Details
Location: Birmingham
Brick Manufacturer: Forterra PLC
Brick Name: Ecostock: Shelton Red Multi
Architect: Scapolan Burney
Brickwork Contractor: L Mason LTD
About the project
Located in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area, The Pressworks transforms a disused mid-19th-century manufactory site into 48 new homes. At its heart is a Grade II listed building - a finely detailed example of industrial-era architecture. This project restores its character while introducing new buildings that engage directly with its historic context through contemporary brick design.
The scheme began by striping away poor-quality overbuild to reveal the original listed structure. From this, architectural details were drawn upon to inform the design of new elements utilising modern materials and construction methods to produce a clear but respectful contrast.
To realise this vision over a modern, light gauge steel structure, innovation was required within the development of fully self-supporting brick façades. This was achieved using a series of lintles concealed within the brickwork. Working with IG Masonry Support, a bespoke B.O.S.S A1 masonry system suspended from a lintle was used to complete the brick head detail of the windows, while transfering the loads of the brickwork above into structural brick pilasters. These pilasters visually and structurally reference those of the listed building and were precisely executed by brickwork contractor L Mason. This solution allowed the omission of secondary steelwork, enabling a purer architectural expression in brick.
The two resultant street façades which flank the listed building use varied detailing to create distinct identities while tying into the original. At ground level, 20mm rustication echoes the listed building’s terracotta blocks and continues vertically up the left-hand façades pilasters. Between these, half-brick recessed panels and full-brick inset windows offer a dynamic façade. Vertical stretcher bond over window heads reference the original self-supporting brick lintels.
The right-hand block adopts a more simple, solid approach: A rusticated base, deep window reveals, and stepped brick lintels create a simpler yet highly articulated façade. The emphasis here is on depth, precision, and the play of light and shadow across the brick surface.
L Mason’s contribution extended to the restoration of the listed building’s brickwork, including the reuse of cast-off bricks to repair damaged areas - reducing waste and reinforcing the sense of continuity. For the new construction, Forterra’s Eco Stock Shelton Red Multi was chosen for its sustainability credentials, colour compatibility with the existing brickwork, and cost-effectiveness. On site, the brick proved robust and adaptable, making complex detailing achievable within a tight budget.
The result is a carefully balanced composition where high-quality, self-supporting brick façades elevate both the historic structure and the newly built elements. The Pressworks stands as a model for heritage-led regeneration, demonstrating how thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and technical innovation in brickwork can come together to create a sustainable and timeless contribution to Birmingham’s architectural landscape.
