"ig%20masonry%20support"

Crest Nicholson’s multi award-winning Park Central regeneration scheme is a fifteen-year project delivered in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Optima Community Association. Awarded ‘The Placemaking Award’ at the National Property Week Awards and recognised for regenerating the Lee Bank area in Birmingham, the scheme has created 1300 new homes promoting desirable city living. The project required IG’s special bow lintels for the final phase of 355 apartments to achieve the curvature of the façade whilst accommodating large span balcony openings and unusual loading conditions.Challenge:Glenn Howells Architect’s creative design composed of intricate brick detailing throughout the curved façade. The combination and variation of multiple bond patterns presented unusual loading conditions. A three-course stacked soldier bond pattern above window openings significantly reduced distribution of load through adjacent masonry. The heavy concentrated load carried down the brick piers and through the stacked masonry onto the central point on the lintel. IG’s experienced technical experts attended design meetings to find a viable special lintel solution for each application without disrupting the integrity and design of the architects vision.Solution:IG’s technical team designed bespoke special bow lintels to accommodate opening spans up to 4284mm and allowed for a 650mm end bearing for typical sizes to counter the cantilevered effect of the curved openings. In order to further improve the load bearing, IG designed brackets that secured into a pre-cast channel maximising structural strength at the central point of the lintel. The centrally located brackets bolted through the back of the lintel and accommodated the concentrated loads and eliminated the need to prop lintels during construction. IG provided comprehensive technical support throughout every stage of construction process for the most effective structural design solution.Testimonial:“The development has been a resounding success in transforming and rejuvenating the Lee Bank area in Birmingham. IG’s technical team were responsive and receptive to all urgent requirements throughout every stage of the construction process. An outstanding technical service that we have come to expect from IG.”Crest Nicholson

Built by Wates Group for developer MARK and designed by London-based architect SPPARC, Borough Yards’ features a number of transformed and re-purposed railway arches, viaducts and warehouses along with five new buildings, that weave their way from Borough Market to Clink Street. This new shopping and dining district also includes a cinema, art gallery and two new office buildings.IG Masonry Support worked with brickwork contractor Lesterose, designing and supplying a number of complex prefabricated brickwork elements including Welded Masonry Support (WMS), Brick Slip Masonry Support and its renowned B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System).ChallengeIn this landmark conservation area, the brickwork for the new buildings needed to compliment the existing brickwork on the repurposed viaducts and warehouses but also present their own unique character.To meet these challenging design requirements, IG Masonry Support manufactured and supplied a range of prefabricated components that met both the wider considerations around planning in this conservation area and at the same time all fire and building regulations.As part of the complex design for building 4, the architect and design team required a bespoke ‘floating’ brick feature presenting a jagged design. The utilisation of IG Masonry Support’s brick slips helped achieve the distinctive angled soffit design, offering a flawless and historic aesthetic in a modern, easy-to-install solution.The distinctive spearheads featuring on building 2 were a separate hurdle but thanks to IG Masonry Support’s close collaboration with the contractors and the architect, it enabled an accurate and sufficient design. Installed over 4 level points of the building, these innovative spearheads, never seen before, were manufactured with glass reinforced concrete, and hand-laid brickwork in-between.Customisable to the architect’s design wishes, the Brick Slip Systems and Masonry Support are prefabricated units manufactured offsite and delivered complete with bricks mechanically-fixed and bonded to them.Due to the type of being brick being used on buildings 2, 3 and 4 being a weaker composition, this necessitated pre-pointing the brick slips in dry, controlled conditions in order to create a high quality, finished surface.SolutionThe bespoke elements for building 4 pushed the boundaries of IG Masonry Support and its products but through technical collaboration the jagged design features were achieved with angled soffits, ensuring a solution that met the architect’s specific requirements.IG Masonry Support exceeded expectations with its Welded Masonry Support system and versatile B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System), creating a seamless match with the surrounding brickwork.Able to accommodate loads of up to and exceeding 14kN/m, IG’s Welded Masonry Support (WMS) is a rigid masonry support system comprising a stainless-steel angle support shelf with fixed brackets. It is fabricated to engineers’ specifications on a project basis and offers two planes of adjustability onsite. Offering ease-of-installation, the system can be supplied in a variety of configurations depending on the project’s requirements. At Borough Yards, the WMS was designed, manufactured and supplied by the IG Masonry Support team and installed across building 2 and 4 in order to support the application of the B.O.S.S. system.The B.O.S.S.+ is a lightweight prefabricated system that is faster to install than traditional hanging brick systems. Installed to a pre-fitted Masonry Support System, B.O.S.S.+ allows increased adjustability along three axes. Produced offsite, B.O.S.S. offers 90% time saving onsite and negates the need for mechanical lifting. B.O.S.S.+ also removes the need for brick-cutting onsite, resulting in a quality system that is checked before it arrives onsite. This BBA-certified unit is an ‘A’ Fire Rated, BBA certified and mechanically-fixed unit, suitable for use on residential buildings over 18m above ground level and complies with the Building Regulations 2010* Approved Document B: Fire Safety.Not only is the system versatile, it offers ease-of-installation and enables time-savings onsite. The bespoke solution offers a 70% weight-saving against an equivalent concrete product, negating the need for mechanical handling and onsite labour. These were significant benefits on this mixed-used development in particular.An integral part of the street scene and conservation area, these stunning new buildings sit side-by-side with the historic viaducts and warehouses. The presence of IG Masonry Support’s systems and the company’s technical prowess has ensured this landmark Southwark development is thoughtfully planned, well-built and a sought-after attraction in South London.

Regent’s Park Regeneration is a £72m development which has seen the creation of 122 affordable new homes and community facilities in Camden, north-west London.The scheme, on behalf of Camden Council, followed the demolition of housing and businesses in the area to make way for the High Speed 2 rail link between London and the West Midlands. As a result, Lovell Homes London, in conjunction with architects Ingleton Wood, was selected to deliver the new homes across eight sites within the existing estate. The one-to-five-bedroom apartments are situated in an inner-city location with buildings ranging from three-to-eleven storeys in height.ChallengeEach building within the Regent’s Park Regeneration presented a slightly different challenge, with the brick elements playing a vital role in fulfilling the architect’s vision for each of the blocks.Various brickwork features in an array of bespoke designs were required for the exterior of the blocks. Traditionally, achieving these features requires skilled labour cutting bricks onsite, a time-consuming process which IG Masonry Support’s offsite manufacture of bespoke, pre-fabricated brick slip components helped to significantly speed-up.SolutionThe intricate brick detail achieved at the Regent’s Park Regeneration project highlights the design versatility of IG’s offsite brick slip solutions.The company worked with the architect from an early stage to design effective offsite solutions which enabled the project’s complex brick details to be achieved across the eight buildings; Cape of Good Hope, Newlands, Rydal Water, Robert Street, St Bede’s, Varndell, The Victory Pub and Dick Collins House.IG Masonry Support was challenged to supply brick slip soffit solutions, accommodating the range of different sized openings and soffit requirements throughout the development. A combination of Brick Slip Lintels and B.O.S.S. units capable of achieving both stretcher and soldier course bond patterns, were designed by IG’s technical team. These offsite units achieved the beautiful brick soffits over apartment block windows and openings on the various elevations of the buildings throughout the development.The Newlands and Rydal Water buildings presented complex brickwork elements that required IG’s technical team to design bespoke B.O.S.S. units to achieve the detailing specified within the architect’s designs. Beautiful brick soffits varying in depth from 102mm to 440mm feature over the balconies on every corner of these apartment blocks, as well as recess panels with 102mm brick soffits in a stretcher bond pattern on each elevation. A flying beam features on the upper level balconies of the Varndell building. This architectural detail, which has a 665mm soffit, was also achieved using bespoke-designed B.O.S.S. units. IG Masonry Support’s precise, prefabricated solutions manufactured using a consignment of bricks from site, blended seamlessly within the buildings’ eye-catching exterior.From design stage to delivery, IG Masonry Support worked alongside the contractor and the architect to deliver complex brickwork elements that formed an integral part of the design of the buildings. The result is a stunning, modern inner-city housing development which has not only been shortlisted for a host of industry honours including the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, New London Architecture Awards, and RICS Social Impact Awards; it’s provided new homes and peace of mind for hundreds of residents whose domestic lives were transformed by the government’s ambitious rail project.

A redevelopment of the old Foyle’s Bookshop on Charing Cross Road, Ilona Rose House comprises 80,000 sq ft of office space, along with retail, restaurants, an art gallery, nightclub and eight apartments. Spread over 13 stories including four below ground and 14,000 sq ft of south-west facing terraces on the upper floors, MATT Architecture’s design for the highly decorative and cantilevered façade includes rose motifs across each floor of the building.For a commercial building that stands out from the crowd in the heart of Soho, IG Masonry Support was able to meet the architect’s brief through the provision of a range of brick slip products to achieve the desired aesthetic finish and Link Building which links Greek Street to the development. IG Masonry Support designed bespoke brick slip systems for each application, providing practical solutions that enabled brickwork contractor Lesterose Builders Ltd to save on installation time significantly.ChallengeTo achieve the architect’s vision and the needs of brickwork contractor Lesterose, the expertise of the IG Masonry Support and its products came into play to fulfil the requirements of this bespoke project.Central Pier on Ilona Rose HouseThe main façade of the commercial building was designed using several shape requirements. The biggest challenge for this area of the project was the arches which required to come from the central pier to the corners of the building and create an optical illusion of closure into the ground.Another challenge on the main building, Ilona Rose House, was the change in brick type. A solution had to be devised to hide the elevation’s movement joint and facilitate the brick change.12-13 Greek Street, Mews ElevationAlthough similar in design to the main Ilona Rose House building, the 12-13 Greek Street Mews Elevation features balconies in its design. This presented a challenge for IG Masonry Support as the structure featured balcony connectors which had the potential to clash with the Welded Masonry Support and Brick on Soffit Systems required for this building.The VaultArguably one of the most attractive areas of the build is the Vault, which creates a passageway from Greek Street to the Mews Area of the development. The architect’s design required a continuous hanging brick effect utilising IG Masonry Support’s Brick Slip Panels. The challenge for our design was the sheer size of the soffit area and the curved design. We worked closely with Lesterose to manage the size of the panels, trading weight for ease of installation.SolutionThe team at IG Masonry Support collaborated with the whole project design team to ensure our products met the architectural and structural requirements of the project whilst ensuring maximum buildability for the brickwork contractor.Central Pier on Ilona Rose HouseAs a result of the design team discussions, the B.O.S.S. system pushed the boundaries on this project due to the shape requirements. A quarter circle on the corners of the building and a three-level step down feature was required in the brickwork – a challenging yet bold aesthetic IG Masonry Support was able to bring to life with its Welded Masonry Support (WMS) and B.O.S.S units. The two systems also provided the aesthetic finish required including the three different brick types to give further interest to the façade by the use of colour.12-13 Greek Street, Mews ElevationClose collaboration was required with the whole design team to review the structural drawings of the 12-13 Greek Street Mews Elevation and ensure that our products were designed suitably to fit the requirements of the building. This was solely due to the location of the balcony connectors, a critical structural component, and the shadow gap, an engineered break that was implemented in the building design to accommodate the change in brick type. Our Welded Masonry Support systems were designed to step in and drop down at points to avoid any clashes with the surrounding building components. This allowed our B.O.S.S. to be bolted to each WMS system appropriately, blend seamlessly, and ensure ease of installation for the contractor.The VaultTo enable the floating brickwork feature designed by MATT Architecture, IG designed Brick Slip Panels to suit a stretcher course bond pattern, covering a 40.3m2 area. 57 interlocking Panels, made up of nine designs varying in size and curvature, were designed and manufactured. During the manufacturing process, bricks were collected from site and delivered to our Brick Cutting Facility to be adhesively bonded to each Panel. This ensured each would blend seamlessly with the surrounding brickwork when installed.IG Masonry Support also collaborated with Lesterose on the size and weight of the Brick Slip Panels to ensure an efficient installation process. Each Panel was bolted back to a specially designed rail system manufactured by IG Masonry Support. The rail system was bolted back to the building and a keyhole slot was incorporated to allow the Panel to be lifted and slid on to ensure the weight could be taken as quickly as possible. Once in place, final pointing was required, allowing a seamless blend with the surrounding brickwork.The utilisation of IG Masonry Support’s prefabricated components ensured that all installation was undertaken efficiently, resulting in onsite cost savings and increased productivity.For what is a landmark development in Central London, IG’s solutions have covered all bases, helping to achieve the architect’s vision and ensuring this stunning new building stands the test of time.

Crest Nicholson is an established developer of sustainable communities, dedicated to both design and innovation. St Clement’s Heights is part of a private housing and supported living project at Sydenham Hill. The development’s collection of 26 apartments and 20 townhouses exhibit impressive architectural elements.Situated at one of the highest points in London, Crest Nicholson incorporated balcony openings into the townhouse design. IG Lintels designed and manufactured a number of large apex lintels to accommodate impressive glazed openings, which provide access to the private balcony.Challenge:The large glazed apex openings provide a rich source of natural light to the second floor master bedrooms helping to create a bright and comfortable living space. The 4048mm openings accommodated glazed sliding doors leading out onto the balcony, where residents can enjoy beautiful views across the city landscape in the distance.IG’s engineers designed a bespoke steel lintel solution to achieve unique architectural features. The Sydenham Hill development required three heavy duty special lintels to accommodate the scale of the second floor openings.Solution:IG designed a bespoke lintel solution to suit the 4048mm span opening and replicated it for each of the three identical openings featured throughout the second floor of the development. The galvanised steel lintel solution accommodated the 2024mm high apex detail, considering the location of the ridge beam to avoid any clash.The end bearings of the lintel were increased to 225mm to help better distribute the loading applied. Additionally, the design incorporated a stiffening plate on the inner leaf to further ensure the structural integrity of the lintel once built-in.

Crest Nicholson is an established developer of sustainable communities, dedicated to both design and innovation. St Clement’s Heights is part of a private housing and supported living project at Sydenham Hill. The development’s collection of 26 apartments and 20 townhouses exhibit impressive architectural elements.Situated at one of the highest points in London, Crest Nicholson incorporated balcony openings into the townhouse design. IG Lintels designed and manufactured a number of large apex lintels to accommodate impressive glazed openings, which provide access to the private balcony.Challenge:The large glazed apex openings provide a rich source of natural light to the second floor master bedrooms helping to create a bright and comfortable living space. The 4048mm openings accommodated glazed sliding doors leading out onto the balcony, where residents can enjoy beautiful views across the city landscape in the distance.IG’s engineers designed a bespoke steel lintel solution to achieve unique architectural features. The Sydenham Hill development required three heavy duty special lintels to accommodate the scale of the second floor openings.Solution:IG designed a bespoke lintel solution to suit the 4048mm span opening and replicated it for each of the three identical openings featured throughout the second floor of the development. The galvanised steel lintel solution accommodated the 2024mm high apex detail, considering the location of the ridge beam to avoid any clash.The end bearings of the lintel were increased to 225mm to help better distribute the loading applied. Additionally, the design incorporated a stiffening plate on the inner leaf to further ensure the structural integrity of the lintel once built-in.

IG Masonry Support was able to supply a range of its products within a tight revised timeframe on a new-build student accommodation development at National University of Ireland (NUI) constituent university in Galway.Founded in 1845, NUI Galway is ranked among the top 1% of universities and has been inspiring students for 175 years. NUI Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching, and has colleges spanning arts and social sciences, medicine, policy and engineering.Designed by Coady Partnership Architects, IG Masonry Support worked with the contractor JJ Rhatigan on Phase 1 of the construction of Goldcrest Village, a major state-of-the-art student accommodation as part of NUI Galway.The 429-bed student residence was constructed to the north of the NUI Galway city centre campus, adjacent to the Lifecourse Science Building and the Science Research Building. Near the existing Corrib Village student accommodation, Goldcrest Village offers a total area of 12,500m2, with apartments of five or six bedrooms with en-suites, shared kitchen, dining and living rooms. Four buildings up to five storeys high enclose two courtyards, with the tallest near a pedestrian and cycle route that links the development to the main campus. Communal facilities and a reception are centrally located for the students to access.For this modern and vibrant build, IG Masonry Support’s products were specified due to an established existing relationship with JJ Rhatigan, a contractor which is well-versed on IG Masonry Support’s systems.ChallengeThe project’s main challenge was achieving the specified brick soffit in a short amount of time to a high-standard of quality and finish.Due to a large change to Building A’s facade, IG Masonry Support’s teams had to adapt quickly whilst the project was live. The project deadline did not change however, which meant manufacturing times were tight. A six-week job had to be turned around in five days without compromise to delivery or quality.Furthermore, the installation of IG Masonry Support systems was to take place whilst students were on campus. This meant that high standards of health and safety precautions had to be upheld and followed at all times.SolutionIG Masonry Support manufactured its B.O.S.S. (Brick on Soffit System) and Brick Slip Lintels to be installed on the buildings within the new Goldcrest Village development.The B.O.S.S. range is a lightweight prefabricated system that is faster to install than traditional hanging brick systems. Installed to a pre-fitted masonry support system, B.O.S.S. allows increased adjustability along three axes. Produced offsite, B.O.S.S. offers 90% time saving onsite and negates the need for mechanical lifting. B.O.S.S. also removes the need for brick-cutting onsite, resulting in a quality system that is checked before it arrives onsite.IG Masonry Support Brick Slip Lintels can be used over small openings to eliminate the need for additional masonry support. They are delivered to site as a one-piece unit, complete with brick slips attached, eliminating the need for specialist installation onsite.A simpler and easier install when delivered to site was a huge benefit on this project. Not only did the swift installation enable time and cost savings in terms of labour, it ensured a better-quality finish and met the desired specification. This translated into achieving the required brick patterns and soffit sizes which blended seamlessly with the surrounding brickwork.Going above and beyond even on a project with a tight timeframe, IG Masonry Support delivered Masonry Support from Level 2 of Building A. When this was installed, the contractors could determine the finished bond pattern of Level 1 B.O.S.S. units to inform the patterning of the levels beyond, ensuring the same quality finish was met.Throughout the project, IG Masonry Support’s technical division worked with the teams to ensure all products hit the mark on safety and quality.A striking student accommodation complex within NUI Galway, the presence of IG Masonry Support systems will help ensure students live in areas that are of the highest quality throughout the academic years.

Challenge:Driven by a respect for the environment, Heritage Homes wanted to create energy efficient homes for the future. A high sustainable build standard was required as part of their prestigious ‘Future Collection’ homes for the phase two zero carbon homes development.Solution:IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels use a patented combination of a polymer isolator and galvanised steel to bond the internal and external walls together by spanning the intervening gap creating a powerful thermal break. The one-piece lintel solution accommodated different lengths to minimise and conserve energy for each home by reducing thermal bridging at non-repeating junctions. IG’s technical team determined the loading and specification requirements at window and door openings. This fabric first approach contributed to an AA* energy efficiency rating and ensured each home built was comfortable, energy efficient and modern for years to come.IG’s LP windposts accommodated different lengths and factored into account wind load conditions. The windposts were installed into the inner skin of the cavity walls spanning vertically between the floor structures, providing additional lateral support for the large panels of brickwork and openings. All windposts included top and base place connections for fixing to the structure along with ties.Testimonial:“At Holland Park our homes are built with an AA* energy efficieny rating. IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels provided a fabric first approach to improve the thermal performance of our homes by reducing thermal bridging at non-repeating junctions”.Guy OlliverCommercial and Technical Manager at Heritage Homes

Challenge:For the first phase of 80 retail units, Phoenix Brickwork required IG’s bespoke arch lintels accommodating a range of opening spans between 910mm to 6000mm for ground and first floor shopfront door and window openings.Solution:IG’s technical team worked closely with Phoenix Brickwork and developed a one-piece lintel design solution taking into consideration loading conditions for each application.All special lintels were delivered to site as part of the project build schedule and helped to achieve the desired façade complementing both the fascia and canopy design. The welcoming shop fronts are sympathetic to building and have helped contribute to an attractive retail and leisure development.The 30,000m2 of retail space built over two phases will eventually consist of 125 retail units, generate 1,200+ additional jobs and create a new retail destination for the region with the aim to attract over 39 million tourists a year.

The Chocolate Works is an award winning £50.0m housing project on a strategic site bounded by York Racecourse Conversation Area and the listed Terry’s of York chocolate manufacturers building, both intrinsic to the city’s rich history. The development by David Wilson Homes, provides 320 homes including apartments and family houses. IG’s standard lintels, corner lintels and windposts provide the necessary structural support for bright and stylish open-plan spaces across multiple floors.Challenge:Since the closure of the factory, the unused industrial site had been bought and sold on several occasions. A viable scheme could not be agreed and developed to respond to the local surroundings, complementing and referencing the adjacent Grade II listed chocolate factory.Solution:David Wilson Homes used community involvement at the initial design workshop which gave local people and key stakeholders a voice in the scheme’s design. The layouts of the homes achieved are simple and clear and focus on the demands of the residents for modern and contemporary style living with high ceilings and large windows providing ample natural light.IG’s technical team designed wide inner leaf corner lintels accommodating a range of sizes for ‘The Leetham’ house type for both kitchen and study areas. IG’s corner lintels allowed for flexible open-plan spaces to be suffused with natural light through a clean and minimalistic design approach. All the lintels were supplied with customised steel support posts for each mitred corner and tailored to include factory fitted spigots located in the cavity to ensure that no steelwork was visible, with the post being encased at the corner to achieve the architectural design feature.

Featuring 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, the three-storey, canal-side destination is located within a 36-acre nature-filled landscape that has been commercially-reimagined, with designers using the site’s Victorian train station and warehouse buildings as inspiration. The nearby historic Lace Market, the epicentre of the world’s lace industry during the 19th century and now a protected heritage area, was also an influence on the Island Quarter’s architectural form.With the creation of 1,600 new homes and 6,000 office jobs included as part of the masterplan architects claim, that as a verdant archipelago, The Island Quarter is ‘setting the scene for something really different’ for city centre mixed-used developments. For this high-profile, complex project, IG Masonry Support was selected to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches that met the structural and aesthetic requirements for The Canal Turn building within the development.ChallengeIG Masonry Support was selected for The Island Quarter programme following its successful completion of similarly complex projects in conjunction with brickwork contractor, Lee Marley. Our brief was to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches, 17 at ground level, and two at fourth-floor level, of the site’s main building. The greatest challenge in this respect was coordinating the brickwork configuration of two deep-soffit arches, which were to meet at a 90-degree angle at the structure’s ground level corner.In addition, the siting and size of two large arches at the building’s uppermost level provided a potential issue.SolutionThe experience and expertise of IG Masonry Support’s technical team was essential to ensuring the 90-degree corner arches’ unique formation complemented the surrounding building work. Following extensive research and detailed assessments, a complex system involving a large volume of steel and brickwork was designed and embedded within the structure’s corner section, thus providing a suitable base for the deep-soffit arches to meet at the correct angle. For the finish, our half-arch solution combined with our innovative B.O.S.S. deep-soffit system, proved ideal.In terms of the logistical operation to install the two large arches on the building’s fourth level, we required engagement with Nottingham City Council to implement appropriate road closures during their delivery. Due to their size, the arches were delivered separately and once on site, were carefully craned towards the top of the building. This process was particularly challenging, as there was little space (half-metre) for the contractor to install the heavy structures into the correct position.Thanks to the design skills of our technical team in supplying a solution that was bespoke and precision-made for this application, the corner arches were an identical fit. They provided the impressive building with a unique feature and an aesthetically-pleasing finish. The prefabricated nature of the arches not only guaranteed their controlled and high-quality manufacture, it led to a more rapid and cost-effective installation, with the units being delivered straight to site for immediate implementation. This outcome would not have been possible with traditional brickwork and might have delayed The Island Quarter’s scheduled and much-anticipated opening in late 2022.

On the site of a former carpark next to a flyover, Kindred House has become a distinctive silhouette in the skyline of central Croydon.The build utilises over half a million bricks, consisting of Zircon, a white glazed brick and a brown brick, each chosen for their tone and colour variety, which helps create a sense of place and identity for the building.The building is characterised by brick reveals at a depth of three and a half bricks and provides a visual solidity that defines the character of the building.IG Masonry Support was the chosen supplier of masonry support and brick slip solutions for the award-winning project.SolutionIG Masonry Support’s easy-to-install Welded Masonry Support (WMS) was supplied in several variations, including special corner systems for each of the 24 levels of the building, including the parapet. Cast-in Channel was also supplied to the project, providing high adjustability and enabling quick and easy installation of the WMS systems.For the large entrance on the North West elevation, a mechanically-fixed Brick Slip Lintel, compliant with the new Fire Safety: Approved Document B of the Building Regulations, was supplied for a 2035mm opening. The Brick Slip Lintel was designed to suit a soldier course bond pattern with a face height and soffit return of 215mm.For the three brick-deep window reveals, mechanically-fixed B.O.S.S. (Brick on Soffit System) proved the ideal solution. 1242 individual units, in 593 variations were designed, manufactured, and supplied to the project to suit a soldier course bond pattern. A consignment of bricks was collected from site to be utilised on each unit and then once complete, units were delivered to the site, ready to be easily bolted to each Welded Masonry Support system.As well as creating a visually appealing finish, the depth of the window reveals on the Southern and Western elevations has been designed to provide inherent solar shading, mitigating overheating and avoiding the need for mechanical cooling, creating a sustainable benefit of the build.Kindred House is an exemplary build proven by winning the Large Housing Development category at the 2023 Brick Development Association Brick Awards and being shortlisted in the Mixed-Use category at the 2023 AJ Architecture Awards. 

Native’s flagship boutique aparthotel in the bankside conservation area of Bear Gardens is an eight-storey scheme that involves the transformation of three of the five buildings located within the confines of the densely packed area. IG’s brick feature arch lintels feature on the front elevation of the former derelict 19th century Empire Warehouse that has been replaced and linked into a 75-room boutique aparthotel.Challenge:SPPARC in association with Southwark Council, Macro Investments and Native wanted to demonstrate that modern architecture can successfully cohabit with the historic collection of buildings informed by the industrial heritage that dominates the southern bank of the River Thames.A carefully considered restoration and modern intervention was required for a cutting-edge contemporary mixed-use development, offering an urban experience for its users but remaining sensitive to the colourful history, conservation area and surrounding developments.Solution:IG’s technical team designed eighteen brick feature arch lintels to accommodate metal paned and arched factory styled windows. A 2718mm opening span and 143mm rise was required for each prefabricated lintel, each including a 338mm high face brick and 223mm soffit return with either a 78 or 90-degree end skew.The massing arrangement across each floor ensures that natural light is maximised throughout the building with the intricate brick detailing prominent at street level appearing above impressive double height foyer windows. The offsite construction method used negated the need for skilled brickwork to be created onsite to achieve the decorative brick pattern at a raised height. This helped to reduce any health and safety concerns in a location surrounded by tourist destinations and narrow cobbled streets.The ground floor of the scheme provides mixed use units with the northern site leased by Bell English Language School and the southern site providing studios for the iconic Globe Theatre directly linking to their Sackler Education Building.The upper floors are lighter in composition, combining clear and obscure floor-to-ceiling glazing with rich bronze circular rods, creating a strong rhythm to the façade, and enhancing the appearance of the once-dilapidated buildings. The upper floors of the Rose Alley elevation have perforated bronze screens that offer privacy, referencing the loom patterns that were once manufactured in the original warehouse.

2019 Best Educational New Build at the SPACES Awards2019 Highly Commended at the Sussex Heritage AwardsVacated in 1994 and in a state of disrepair since a fire destroyed its chapel in 2009, the convent in Hunston required partial demolishing and refurbishment. IG’s gothic arch lintels played an important role in the restoring character to the original convent built in 1870 – now a central piece to the new Chichester Free School.Challenge:The £26.5m project plans, designed by Novium Architects and built by Farrans Construction needed to retain the unique single and double gothic arch windows surrounded by stone detailing. Extraordinary engineering was required to help secure the traditional architecture within the crumbling walls.Solution:The use of BIM by Doran Consulting within a Common Data Environment (Aconex) allowed their design team to integrate a digital survey of the existing convent building into the 3D models for the refurbishment to the existing and the extension of the two new school wings. This was vital in designing the new structure around the existing building, avoiding potential site clashes and to deal with complex details connecting the old building with the new, well in advance of site construction.To ensure the existing convent facades were restored to their former glory, IG’s production team replicated a double gothic arch lintels to the exacting design and measurements required. A 1580mm opening span, incorporating two 650mm wide gothic arch details, with a 430mm rise was specified – increasing the end bearing to extend the distribution of the load to the brickwork.The disused 19th century Carmelite convent has been successfully transformed into an educational facility. The new school blocks are linear in form with each wing projecting either side of the newly restored convent. The bespoke solution helped to rediscover the architectural significance of the old building as part of a new contemporary setting. The school now boasts a 600m2 sports hall, 250m2 hall and dedicated music and performance spaces for over 1280 students from reception age right through to sixth form.

Bourne Estate is a Grade II listed building in the London Borough of Camden. The perimeter blocks face Clerkenwell Road, Leather Lane and Portpool Lane forming a strong uniformed frontage. Its spatial character is inward facing, with interior blocks detached and positioned in parallel rows with several areas of open space. Matthew Lloyd Architects plans were granted permission for the redevelopment of Bourne Estate. The scheme included the demolition and provision of 75 mixed tenure homes, with improved public realm and open spaces. Higgins Construction completed the £19.0m residential project using IG lintels bespoke flat gauge brick slip feature lintels.Challenge:Bourne Estate is an example of early London City Council residential housing estates built in the 1900’s. Matthew Lloyd Architects in partnership with Higgins Construction wanted to respond to the original architecture of the buildings, consisting of fine brick detailing, by emulating the pride and care shown in the old design within the new housing architecture plans. Planning permission stipulated for all materials and characteristics of the area to be retained and kept in good repair or replicated where no other alternatives are available.Solution:IG’s technical engineer designed 215mm high flat gauge brick slip feature lintels accommodating a series of brick spans; 910mm, 1360mm, 1472mm and 1585mm. All bricks were cut and bonded offsite onto the load bearing lintels.A consignment of bricks were collected from site to guarantee both quality and reliability in matching the surrounding brickwork. The ceramic bricks were carefully cut in a mitre fashion to conceal the red clay finish underneath and ensure that the ceramic finish on the mitre did not splinter which minimalised brick wastage. All the bricks cut were bonded in a rowlock pattern using BBA approved construction adhesive in a controlled environment without disruption from the natural weather. Each prefabricated single piece unit was delivered in line with the build schedule onsite. This reduced health and safety concerns by eliminating the requirement for skilled labour working from height for a prolonged period of time in a busy London area.Encompassing both buildings and landscape, the redevelopment strengthens the character of the conservation area through its careful design, by paying attention to the articulation of the facades. The contrasting brick types used on the project add to the new design creating pleasing views clearly defining key routes and boundaries.

The development, designed by architect Allies & Morrison, features six mixed-use blocks, including the UK’s tallest residential brick tower. The articulation of the brickwork and terracotta penthouses creates a unique character while referencing the site’s context and industrial heritage.Phase one, featuring two mansion blocks facing onto South Lambeth Road and affordable duplex maisonettes along Wyvill Road, required our Welded Masonry Support, B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System), and Brick Slip Lintels. Our B.O.S.S. A1, which bolts directly to our Welded Masonry Support, helped deliver speed of construction for the large development and, ultimately, the architect’s vision of stepped window heads, adding visual depth to the façade.Phase two consisted of three additional blocks, for which we designed and manufactured our Welded Masonry Support, B.O.S.S., and striking Brick Slip Arches.The corbelled crown details on Block F feature at its highest level and were achieved using our B.O.S.S. A1 fire-rated system.Block E, home to Wyvil Primary School, features a series of our Brick Slip Arches, which play a significant role in the final façade while complementing the original Victorian building.We were chosen as the supply partner for each block in phases one and two due to our reputation and ability to supply high-quality masonry support and brick slip products to large-scale, complex developments.

“ When the government unveiled its changes to Part L 2013 building regulations Barratts analysed a range of sustainable solutions in order to comply with the mandatory minimum fabric performance standard (Target Fabric Energy Efficiency, TFEE). The Hi-therm lintel has proved to offer a cost effective option as part of a suite of specification upgrades. ”Michael FinnGroup Design & Technical DirectorBarratt HomesHi-therm SolutionFull technical support and site-specific Psi value calculations provided.Hi-therm significantly reduces the thermal bridging through window & door head junctions to achieve class leading values.Hi-therm lintels are single piece and fitted in the same method as a standard steel lintel, so require no special arrangements on-site.

“ Using the Hi-therm lintel helped us to achieve a pass rating keeping the air test above 5, therefore removing the need for mechanical whole house ventilation/heat recovery, or alternatively other renewable energy products such as PV. Whilst the Hi-therm was not the only resolution, it is a combination of various products and u-values etc. which achieve the pass; Hi-therm helped to achieve the pass in this instance. ”Chris CarrollQuantity SurveyorLagan HomesHi-therm SolutionFull technical support and site-specific Psi value calculations provided.Hi-therm’s performance contributed to the saving of upwards of £1000 per plot on other sustainable technology.Hi-therm does not require any ongoing maintenance, unlike many alternative sustainability solutions.Project DetailsSt. Inns development at Moira, Co. Down, includes detached and semi-detached 3 and 4 bedroom house types and Hi-therm was specified on each home.

As a key part of the University of Lancaster's Preston Campus, the £32 million Engineering Innovation Centre provided the university and Lancashire based manufacturers with state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. This helps to train an extra 500 graduates, including an increasing number of female students, gaining degrees in subjects such as mechanical, energy technologies and aerospace engineering. Throughout the entire project, there were a number of technical challenges that needed to be met. These include the building's proximity to a very busy roundabout, the floor to floor heights, physical security, the expected levels of solar gain as well as design detailing requirements. Having a total glazed area of 3,100m2, the aluminium curtain wall carries over 40 different types of IG units, along with high density foam inserts utilised alongside decoupling joints in the mullion section - achieving 50 Dnfw flanking sound reduction, as well as 37 dB sound reduction for noise outside the building. In addition to achieving high levels of thermal insulation, being fabricated from aluminium, the curtain walling frame elements can be recycled, helping to achieve the BREEAM rating of Excellent.

The Schuster Annex on the University of Manchester's main campus when built, was intended to become a catalyst for excellence in STEM teaching, and was linked to the circular spaces within the existing buildings. Designed by Hawkins Brown, constructed by sector specialist Wilmott Dixon and fabricated by Dortech, the Science Annex formed part of the universities master plan. James Sutherland, Managing Director of Dortech, commented: “We were awarded the contract for the Schuster Annex by Willmott Dixon, following a competitive tender process; with our package including a number of striking design features.“These included 1,000m2 Technal MX Thermally Broken Curtain Wall with 200mm extending face caps as well as the FY65  ‘punched-hole’ windows in RAL 7043 Traffic Grey, plus some 1,500 linear metres of aluminium flashings. The glazing units feature the use of SGG COOL-LITE® SKN 14 glass with digitally printed artwork.”While the 8mm COOL-LITE® outer leaf provides solar control, the thermal performance of the IG units also benefits from an argon filled 18mm cavity and a 10.8mm thick inner leaf of coated laminated glass. The glazing specification, along with the design of thermally broken framing system also deliver a sound reduction of 40dB or more without special enhancement. Referring to the success of the curtain walling and fenestration solution from Dortech and Technal, Willmott Dixon’s Project Manager, James Goodwin, said: “This was a challenging project, not least because of the building’s proximity to a main road and the MRI (Manchester Royal Infirmary) with ambulances and other emergency services going past all the time. In terms of the acoustics, the transfer of noise, it has performed wonderfully well. Also, the Technal systems meet all of the thermal insulation requirements whilst, aesthetically it looks fantastic. Everyone is pleased with the completed project.”Completed in 2018 at a cost of approximately £11m, The Schuster Annex provides 2,500m² of space across it's four floors with what has been named the "Ideas Mill" and break out spaces at ground level.