Category: Newsletter

GraniteCrete monthly newsletter provides industry news, design ideas and useful information.

The Culinary Institute of America at Copia Strives for Sustainable Campus Perfection

Posted on by Brad Barbeau
GraniteCrete Permeable Walkway Copia
GraniteCrete is featured in the reflecting pool walkway at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia

In California, LEED certified buildings are becoming mainstream as businesses strive to lower their environmental impact, become more sustainable, and qualify for tax rebates while retaining higher property value. The Culinary Institute of America at Copia (CIAC) is no exception as the campus strives for sustainable perfection.The CIAC is located in Napa Valley, California and is the pinnacle destination for exploring the world of food and wine. “CIA at Copia is a first for The Culinary Institute of America, entirely dedicated to offering its innovative, industry-leading food and wine education and experiences to the public. It opens a window into what the CIA truly is: a visionary thought-leader and innovator in food and beverage, with world-class faculty and facilities,” said Thomas Bensel, managing director of CIA’s California campus. More specifically, the CIAC campus provides guests with daily cooking and beverage classes, wine tastings, art collections, restaurants, and community events.

The CIAC is a branch of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) culinary college. The CIA is led by Strategic Initiative Groups that work with other talented culinary institutes to assure that they are providing their guests and students with the best, and most relevant information in culinary related fields.

The Copia building was originally utilized by the Copia museum from 2001 to 2008. The CIA acquired the building in 2015 and redesigned the facility with sustainability in mind. The CIAC campus is a sustainable marvel that features various solar, water, and renewable material strategies in design. In addition, the campus prioritizes the management of storm water runoff and the mitigation of the urban heat island effect.

GraniteCrete Copia Permeable
GraniteCrete contributes to a serene setting at night at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.

GraniteCrete’s paving aggregate binder was seen as the premium solution for their sustainable needs. GraniteCrete’s paving material is porous and reduces storm water runoff as storm water can pass straight through the material replenishing the water table. In addition, the light pigmentation of GraniteCrete has a high solar reflective index which mitigates the urban heat island effect, keeping the ground cool on hot days. GraniteCrete was also prioritized for this project as the sand color of the walkway complimented the amphitheater and the entrance to the facility where it was installed. When GraniteCrete is installed, it can provide up to 13 LEED credits for businesses striving to obtain their LEED building certification.The California Institute of America continues to demonstrate sustainable excellence, while offering the top culinary education and experience for their community.

GraniteCrete is the best choice for high-traffic public spaces. Contact a representative to get started.

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GraniteCrete’s Permeable Purpose

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

Permeable
paving materials for walkways, patios, and driveways continue to grow in popularity. GraniteCrete is the premiere name in permeable paving materials. GraniteCrete allows water to pass through at over an inch per hour, preserving groundwater reservoirs. GraniteCrete’s permeability does not hinder the strength of the material, as its strength and permanence compete with traditional concrete. GraniteCrete has been used on many projects with the reduction of runoff pollution and the conservation of water in mind. The Santa Rosa Old Courthouse Square project used GraniteCrete to minimize the need for irrigation in an urban environment:

“The goal is to create a system that retains as much rainwater on-site as possible for as long as possible, limits the amount of irrigation needed, and also supports a surface that is strong, fast draining and low maintenance”
– Curt Nichols – Vice President of Carlile Macy – Head of the Santa Rosa Old Courthouse Square project

Impermeable paving materials such as asphalt and concrete do not allow storm water to pass through, creating runoff and polluting the nearby area. When storm water flows along concrete or asphalt, the water becomes polluted from toxins, metals, and bacteria that rest on the surface. This has a negative impact on the environment as the polluted storm water eventually seeps into the ground contaminating our natural groundwater supply.

GraniteCrete Permeable Pathway Monterey Naval Housing Unit
GraniteCrete is the perfect choice for landscaping in sensitive environments.
Permeable paving materials allow water to pass through, unlike concrete, which helps aid groundwater reservoirs by reducing the environmental damage caused by runoff. Permeable paving materials act as a filtration system as natural rainwater passes through the pavement and allow soils and microbes below the surface to filter out any pollutants. This natural filtration process also improves the health of local vegetation.

Many municipalities in California prefer permeable paving materials as these materials add to urbanization while maintaining a green mindset. San Francisco’s Green Landscaping Ordinance requires that 50% of residential front yard surfaces must be permeable by using porous paving or landscape materials. The use of permeable paving materials such as GraniteCrete, allows you to improve the aesthetics of your next project while being environmentally friendly.

If you have concerns about meeting LEED requirements, or you want to address water runoff issues, GraniteCrete™ is here to assist you. Reach out to one of our experts now.

GraniteCrete Adds Aesthetics

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

GraniteCrete Adds Aesthetics, Sustainability, and a Lasting Solution

The Coastal Biology building is the newest addition to UCSC’s Seymour Center Long Marine Laboratory. The Coastal Biology building is the first step toward the completion of UCSC’s Coastal Long Range Development Plan. The UCSC Coastal Science Campus and the new Coastal Biology building play a significant role in the University’s Coastal Sustainability initiative. This initiative addresses various environmental issues with a focus on the health of coastal ecosystems around the world.  Toward that end, UCSC was careful to consider the substantial impact this project could have on the fragile ecosystem surrounding the project.

GraniteCrete was uniquely qualified to meet these concerns while offering a sustainable and lasting solution.  The architects, EHDD Architecture, chose GraniteCrete for an 8-foot-wide walkway surrounding the Coastal Biology building. Installation of the walkway was completed by Graniterock Construction Division. The organic aesthetics of the walkway add to the natural beauty of the campus and the surrounding area. The ease of installation and quality of GraniteCrete’s Admixture was recognized by Graniterock installers, “Everyone loves it. It really holds up well.”

The 40,000-square foot building was designed by EHDD Architecture and features various laboratories and offices to support faculty and research. The building is equipped with a 125-foot seminar room, analytical labs, and a natural running seawater laboratory.

GraniteCrete is proud to partner with fellow sustainable organizations such as the UCSC Coastal Science Campus, as they prioritize positive environmental practices.

For more information on the Coastal Biology Center, go to https://www.ucsc.edu/features/marine_sciences/coastal-biology.html

This plan involves the expansion of nearby facilities for the purpose of environmental research, education, restoration, and habitat preservation.

For more information on UCSC’s Coastal Long Range Development Plan, go to:

UCSC Science Campus Long Range Development Plan