Graciano Corporation's headquarters building in suburban Pittsburgh was the first project completed by the company's New Construction Division. The site presented a significant design challenge: a steeply sloped lot with rolling hill views that would have limited the usable footprint of a conventional rectangular structure. Graciano's team developed a freeform building plan that followed the natural grade of the terrain, maximizing floor area while preserving the character of the site.
The building uses column and beam construction coupled with poured concrete sub-floors, a system chosen for its structural flexibility on uneven ground. The exterior is finished in brick with ribbon windows featuring tinted glass and brushed aluminum trim, giving the building a professional appearance that reflects the company's masonry expertise.
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- Column and beam structural framing
- Poured concrete sub-floor construction
- New brick exterior masonry
- Wet and dry shotcrete applications
- Sealant installation
- Ribbon window installation with tinted glass and brushed aluminum trim
- Site work accommodating steeply sloped terrain
Design for a Challenging Site
Rather than grading the site to accommodate a standard building footprint, Graciano's design team oriented the building along the natural contours of the slope. This approach reduced earthwork, preserved the existing grade around the structure, and created interior floor levels that step with the terrain. The result is a building that is well integrated into its suburban setting while providing functional office space for all of Graciano's operations.
Ribbon windows along the main facades take full advantage of the hillside orientation, bringing in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscape throughout the building's interior. The brushed aluminum trim and tinted glass complement the brick cladding, tying the new construction aesthetic to the masonry craftsmanship Graciano is known for.
The New Construction Division
The Graciano Corporate Headquarters project marked the formal launch of Graciano's New Construction Division, extending the company's capabilities beyond restoration and preservation work into original masonry construction. The project allowed Graciano's craftsmen to demonstrate that the same skills applied to historic brick and stone restoration translate directly to new construction, with the added advantage of full control over material selection and construction sequencing from the ground up.
About Graciano Corporation
Founded in 1916, Graciano Corporation is one of the oldest and most experienced masonry and concrete restoration firms in the United States. Headquartered at 209 Sigma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, with additional offices in New York, NY, and Florida, Graciano performs approximately 90% of all work in-house with its own skilled journeymen. The company is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise and has built its reputation on demanding commercial, civic, and landmark projects across the eastern United States.