Cement for Ornamentation

Progress, Volume XII, Issue 3, 1 November 1916, Page 778

Cement for Ornamentation

Cement and concrete are playing a very important part in the ornamentation of business structures of to-day.

A very fine instance is the Consolidated Realty Company Building in Los Angeles. The entire first

two stories, including vent openings, sills, transome bars, spandrels, frieze main and back entrance, are all of artificial stone (cement). The same method is employed in securing this facing work to the plain structure as is used in terracotta work, namely, all work is locked round the reinforced concrete, which was already erected. The fluted columns were constructed in one piece in position, all other work was cast at the works of the company and placed after setting. All the ornamental work was cast in gelatine moulds, thereby getting a greater amount of undercut, giving the fine finish and relief. The cost was approximately £1,200.