engineering.
Oops! Looks like your browser is out of date. Is this page displaying correctly? If not, try upgrading your browser or use a different one.

The Angel Building.

Velveteen concrete envelops the vast foyer of the Angel Building, the soft grey finish complementing an elegant interior design. An array of impressive features delivered multiple awards for this rejuvenated commercial block in London’s vibrant Islington.

Multi-award-winning commercial building in London with smooth concrete finish

Location
London, UK
Client
Derwent London
Architect
AHMM, Veretec
Project Value
£ 70 million
Floor Area
24,000 m²
Status
completed 2010
Expertise
Structures

Architect AHMM’s objective was to sustainably reinvent the 1980s structure, delivering an efficient, state-of-the-art commercial workspace. The existing building provided considerable potential for extension: our design pushed the sides of the building out to meet the site boundaries and made skilful use of a wasted central courtyard.

Initial calculations demonstrated that the existing foundations had been designed to take a much more substantial load than that imposed. Capitalising on this, we introduced new piles and ground beams only where necessary. We analysed the structure and increased support in weaker areas as well as below the extensions where cantilevering was not possible. Existing tree roots were potentially obstructive, so pile diameters were minimised to allow flexibility. The route of a future sewer also cuts through the site, so liaison with the utility company was crucial in creating a functional design within tight constraints.

We used steel frames for the additional elements, chosen for speed of construction and its minimal load implications. Due to the risk of differential deflection, connection details were carefully reviewed, with innovative bonded fibre strips introduced where strengthening was required and existing movement joints following through into the new structure.

Providing a column-free foyer also required complex analysis. Storey-high Vierendeel trusses span 10 m across the open-plan area, supported on encased steel columns. The atrium rises six floors through the core of the building, capped by 1.8 m cruciform concrete supports and a luminiferous ETFE cushion roof. A new energy efficient glazed façade wraps around the building, replacing dated mirrored glass, and rooftop plant was moved to the basement, offering stunning views to staff and visitors.

Awards.

2015 BCO ‘Test of Time’ Award

2012 AIA London/UK Excellence in Design Awards – Commendation

2012 CIBSE Building Performance Award

2011 RIBA Stirling Prize – Shortlisted

2011 RIBA Award

2011 BCO National Award – Best Recycled Workplace

2011 BCO Regional Award – Best Recycled Workplace

2011 Concrete Society Awards – Rejuvenation Award

2011 Concrete Society Awards – Certifi cate of Excellence

2011 AJ Retrofit Award

2011 Civic Trust Awards – Commendation

2011 New London Award

2011 BCI Award – Judges’ Special Award

2011 Building Award – Project of the Year – Shortlisted

2011 Islington Society Award

2011 Regeneration & Renewal Awards – Design Excellence Award

Four
 
Pancras
Square.
Chobham
Academy.
 
 
Rathbone
 
Square.
 
240
Blackfriars.
 
 
White
Collar
 
Factory.