Huntley Wharf, Kenavon Drive

Located on the former Huntley & Palmers Biscuit Factory site alongside the River Kennet, Kenavon Drive forms a key part of the Huntley Wharf development, creating a new residential quarter that reflects the area’s rich Victorian industrial heritage. The scheme incorporates a range of traditional brickwork techniques and contemporary interpretations, with distinctive saw-tooth roof forms referencing the original factory buildings and establishing a strong architectural identity.

IG Masonry Support partnered with Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd and PRP Architects LLP to to deliver bespoke masonry support and brick slip solutions across three blocks (East, Middle and West), constructed over two phases. Phase 1 saw the completion of the East Block in 2022, while Phase 2 delivered the Middle and West Blocks in early 2025.

Each block incorporated Welded Masonry Support, Cast-in Channel, B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System), and specialist brick cutting services to help achieve complex corner details.

One of the main challenges on Mid Block was the beam section with brick slips attached, on the north-east elevation, which spanned every other floor from the 2nd to the 10th floor, including the roof, and faced inward toward the complex. Constructed in white brick, which required precise alignment with both the beam structure and the brick slip system. One side of the beam was supported by a standard column, while the other faced a thin concrete wall, creating high load demands within a restricted space.

Other significant challenges were present across all blocks – East, Mid, and West, above all openings. The double leaf, double cavity piers, where projecting brick piers created additional cavities, could not be accommodated by standard masonry support units. Bespoke designs were required to ensure both structural stability and precise alignment with the surrounding façade.

Corner piers across all blocks corners also presented complexity. Standard masonry support units could not extend beyond the available space, necessitating custom solutions to maintain both structural integrity and visual consistency throughout the development.

For the flying beam, IG Masonry Support developed an integrated system in which the beam was bolted directly to the masonry support. The solution connected the flying beam to the corner pier support, which carried the double leaf, double cavity brickwork to allow elements to work together while transferring loads safely to the main structure.

The double leaf, double cavity piers were addressed with bespoke masonry support units featuring notched brackets and folded angles reinforced with gussets. This design spanned the additional cavities created by the projecting brick piers while allowing integration with the SFS board and other façade elements, providing structural stability and maintaining a flush brickwork finish.

Corner piers were supported using a custom angle system with gussets to safely carry the brickwork without extending the standard masonry units beyond the available space. This approach preserved the alignment and structural performance of the corners while ensuring the visual cohesion of the façade.

The completed blocks of Huntley Wharf demonstrate the successful integration of Welded Masonry Support and B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System) to manage complex brickwork, flying beams, and corner elements. Through bespoke engineering and close collaboration with Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern) Ltd and PRP Architects LLP, IG Masonry Support delivered a structurally robust, aesthetically cohesive façade that meets both design and regulatory requirements.