A new development in the heart of East London, the Bow River Village housing complex presented a number of unique challenges to Frank Reynolds Architects. Neighboured by a number of historic properties – including a Grade 1 listed tidal mill – it was crucial the Bow River Village development both reflected and enhanced the character and appearance of the area.
To meet this ambitious brief, Ibstock recommended its brick façade systems. Creating this desired aesthetic saw Ibstock brick facades broken by a regular pattern of storey-height glazing, with the only decoration provided by banks of simple, glass-fronted open balconies. To maximise the clean, uncluttered lines, a quick and simple method of achieving flawless brick faced soffits to the hundreds of door and window heads was required.
The flexibility of Ibstock’s Nexus system meant that a complete soffit and lintel solution could be developed for the project. Deep soffits above doorways to the ground and first floor were achieved easily with 215mm deep units featuring header bond facing, bolted directly to Leviat MDC brick support angles, while stretcher bond lintels were used at each window head, resulting in a finished built that is characterful, distinct and complementary to its historic, industrial surroundings.
