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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Products
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.
Latest News
New White Paper: ‘Bringing Clarity to Masonry Support Systems and Fire Protection Cavity Barriers’
Our latest white paper, authored by our team of industry experts, aims to raise awareness of the interaction between cavity barriers and masonry support systems, and provide clarity for building professionals involved in the design and detailing of such systems.
Leviat Partners with BDA on Educational Brick Works Series 2025
We are thrilled to collaborate on the Brick Development Association’s (BDA) Brick Works Series and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the incredible versatility of clay brick and masonry support solutions.