Foster + Partners just informed us that the new Willis headquarters at Lime Street in London is complete. As usual, the firm lead by Sir Norman Foster developed a urban piece that integrates with the city at street level and features environmental strategies to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint.
This two buildings are developed as a series of overlapping curved shells while its section is arranged in three steps. The roof terraces overlooking the plaza on the lower two steps are directly accessible from the office spaces. Both buildings have a central core to provide open floor plates and maximum flexibility in use.
The entire development is visually unified by its highly reflective façade. The pressed form of the panels and their mica finish give them depth and texture. A dynamic effect is established through the interplay of solid and glazed panels arranged in a saw-tooth pattern, the fins also increase insulation while reducing glare and solar gain.
Together with the highly efficient services equipment and systems in the building, the façade design is integral to the energy strategy, which is rated BREEAM Excellent. What surprised me is the parking capacity: 42 Cars, 88 motorcycles, 264 bicycles
According to Sir Norman Foster this building has come out of a very different design process, yet continues the practice’s commitment to developing humane, flexible and dynamic workplaces that are both informed by, and woven into, the urban fabric. Foster has some very interesting approaches when it comes to sustainable design and urban spaces. I recommend checking his presentation at DLD we posted last week.
And now, some pictures and facts.
Client: The British Land Co plc, Stanhope plc Tenant: Willis Architect: Foster + Partners Location: 51 Lime Street, London Site Area: 31,752m² Area (gross): 67,649m² Area (net): 50,107m² Typical Floor Area: 1,870m²
Height: 124.7m above ground to top level Storeys: Ground plus 23 levels of accommodation plus 5 floors of roof top plant. Landscaped terraces on level 16 and 23
Height: 43.8m above ground Storeys: Ground plus 9 levels of accommodation plus 1 level of roof top plant. Landscaped terrace on level 9
Parking: 42 Cars, 88 motorcycles, 264 bicycles Structure: Concrete core, steel frame and metal decking
Cladding: East/West façade: Triple glazed externally ventilated North/South façade: 1/2 solid insulated aluminium clad panels, 1/2 double glazed units
Public space: 2 large pedestrianised piazzas
Structural Engineers: Whitbybird Quantity Surveyors: Davis Langdon Mott Green Wall Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: Roger Preston & Partners Landscape Consultant: Charles Funke Associates Lighting Consultant: Equation Lighting Design Construction Manager: Mace Ltd.
You can compare this building on the London skyline diagram from the Skyscraper Page.
All images Foster + Partners.
