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Tag: construction skills

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

Posted on by Claire McCammon

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 | National Engineers Week 2024 – Maruf Khan Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

National Engineers Week 2024 is drawing to a close so we’ve caught up with our final interviewee Maruf Khan to share his thoughts and experiences working in the industry as a Structural Engineer:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

I was always fascinated by how things work and enjoyed solving mathematical physics problems in school / college. This curiosity naturally led me towards engineering. The idea of creating innovative solutions and contributing to the advancement of society appealed to me. I wanted a career that allowed me to apply mathematical and scientific principles to real-world challenges, and engineering offered the perfect blend of creativity and analytical thinking.

 

What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical day in my role involves a mix of collaborative teamwork and individual tasks. I spend time analysing project requirements, designing solutions, and often working closely with cross-functional teams. Meetings, whether with colleagues or clients, are a crucial part of ensuring everyone is aligned. Additionally, problem-solving is a daily occurrence, and adaptability is key as priorities may shift.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable aspect of my job is the opportunity to bring ideas to life and witness the tangible impact of our work. I find satisfaction in overcoming challenges and seeing projects evolve from concept to reality. Collaborating with diverse teams and learning from each other’s expertise is also rewarding. Moreover, the continuous learning environment in engineering keeps me engaged and excited about the ever-evolving technologies and methodologies.

 

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice to aspiring engineers is to foster a strong foundation in mathematics and science. Cultivate a passion for problem-solving and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Seek internships or projects that provide hands-on experience, as practical knowledge is invaluable. Communication skills are equally important, so practice expressing complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Stay curious, be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges – they often lead to the most significant growth in your career. Finally, build a professional network and learn from mentors who can guide you on your journey.

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Mathew Cooper Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

National Engineers Week 2024 (18 – 24) rolls on so we caught up with our Graduate Design Engineer Mathew Cooper to get the perspective of graduates who are getting started in the industry:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

My interest in Mathematics combined with my love for Architecture is what propelled me to pursue a career in the engineering industry. The fact that Engineering is considered one of the most valuable degrees currently played a big role in my decision-making.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical working day for me usually consists of looking over architectural and structural drawings and dealing with customer emails and calls regarding information or queries addressing our products.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable aspect of my job would be the team I work with, there’s always a great atmosphere in the office. Also having the ability to create a bespoke design and having to back it up with structural understanding is always a rewarding challenge.

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice to any aspiring engineers would be to take each and every opportunity that comes your way as you might find it of interest for a future career!

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Fausto Braccio Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

National Engineers Week 2024 continues and up next we have our Senior Project Engineer Fausto Braccio who believes aspiring engineers should continuously seek opportunities to learn and expand their skill set:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

I was drawn to civil engineering because I have always been fascinated by the idea of being part of the process of designing and building structures that benefit society and improve people’s lives.

 What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical day for me starts with planning the day and organising tasks based on priority. It also involves coordinating and attending internal and external meetings, answering to customer’s queries, helping them with their request for additional products, checking and processing product packs before they go into manufacture, among others. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy the most of my job is the possibility of working in diverse projects from small residential houses to large building complexes, resulting in learning something new every day and having the chance to work with many professionals along the way. I also find satisfaction in witnessing the tangible results of our efforts when doing site visits or looking at our customer’s site photos, which is particularly rewarding.

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

For aspiring engineers I recommend a strong foundation in project management and continuously seek opportunities to learn and expand their skill set.

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Grace Miller Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

It’s National Engineers Week (18 – 24) and we’re celebrating. To mark the occasion, we asked our Engineers to share what they’ve learned about their careers in the construction industry, as well as some tips for aspiring engineers looking to enter the field. Check out what our Technical Engineer Grace Miller had to say:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

Growing up on a farm, I saw first-hand how buildings were constructed and this ignited my passion to understand how they were designed. At secondary school, my aptitude for STEM subjects, especially Mathematics and Physics, taught me to structure my approach to practical problem solving – an important skill for a Structural Engineer.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

As a Technical Engineer, I’m involved in estimating, structural engineering, and project engineering, working on both English and Irish projects. I thrive on the challenges of preparing accurate and competitive quotations, checking the structural integrity of my solutions, and managing my live projects. Being able to turn to an experienced and approachable team makes my job more pleasurable!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy liaising with customers and industry professionals during design team meetings and on the telephone, as well as collaborating with the IG team, designing and delivering practical solutions. I particularly enjoy the journey of working on a project from the initial enquiry stage right through to the manufacture and delivery of product.

 Any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice would be to relish every project, design team meeting, site visit, and conversation in the workplace – there is something new to learn every single day!

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.

 

NEWS | Supporting rising construction stars with sponsorship of Skillbuild 2023

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

The Keystone Group has been announced as the main sponsor of SkillBuild 2023, the largest and longest-running construction skills competition in the UK.

The contest has support from four companies within the Keystone Group: IG Masonry Support, Keyfix, IG Lintels, and Keystone Lintels. Each brand will not only be lending their name to the competition, they will provide their industry-leading products to ensure entrants are well-equipped to showcase their skills.

Owen Coyle, Divisional CEO, Keystone Group said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s SkillBuild event. It’s a fantastic contest featuring talented apprentices and trainees of all ages. The construction industry is in real need of new, skilled recruits. SkillBuild provides an excellent platform to showcase new construction talent, as well as act as a catalyst to inspire others to take up tools and join the industry.”

Organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild pits entrants against each other in a contest involving 13 regional qualifying heats. The one-day events will test competitors on their technical abilities, time management, problem-solving and skills working under pressure. Winners from each qualifier will be invited to take part in the SkillBuild National Finals, taking place in November 2023.

Ten trade categories will be contested in SkillBuild: bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, painting and decorating, plastering, plastering and drywall systems, roof slating and tiling, stonemasonry, wall and floor tiling and furniture and cabinet making. Level 1 competitions are also available in wall and floor tiling and bricklaying.

A recent CITB  ‘Construction Skills Network’ (CSN) report states that nearly 225,000 additional workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. Despite the current economic challenges, the report states that demand for new recruits in the building industry will remain high.

The Keystone Group’s commitment to addressing the building industry skills shortfall includes the launch of ‘Keyskills’, a brand-new education initiative providing support to skill-up a new generation of bricklayers in UK and Ireland. The initiative, also involving Keystone Group’s IG Masonry Support, Keyfix, Keystone Lintels, and IG Lintels, showcases a wide range of construction methods through free training support and materials. It’s a generous offering that is designed to focus on relieving financial pressures on education establishments to allow extra funding for the development and recruitment of bricklaying training courses.

Owen Coyle continued: “We see it as our duty to help inspire young people and show them that traditional trades offer a career that is fulfilling and rewarding. It is vital that we continually bring generation after generation into the fold for construction; it brings fresh new ideas and adds energy to our industry. The flipside, an aging workforce that will never be able to keep up with demand. That is why we whole heartedly believe in Keyskills. Every ‘brickie’ counts!”

To take advantage of the new Keyskills programme, visit our Keyskills page to find out more.