Oval Village, London

Oval Village will transform the former Oval Gasworks into a distinctive new neighbourhood in the heart of London.  Next to the iconic Oval cricket ground, this major regeneration project combines contemporary design with heritage sensitivity, delivering high quality homes that are defined by high quality brickwork and architectural detail. To help realise this vision, Leviat has provided a range of engineered solutions that meet stringent structural, thermal and fire performance requirements while preserving the architectural intent.

Designed by leading architectural practices including Rolfe Judd, GRID and Formation Architects for developer Berkeley Group, the Oval Village masterplan will deliver more than 1300 private and affordable homes, along with high-quality landscaped public spaces, shops, cafés, restaurant and leisure facilities.  Across several phases of the scheme, Leviat has supplied both masonry support systems and steel-to-concrete balcony connectors, working in close collaboration with architects, engineers and contractors.

Complex brickwork

The first phase is Phoenix Court (Block A), a 16-storey, concrete frame building providing 233 homes and situated on the north site of the impressive Grade II listed Gasholder No.1. Stainless steel Ancon MDC masonry support systems were installed across all elevations, ensuring reliable load transfer for the brick façade while maintaining a clean, uninterrupted appearance.

Installed by Lee Marley Brickwork, the support system was specified by Berkeley Homes, Formation Architects and Waterman Engineers as part of a durable and robust façade solution. The adjustability and load capacity helped accommodate site tolerances and keep the programme on track.

The 16-storey Juniper Gardens (Block G) presented more technical challenges due to a design which incorporated curved corners, projecting stretcher bands and corbelled brick window surrounds. These features required radius angles and carefully detailed masonry support.

Leviat’s in-house engineering team used 3D modelling software to design bespoke support and lintel solutions, enabling the curved geometry to be achieved without compromising structural performance. The masonry support systems were supplied with thermal breaks to minimise cold bridging and improve the building’s energy efficiency. All systems have been independently tested to ensure compliance with current fire standards, with UKCA and CE markings in place.

Engineered balcony connection systems

Balconies are a defining feature of Oval Village, and ensuring their safe and efficient integration within the building structures was critical. For Blocks B and C, Leviat’s Structural Connections team designed and supplied more than 600 Ancon STC steel-to-concrete balcony connectors.

Working closely with balcony fabricator, Stanmore Steel Ltd, the Leviat design team ensured the connectors delivered the necessary structural integrity, while also meeting stringent fire and thermal requirements. Block B features 18 storeys of steel balconies, requiring high volumes of connectors and precise installation tolerances while Block C, at seven storeys, was smaller in scale but included non-standard designs that required bespoke anchorage details.

At lower levels, a combination of in-situ and postfix anchorage systems was required to restrain first-fix brackets and maintain stability. This demanded careful sequencing and coordination with the wider project team.

Multi-directional loading

Unlike most balcony projects, where loads are transferred along the major axis of the connector, Oval Village presented multi-directional load cases across the x, y and z planes. This introduced additional complexity in the design process.

Engineers employed a combination of advanced software tools and manual calculations to BS EN 1992/1993/1994 to verify performance. The result was a set of value-engineered bespoke connectors capable of transferring complex loads while ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 and all relevant design codes.

Fabrication and delivery 

On a project of this scale, it was necessary to manufacture a high volume of connectors under tight deadlines. Working closely with the site team, deliveries were re-sequenced, prioritising critical components to maintain the construction programme.

Despite these technical demands, both Blocks B and C were completed successfully. Based on this performance, Leviat has since been awarded further work on Block C, including the design and supply of cast-in anchorages for the reinforced concrete frame. In addition, Leviat has supplied, and continues to supply, masonry support to all blocks across the development, ensuring consistent performance and quality as the village is built out. 

Collaborative approach

For specifiers, the project is testament to the value of working with a manufacturer that combines masonry support expertise, balcony connection design and thermal performance solutions within a single package and can help you to incorporate fire compliance systems. Leviat’s early engagement in Oval Village illustrates how engineered products and specialist knowledge can transform ambitious designs into practical, buildable solutions that achieve architectural visions.

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