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Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, London School of Economics, UK

Ancon designed and manufactured the complex stainless steel brick support and restraint system behind the complicated façade of the award-winning LSE Saw Swee Hock Student Centre in London, UK.

Section view of inclined MDC masonry support system. Other variants supplied.
Section view of inclined MDC masonry support system. Other variants supplied.

This stunning project won three categories at the 2014 Brick Awards. The expert judging panel was said to be ‘blown away’ by its character and the standard it now sets, congratulating the entire project team on creating a “masterpiece of a building which creates a whole new language for brickwork which architecture has never seen before”.

The attractive masonry façade uses 175,000 handmade bricks to form both solid and perforated areas, with the latter allowing natural light in during the day and artificial light out at night creating a beautiful pattern effect on the skyline.

The Ancon stainless steel system comprises special inclined MDC type brick support angles fixed back to 30/20 cast-in channels and bespoke rolled hollow section Windposts, featuring surface-fixed channels to accept wall ties, positioned at mullion locations strategically hidden within the perforated brickwork.

Section view of special stainless steel Windposts, hidden in perforated brickwork
Section view of special stainless steel Windposts, hidden in perforated brickwork

Ancon would like to congratulate architect O’Donnell + Tuomey, engineer Horganlynch, main contractor Osborne and, specialist brickwork contractor. Swift Brickwork who installed the Ancon system, on the project’s success at the 2014 Brick Awards. The Student Centre was announced Best Education Building and Most Innovative Use of Brick, as well as taking the Supreme Award for the overall winning entry.

Plan view of typical Windpost, Channel and Wall Tie detail used
Plan view of typical Windpost, Channel and Wall Tie detail used

This project demonstrates Ancon’s ability to engineer an innovative, practical and cost-effective fixing solution for any brick feature. Contact Ancon with details of your design concept or project plans.

Ancon’s structural steel fixings are designed to EN 1993 (Eurocode 3) and CE Marked to EN 1090 under the Construction Products Regulation.

Masonry Support

Brick, block or stone cladding on steel or concrete framed structures is normally supported by stainless steel masonry support systems.

Cast-in Channels

Cast-in Channels range from simple self-anchoring slots for accepting restraint fixings to large capacity channels with integral anchors.

Windposts

Ancon Windposts are designed to span vertically between floors to provide lateral support for panels of brickwork.

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