Alternative approach to residential design pairs durability, comfort and low-maintenance living

LYNCHBURG, Va., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in its 35-year history, the St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway will feature a house constructed with concrete masonry.

Beauty of Block, an initiative of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, highlights projects like this that demonstrate how concrete masonry delivers lasting beauty, comfort and resilience. The newest addition to Lynchburg's Blackwater Run neighborhood gives homebuyers and building professionals a new perspective on residential construction.

The 2,900-square-foot design uses concrete masonry units (CMU) as its primary structural system. It demonstrates how masonry can deliver architectural character and everyday comfort while standing up to the demands of modern living.

Old Dominion Block, Brick & Hardscapes helped make the project possible by supplying approximately 5,700 structural and architectural CMU.

"St. Jude families embody extraordinary strength and resilience, and we wanted this home to reflect those same qualities," said Brent Gleason, president of Old Dominion Block, Brick & Hardscapes. "We worked closely with the builder, L.G. Flint, and are proud that we were able to support an incredible mission while creating a home that proves resilience doesn't have to come at the expense of comfort or curb appeal."

Beauty and Performance Rolled Into One

CMU is part of the home's architectural expression. Honed block forms a contemporary two-story feature wall in the cathedral great room. Deep window openings add character and natural light, while exposed masonry makes the chimney part of the design.

The solid walls create quieter interiors, help moderate temperature changes and provide the substantial feeling of a home built to last. Concrete masonry also resists termites, rot and moisture-related damage.¹

CMU is inherently noncombustible and can help contain fire and slow the spread of smoke and flames. Depending on their design and configuration, masonry assemblies can provide fire-resistance ratings of up to four hours. Reinforced masonry can also be engineered for site-specific hurricane and high-wind loads.²

Early Planning Leads to Improved Project Schedules

The original design for the Lynchburg Dream Home called for a conventional light-frame structural system. The Beauty of Block® Design Collective worked with the team to transition the design to CMU while preserving the architectural vision.

"We expected masonry might require more time and adaptation, especially after weather pushed construction into January," said Andy Flint, president of L.G. Flint General Contractors. "Instead, early planning helped the trades integrate conventional floor and roof systems, recover the weather delay and complete the masonry structure ahead of schedule."

Despite snow and single-digit temperatures, crews progressed from approximately one week behind to one to two weeks ahead.

Project Team

• Architect: Studio Moore Designs
• Builder: L.G. Flint General Contractors
• Masonry contractor: Ryan Atkins Masonry
• Concrete masonry producer: Old Dominion Block, Brick & Hardscapes
• Industry support: Beauty of Block Design Collective
• Regional partner: Southeast Concrete Masonry Association

Public tours run Aug. 22–Sept. 13, with the giveaway taking place Sept. 23. Architects and builders can receive free, project-specific assistance for concrete masonry projects, including concrete masonry-framed homes, at BlockDesign.org.

1 International Masonry Institute, Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association and FEMA Technical Bulletin

2 CC/International Building Codes and FEMA P-320

ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF BLOCK
Beauty of Block® is the national marketing campaign of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, an industry-funded program supporting education, research and promotion of manufactured concrete masonry products in the United States. Learn more at BeautyofBlock.com.

Media Contact:

Tom DiBacco
CLUTCH
(202) 420-0593
tdibacco@clutchperformance.com

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SOURCE Concrete Masonry Checkoff