Rodney Street

No.1 Ancoats Green, designed by Buttress Architects Ltd and built by Wates Construction and McCrory Brickwork Limited, forms part of the Ancoats regeneration, delivering 129 high-quality homes distributed across two main blocks – a six-storey and a fire-storey building alongside ten townhouses. The development combines clean, contemporary brick façades with careful detailing, integrating with Ancoats Green and the nearby Mobility Hub, while meeting AECB standards for low-energy, sustainable, and cost-efficient construction.

IG Masonry Support was appointed by Wates Construction to deliver masonry support, brick slip systems and cast-in channel solutions across blocks A and B, as well as the townhouse development.

Blocks A & B

The project presented a number of technical challenges, particularly at the corners of Blocks A and B, where high masonry loads combined with long cantilevers required a robust and carefully engineered fixing solution. IG Masonry Support addressed this by developing bespoke corner details, incorporating high-capacity fixings to safely accommodate increased reaction forces while maintaining structural integrity.

Further complexity arose from the repetitive recessed and projecting brickwork across the elevations of Blocks A and B, which required the masonry support systems to follow intricate façade geometry.

To enhance the façade, 133.5 metres of header bond B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System) were installed in conjunction with Welded Masonry Support across openings exceeding 3.6 metres on the first and second floors. This approach delivered precise soffit detailing alongside a high-quality architectural finish. In addition, 583.4 metres of Brick Slip Lintels were installed across all openings on Levels 1 and 2, accommodating varying widths from 1.02 metres to 3.16 metres, with a header course used throughout to ensure consistency with the B.O.S.S. A1 detailing.

The package also included 1,064 metres of Cast-in Channel, enabling efficient installation and on-site adjustability of the masonry support systems.

Townhouses

Within the townhouses, Brick Slip Lintels were used at Levels 1 and 2, again incorporating a header bond pattern to maintain visual consistency across the development. These lintels are suitable for openings up to 3.6 metres and are lightweight and easy to handle, enabling efficient and rapid installation on site.

By delivering engineered masonry support, integrated cast-in channels, and prefabricated brick slip solutions, IG Masonry Support ensured precise alignment, efficient installation, and a high-quality finish across the development. The project demonstrates how tailored engineering solutions can support complex brick façades while contributing to the delivery of sustainable, affordable housing within a major urban regeneration scheme.