Steel roof up on prestigious LSQ project

Steelwork has topped out on the LSQ London project, which also incorporates one of Europe’s largest retained façades.

Overlooking the western side of London’s famous Leicester Square, the project has required 2,000t of steel to build a new office building within the four façades of the previous Communications House.

“Our brief was to create a high-spec office building, while also retaining the look and feel of the original building which is liked and admired by so many people,” said Make Lead Architect Frank Filskow.

“The design of the new steel structure has enabled clear, open-plan floorplates, improving the office spaces within the building.”

The steel frame is structurally independent and gains its stability from two steel braced cores. It forms two basement levels and a ground floor, which will accommodate high-end retail outlets and a main entrance lobby. Above the ground floor there are seven floors of office accommodation, five of which are incorporated into the retained façade.

An elegant curved roof encloses the two uppermost floors, offering a unique twenty-first century interpretation of the traditional London mansard style.

Main contractor for LSQ London is Brookfield Multiplex, the steelwork contractor is Bourne Steel and the job is
scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2016.