Addressing the historic skyline
Located above Bank station the development of the design had to adhere to the rigid structural grid and load limitations imposed by the station box. Column and material choices were also limited by this. Our design had to deliver a high quality, attractive new roof form which responded sympathetically to the award-winning design of the consented building below.
The site’s location in the Bank Conservation Area required a roof extension that could unify and define the grain of the city’s skyline, add positively to the vista from surrounding viewing platforms and recognise itself as a subordinate element to the historic, heritage spire of the nearby St Mary Abchurch and the viewing corridor from St Paul’s.
Creating a unified scheme
We progressed the design development through a series of collaborative meetings with the City of London and consultation with City of London Councillors. This approach ensured the design concept and evolution respected its context and surroundings, drawing together the consented scheme and additional floor into a unified and cohesive building form.
To address the challenges of the station box we adopted a grid solution to provide flexibility in transferring loads and also served to enhance and define the built form.
The design of the additional storey responds to the surrounding development and key views from the adjacent streets and landmarks while maximising the site’s potential. This additional storey is set back to align with the constraints of the viewing corridor which cuts across the site.
The façade for the sixth and seventh floor respond to the consented scheme below, with a material palette that is respectful to both the character of the existing scheme and the surrounding context using lightweight Glass Reinforced Concrete.
Sustainable Design
The introduction of the new terrace at the seventh floor provides an inviting and engaging outdoor space for the building occupants, with new green spaces softening the experience of the urban environment and providing a biodiverse opportunity for fauna and flora. The 665sqm of terraces have been designed to offer well-being and external space for the future tenants whilst also contributing to the scheme’s bio-diversity.
Rainwater harvesting and recycling is collected and treated for use in WC flushing throughout the building. Surface water is designed to avoid, reduce and delay the discharge of rainfall run off through the introduction of Sustainable Drainage Systems including the green roofs and a rainwater attenuation tank.
The overall sustainability performance of the building will be demonstrated through the achievement of an Excellent BREEAM rating.