Client’s Requirements  

As part of AXA Insurance’s expansion and rationalisation of their corporate insurance and global identity, they took a lease out on Level 20 of the landmark Gherkin building at 30 St Mary Axe, London to give them a city corporate office.

Silcock Leedham’s Contribution

Silcock Leedham was appointed as Building Services Engineering Consultants to design the fit-out and base-build.  The project involved working closely with the architects to optimise the free-cooling and natural ventilation within the building, to minimise AXA’s energy use and maintain their low carbon foot print.

The design works required close liaison with the landlord team and needed to maintain the building's unique ventilation strategy that was based on the active double skin façade and perimeter ventilation system.  In addition, detailed design was undertaken of the internal lighting to match the interior designer’s vision.

Added Value / Unique Selling Points

In addition to designing the service strategy, Silcock Leedham provided specialist dynamic thermal and solar computer modelling, fire engineering and building acoustics.

Due to the short fit-out period, a very interactive and integrated approach was necessary to ensure compliance with the Landlord’s fit out requirements.  Also, due to the unique building design, close liaison was required with the Corporation of London’s District Surveyor for fire protection and fire safety compliance.