered GFRC connections simplified the installation for the contractor significantly and allowed the project to be highly successful.


Project: Stoneleigh Residential Tower

Architect: Jeff Smith/Gromatzky Dupree & Associates

Products: Cast Stone, GFRC

 


VENEER, FACADE DESIGN USING FABRICATED STONE PANELS: MORE PROJECT EXAMPLES, LEARN MORE >>

 

ARCHITECTURAL STONE CLADDING: SEE MORE PROJECT EXAMPLES, LEARN MORE >>


MANUFACTURED ARCHITECTURAL STONE: PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

PRODUCTS COMPARISON GUIDE

How do different manufactured cast stone products compare? How do you select? SEE COMPARISON GUIDE >>

GFRC (GLASS FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE) CEU COURSE: EARN CREDITS

VIDEO: GFRC CONNECTIONS SIMPLIFY INSTALLATION, OPEN UP DESIGN OPTIONS

GFRC products have pre-engineered, built in connections that simplifies the onsite installation.

See in this video, examples of drawings and images of products being installed at the SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House project.

AAS has bandwidth and a well developed system to work closely with architects, contractors and masons for every project. Installation support details are designed with intent of not only realizing architect’s desired design vision, but also simple, easy installation.

As required, project team works with customers in selecting combination of products that would achieve design cost effectively.


GFRC PRODUCTS: SEE MANUFACTURING IN WORKS

 

Custom Design GFRC Cornices

GFRC cornices with pre-engineered connections for simple, easy installation: see the manufacturing process for GFRC cornices in this VIDEO BLOG POST >>

 

Architectural GFRC Cornice Manufacturing Process - Video Clips

Fluted Tapered GFRC Columns, Corinthian Capitals

Custom design fluted, tapered GFRC columns and corinthian capitals … VIDEO CLIPS show manufacturing process for creating different components of the modular design >>

 

Fluted GFRC Columns - Architectural GFRC Manufacturing Process


GFRC Project: Architectural Stone Cladding, Columns for SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House

 

SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House | Architectural GFRC Columns, Cladding for Desired Building Elevation Aesthetic

SMU Delta Gamma Sorority House | Architectural GFRC Columns, Cladding for Desired Building Elevation Aesthetic

 


GFRC Project: High Elevation Entry Way Design for Dry Creek Elementary School

 

GFRC Panels for Dry Creek Elementary School - AAS - formerly ACS - Case Study V01

GFRC Panels for Dry Creek Elementary School – AAS – formerly ACS – LEARN MORE >>

 


GFRC Project: High Design Fully Integrated Cladding, Columns, Architectural Accent

 

AAS Architectural GFRC Case Study | Gilbert Christian Case Study

AAS Architectural GFRC Case Study | Gilbert Christian High School  | SEE MORE >>

 

AAS VALUE FOCUS – WEBINAR PRESENTATION FROM CEO, EDDIE LESOK: SEE VIDEO >>

Advanced Architectural Stone (AAS) opens up new design possibilities for architects, designers, contractors and masons. Manufacturing technology and design craftsmanship makes it possible to have consistent product quality for projects of any size. AAS has very well developed customer projects management support that simplifies onsite installation, construction.

Learn more in this webinar presentation from AAS CEO Eddie Lesok: VIDEO >>