Commercial and Mixed-Use Development Award

Lucent is a landmark mixed-use development in the heart of London’s West End, unifying 13 separate buildings behind the iconic Piccadilly Lights. Designed by Fletcher Priest Architects for developer Landsec, the project delivers more than 13,000 square metres of high-quality office, retail, restaurant, and residential accommodation, while preserving the historic façades of Piccadilly Circus and integrating them with a bold new architectural identity.

To meet the project’s complex design requirements, main contractor Wates Construction appointed specialist contractor Dane Architectural Systems to develop and deliver a bespoke window and façade solution using proprietary Schüco systems. One of the key technical challenges was creating a shadow-gap interface between the windows and precast concrete ‘donut’ surrounds. The glazed units, made from 12mm monolithic heat-strengthened glass, exceeded standard system weight limits.

 

Dane responded by utilising the Schüco FWS 50 curtain wall system, incorporating a 50mm back box mullion and transom system paired with Schüco AWS 70.HI opening vents. Additional preformed aluminium pressings were integrated into the rebate detail to accommodate 30mm of insulation and prevent condensation. A FW 80 pressure plate and cap achieved the desired visual effect, while maintaining thermal performance. The system underwent successful CWCT Sequence B testing and was deployed within a tight programme, with many of the units factory-installed into the precast surrounds. Dane also designed and delivered further curtain walling systems that bridge the development’s new massing with the retained historic fabric. The in-house design team used a combination of 2D detailing and 3D modelling to drive fabrication, including CNC programming for metalwork and flashings. This digital workflow enabled close coordination with Wates Construction throughout
procurement and installation.

Sustainability was prioritised across the scheme. Embodied carbon was monitored using formal tracking protocols, while energy performance was enhanced with actuator controlled opening vents above the winter garden, and an atrium wall that brings daylight into the heart of the building. Triple-silver solar control coatings helped achieve a g-value of 0.28 and a visible light transmission of 58 per cent.

The judges praised the project’s considered civic response, expert massing, and rigorous detailing. They were particularly impressed by the specialist contractor’s ingenuity and skill in adapting standard ‘off-the shelf’ façade components to deliver the requisite aesthetic and performance requirements.