Chandlers Place is a mixed-use development comprising modern apartments and retail space, created on the site of a former sorting office in the centre of Sevenoaks, Kent.

Working on behalf of the prefabricated brickwork manufacturer Phoenix Building Products Ltd and in close collaboration with the project architects, structural engineers and developer, D Hickey Design was responsible for the design and detailing of bespoke prefabricated elements. These included semi-circular arches, segmental arches, brick slip cladding panels and a range of brick specials. The most complex aspect of the project involved two large bespoke prefabricated arches. These were essentially stainless-steel arched lintels with brick slips bonded to the exterior. Due to site restrictions, they had to be manufactured in sections, transported separately, then connected together and installed on site.

To achieve this, D Hickey Design coordinated with its specialist subcontracted chartered structural engineers and steel fabricators, while working closely with the client. This collaboration ensured the arches aligned with the architectural vision, met all structural requirements, and were compatible with the manufacturer’s processes. This project demonstrates how effective collaboration and cross-industry expertise can overcome even the most unusual design challenges. By combining knowledge, creativity and practical problem-solving, D Hickey Design was able to deliver bespoke solutions that complemented the overall development.