MASONRY IN BC Industry challenges: Attracting young people and developing complex industry's potential B.C.'s Tristar Brick and Block leads in structural masonry innovation Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Tristar Brick and Block Ltd. began in 1983 as a block manufacturing plant. Over the years its expertise has evolved to include architectural structural masonry, ground face, scored and precast concrete. President Severin Samulski trained as a bricklayer in Ontario and on moving to B.C. discovered structural ma- sonry's potential. Since then that has been one of his key interests. “I saw what you could achieve with structural masonry, all the efficiencies of having electrical, mechan- ical and reinforcing elements built right in.” From its 7,000 sq. ft. Abbotsford plant, Tristar has supplied projects in Vancouver, Northern B.C. and Van- couver Island. The company has provided product to several local federal and provincial prisons which Samul- ski calls the epitome of a project with structural masonry as the main component. “We did our first project recently using steel blocks which were installed strategically within the concrete construction,” he said. “The placement of the steel blocks created a unique look and allowed elements like bunks and hardware to be welded directly to the wall.’ Tristar is also producing new products, using tech- niques like burnishing (ground face) to create unique looks and interest for architects. 14 – Summer 2014 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report Samulski calls masonry a craft that is neither high tech, nor sexy. He says the job's physical demands can make it hard to attract young people. “It’s an old skill and an old product that, when done right, is so durable it can create buildings that will last a lifetime.” He says quality and skill in craftsmanship is critical to ensuring the industry maintains high standards. He also says the low-bid process can impact the industry's rep- utation because it can tend toward lesser skill sets. “Once masonry is constructed it hides any mistakes that may lie within. The industry needs to find ways to certify the quality of the wall system to give the design com- munity the confidence in the masonry system.” Samulski has noticed a decline in the volume of ma- sonry projects combined with increasing complexity. “Tilt-up is gaining popularity as a technique because it gives the illusion that volumes can be put up quickly,” he said. “What people don’t see is the extra time and work it then takes to set masonry walls with all of the electrical and mechanical components that can’t be added to the tilt-up walls.” To meet the demands of a more complex and more competitive industry, Samulski has aligned his efforts with national associations working collectively to market to and educate the community about masonry's value.