Rothschild Bank HQ London

Client

Rothschild Investment Bank

Project

OMA recently completed their first architectural project in London City’s Square Mile. New Court comprises a central cube of ten efficient and flexible open-plan office floors, which facilitate views over St. Stephen’s and the surrounding City. This cube is linked to four adjoining annexes, with meeting rooms, enclosed offices, vertical circulation, reception areas, and a staff cafe and gym. This in turn is overlooked by a Sky Pavilion – a small tower with three double-height storeys peering out over the city – which houses meeting and dining rooms and a multifunctional panorama room with extraordinary and unfamiliar views across the City, including St. Paul Cathedral.

Challenge

The new 21,000m² building is located in the narrow medieval alley of St Swithin’s Lane, in the heart of the City, a dense space. OMA Architects wanted to open up the building and particularly the Sky Pavilion to create an almost transparent tower where light and space could be maximised.

Solution

Switchable privacy glass was specified at design stage allowing Architects OMA to open up the Sky Pavilion and create a spacious platform maximising light and offering a panoramic view over Londons skyline. LC SmartGlass was used to create a series of switchable glass partitions separating general office space from private meeting rooms within the first and second floor of the tower. Lord Rothschild’s office is located on the top floor of the Sky Pavilion overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London. Floor to ceiling LC SmartGlass partitioning was used within this space to create a sleek, sophisticated interior whilst allowing for instant privacy on demand.

Result

Rothschild Bank is now an icon amidst the London skyline and has received praise for its unique design.

“We lifted the building so the ground becomes a manifesto about the richness of London’s history” – Architect Rem Koolhaas

Testimonials

“SmartGlass International pulled out all the stops on our project, great service, great product”
Phil Douce, Clestra Hauserman