Massey Hall

Massey Hall closed in 2018 for a three-year renovation aimed at restoring its historic character while introducing modern facilities. Following the successful completion of the Little Italy project in collaboration with KPMB Architects, the firm specified IG Masonry Support products to achieve a brick slip soffit solution for a large opening at the venue’s rear delivery entrance.

Clifford Restoration Ltd was awarded the masonry package and worked with IG Masonry Support to bring the architectural vision to life.

The primary challenge of the project was that the brick slip solution had to be removable to allow for servicing of the mechanics associated with the roller shutter door at the building’s rear delivery entrance. A further challenge requiring careful design and consideration was determining the correct bond pattern to seamlessly blend with the concert venue’s surrounding brickwork, along with the tight working conditions that left little room to maneuver during installation.

IG Masonry Support supplied its prefabricated Brick Slip Lintel solution for the 2951mm opening at the building’s rear delivery entrance.

To accommodate the requirement for servicing the roller shutter door mechanisms, IG Masonry Support designed two solutions to work in tandem. A three-brick-deep Brick Slip Lintel was designed to sit above the front of the roller shutter door, and a one-brick-deep lintel solution for the rear. This precision proved critical in overcoming additional constraints caused by the roller shutter door guide rails, which restricted both soffit depths and brick soffit return depths.

Careful calculation of lintel height and width allowed the units to be efficiently installed within the tight working area. The innovative internal lintel design enabled the long span to be achieved despite the spatial constraints, as well as the deep brick soffit detail required. Final pointing of the brickwork once installed ensured a seamless blend with the surrounding brickwork.

Prefabricated off-site and delivered ready for installation, IG Masonry Support’s brick slip solution enabled a time and cost-efficient installation that met all structural and aesthetic requirements. Supported by IG’s technical guidance throughout the project, the renovation of one of Canada’s – and the world’s – most celebrated performance venues was completed successfully, ensuring its heritage and purpose are preserved for generations to come.