Keyfix NCCTs help The Arc development remain ahead of the curve

Seven storeys of the new development would comprise 150,000 sq. ft. of office space, with the upper 15 storeys home to 100 residential properties. In addition, the seventh floor would host a roof terrace, lounge, and other amenities, while the ground floor would also see a myriad of shops and commercial facilities alongside an independent restaurant.

With Ghelamco Homes aware of the need to meet ever-tightening regulations and standards, Keyfix was appointed to provide its NCCTs to ensure full compliance with Approved Document B while also supporting the project’s extensive design ambitions.

This was especially important with the building’s vertically expressed brick piers and horizontal concrete bands demanding a cavity solution that could integrate cleanly with the complex façade details while also maintaining A1 fire performance.

With the project featuring a challenging brickwork design that required precise coordination, innovative detailing, and custom manufactured components, a key technical hurdle needed to be overcome. Indeed, Keyfix was required to develop a cavity solution that could interface effectively between the steel frame system and slab soffits across floors eight to 17 – all while maintaining full fire compliance.

Consequently, Keyfix supplied 3,000m of NCCT, including 864 Pre-Formed Corners and 8,572 Stainless Steel Weeps, delivering robust and trusted passive fire protection without needing to rely on sealants, mastics, or tapes. This provided seamless drainage and cavity continuity while supporting the intricate façade layout and installation programme.

In addition, the façade incorporated 42-faced GeoBricks, laid in a non-standard, irregular bond, which required exact alignment with surrounding traditional brickwork. Keyfix’s precision-engineered cavity trays accommodated this complexity without compromising constructability or fire safety.

To complement Keyfix’s NCCT system, sister company, IG Masonry Support, designed and supplied structural support solutions that were tailored to the building’s geometry. This included two-course-high B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System) units, custom-built to suit complex pier profiles with limited fixing zones.

Where piers created space constraints, Welded Masonry Support (WMS) systems were engineered to follow specific profiles using a single bracket per side. Folded Angle Masonry Support (FAM) systems were also used to wrap lower front piers for structural continuity.

IG further supplied custom Windposts, Frame Cramps and Wall Ties, all adapted to accommodate non-standard brick sizes and avoid structural clashes.

Meeting all demanding aesthetic, structural and fire performance requirements while streamlining installation and maintaining quality across the build, Keyfix and IG Masonry Support delivered a fully integrated façade solution.

For more information about the Keyfix range of non-combustible solutions download the brochure.