02 Nov The Acre
The Acre, formerly known as 90 Long Acre
PAD Contracts are currently engaged by Lendlease to design, manufacture and install a range of architectural metalwork solutions for the phased reinstatement of 90 Long Acre, a landmark office building in London’s Covent Garden. The development is now known as The Acre.
This is an ongoing project that is still in its early stages. PAD Contracts have designed the architectural metalwork and submitted samples. It is expected that we will be on site several times before the project is completed.
The original 90 Long Acre was a brutalist building, built in the 1970s and designed by renowned architect, Richard Siefert. Brutalism is a design style that focuses on materials, textures and construction, typically displaying steel and brick structure, rough surfaces, iconic shapes and a sense of mass and scale.
Designers Gensler understood the potential of the existing building so wanted to retain as much of its original structure as possible, thereby maintaining its brutalist heritage.
Choosing a refurbishment over a new build will reduce the embodied carbon to half that of an equivalent new building. Sustainability is a significant factor in the overall scheme, incorporating elements such as extensive greenery and blue roofs for rainwater harvesting. The alterations are designed to enable the building to operate on net zero carbon emissions.
The structural alterations of 90 Long Acre include replacing the current building’s corner block with a taller structure. Two gaps will be filled by two 10-storey blocks, and two extra storeys will be added to another block.
Once completed, the new building will once again provide office accommodation, along with seven new retail units at street level.
PAD Contracts scope of works on The Acre
PAD Contracts are experts in architectural metalwork solutions. We design, fabricate, install and manage architectural metalwork for the construction industry. Main contractors, designers, architects and end clients value our expertise and problem solving skills on high-end, new build and refurbishment projects. We have been involved in many high profile construction developments across London and the South East, and were delighted to be commissioned on The Acre project.
Early engagement has allowed us to submit early designs with samples. This means we are ready ahead of time, enabling us to deliver when needed in a controlled and timely way.
Our architectural metalwork package will include the following elements:
Roof walkway structure
The architectural metalwork roof walkway structure, incorporating services, will provide access to and from the walkways. The structures will also incorporate the support steelwork for the louvre screens around the plant.
Roof balustrades
The building design includes spectacular roof terraces that offer stunning views of the city. The PAD Contracts’ robust roof balustrades will offer full visibility while adhering to the highest safety standards.
Automated loading bay gates
We will combine architectural metalwork with mechanical engineering to produce our bespoke designed automated loading bay gates.
Cycle entrance
With a focus on supporting an active lifestyle and green travel, the building design includes cycle spaces and a pedestrian route through the building. We have designed, and will manufacture and install, an architectural metalwork cycle entrance stair that leads to the cycle parking bays.
Handrails
Throughout the development we will install new stainless steel and brass handrails.
Stair extension
We have designed an extension of the existing staircase to the new floor levels.
Other architectural metalwork elements to be supplied by PAD Contracts
Other elements of our work on this project include:
- Various cycle racks
- Corner protection
- PV panel supports
- Ramps
- Ladders
- Stairs
- Miscellaneous metalwork items
Choose PAD Contracts for your next architectural metalwork project
If you would like to discuss your upcoming project, contact PAD Contracts for more information.