Shaping Lambeth Mission

Early collaboration between architects and specialist manufacturers can turn complex design concepts into buildable solutions, without compromising on aesthetics. For specifiers, this partnership is particularly valuable when working on projects that demand both structural performance and high levels of brick detailing.  

A recent mixed-use project in central London is testament to the way that bespoke masonry support systems and prefabricated brick slip arches can be used to deliver façades that not only meet technical demands but also blend seamlessly with traditional hand-laid brickwork. By embracing design-led partnerships, the project team were able to overcome the challenge of multiple intersecting arches, streamline installation and maintain design integrity.  

Early engagement was key to the delivery of Lambeth Mission, a striking mixed-use development in central London. The project saw IG Masonry Support collaborate with the designers and site team to resolve complex façade requirements. This ensured the bespoke Brick Slip Arches 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. IG Masonry Support worked alongside Aros Architects, HG Construction, and brickwork specialists Bishop to design and manufacture 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 project’s main technical challenges was achieving perfect alignment between multiple intersecting arches, particularly 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 introduced another level of complexity. Their natural bowing, irregular sizes and rough edges, made them difficult to cut and align but this was 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 maintain 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, 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.” 

Every masonry support solution is designed and manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that even the most complex masonry support system performs flawlessly on site. With building standards under greater scrutiny than ever before, rigorous testing, full traceability and adherence to the highest standards give specifiers confidence that structural integrity and visual quality go hand-in-hand, allowing ambitious architectural designs to be realised without compromise. 

By combining design expertise with offsite 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. 

igmasonrysupport.com