The Baltic Exchange site is located in the City of London, directly next to the Gherkin by Sir Norman Foster and lies within the “Eastern Cluster” that is a distinctive element in the city’s skyline. The building, originally designed by Sir Edwin Cooper in 1922, was almost fully destroyed in the Provisional Irish Republican Army bomb attack in 1992. As a result of a later reconstruction, its original design has been lost and the current design goal is to re-connect the building architecture with the design intent of its original architect and achieving BREEAM Outstanding workspace for net zero carbon future.

This Grade II Listed Building has a decorative Portland Stone façade, facing St Mary Axe designed by Sir Edwin Cooper. Unfortunately, the elevation from the Bury Court side is much less ornate as was originally concealed by buildings that have now been removed. Now being fully exposed it became the more significant façade. The proposal aims to re-imagine the possible approach of the original architect when designing the building in the new context of the Gherkin. The roof was re-designed, introducing new project of dormers and emphasizing the symmetry of the building by creating a new glazed “notch” between the Bury Court and St Mary Axe elevations. It provides a daylight even in the darkest parts of the building. In additional, the mechanical and telecoms equipment on the roof was replaced with a new open terrace. Moreover, the “notch” has been enriched with a balcony on each floor. These design decisions were introduced with the benefit for the user’s well-being, allowing them to breathe fresh air and connect with provided nature during work without having to leave the building.