Presentation: Little Victoria Street
Maurice Rafferty -Â Architect, TODD Architects
Stephen Regazzoli -Â Technical Sales Manager, IG Masonry Support (Keystone Group)
Little Victoria Street is a striking new student accommodation development in the heart of Belfast. The building features a five-storey podium with a slender 11-storey tower rising above, creating a prominent addition to the city skyline. Achieving the refined brickwork expression envisioned by TODD Architecture required intricate detailing, made possible through the expertise and collaboration of IG Masonry Support.
In their presentation, Stephen and Maurice will explore TODD Architecture’s initial design intent and how IG Masonry Support played a crucial role in developing a bespoke masonry support and brick soffit system strategy. They will delve into the project’s key challenges, including the use of perforated bricks on soffit systems, the execution of corbelled details using dual-level soffit systems, and the integration of varied reveal depths across all elevations.
Further discussion will cover how the team avoided pre-tensioned pockets, value-engineered solutions to meet strict budget constraints, and precisely aligned masonry support shelf angles with brickwork joints—no small feat given the scale and complexity of the project.
Presentation: Templemore Baths
Diarmuid Mullan -Â Site Manager, Heron Bros
Nick Blair - Director, Brick and Stone
Templemore Baths stands as a significant piece of Belfast’s architectural and social heritage—an enduring symbol of resilience, community spirit, and historical continuity. Originally constructed in 1891 and extended in 1929 in response to a national cholera pandemic, this Grade B+ listed building remains the only surviving example of a Victorian public baths on the island of Ireland.
This presentation will explore the ambitious restoration and expansion project led by Belfast City Council in partnership with the Templemore Users Trust and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Delivered by Heron Bros and an expert design team—including Aecom, McAdam Design, Consarc, and Tetra Tech—the project reimagined Templemore Baths for modern use while safeguarding its rich legacy.
Key themes will include the meticulous conservation approach required for a structure of this historical significance, the integration of modern facilities within a heritage setting, and the collaborative effort needed to overcome decades of neglect. The team will highlight how original features were carefully preserved, how new interventions were sensitively introduced, and how specialist skills were revived to bring the building back to life.
Presentation: Sustainability Panel
Alexis Harrison, and James Willcox delivered two compelling presentations delving into the environmental attributes of clay bricks, touching on environmental product declarations and how manufacturers are working hard to decarbonise and manage their environmental impact.Â
