A Letter of Gratitude
This month, ORCO Block & Hardscape proudly celebrates 80 years in business.
Carbon Sequestration: What Concrete Masonry Does While You’re Not Looking
Recall your coursework in life science studies, and you might recall the role that forests play in the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the subsequent conversion to oxygen.
Concrete Masonry Resilience in California: Fire and Earthquake Performance
In sustainable construction, resilience is the measure of how well a building can endure and recover from adverse events. In Southern California, where wildfire seasons are intensifying and seismic activity is a constant threat, material selection is more than a design choice—it’s a safeguard for life safety, operational continuity, and long-term value.
Low Embodied Carbon: Why It Matters
Embodied Carbon refers to the emissions from design and construction choices when building a facility, such as the materials used and their manufacture, transportation, and installation.
FAQ: Mortar & Grouts
Can I apply VBM over a painted surface? No. Paint acts as a bond break which can cause VBM to not work to its fullest potential. Substrates should be clean and free of dust and other potential bond breakers. For concrete surfaces, sandblasting is recommended to ensure removal of all paint or other potential bond breakers.
FAQ: Concrete Masonry Units
Where can I find the Safety Data Sheets of ORCO products? ORCO’s Resources page has an extensive library of all product safety data sheets, organized by product family. Additionally, each individual product page has a corresponding data sheet available for download.
Rubidoux High School Concert Hall
The Rubidoux High School Concert Hall was brought to life through the vision and persistence of Jurupa Unified School District’s longtime superintendent, Elliott Duchon. Architects For Education (A4E) in Pasadena brought the project to life thanks to their relationship with the District, who invited them to design the project as part of a larger strategy to elevate arts education across the campus. According to A4E, having Mr.…
M.H. Lair
Throughout this beautiful Los Angeles private residence, concrete block is the backbone for creative structural support – both outside and inside the home. Set on a sloped hill, CMU actively sweeps across both the lower and upper levels of the property, serving as your guide from the garage to the top level.
Anthony Munoz Community Center
When architect Robert Coffee and his firm Robert Coffee & Associates (RCA) was selected by the City of Ontario’s Community Development Department to design the Anthony Munoz Community Center, it marked the beginning of a journey that would span nearly six years, navigating shifting municipal priorities and even a global pandemic.
FAQ: Pavers
Should you compact bedding sand when laying pavers? No, this is not recommended by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association. The sand should be screeded smooth before placing pavers. Compaction should only occur once the pavers are placed.
Pacific High School Transportation & Advanced Technology Center
Led by Ruhnau Clarke Architects, the new Transportation and Advanced Technology Center at Pacific High School exemplifies how thoughtful design can address both educational and economic challenges. Our thanks to the team at Ruhnau Clarke Architects for sharing the full scope of their design story for this essential, life-changing project.
Greater Whittier Regional Aquatic Center
The Greater Whittier Regional Aquatic Center (GWRAC) is a thoughtfully designed complex comprised of a Main Building, a Pool Equipment Building, and two pools, all enclosed within a carefully crafted CMU perimeter wall. The strategic use of CMU block throughout the project enhances both its aesthetic appeal and functional durability.