Project:                 Maynooth University NUI

Products Used:    Welded Masonry Support, Brick Slip Lintels, B.O.S.S. & Brick Slip Soffit Panels

Architect:              Heneghan Peng Architects

Contractor:           JJ Rhatigan

Overview:

In order to ensure a stunning brick building design translated into a reality, IG Masonry Support was called upon to supply a range of its market-leading brick systems that hit the mark on brick detail. 

Maynooth University is a fast-growing higher education institution offering world-class teaching and research. A constituent of the federal National University of Ireland, Maynooth University specialises in the Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences.

Student accommodation is a top factor when it comes to health and wellbeing. Maynooth University’s new residential quarter will assure just that, providing three new blocks each comprising four-nine storeys. The purpose-built courtyard apartment complex has significantly expanded the capacity of student accommodation on campus, offering rooms of varied specification to suit a variety of needs.

The intricate brick elements and large areas of brick soffits featured throughout the development required IG Masonry Support’s full catalogue of prefabricated components. IG Masonry Support designed bespoke brick slip systems for each application, providing practical solutions that enabled contractor JJ Rhatigan to save installation time significantly.

The Challenge

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 would have required the skill of a highly-trained craftsperson. As a market-leader of quality prefabricated systems, IG Masonry Support 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. IG Masonry Support considered the integration of the two brick elements during the design process, which negated the need for brick cutting onsite – an intricate process that can be made easier through offsite prefabrication.

The Solution

For the large areas of exposed soffit throughout each walkway, IG Masonry Support supplied its interlocking soffit panels. Where traditional methods would have used the ‘full brick’, IG’s lightweight brick slip panels are a lighter alternative, utilising 25mm brick slips to reduce the weight of the installation.

Supplied in 1/2m² 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. 

The utilisation of IG Masonry Support’s prefabricated components ensured that all installation was undertaken efficiently, resulting in onsite cost savings and increased productivity.

From a practical and visual perspective, IG’s solutions covered all bases, playing a core role in the creation of a striking student accommodation quarter that will look good long into the future.