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Excellence renewed in central London office space

Located in the heart of central London, adjacent to the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, 25 Cannon Street recently underwent a significant transformation to become a symbol of contemporary workspace excellence. Spanning 116,000 square feet, the building now offers high-quality office and retail space, three levels of communal terraces and a newly created public garden.

25 CS

Architect: Buckley Gray Yeoman
Main Contractor: BAM Construction Ltd
Specialist contractor: Dane Architectural
Photo credits: Dirk Lindner / Dane Architectural
Products: FWS 60 curtain wall, A545 bronze (capped, standard capped, bespoke capped), ADS 75.HI doors

First developed in 2000, the building underwent a full refurbishment to meet and exceed the evolving needs of the modern workforce. The refurbishment of this six-storey neo-classical building aimed to address key challenges, including insufficient natural light within the office floorspace and a lack of external amenity space.

The buildings situation in close proximity to several historically significant and listed buildings demanded a tactful approach to the remodelling process. The use of Schüco systems played a pivotal role in the project's success; the re-glazed façade not only improves energy performance but also provides enhanced views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Externally, new terraces at levels four and five, complete with glass balustrades, offer external break-out spaces, while a roof terrace provides flexible space for daily use or events with the Cathedral as a stunning backdrop.

Created with the utmost consideration for its occupiers, this modern workspace is more than just its physical location; it’s an environment that prioritises well-being and fosters productivity. A challenge of the existing building was the limited natural light that entered the workspaces, largely due to dated features such as porthole-shaped windows and small windows surrounded by architectural detailing. Simplifying the building’s embellishment, in conjunction with improved floor-to-ceiling heights, allowed more space for windows. By incorporating Schüco glazing and door systems, the new design welcomes an influx of natural light, resulting in an inviting, light-filled space that has significantly enhanced the working environment.

25 Cannon Street, Excellence Awards 2023 nominee
25 Cannon Street, Excellence Awards 2023 nominee 
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25 Cannon Street is designed to operate on renewable energy, seeking to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating. The new double-glazed insulated units vastly enhance the building’s energy efficiency, whilst offering a contemporary yet contextual finish to the building, part of a wider approach to rationalise the building’s outdated neoclassical features. 

The project has achieved recognition, winning the Commercial and Mixed-Use Development award in the 2023 Schüco Excellence Awards. The category celebrates Schüco façade designs and systems which elevate the development’s architectural and civic intent.

Innes Johnston, a judge at the 2023 awards stated that the project “was a really good example of an improvement to the environment inside an existing building, where daylight and internal comfort were improved through sympathetic changes using various Schüco products to change the façade.”

The newly refurbished 25 Cannon Street is a welcome addition to the Square Mile’s top-quality office, retail and leisure offering. This refurbished building successfully hosts an environment where employees can thrive.