Exchange House was one of the first buildings to be built in the United Kingdom with a fast-track shell and core construction, although this was partly due to the fact that project has been constructed on an already existing raft that sits above a railway line rather than on the ground itself.
Key to the structural stability of the development is the seemingly decorative parabolic arch on the north and southern faces of the building. This actually helps support the project and distributes the weight of the development to the foundation piers either side of the raft above the railways and thus on to solid ground.
The precise dimensions of the arch are not only determined by structural necessity but also by those of a traditional Victorian train shed providing a deliberate reference to what is now concealed underneath Exchange House.
The load bearing exterior has the advantage, in part, of having a more open interior with two atria running through the building allowing the floors more natural light than the deep floorplates would otherwise allow.
Companies
If your company has been involved with the Design/Build, Supply or Maintenance of this building please submit your details.
