Article Number : 7580 |
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| Date | 6/12/2012 7:52:06 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=7580 |
| Abstract | LATICRETE, a global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry, will be teaming up with Julie Richey, a local mosaic artist and her student daughter to optimize an upcoming outdoor classroom at... |
| Article | LATICRETE, a global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry, will be teaming up with Julie Richey, a local mosaic artist and her student daughter to optimize an upcoming outdoor classroom at a Texas school. This unique project will take place at North Hills Preparatory, a K - 12 charter school in Irving, Texas. "There is an outdoor classroom area which will consist of a 20-foot wide central concrete medallion and semi-circular rows of concrete benches,” said Julie Richey, the mosaic artist responsible for spearheading this project. “We'll be adhering the mosaic to the circle. In subsequent years, we may try to clad the benches with mosaics, as well.” “I've been wanting to mosaic those bare concrete forms for some time,” continued Richey. “The opportunity to design the mosaic was initiated by my daughter, Claire, who had to design a personal project for her coursework.” As part of her project, Claire had to seek approval from the head administrator, the school board and the Las Colinas Association architectural control committee. After her samples and drawings were submitted, she received approval from all to proceed. Julie's involvement was to be in gathering resources, funds and arranging for mosaic artist volunteers to complete the fabrication and installation. A budget was arrived at based on past experience with local public art projects. In March, a fundraiser cocktail party was hosted which, with the help of sponsors, raised the needed funds for the tile and pattern expenses. "Henry B. Rothberg of LATICRETE soon got involved, pledging to generously donate the necessary LATICRETE materials. This was exciting for me, as I've worked with LATICRETE products before, with great results. For example, I participated in the award-winning "River of Life" mosaic project at the University of Iowa, which exclusively used LATICRETE products,” Richey stated. “Last month, I finished an installation at the University of Texas/Austin, Holland Family Student Center at the Jackson School of Geosciences. We used the LATICRETE 'One Step Method,' which worked extremely well!” The LATICRETE ‘One Step Method’ is a proven process that entails latex admix (such as LATICRETE® 4237 Latex Additive) being combined with grouting material (such as LATICRETE 1500 Sanded Grout) resulting in basically an ironclad ‘grout adhesive’. “I love the consistency and innovation of LATICRETE products," continued Richey. “The One Step Method is such a time-saver for mosaic installations, where the grout joints often are very difficult to keep clean. Before I discovered the One Step Method, I spent a lot of time carving thinset out of joints in preparation for grouting. Happily, that's in the past. We'll be using this process for the outdoor classroom, as well.” "Although LATICRETE does have superior products," concluded Richey, "the most remarkable thing about the company is the firm's people. They have been responsive, knowledgeable, professional and generous with their expertise and resources. There's not a better team of sales reps and their dedication to the LATICRETE reputation is contagious!” The forthcoming plan for the outdoor classroom is to begin installation of the mosaics in October 2012, when the temperature in Texas generally drops down below 80 degrees. LATICRETE International, Inc. is a US-based, family-owned global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry. LATICRETE® products are produced and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an unparalleled reputation and commitment to superior quality, performance and customer service. Manufactured in state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, LATICRETE offers a broad product portfolio including an extensive line of low VOC sustainable products independently certified by GREENGUARD. LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SpectraLOCK®, Hydro Ban® and DRYTEK® are registered brands of LATICRETE International, Inc. Corporate Website: www.laticrete.com. |