NEWS | IG Masonry Support shapes landmark Lambeth Mission with Brick Slip Arches

IG Masonry Support played a key role in the successful delivery of Lambeth Mission, a striking mixed-use development in the heart of London, featuring a complex arrangement of bespoke Brick Slip Arches that were designed and manufactured to achieve a seamless hand-laid appearance.

Located opposite the Grade II-listed Imperial War Museum, this high-profile scheme includes a 12-storey, 137-bedroom hotel, modern community facilities, and two residential apartments for the Methodist Church. Working in close collaboration with Aros Architects, HG Construction, and brickwork specialists Bishop Ltd, IG Masonry Support designed and manufactured 105 bespoke Brick Slip Arches and more than 120 metres of Welded Masonry Support to meet the project’s structural and aesthetic demands.

One of the most technically challenging aspects of the build was achieving perfect alignment between multiple intersecting arches, especially around the terrace area, which featured 10 interconnected arches, including five internal and one external corner. Each element had to connect precisely while accommodating structural movement joints. IG’s design team developed custom templates and a series of test arches to ensure brick placement remained accurate and visually seamless across every elevation.

 

The handmade bricks chosen for the project presented another hurdle. With their natural bowing, irregular sizes and rough edges, they were difficult to cut and align but were essential to achieving the architect’s vision of a traditional hand-laid finish. Using bricks sourced directly from site, IG’s team embraced these imperfections, crafting units in a factory-controlled setting that replicated the authenticity of onsite masonry while saving time and labour.

The Brick Slip Arches and Welded Masonry Support were engineered to bolt directly to the steel structure, accommodating varying cavity widths and complex junctions. Deep soffit units were fabricated in two parts to work around the steel perimeter, with joints carefully pointed onsite to create an uninterrupted appearance.

“We approached IG in the first instance because of their known expertise in delivering high-quality masonry support solutions, said Natasha Coutts, Associate at Aros Architects. “They were the first people that we approached, and the only people that we approached. From the very first meeting, it was clear they would be the right fit.”

Antony Dixon, Site Manager at Bishop Ltd, added:
“Their engineers were onsite for the installation of the first arch. Whenever I needed support, a quick phone call was all it took. They helped us keep the project moving forward.”

By combining design expertise with off-site precision, IG Masonry Support helped bring Lambeth Mission’s bold architectural vision to life, successfully delivering complex masonry solutions that look as if they were crafted entirely by hand. The result is a standout project that blends modern construction with traditional detailing, and once again highlights IG’s commitment to quality, collaboration, and innovation.

BLOG | In-house Manufacturing Drives Quality and Efficiency

 

With brick facades as popular today as they have ever been, building designers and specifiers need to be confident the products they specify will achieve the same exceptional finish each and every time. Taking the construction of complex brick features offsite into factory-controlled conditions, how do offsite manufactured solutions fulfil complex and creative requirements in buildings whilst hitting the mark on quality and meeting regulatory compliance?

 At IG Masonry Support, we are committed to delivering the highest quality brick slip and masonry support solutions for our customers. Quality is at the heart of everything we do, from our innovative product design to our rigorous manufacturing processes.  This commitment is backed by internationally recognised certifications for our facilities including ISO 9001, along with BBA product approval, reinforcing our focus on robust quality management and environmental responsibility.

The company goes further by using UKAS-accredited equipment from Queen’s University Belfast and partnering with respected independent testing facilities such as Warrington fire, Lucideon, Efectis, and SGS, rigorously verifying hygrothermal performance, fire resistance, deflection, and adhesion. This comprehensive approach to product validation underpins the confidence that designers, contractors, and regulators place in our solutions.

 At the heart of this is IG’s B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System), the first brick soffit system on the market to comply with and exceed the new A1 fire regulations. By combining adhesives with mechanical fixing, B.O.S.S. A1 delivers the exacting performance and safety standards demanded, while being the first product of its kind to be carbon neutral. Its impressive credentials, all of which are BBA certified, offer a technically advanced solution that meets the required aesthetics by hiding structural steelwork to give the illusion of unsupported brickwork.

 

Precision brick matching

Ensuring a seamless, authentic look is crucial for our brick slip solutions. That’s why we manufacture all our products, including B.O.S.S. systems, in our in-house Brick Fabrication Facility in Overseal, Derbyshire. Our design engineers work closely with customers to identify the exact brick type, shape, and bond pattern required, using free-issue bricks from the live site. This meticulous process allows us to achieve a perfect match and integration with the surrounding brickwork.

To support our dedication to quality, we have invested heavily in our Swadlincote and Overseal production facilities. These state-of-the-art factories utilise the global 5S system to optimise productivity and reduce waste, while being home to cutting-edge machinery, including robotic lasers, press brakes, and stacking machines.

Brick remains a timeless material that future generations will continue to rediscover, ensuring its enduring place across our built environment. Moving the construction of complex brick features offsite into factory-controlled settings means, we can achieve the level of quality and consistency that excellence demands. This is due in part to companies such as ours and a commitment to developing solutions that enable brick, a cornerstone of construction, to be used in ways that inspire the imagination of architects and builders alike.

 

GUEST BLOG | Building Safety Act: Why Competence, Testing and Trust Are Non-Negotiable

An interview with Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

As the construction industry continues its journey towards safer, more accountable practices, the message from regulatory bodies and professional institutes is increasingly clear: compliance alone is no longer enough.

In a recent conversation with IG Masonry Support, Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), shared his perspective on how the industry must evolve to meet the expectations of the Building Safety Act — and why this shift demands a fundamental rethinking of how we define and demonstrate competence.

CABE, a global professional engineering body, is championing a culture of lifelong learning and accountability. With the introduction of frameworks like BS 8670-1 and 8670-2, there’s now a sharper focus on the specific skills and understanding required to correctly specify, install, and manage construction products — from brick support systems to full envelope solutions.

Richard also highlights the critical importance of manufacturers in this process. By providing independently tested and clearly documented solutions, manufacturers help close the trust gap and enable designers, specifiers, and contractors to make confident, compliant decisions.

At IG Masonry Support, we’re proud to play our part. From our TITAN and B.O.S.S. products to our technical support and CPD offerings, we help ensure that performance, testing, and compliance are not afterthoughts — but core to specification decisions from the outset. We’re proud to be part of a safer, more competent built environment.

Watch the full interview with Richard Harral to explore how safety, trust, and responsibility are reshaping the future of construction.

NEWS | Prestigious BIM ISO 19650 Certification Achieved

IG Masonry Support has officially been awarded a Certificate of Conformity to BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018, recognising our company’s excellence in Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes and information management.

The internationally recognised certification, awarded by the British Standards Institution (BSI), confirms that we meet the highest standards for managing information over the lifecycle of a built asset using BIM – from project inception through to completion.

This achievement reflects our long-standing commitment to digital transformation, precision design, and collaborative construction. By adopting and integrating structured BIM methodologies into our operations, we continue to drive innovation and deliver enhanced value to clients across the construction industry.

Andy Neal, Managing Director of IG Masonry Support, commented:

“We’re extremely proud to have our BIM processes officially recognised by BSI. Having delivered digitally enabled construction solutions for several years, this certification reinforces our commitment to managing project information with precision and integrity from concept through to completion. It demonstrates our continued focus on adding tangible value to design, quality, and efficiency across every project as part of our standard approach.

“BIM represents a significant opportunity for the construction sector to evolve and innovate. At IG Masonry Support, we believe collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of digital construction and driving positive change across the industry.”

The BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 standard is a globally adopted framework that defines best practices for information management using BIM within the context of the built environment. By achieving this certification, we not only enhance our competitive advantage but also support the broader construction industry’s shift towards more collaborative, data-driven delivery models.

 

NEWS | CCPI Assessed Mark Achieved for Folded Angle

IG Masonry Support has earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Folded Angle product.

The CCPI, developed by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to raise standards in product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing sector.

Achieving CCPI conformance enhances customer trust and helps to give greater confidence that product information is conforming with the CCPI. This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance information and supporting some of their needs in relation to compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for Folded Angle product information is valid for two years, demonstrating our commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

Securing the CCPI Assessed Mark for all of our masonry support solutions reaffirms our commitment to providing reliable, transparent, and assessed product information to the industry, said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “This recognition reflects our ongoing drive to empower specifiers with trusted data and reinforces our role in pushing the boundaries of best practice across construction. It’s more than an achievement—it’s a long-term pledge to integrity and innovation. We are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI Assessed Mark for the product information for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for Folded Angle adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our company’s compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

NEWS | CCPI Assessed Mark Achieved for TITAN

IG Masonry Support has earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our TITAN product.

The CCPI, developed by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to raise standards in product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing sector.

Achieving CCPI conformance enhances customer trust and helps to give greater confidence that product information is conforming with the CCPI. This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance information and supporting some of their needs in relation to compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for TITAN product information is valid for two years, demonstrating our commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

“Securing the CCPI mark for our TITAN solution reaffirms our commitment to providing reliable, transparent, and assessed product information to the industry,” said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “This recognition reflects our ongoing drive to empower specifiers with trusted data and reinforces our role in pushing the boundaries of best practice across construction. It’s more than an achievement—it’s a long-term pledge to integrity and innovation.”

“We are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI Assessed mark for the product information for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for TITAN adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our company’s compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

BLOG | A safer future: unravelling the Golden Thread

In 2018, Dame Judith Hackett championed the concept of the ‘Golden Thread’ of information to preserve a building’s original design intent as part of her review: Building a Safer Future. Now enshrined in the Building Safety Act, this Golden Thread of information is about transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. With product information having gained increased significance, Kyle Alexander, Project and Engineering Manager of IG Masonry Support explores the implications for masonry support solutions and how this concept applies to various stages of construction, from initial design and product specification to construction methods and regulatory compliance.

The Building Safety Act has far-reaching implications across all stages and elements of a project. It covers design, product specification, construction methods, regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, quality control and safety measures.  As part of this is a crucial new compliance element: the “Golden Thread” which was devised as a way of ensuring that anyone involved on a project has the right information, or ‘single source of truth’, in order to understand the building and the steps needed to keep both the building and the occupants safe both now and in the future.

Specific to a building, the Golden Thread will hold the information that those responsible and accountable for the building require, and prove that the completed building and later work meets the requirements of the relevant Building Regulations. Having the Golden Thread means that the people responsible for the building and other relevant parties such as contractors will have reliable, accurate and easily accessible up to date information.

By bringing all the information together in one place, this core record-keeping process tracks a building’s design, construction, and operation. It requires managing, documenting, and making information about the building accessible to ensure understanding and safety. This information management ensures accuracy, currency, security, clarity, and availability to those who need it.  This will help drive improved accountability.

 

Commitment to the Golden Thread

With growing scrutiny on product information, manufacturers like IG Masonry Support are increasingly focused on helping stakeholders maintain a reliable and accessible Golden Thread of information. Duty holders, including consultants and contractors, need reliable information about the products they specify and install.

To help those accountable deliver the Golden Thread of information, IG Masonry Support has implemented a multi-faceted approach to meet and exceed the Golden Thread expectations. The company maintains rigorous ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems accreditation through continual assessment of the company’s internal information management system to ensure its robustness.

It also provides comprehensive product information which includes detailed specifications, performance and accreditation data, installation instructions, and maintenance guidelines – all of which are easily accessible on its website and specification platforms. This information is currently under review by the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).

Furthermore, the manufacturer meticulously maintains accurate records and documentation, systematically preserving precise technical data, comprehensive certifications, and detailed test reports to support duty holders in establishing and maintaining essential product information throughout a building’s lifecycle.

The company also provides extensive training and educational resources, offering in-depth guidance to specifiers and contractors on the comprehensive installation, appropriate use, and ongoing maintenance of its products. Its robust technical support includes assisting contractors and helping them navigate complex compliance requirements, selecting the right products and integrating them into projects, interpreting intricate technical data, and providing responsive support for any queries or challenges encountered during the construction process.

 

Culture change

The Golden Thread is about having the right information to ensure safer buildings and more accountable construction practices. By creating a seamless flow of information from design through to construction and operation, it ensures that all stakeholders—from architects to contractors—have access to accurate, up-to-date data that is critical for maintaining safety and compliance.

As the Building Safety Act continues to shape industry standards, product manufacturers such as IG Masonry Support will play a crucial role in supporting this shift. Through its commitment to rigorous information management practices, transparency, and ongoing product support and education, it is helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of building safety and regulatory compliance.

NEWS | CCPI Mark achieved for Welded Masonry Support

IG Masonry Support is delighted to have earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Welded Masonry Support product.

The CCPI, initiated by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to improve product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing and supply sector. The CCPI is working to move the industry to a place where product information and marketing is clear, accessible, accurate, up-to-date and unambiguous.

Achieving CCPI conformance provides greater confidence for customers using the product information carrying the CCPI Assessed Status mark.  This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance guarantees and compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for Welded Masonry Support is valid for two years, demonstrating IG Masonry Support’s commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

“Achieving the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Welded Masonry Support underscores IG Masonry Support’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accuracy in product information,” said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “We’re proud to demonstrate our dedication to clear, accessible, and up-to-date information, giving specifiers and buyers the confidence they deserve. This two-year assessed status is not just a milestone, but a continuous commitment to raising industry standards and driving positive change.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this process, and we are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI mark for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for Welded Masonry Support adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

Find out more about our Welded Masonry Support (WMS) product.

NEWS | Training commitment expands to Caxton Academy

IG Masonry Support is delighted to announce the expansion of its apprenticeship support programme through a new partnership with Caxton Academy, reinforcing its dedication to addressing the skills shortage by offering free training support and materials.

Through this new collaboration with Caxton Academy in Birmingham, IG Masonry Support  is taking proactive steps to ensure the next generation of bricklayers are equipped with the skills needed to meet industry demands. As part of this collaboration, IG Masonry Support is providing high quality training resources and equipment including tool bags and tools, uniforms, and training demonstration days.

The initiative reflects IG Masonry Support’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and dedication to giving back to its customers and the wider industry. By investing in the training and development of apprentices, IG Masonry Support aims to contribute to a well-equipped, skilled workforce for the future of masonry and construction.

“We are delighted to be able to support Caxton Academy as they ‘skill-up’ a new generation of bricklayers and façade installers,” said Siobhan Martin, Marketing Manager at IG Masonry Support. “The ongoing skills shortage in the construction industry is a well-known, long-standing issue. We are not just providing tools, training and resources, we are helping to build careers and support construction’s future.”

The partnership with Caxton Academy comes at a critical time, with the sector facing significant workforce challenges. According to the National House Building Council (NHBC), there are still 33,000 more bricklayers needed in the housebuilding sector to meet government targets.

“The support from IG Masonry Support through their donations of tools, equipment and training will help develop students’ skills and prepare them for a career in the sector,” said Ivan Sharpe, Caxton Group Apprenticeship Development Manager. “It is vitally important that the student trainees receive this level of support from manufacturers like IG Masonry Support. We thank them for their generosity.”

For more information about Caxton Academy or to enquire about apprenticeship courses and training, visit the Caxton Academy website.

For more information about IG Masonry Support’s apprentice support opportunities visit igmasonrysupport.com/resources/keyskills.

 

NEWS | Constructionline Gold Accreditation Secured

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved Constructionline Gold Member status, reflecting our commitment and dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards across all our operations.

Securing Constructionline Gold accreditation demonstrates that we have complied with rigorous management and equality standards. The gold status streamlines the procurement process and provides contractors with confidence that our company has been subjected to increased scrutiny around governance and risk management.

Going above and beyond PAS91 requirements, this accreditation includes enhanced validation checks across critical areas including environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities and diversity, compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, as well as robust anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies.

The accreditation also signifies that our company meets Build UK’s Common Assessment Standard, saving customers time and money during the prequalification process.

In addition to these credentials, our Gold membership includes Acclaim’s SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) Certificate of Health and Safety. This certification highlights our dedication to fulfilling our health and safety responsibilities to the highest possible standards.

“We are thrilled to have secured Constructionline Gold Member accreditation. This accreditation demonstrates our steadfast commitment to best practices in governance, environmental stewardship, and health and safety,” said Andy Neal, Managing Director at IG Masonry Support. “This also reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and reinforces our position as a trusted partner in the construction industry. We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional masonry support solutions and supporting our clients in achieving their goals.”

The Constructionline Gold accreditation joins our extensive list of certifications and accreditations. Our company invests in rigorous manufacturing processes and certifications to ensure our product meets and exceeds industry standards, giving our customers complete peace of mind.

For more information on our range of certifications and accreditations, visit our resources page.