Bank Of China - One Lothbury
Bank Of China - One Lothbury
The architecture of the Bank of England set the tone for Victor Heal when he designed One Lothbury in the late 1950s, now an integral part of the City's Bank Conservation Area. The building facing Tivoli Corner was originally commissioned and occupied by the Bank of England. After purchasing the site, Barclays and Welbeck Land looked to maximise the building's potential, with high-quality offices that were worthy of its location. Detailed in the neo-classical manner and clad in Portland stone with bronze fittings, it replicated the language of a major pre-war banking institution. However, the utilitarian interior spaces, a banking hall with a maze of small offices, could not be adapted to the needs of present-day occupiers.
Following consultations with the Corporation of London, it was agreed to retain, restore and in places extend the existing stone façades to Lothbury, Princes Street and Old Jewry and to construct a new internal structure, with floor heights and depths to modern standards. Modifications to the rear were negotiated and agreed, to satisfy restrictions imposed by neighbouring properties. High-performance windows replace the single-glazed steel frames; these are recessed to increase the articulation of openings on the exterior and to give the impression of greater mass.
Following consultations with the Corporation of London, it was agreed to retain, restore and in places extend the existing stone façades to Lothbury, Princes Street and Old Jewry and to construct a new internal structure, with floor heights and depths to modern standards. Modifications to the rear were negotiated and agreed, to satisfy restrictions imposed by neighbouring properties. High-performance windows replace the single-glazed steel frames; these are recessed to increase the articulation of openings on the exterior and to give the impression of greater mass.
Above the principal cornice, an existing floor is replaced and a further glazed storey added, set a short distance back from the building line, to appear as a contemporary rooftop pavilion. This glazing is replicated in the new full-height rear elevation that overlooks Meeting House Yard, reinstated as part of the City's network of pedestrian courtyards and alleyways. The original fittings at ground level are retained, and a new reception completes the street frontage, with materials that achieve the transition from old to new.
Click to view an animated video flyover of Fletcher Priest's city projects.
press:
Building April 2010; Estates Gazette May 2007; Estates Gazette May 2005;
Click to view an animated video flyover of Fletcher Priest's city projects.
press:
Building April 2010; Estates Gazette May 2007; Estates Gazette May 2005;