20 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7JE
Visitor Information
Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox
Built: 2008
Size: 32,000m²
Structural engineer: Waterman Group
In recent years the western end of Gresham Street has been completely redefined by new buildings. This building stands on the corner of Milk Street (many City streets are named after the produce that was historically sold around the old marketplace of Cheapside), opposite the Guildhall.
This new corporate headquarters has a distinctive burgundy colour and curves at roof level; the facade extends along Gresham Street at ground and first floor level forming the entrance lobby facade. In the words of the arhcitect, the two revolving doors are "designed to mark the transition from a bustling city street into a calm, ordered world by introducing a degree of solidity that frames the view into the entrance". Painted burgundy coloured glass panels are repeated through the building. The lobby is a dramatic double height space lined with a sculpted travertine wall, a stone floor and a monumental reception desk.
The atrium has a glass roof and full-height glazing allows much natural daylight to the space, offering views of key City landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Guildhall and 30 St Mary Axe. The building has an 'excellent' BREEAM rating.