Introduction
"Aside from its memorable architecture, [the building] offers what its developers call 'an energy efficient and healthy working environment'. ... So the building promises to be pleasant to work in and cheap to run. All this, plus Rick Mather's inventive architecture ... will hopefully set standards for the next wave of large-scale lettable office blocks."
Jonathan Glancey
The Independent
This office building near Tower Bridge fills the site to its limits to reinforce the line of the surrounding street patterns and link with the scale and height of the adjacent buildings. The normal storey height is reduced by eliminating the need for ceiling voids to help give a high site density without having to resort to a tower or stand alone building. On the deep irregular shaped site a landscaped central courtyard allows the building to be narrow enough for good natural light and cross ventilation through opening windows.
The projecting triangular windows are etched on one side to direct views towards the street and not the adjacent residential building. The ground floor facades are fully glazed to give an active frontage to the street. The glass undulates on the uphill site to make space for vents from the parking below.
The building was given a BREEAM audit to asses the level of environmental considerations in its design, construction and maintenance and received the best rating of any office building in London.
Times Review
Modern a la Mode
Marcus Binney - 23 Jan 93
Blueprint
Zen at work
Hugh Pearman - Oct 91
Foundation
Special Effects
Claire Melushi - Autumn 91
Client
Gleeson Group
Location
Wapping, London, UK
Size
10800m²
Value
£12m
Completed
Nov 91