Wick Lane

Now complete, the new-build development located in Hackney Wick comprises light industrial units, retail and workspace co-located with 175 homes to form a new community in an existing neighbourhood that is modelled on the distinctive Victorian warehouse aesthetic of Hackney Wick.

The original design intent for the building comprised entirely precast horizontal and vertical elements. However, the main issue with this design was weight and buildability, prompting the client to look to IG Masonry Support for a workable banding solution on this project. IG Masonry Support provided comprehensive technical support and hands-on customer service to ensure the client’s objectives were achieved.

The main challenge on this project was the precast banding. IG Masonry Support acknowledged that the client required an alternative solution that was lightweight and practical while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In response, the company made a significant effort to design a modular system and 10 different types of B.O.S.S. units were supplied on the project.

Furthermore, in maintaining the Victorian character of the area, one of the architectural features of the buildings was a traditional lattice brickwork pattern. As this was an unusual pattern, IG Masonry Support designed the vertical and horizontal columns independently of each other to ensure that the columns bypassed each other.

The unique brick arrangement also required IG Masonry Support to design an adjustable structure for the vertical columns, which was promptly produced and fixed back to the concrete structure. Additionally, IG Masonry Support supplied a number of Windposts to provide a steel support structure for the columns in areas where there was no concrete structure.

Moreover, the brickwork design presented a challenge in relation to the soffit structure depth. The depth of the vertical columns varied depending on the material of the junction, as the glass and brick junctions presented different dimensions. IG Masonry Support solved this by designing a system to enable a standardised vertical unit, which allowed for a bolted-on section where required, to create a deeper reveal where the glazing was.

On the Wick Lane property, IG Masonry Support was able to provide the lightweight solution that the client required, while maintaining the aesthetic finish desired for the final build.

Chief Designer, Andy Sharlot, liaised with dRMM to design and achieve the bespoke solution for a complex brick design. Early engagement with the architect supported the effective delivery of the project and the development of the non-standard systems required.

IG Masonry Support’s innovation in designing vertical columns, and the creation of a support structure on these columns to provide appropriate tolerance and adjustment, provided a creative and practical result for this unique development. In addition, on the B.O.S.S. units, IG Masonry Support’s design innovation was the accommodation of the fire stopping requirements and the creation of an adjustment system which suited the contractor’s installation requirement.

The modular design offered ease of installation to the client. It meant the installers saved time, as they did not have to search for specific units, as all were the same at the front end and in some cases, a bolt-on was required to create the deeper reveal.

IG Masonry Support took every effort to ensure that all elements of design were cohesive. The company made certain that bricks were delivered directly from the manufacturer to its production facilities, ensuring that the finish of these units blended seamlessly into the surrounding project brickwork.