Valley Presbyterian Church's stone walls REAL and LOCAL
Whether inside or outside, if designing in Arizona, my instincts lead to local and real material selections. Stone is an excellent example.
While walking a residential site nearby, I recall a lifetime in particular appreciation for the stonework on Valley Presbyterian Church. Without actually asking, as a native to Arizona, my guess is that the stone finish is entirely from Arizona. Those tints of red and green(iron and copper) NICE! Inside I recall pink clear sealed Arizona flagstone flooring and steps. This church was adjacent to my grade school, and where I graduated in 8th grade. I have many experiences attending and participating in church services, funerals, and weddings at this particular church. The stone has served as a beautifully simple back drop to each of those gatherings.
Stone is honest. It is not an imitation of a nature. Like people, stone is what it is, stone is stone, with all of it's variety, flaws, and beauty. There is something special about a building that feels local. Green thinkers like local. Transporting building materials is expensive. But for me, it is more than just reducing consumption of fossil fuels and the related costs. Particularly for this church use, in this Arizona metropolis, in this desert climate, it is fitting for it to be made of local "real" Arizona stone.
The Apache Stone Company(http://www.apachestone.com/), located in Apache Junction, Arizona, offers over 15 types of Northern Arizona quarried stone (described as "natural stone veneer"). Under "our designs" on this website, check out Clyde and Margaret's Home. That stone is real and real local as well. Malapi boulders(volcanic Basalt) were hand gathered in various areas, no more than about 6 or so miles from the site, via a permit from the National Forest Service.
topic: building design