22 Hanover Square

Are these the longest, thinnest bricks in the UK? We think so…

We were contacted by RSH+P to solve a unique problem. How to manufacture a clay brick at 1.4m x 50mm that can be suspended within a Vierendeel structural frame! Working in partnership with San Anselmo, their UK agent MCP, and façade specialists Metallbau Früh, a solution was found. Metal rods were inserted into the bricks to provide structural integrity as they were suspended in the frame, this, along with a unique fixing bracket enabled RSH+P to achieve a unique, beautiful and structural façade which support a contemporary architectural expression of wide internal spans and a grand townscape façade. The structure embodies the client’s desire for flexible floorplates, but it is also a townscape response to the façade scale and rhythm of the historic urban grain and the neighbouring Georgian buildings.

The new scheme provides up to 80 residential units for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair; 50-room hotel, a new public restaurant and glazed courtyard, bar and lounge, gym, and spa with pool for the Mandarin Oriental hotel.