To meet strict Building Regulations governing its change of use, from a former carpet warehouse to a modern city academy, the Grade II listed 'Piano Building' in Kidderminster required 1,500 linear metres of stainless steel HeliBar from Helifix to reinforce and secure brick panels on all elevations.

Built in 1867 for Brinton's Carpets, the warehouse gained its nickname because it resembles the shape of a grand piano when viewed from above. As part of the refurbishment the impressive brick façade required extensive structural stabilisation between the windows. Helifix's rapidly installed and cost-effective masonry repair strategies, with their concealed installation techniques, were specified by structural engineers SLP Consultants.

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The contract to undertake the work was won in open tender by Eden Group of Birmingham, an Approved Installer of Helifix's proven repair and reinforcement systems. Eden channelled-out every other mortar joint before bonding 7m long x 8mm diameter Helifix HeliBars into the cut slots with HeliBond cementitious grout. The HeliBars were overlapped by 500mm to ensure continuous reinforcement within the brick panels.

The fully concealed Helifix system provides non-disruptive masonry reinforcement while still being flexible enough to accommodate normal building movement, leaving a fully restored façade with no visible disturbance.

www.helifix.co.uk