Steel framed offices revitalise London’s Oxford Street

Designed by Orms Architects, a new 10-storey steel framed office block is contributing to a much-needed boost for London’s Oxford Street.

Replacing a smaller 1960s-built scheme, The Ribbon will create 40% more floorspace, with retail outlets occupying the lower levels and the upper floors accommodating modern offices.

Working on behalf of main client CBRE and contractor Wates, Billington Structures has fabricated, supplied and erected 1,000 tonnes of steelwork for the scheme.

“Given the prominent location, a steel frame was selected to maximise construction efficiency in a constrained site. As a lighter weight structural option, it required fewer foundations and piling,” says Orms Architects Project Associate, Oli Cowan.

Founded on a concrete basement substructure, the steel frame starts at ground floor and wraps around the core. The steel design incorporates a grid pattern consisting of perimeter columns set at 6.5m centres and internal spans of 12m. This pattern creates the desired open-plan office floorplates, with just a single row of internal columns.

Fabricated cellular beams that accommodate the building’s services within their depth are used throughout the project. The beams, along with the columns, will all be left exposed within the completed scheme, creating the desired modern and industrial-looking office environment.

The project is due to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.