Greenford Quay, Blocks 4 & 5

Greenford Green, part of the wider Greenford Quay masterplan on the edge of the Grand Union Canal, is a major regeneration project delivered in multiple phases.

IG Masonry Support was appointed by Tide Construction to deliver a package of masonry support, brick slip systems, and construction accessories for Blocks 4 and 5 on the development. Both blocks were constructed using Vision Modular System, integrating a steel framing system and reinforced concrete floors. This modular approach, alongside our ex-stock masonry support and prefabricated brick slip systems, enabled a faster build programme but required careful coordination to integrate our masonry support design.

Block 4, known as Lyons Dock, delivers 251 new homes across floors 1 to 6, comprising a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. IG Masonry Support supplied over 2,400 m of Welded Masonry Support and TITAN, fixing to Cast-in Channel at first-floor level, as well as Reveal Support Plates to support brickwork at window reveals.

Block 5, known as Tillermans, delivers 379 apartments and provides extensive resident amenities, including a resident lounge, dining room, gym, bar and games room, along with large outdoor courtyards and terraces. IG Masonry Support supplied Welded Masonry Support, TITAN, Brick Slip Lintels and B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System) to support the architectural intent and detailing across the façade, including complex corner conditions at upper levels.

Block 4

The primary challenge on Block 4 was designing masonry support systems that could fix directly back to Vision Modular brackets rather than a conventional concrete slab. The modular nature of the structure predetermined fixing locations, meaning our design team had to work to precise measurements and carefully coordinate every support position.

Additional complexity was introduced by the need for large dropper masonry support systems at window heads and building corners, requiring detailed checks to ensure compatibility with the surrounding structure and cladding components. At first-floor level, a one-metre-thick concrete transfer slab, combined with larger cavity sizes and the absence of Vision Modular brackets, meant standard fixing solutions were not possible.

Block 5

As the first block supplied within the Greenford Quay development, Block 5 presented a number of early challenges. Our design team had to coordinate masonry support positions against stub drawings, involving a high level of engineering input and design coordination.

The fast-paced build programme demanded that design, manufacture and delivery kept pace with site progress at all times. Complex corner conditions presented further challenges, with only limited connectors available to fix to, requiring the design and manufacture of secondary steelwork to enable masonry support installation.

At upper levels, the integration of the B.O.S.S. A1 with Brick Slip Lintels required careful brickwork detailing to form a cohesive walled garden corner while maintaining structural performance.

Block 4

To support the speed of construction, our readily available, ex-stock TITAN masonry support system was used where possible, allowing speedy installation in areas with smaller cavities. Welded Masonry Support systems were introduced in more complex areas where higher loads, window openings, balconies or corners were present.

Cast-in Channel was used at first-floor level to overcome the challenges posed by the thick concrete slab and absence of Vision Modular brackets, providing a secure and adaptable fixing solution. Close collaboration between our design team, Tide Construction and Vision Modular ensured that masonry support brackets aligned precisely with the modular structure, simplifying installation onsite.

Block 5

On Block 5, our design team engineered bespoke Welded Masonry Support solutions to address the lack of suitable fixing points at corners, including the provision of secondary steelwork to enable secure attachment of masonry support. Repetition of systems at upper levels allowed for greater efficiency in both design and installation, helping the project maintain momentum in line with the rapid build programme.

The experience gained on Block 5 informed improvements to the Vision Modular system itself, with Vision Modular subsequently adapting their approach to include a secondary steel structure that masonry support systems could bolt to directly – delivering long-term efficiency and cost savings on subsequent blocks.

The successful completion of Blocks 4 and 5 at Greenford Green highlights the importance of early engagement, detailed coordination and adaptable masonry support solutions when working with modular construction. Lessons learned here helped streamline the design and construction process for the remaining blocks on the development, ensuring continued consistency, quality and speed of construction across the project.