AMD Headquarters - Project Lonestar

Austin, TX

Mason Contractor: Brazos Masonry, Inc.
Architect: Graeber Simmons & Cowan
General Contractor: Austin Commercial, LP
Suppliers: Mezger Enterprises
Owner: AMD, Lonestar

Wall System: Cavity Wall: Brick Veneer/Steel Stud

Project Description

When traveling out toward the Texas Hill Country, on the West side of Austin, you will come across this sprawling, picturesque campus. Beautiful and symbolic masonry contributed to creating a building that appeared very natural and native to the Hill Country setting. This project consisted of 32,800 CMU, 80,475 square feet of Lueder’s Rough Back Limestone and 2,565 pieces of Cast Stone.

The architect utilized the Rough Back Limestone in such a way as to make the buildings look indigenous to the area. He brought the Hill Country concept to the big city and built a facility among the old oak and cedar trees and made it appear as if the buildings had been standing long before the trees. Careful coordination was taken by the construction team as to cautiously construct the building around the existing trees without causing damage or reducing production. CMU was used throughout the project for load-bearing purposes as well back-up (non-load bearing) functions. Columns, steps (treads and risers), retaining walls and building veneer all received the Limestone application in a coursed random pattern. White mortar was wisely selected by the Architect to create the appearance of the stone blending into the wall. The white mortar does not take-away from the natural beauty and elegance of the stone and creates an unforgettable appearance. This unique project was built on a fast-paced schedule with existing trees as obstacles. Brazos Masonry carefully pre-planned and executed this job and the project was completed on time!

Date of Project Completion: October 2007

Photography by Norma Jean Bounds