Whiskey Sierra, 20 Whitfield St

Designed by Halebrown Architects and delivered by Make One Group with Swift Brickwork, Whiskey Sierra transforms an existing building into a contemporary workplace while preserving much of its original structure. The redevelopment includes new brick and stone façades, roof terraces, Juliet balconies and improved thermal performance, while targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating through the reuse of the existing structure and sustainable building technologies.

Refurbishment projects naturally present greater uncertainty than new builds, with existing structures often requiring design development as works progress. IG Masonry Support was selected for its technical expertise, collaborative approach, and ability to develop bespoke façade support solutions as the project requirements evolved throughout construction. Our supply of products included 242m of Welded Masonry Support, 198m of Cast-in Channel, 60m of B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System), 62m of A1 Brick Slip Lintels, 30m of Steel Lintels, and 2,844 precision brick cuts completed within our in-house Brick Cutting Facility. Close coordination with the contractor, architect and brickwork team ensured the various masonry support and brick slip systems integrated successfully with both the retained and newly constructed elements of the building.

Coordinating the masonry support with both the existing and new structural steel was one of the project’s central challenges. As surveys of the retained structure became available and new steelwork was introduced, the masonry support design had to evolve in step, requiring close collaboration with the project team to keep every fixing position accurate.

This challenge deepened as support requirements shifted throughout construction. Opening up sections of the existing building revealed clearer structural loading conditions, and this brought to light areas needing additional masonry support and demanding continuous design coordination across the programme.

The stonework on the external façade brought its own complexity. Masonry support had to align precisely with both the structural frame and the stone façade, while adjustable rear support angles were needed to accommodate variations in the steel framing and ensure the stonework could be positioned accurately.

A further layer of coordination came from the sheer variety of façade materials across the development. Different brick types, stonework, and brick soffit details each demanded careful setting out and bespoke cutting, all while working within restricted site access to ensure every element was installed efficiently and finished to the intended architectural standard.

The new reception entrance stood out as one of the project’s most technically demanding areas. Introduced partway through the construction programme, this feature involved an unusual brick soffit detail that required multiple lintels set at different levels – supporting the brickwork while minimising unnecessary fixings back into the existing structure.

IG Masonry Support worked closely with the design team throughout the project, combining surveys of the retained steelwork with drawings of the new structure to develop masonry support solutions that worked for both old and new construction. When façade requirements changed, the team responded with revised support layouts to match the updated loading conditions and support locations.

The external stone façade required bespoke adjustable rear angles, fixed back to the steel frame, so the stonework could be positioned accurately despite variations in the underlying structure. Close coordination between the masonry support and stonework teams meant every interface was resolved before installation began.

Across each elevation, IG Masonry Support helped coordinate the different brick types and façade materials in use. This involved bespoke brick cutting, product samples for approval, and façade support systems tailored to the site’s restricted access. Together, these steps ensured the brickwork, stonework and soffit systems came together seamlessly, while helping keep on-site installation running efficiently.

The new reception entrance – added after the original design was finalised – called for a complex brick soffit detail and, with it, a bespoke lintel arrangement. Multiple lintels, set at different heights and including a back-to-back arrangement, supported the brickwork above and the soffit below, while minimising fixings into the retained structure. Close coordination with the architect, contractor and brickwork team ensured the lintels lined up with the surrounding brickwork and blended into the finished façade – achieving the intended architectural look without compromising structural performance.

Through bespoke engineering, in-house brick cutting and responsive technical support, the project team delivered a high-quality façade that preserved the character of the existing building, helping create a sustainable new headquarters for Dr. Martens.