August 6, 2011 (Boca Raton, Florida) – The Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) membership came together for a night of celebration and tribute to honor the best in the Masonry industry.  The MAF Masonry Awards of Excellence program recognizes masonry design and building excellence and has been established to raise awareness of the benefits of using masonry products for all types of construction projects nationwide.

Art, Innovation & Endurance were the focus at this year’s awards banquet.  The Masonry Awards of Excellence gala is the celebration of the art and craftsmanship of the mason; the innovation of the contractor and architect and the endurance of the masonry materials produced here in Florida.  “The winning projects are the embodiments of all these qualities”, according to Pat McLaughlin, Executive Director of the MAF.  “There are no better examples of our vision than in the masonry construction projects honored this evening.  The art of masonry can be seen in every winning project.  Innovation, from the architects’ board to the masons’ work, is executed to perfection and the endurance of masonry is legendary.  These projects will be standing for generations to come.  As these projects attest, masonry is the intersection of art, innovation and endurance; but, so are the people who work tirelessly in an industry with no bounds of creativity and length of service.  I think this is what they now call Sustainability”, McLaughlin says.

Projects submitted were reviewed and judged anonymously by a distinguished panel of industry professionals.  The judges selected six category award winners and six awards of merit in masonry construction.  Consideration was given to the overall design and use of masonry products, as well as the technical aspects of each project.  The winning projects showed superiority in technical design and craftsmanship.

Tampa’s Windstar Homes was named the 2011 Residential Winner of the MAF Award of Excellence for Villa LoVullo, a brick and stone clad, Tuscan-inspired waterfront home located in Tierra Verde, Florida, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Founded in 1996, Windstar Homes provides a wide range of services that include New Home Design; Landscaping and Swimming Pool Design; complete Construction Services; as well as the full range of Interior Detailing and Decorating, including Furniture and Window Treatments.