A W A R D SSDA 2018
NSC
October 18
transfer structures to create unique spaces.
The most significant of these occurs above
level eight in the south building and involves
a storey deep truss within the level nine plant
floor spanning up to 26m between columns.
This allows the suspension of level eight
and the removal of four main internal
columns to create a two-storey high
communal space with spectacular views of St
Paul’s Cathedral.
The north building has a feature ramp,
which provides access between floors from
level two to level eight. The steel ramp
structure is 1.5m wide and spans 30m
between floors. The elliptical oculus within
the floorplates through which the ramp
passes also rotates 120 degrees at each floor
level following the route of the ramp.
The main reception carves a column-free
space under the ramp between ground and
level two, introducing a three-dimensional
structural vortex form that spans, displays,
announces and integrates architecture and
structure for a spectacular experience before
revealing the ramp as a structural force
majeure.
According to the project team, the
benefits of using steel construction for
Bloomberg London included providing long
span uninterrupted floorplates and small
structural zones relative to the span, with
fully integrated services within the structural
depth.
Complex transfer structures could
FACT FILE
Architect: Foster + Partners
Structural engineer: AKT II
Steelwork contractor: William Hare
Main contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
Client: Bloomberg
be incorporated within the building,
saving space when compared with other
materials. The project showcased skill and
workmanship through the creativity of the
devised structural solutions that achieved
the architectural design intent within this
modern office environment.
Decking was supplied by Richard Lees
Decking (a William Hare subsidiary) and
installed using Prodeck. The majority of
steelwork was fire protected using FX2003,
however the roof trusses on the north
building used epoxy intumescent paint with
the remainder of the roof frame being glass
flake.
Summing up, the judges say the elegant
exterior of this major building, a polite
addition to the City, conceals a fabulous
interior supported by a highly innovative
design in steel. The unique triangular column
grid and roof transfer system create the large
open spaces required by the client, whilst the
vortex transfer structure and atrium ramp
produce effective yet stimulating circulation
routes. The attention to detail throughout
the project sets the highest standard for
commercial office accommodation.
15
/Construction
/Service_integration
/Steel_construction_products#Decking_for_floors
/Fire_protecting_structural_steelwork
/Trusses
/Fire_protecting_structural_steelwork#Intumescent_Coatings
/Design
/Steel-supported_glazed_facades_and_roofs#Atrium_Roofs_and_Sky_lights