At ACS, we’re always fascinated by projects that go beyond simple construction, especially when they tackle the complexities of urban regeneration with a real eye for community and heritage. The St John’s Hill development in London, now known as Burridge Gardens, is a prime example of this, transforming a 1930s estate into a vibrant, modern neighbourhood right by Clapham Junction.

Project Overview

This project wasn’t just about building new homes; it was a monumental regeneration project by Peabody, in partnership with architects Hawkins\Brown and contractors like Sisk. The original 1930s estate, with its inward-looking layout and perimeter wall, felt disconnected from the surrounding community. The new masterplan removed that barrier, creating inviting new routes and public spaces that seamlessly weave the estate back into the wider area, linking it with the station and Wandsworth Common.

The architectural vision for Burridge Gardens was particularly compelling. Instead of uniform blocks, the design features a varied palette of high-quality brickwork, creating a collection of buildings that, while part of a cohesive whole, each possess their own distinct identity. You’ll find different brick types, varied window openings, and unique balcony designs across the phases. Some communal entrances are even defined by striking coloured glazed bricks, adding a contemporary touch and aiding wayfinding. Critically, the architects also collaborated with sculptors, Rodney Harris and Valda Jackson, to embed artistic brick reliefs into the façades, recalling the domestic history of the site and adding a moving, bespoke layer to the exterior.

ACS Façade Solutions

The scale and ambition of St John’s Hill present significant construction complexities. This regeneration wasn’t a single build; it was a multi-phase project, with buildings ranging from four to up to twelve storeys in height, often directly adjacent to busy railway lines, which demanded exceptionally precise planning and execution.

Azure II™ Brick Slip System

For a project of St John’s Hill’s scale and complexity, particularly with its varied façade treatments and multi-phase construction, the efficiencies and quality control offered by Azure II™ Brick Slip Lintels were invaluable. Our advanced offsite manufacturing capabilities meant that intricate components, precisely tailored to the architectural vision, could be fabricated in a controlled environment.

This approach minimises on-site labour, significantly reduces waste, and also accelerates build programmes. Ultimately, it was about delivering precision-engineered solutions that fit perfectly, helping to maintain the tight schedules inherent in a large-scale urban regeneration project situated right next to a busy transport hub.

Masonry Support

The diverse and intricate brickwork façades of St John’s Hill, featuring varied patterns, integrated coloured glazed bricks, and even embedded artistic reliefs, demanded intricate Masonry Support systems.

Each support system was meticulously designed to accommodate the unique challenges presented by the varied geometries of the buildings and the nuanced aesthetic requirements for each elevation. This ensured that the architect’s vision for a visually rich and enduring façade, complete with its unique details and artistic elements, was not only structurally sound but also flawlessly realised.

Framefix Channel

In a development featuring buildings of up to twelve storeys, and particularly those in close proximity to active railway lines, the integrity of the façade construction is paramount.

For this project, where the outer masonry leaf was connected to a light gauge steel frame (SFS) internal structure, our Framefix channel system was crucial. This comprehensive system, incorporating an Ultra Steel channel, specialised fixings, and high strength compression sleeves through the insulation, provided essential structural stability against lateral loads, wind pressures, and vibrations from passing trains.

Lintels

The design of St John’s Hill features a wide array of window and door openings, each contributing significantly to the varied and distinctive character of the façades.

Our Lintels played a vital role in supporting the masonry directly above these critical openings, ensuring structural integrity whilst integrating seamlessly with the aesthetic vision. Given the diverse brick patterns, the differing sizes of openings, and the need to accommodate various architectural details – such as those defining the communal entrances or surrounding the artistic brick reliefs – bespoke lintel solutions were often required.

Early Design Partnership

These are precisely the types of technical challenges that benefit from an early-stage, collaborative design approach. By engaging with the architect’s vision from the outset, including the varied brickwork details, integration of public art, and the need for flexible structural solutions across multiple building typologies and site conditions – we were able to engineer bespoke masonry support systems that meet both aesthetic and structural requirements. This proactive involvement ensures that complex design elements are not only feasible but fully compliant, robust, and aligned with the long-term vision for a revitalised and enduring community at St John’s Hill.

Our Partners for this project
Main Contractor: 

Sisk

Architect: 

Hawkins\Brown