Authentic Brickwork in Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Authentic Looking GFRC Bricks at the Hershey Store in Times Square.

Located in one of the busiest and most famous commercial centers in the world, the Hershey’s store in Times Square has a quiet secret. The stressed, authentic brickwork is not actually made from bricks! Rather, it is made from a unique building material called GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete).

Project Challenges and the Stromberg Solution

In 2002, the architects who designed the Hershey’s store in Times Square were faced with a design question: how do you make an authentic, early 20th century building without the problems inherent to early 20th century building materials? Traditional bricks, though sturdy, are difficult to work with, and have a tendency to disintegrate over time. Moreover, they are heavy and require an equally heavy-duty foundation. These are major impediments to building a lasting structure in Times Square, but Stromberg Architectural had a solution: GFRC. GFRC bricks are lightweight, high impact, and will not swell, disintegrate or rot over time. However, despite these modern conveniences, they can be designed and installed to be a perfect facsimile to the real thing.

Authentic Brick Masonry in GFRC Costs Less

Traditional brick masonry is a complex, multi-staged process that requires expert bricklayers. Due to the specialized nature of the task, brick masonry can get expensive, quick. Not only is it expensive, but it is a timing sensitive craft. The bricks have to be cemented at exactly the right time in suitable weather conditions. This extra element of timing coordination is a logistical nightmare for foremen when they are trying to organize their jobsite. Bricks in GFRC from Stromberg Architectural are easily installed under any conditions. They do not require specialists to install, and they do not require special timing or any other coordination. This convenience is a relief, not only for your planner, but also your checkbook.

The Many Benefits of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete

• GFRC constructs are water tight and will not leak or take on water.
• Stromberg can custom-build a near perfect reproduction of any masonry from bricks to stones.
• Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is weather resistant and will not rot or dissolve over time.

World Class Architecture from Stromberg

No matter what manner of architectural conundrum you might find yourself faced with, Stromberg Architectural Products has a solution. Our wide variety of GFRC and GFRP products provide a plethora of architectural solutions, and our first-rate artisans and craftsmen are standing by to take your custom order. So what are you waiting for? Contact Stromberg Architectural Products today, and get started with your own GFRC project.
Rachel Curling