Garrard House 31-45 Gresham Street

Architectural Metalwork by PAD Contracts features on one of the City of London’s largest refurbishment projects – the revamp of 31-45 Gresham Street

Garrard House, located at 31-45 Gresham Street, was built in 1998. Now 22 years later it has had a complete remodelling to bring up to modern office standards. Autumn 2020 saw the completion of a £50m redevelopment project managed by Mace Construction, which included substantial refurbishment works, restructuring, expansion of internal area and removing existing roof levels to extend upwards.

 

The buildings new design was created by architect WilkinsonEyre, with a focus on sustainability, improved amenities, an extensive facility for cyclists and improved building aesthetics. PAD Contracts was asked to provide a range of architectural metalwork solutions for the project, including essential elements for the cyclist access and storage facilities.

 

PAD Contracts manufactured key ‘back of house’ metalwork components for Garrard House, including a bespoke companionway ladder (also known as a ship type ladder, to provide alternative access where a vertical ladder is not suitable) to access services, custom-made metalwork step overs and stairs to allow access to back of house services and maintenance facilities.

 

“WilkinsonEyre was appointed by client Stanhope for the redevelopment of commercial offices dating from the 1990s to provide 15,500m² of Grade A office space over nine levels, introducing flexible office environments with a capacity for multi-tenanted floors. The ground level is activated with a new entry experience; other new amenities include extensive facilities for cyclists and an improved contemporary architectural appearance.” Ref: https://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/gresham-st-pauls

 

An important element of the redevelopment was the creation of secure access and storage for cyclists using the building. PAD Contracts manufactured and installed sliding access doorways at the entrance to the cycle area. Manufactured from steel and installed to both the foot and head of the cycle stairway, the doors provide secure easy access for cyclists entering and exiting the building. The cyclist entrance stairway also features balustrading by PAD Contracts, finished with brushed stainless-steel handrails.

 

PAD contracts also supplied new stair core balustrades, glass balustrades upon the entrance, cycle racks, 38 folding bike lockers, 138 single bike spaces, 11 Sheffield bike spaces, and 28 two tier bike spaces for optimised cycle storage.

 

Colin Ayres, Managing Director, PAD Contracts comments;

“This project is a fine example of how varied our work can be. We are well known for our architectural metalwork solutions such as large external staircases and balustrading because they’re often prominent features on a building and easily seen. However, we are regularly asked to manufacture bespoke ‘back of house’ metalwork items that require high quality solutions as many of these items such as open steel floors, fire escapes, factory access stairs, security screens, and step-overs are important elements in the buildings safety and use.”

 

Completed in 2020, Gresham St Paul’s was targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ building rating.

 

Exterior images by WilkinsonErye.

Project Details

Address: 31-45 Gresham Street

Main Contractor: Mace

Architect: Wilkinson Eyre

Description: Sliding gates, step-overs, stairs ,balustrades, bicycle racks and general Architectural metalworks

For more information on our architectural metalwork, fabrication and installation services, contact us today.