MASONRY SUPPORT SYSTEMS
PAUL GRAHAM OF IG MASONRY SUPPORT CHAMPIONS THE USE OF EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE BRICK SLIP SYSTEMS TO TAKE EDUCATIONAL BUILDING DESIGN TO A HIGHER DEGREE…
Offsite brick slips B.O.S.S. education buildingdesign
B rick is experiencing a resurgence in popularity due its intricate detailing and limitless design potential, and the education sector is one area of the construction industry that is reaping the benefits of brick’s limitless design potential. Brick designs are in such high demand, but prefabrication is enabling these stunning masonry facades to be translated into reality. No longer in the domain of skilled craftspeople, they can be created in the quality-controlled, efficient environment of a factory without the need for any lengthy and costly fabrication on site. MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY NUI IG Masonry Support was called upon to supply a range of its market-leading brick systems that hit the mark on brick detail at this fast-growing higher education institution. THE BRIEF The intricate brick elements and large areas of brick soffits featured throughout the development required IG Masonry
Support’s full catalogue of prefabricated components including welded masonry support, brick slip lintels, B.O.S.S. and brick slip soffit panels. Bespoke brick slip systems were designed for each application, providing practical solutions that enabled contractor JJ Rhatigan to significantly save installation time. A key element of the architect’s vision was covered walkways with deep brick soffits, connecting the different elements of the modular design. Each walkway contained swathes of exposed brick soffits, some in excess of 33m2. Achieving the large soffits using formwork would have been impractical, time consuming and required the skill of a highly-trained craftsperson. IG was able to supply a more effective soffit panel solution. As per the architect’s brief, the tapered brick reveals are another common feature throughout the façade, introducing a contrast in brick type. The integration of the two brick elements was considered during the design
process, which negated the need for brick cutting on site – an intricate process that can be made easier through offsite prefabrication. THE SOLUTION Interlocking soffit panels were supplied for the large areas of exposed soffit throughout each walkway. Where traditional methods would have used the ‘full brick’, IG’s lightweight brick slip panels were a lighter alternative, utilising 25mm brick slips to reduce the weight of the installation. Supplied in 1/2m 2 panels, on installation the system was quick and easy to use and removed the requirement for mechanical lifting. The result was a continuous brick soffit with seamless interlocking components – an aesthetic IG Masonry Support was able to bring to life. Furthermore, a 10mm soft joint was provided around the perimeter to allow for movement. IG’s brick slip lintels were designed to accommodate the chamfered side return beside each window opening.
“Froma practical and visual perspective, IGMasonry Support’s solutions covered all bases.”
10 | NI BUILDER
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