MOSSESSIAN & PARTNERS UNVEILS FIRST UK LANDMARK BUILDING AT MERCHANT SQUARE, PADDINGTON
mossessian & partners, celebrating its 5th anniversary this summer, is pleased to announce completion of its first UK building - No 5 Merchant Square.
The 370,000 sq ft office and retail space will form the central icon of Merchant Square, a 1.8 million sq ft mixed-use development by European Land which comprises of six riverside buildings adjoining the canal basin at Paddington, one of Europe’s biggest regeneration sites.
Arranged over 14 floors, including an executive penthouse office, the building is currently the largest project under construction in Westminster, and has been designed to integrate closely with the overall development and to contribute to the overall regeneration of this significant central London location.
Composed of three contrasting triangular elements its dynamic form presents an animated façade on all sides enlivening the canal frontage, addressing the existing office buildings to the west, and forming the Western boundary of a new public square. The building’s envelope features varied textures and patterns to emphasise lightness and improve energy efficiency, and includes a bold use of colour. With floor-plates averaging 25,000 sq ft it is an elegant yet highly technical response to the growing demand for quality office space in London’s West End.
The dramatic 15 storey public atrium – the tallest in Europe – is an art work in its own right. Covered in striking red screen printed glass frit panels it forms stunning patterns against the surrounding buildings and river without tinting incoming natural light. On entering it creates an immediate sense of light, air and openness not usually associated with office buildings. This is echoed in the high ceilings and the external terraces at the corner of every floor which offer spectacular views of the city - unique ‘communal’ areas where employees are encouraged to meet.
The aluminum framed curtain wall system breaks up the façade of the building with a lively and varied texture that offers clear views outside whilst maintaining an important sense of privacy. In keeping with the firm’s strong environmental ethic through energy efficient design the building has achieved carbon emission reductions in excess of part L requirements. The cladding also enabled mossessian & partners to reduce the use of glass in the building to 40%, contributing to its BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
No 5 Merchant Square is a revolutionary office space: a beautiful and functional building which reflects a deep appreciation of culture, environment, urbanity, technology and sustainability.
Michel Mossessian, Director, mossessian & partners, said “London is at the heart of the business world, making the demand for stimulating work and office environments fundamental. mossessian & partners is thrilled have been given the opportunity to design such a space and hope that we have made an inspiring contribution to an exciting new area.”
"No 5 Merchant Square, Paddington, is a building of statement. With it's bold triangular volumes and dramatic fifteen storey atrium it has become a landmark structure within an exciting area of regeneration in the heart of London's West End." Richard Banks, Development Director, European Land
“Mossessian’s success in town planning is due in no small part to the sense of shared ownership created from his process of thorough analysis and strong vision.”
Bob Woodman, Managing Director, DP9
“Great architecture drives financial returns, when the functionality of the internal design is as attractive as the external aesthetics. No 5 Merchant Square achieves this.”
John Forrester, Director, DTZ London Markets
“The Michel Mossessian methodology clarifies the design process and assists all parties to arrive at a solution that meets both cultural and commercial aims.”
Peter Murray, Curator, New London Architecture
Professional Team
Design Architect: mossessian & partners
Client: European Land
Architect of Record: Perkins & Will
Services Engineers: Norman Disney Young
Structural Engineers: WSP Cantor Seinuk
Planning Consultant: DP9
Commercial Agents DTZ
General Contractor: Laing O’Rourke
Exterior Wall Contractor: Scheldelbow