An objective recanting of the construction practices, materials, and wall design of a 3300 sq. ft. (floor space) concrete masonry structure built with standard gray units. Over 20 years in which this residence has been lived in and monitored give a good look at how total masonry homes might perform in a southern humid climate, using vertical grouted cells, internal bond beams and horizontal joint reinforcement. The study shows how a total masonry residence has performed successfully in a hot humid climate, what the problems have been and suggested solutions.