48 Leicester Square

West End, London

Project Data

BUILDING CONTRACTOR

Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd.

ARCHITECT

Make Architects, London

PROJECT PERIOD

2015 – 2016

FACADE AREA

7,300 m²

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION

New windows in historic existing façade, curved mansard roof with double glazing and opaque elements, unitised aluminium façade, stone cladding.

Only the historical façade made out of Portland limestone was preserved in this massive refurbishment project in the middle of London’s West End. Schneider installed new window and façade elements and was responsible for the design, production and assembly of the filigree mansard roof.

Popular location for film premieres. There are three large cinemas at Leicester Square and some 240,000 people stroll through the pedestrian zone every day. The careful remodelling and regeneration of this London landmark, that was built in 1923 was in itself a real challenge. However, it was definitely worth the effort: a modern office building with shops and catering facilities on the lowest three floors extends over 11 storeys behind historic limestone facades, which in spite of all the comforts it offers retains the charm of former times.

An homage to the mansard roof. The state-of-the-art windows were harmoniously integrated within the existing facade with its playful stucco elements thanks to a restrained bronze anodised aluminium curtain wall. Make Architects and the Schneider team delivered their masterpiece in the form of the elegant glass-aluminium roof. Despite being based on the traditional London mansard roofs, the design seems anything but old fashioned. It runs polygonally over three floors, the distinctive pilaster strips are curved. Due to the fact the building’s floor plan is not rectangular, the corner constructions were assembled in the factory in order to make necessary adjustments before they were delivered prefabricated to the building site.