Project Overview
J&S Brickwork were appointed to deliver the full brickwork package for a social housing apartment development in Ardwick, Manchester.
The project involved complex and highly detailed brickwork, requiring careful planning, skilled craftsmanship and close coordination throughout construction. Working within a tight programme and challenging site conditions, our team successfully completed the brickwork to the required standard and timescale.
The development subsequently received three prestigious Housing Design Awards, making it a particularly proud project for everyone involved.
Location
Ardwick, Manchester
Category
Residential, Brickwork
Tags
Social Housing, Apartment Development, New Build, Complex Brickwork, Manchester
The Brief
The client required a complete brickwork package for a new social housing apartment development, covering construction from foundation level through to roof height.
With intricate architectural detailing and challenging site conditions, the project demanded an experienced brickwork contractor capable of delivering both precision and efficiency.
Our Approach
J&S Brickwork undertook the full brickwork package, from the foundations and damp-proof course (DPC) through to roof level.
The works included:
- Blockwork construction within the foundations.
- Brickwork from DPC through to roof height.
- Complex and detailed brickwork features.
- Installation of specially shaped bricks.
- Jointed bar mortar finishing.
The intricate brickwork detailing required particular attention to accuracy and consistency, ensuring the finished masonry met the project’s architectural requirements.
Overcoming the Challenges
This was a technically demanding project, with several challenges requiring careful management throughout construction.
Restricted Visibility and Working Conditions
Limited sightlines made sections of the brickwork particularly challenging, requiring careful setting out and attention to detail.
Complex Brickwork Detailing
The design incorporated intricate masonry details and specially shaped bricks, demanding a high level of precision and workmanship.
Tight Construction Programme
The project operated to a demanding schedule, making efficient planning and coordination essential.
Weather Conditions
Changing weather conditions added further challenges to maintaining progress on site.
Workforce Coordination
Managing a substantial team of bricklayers and site operatives was an important part of keeping the project running efficiently and maintaining consistent workmanship.
Despite these challenges, our team delivered the work within the required programme.
Materials and Construction
The project incorporated brickwork, foundation blockwork and specially shaped bricks, with a jointed bar mortar finish.
The construction programme included approximately two weeks of work on the footings, followed by eight weeks of brickwork above DPC level.
Throughout the project, particular attention was given to the more intricate masonry details, ensuring a consistent standard of workmanship across the development.
The Result – Award-Winning Brickwork
The Ardwick development was completed on time, despite the complexity of the brickwork and the challenges encountered throughout construction.
The finished development received three Housing Design Awards, recognising the quality of the wider residential scheme.
The awards included a Project Award, Completed Scheme Award and Richard Feilden Award. Read more about the https://jandsbrickwork.co.uk/award-winning-brickwork-triple-recognition-at-the-2026-housing-design-awards/
For J&S Brickwork, this development demonstrates our ability to manage demanding residential construction projects, deliver intricate brickwork details and coordinate large teams while maintaining programme requirements.
Looking for an Experienced Brickwork Contractor?
J&S Brickwork provides professional brickwork and masonry services for residential and commercial developments across Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and the North West.
From large-scale housing developments to technically challenging masonry projects, our team has the experience and expertise to deliver high-quality results.
