Massey Hall

Commissioned by industrialist Hart Massey in 1894 as a gift to the city of Toronto, Massey Hall is imbued with history. Its 2021 refurbishment was designed to preserve its character whilst ensuring its suitability for current needs. This huge task, carried out under the scrutiny of heritage departments and building inspectors, included a range of interior works such as a stage rebuild, the addition of retractable seats and the restoration of century-old stained-glass windows. Such is the esteem in which it’s held, Massey Hall was designated a National Historic Site in 1981.

IG Masonry Support’s supply of its high-quality Brick Slip Lintels, as well as its design expertise when collaborating with the client to attain the correct bond pattern, was an important aspect of this hallowed hall’s exterior renovation.

Following Toronto-based KPMB Architects’ specification of its Brick Slip Lintels, the initial challenge for IG Masonry Support’s design team was overcoming time zone issues to ensure clear lines of communication with the client. In terms of logistics, additional care and attention was required in the manufacture and shipping of the bricks to Canada in order to ensure they arrived in perfect condition.

Providing the client with a competitive quote presented a further challenge due to multiple price increases in relation to transportation and material costs. Key to solving this issue was IG Masonry Support’s establishing of an excellent working relationship with the client. This cordial collaboration was also essential to finalising a correct bond pattern and designing a brick slip solution that bonded with the concert venue’s surrounding brickwork. Restricted space presented the project’s biggest issue, with little room for manoeuvre when it came to the Brick Slip Lintels’ installation.

IG Masonry Support supplied four Brick Slip Lintels of between 42.43kg and 168.52kg. In line with the client’s objectives, the company provided a removable solution for the servicing of mechanics pertaining to the roller shutter door at the building’s rear delivery entrance. The innovative design of the internal lintel ensured its capability to span a long distance despite spatial restrictions.

IG Masonry Support’s delivery of a brick slip lintel solution of precise height and width allowed sufficient room for their efficient installation within a tight area. The size calculations proved invaluable to overcoming an additional challenge presented by the roller shutter door’s guide rails, which limited soffit depths, and brick soffit return depths.

Prefabricated offsite and ready to install upon delivery, IG Masonry Support’s brick slip solution resulted in a time and cost-effective installation that met all of the client’s structural and aesthetical requirements for the building. Along with IG’s technical guidance throughout the project, it ensured the high-profile refurbishment of one of Canada’s – and the world’s – most celebrated entertainment venues was a resounding success, with its heritage and purpose safeguarded for many years to come.