Wembley has been identified in the Mayor's draft London Plan as a 'nationally important Opportunity Area'. Much development has been initiated around the proposed Wembley National Stadium linked to a new regenerative masterplan, but local planners were concerned that the rest of old Wembley might be overlooked and lose its identity. EPR was commissioned to design an office building for this prominent hill-top site midway between Wembley High Street and the Stadium, and worked with the planners to realise a high-impact scheme that would help forge a visual link connecting the whole Wembley area.

The 'cupped-hands' form of the building, with its two distinct blocks, came about from a split in use at ground level, where planned retail and restaurants onto Wembley High Street and offices to the rear created a divide. However, this form belies the single flexible office floorplates that are tied together with a series of 'sky lobbies' and a central lift core. The taller tower bows out then recedes dramatically above the 10th floor thus diminishing the apparent mass of the building on the street elevation. The plant is located on the top four floor levels, where reduced floorplates are less viable as office space. The form of the lower block complements the tower, having unity with it without merely functioning as a buttress. Double-height sky lobbies and balconies at the heart of this deep plan act as the building's lung, and provide an opportunity for people to meet and enjoy the greenery and spectacular views over London's skyline.

This highly sculptural landmark building was successful in fulfiling both the client's and the planners' needs. Despite its beacon-like setting amid run-down, low-rise high street shops, Chesterfield House won full planning consent within a standard 8-week period with almost no local opposition, and was warmly received by the London Mayor.
Client: Buckingham Securities