One Pancras Square

The reading of the building is rooted in a clear expression of horizontal and vertical elements; the concrete floor plates protrude from the envelope of the building while cast-iron columns strengthen the rhythm and articulation of the building. In total, 396 cast-iron columns stand at regular intervals across the façades, adding character and depth to the post-and-beam construction. A large number of the columns stand proud, defining the south-facing balconies and, at ground level, a double-height open loggia on all four sides, providing a sheltered public area. The remaining columns are embedded and form part of the rain screen façade. Reminiscent of the site’s industrial past, the columns are made from recycled iron cast at a foundry in Halifax. Classicist in spirit, the columns are patterned with woven straps – a nod to Gottfried Semper’s theory that the process of weaving was essential to the evolution of man-made structures.

The ground floor accommodates two commercial units, an entrance to the Underground and a double-height lobby which spans the width of the building and is lined with Italian Grigio Carnico marble at ground level and white polished plaster above. A pair of central cores define the internal arrangement for the eight office levels, leaving the support-free open spaces of the well-lit floors to be organised by their tenants. Typically, each floor measures 655 square metres with an additional 55 square-metre balcony. Articulated as the crown of the building, the top floor enjoys an increased ceiling height and contains the required plant space at the north end.

To support its climate resilience, the building has a hybrid ventilation system which can be adjusted by individual tenants according to seasonal requirements. Active chilled beams and openable narrow hinged panels on either side of the windows, allow for both artificial and natural ventilation. A large photovoltaic array at roof level provides the building with a green source of zero carbon electricity, reducing the carbon emissions by approximately 20% of the regulated electrical use.