THE RIVER BUILDING
STIFF + TREVILLION
The River Building is a two-storey structure
bridging the landmark towers of Cannon
Street Station. Originally constructed as
part of Cannon Bridge House the vast
floor plates were designed to house
the London International Financial Futures and
Options Exchange (LIFFE). This presented
challenges for the design team, deep floor
plates created dark offices and the bridge
structure over a busy railway station set
limitations on what was possible.
Stiff+Trevillion were commissioned to lead the
design to re-imagine these floors as new Grade
A workspace, independent of Cannon Bridge
house with its own distinct identity. Embracing
the unique character and constraints of the
original structure the design repositioned the
building to fit a newly emerging tenant profile,
ensuring wellness, economic, legislative
and technological priorities were met whilst
ensuring high standards for sustainability.
Upgrading the on-floor MEP systems and
reconfiguring services distribution within
the space meant the architects design team
achieved bright, fresh and unusual office
accommodation with improved floor to ceiling
heights, levels of natural light and increased
occupational densities. The engineering teams
worked hard to retain rather than replace MEP
60 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
systems where they could, reducing waste,
cost and time whilst contributing to much
improved comfort, energy efficiency and
commercial return.
Adhering strictly to the London View
Management Framework, new south façade
glazing and atrium roof lights were installed to
improve energy performance, natural lighting
levels, interior ambience and the building’s
appearance.