Lightbody Street

IG Masonry Support worked closely with PLF Limited, Eric Wright Construction and Tim Groom Architects to deliver the masonry support and brickwork detailing across three blocks (A, B and C). The project included over 980 m of Welded Masonry Support across multiple floor levels, alongside Cast-in Channel to simplify installation.

At ground floor level, B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit Systems) created deep brick soffit detailing on Block A, while two intricate A1 fire-rated Brick Slip Arches were installed on Blocks A and C as part of a covered walkway. Additional Windposts were installed on Blocks A and B to provide lateral restraint for large openings and exposed brickwork. Across the development, 4,689 brick cuts were completed at IG’s in-house Brick Cutting Facility using Baccara Handmade and Vandersanden Rose bricks to achieve precise detailing and consistent façades.

Key challenges centred around the two Brick Slip Arches located at ground floor level on Blocks A and C.

On Block A, the supporting concrete pillars were offset, significantly reducing the available bearing compared to a standard arch arrangement. The arch also needed to be installed before the surrounding brick piers were constructed, meaning it could not rely on the traditional masonry bearing from below.

On Block C, the structural opening was smaller than neighbouring arches along the façade, yet the design required all arches to appear identical. Offset pillars again limited the available bearing for structural support.

A further challenge on Block A was a large 6 m opening, which required masonry support above while also accommodating a brick on soffit system below, creating potential complexity if multiple systems were used.

IG Masonry Support developed bespoke solutions to overcome these constraints while maintaining the architectural intent.

For the arch on Block A, a two-part Brick Slip Arch was manufactured to allow efficient delivery and installation on site. Due to the limited bearing from the offset piers, the arch was engineered to be suspended from the concrete beam above, using custom brackets installed at the front and rear of the beam. Folded Welded Masonry Support Dropper systems and restraint systems provided additional stability within the restricted installation space.

On Block C, a bespoke cleat support system was developed to create a suitable bearing location for the Brick Slip Arch despite the offset pillar and reduced opening. A top cleat fixed back to the column delivered additional support and was concealed within the B.O.S.S. A1 units. The larger section of the arch connected to the B.O.S.S. A1 units, while the smaller section wrapped around the offset pillar to maintain the required façade alignment.

For the 6 m opening on Block A, IG Masonry Support designed a combined Inverted and Dropper Welded Masonry Support system, providing support at two levels while integrating the B.O.S.S. A1 unit. This coordinated solution reduced interfaces, simplified installation, and ensured precise alignment between the brickwork and soffit detailing.

With bespoke Brick Slip Arches, carefully coordinated masonry support systems, and precise brick cutting, IG Masonry Support helped deliver a façade that met both the design vision and the practical demands of construction onsite. The result is a high-quality affordable housing scheme that complements Liverpool’s dockland heritage.