London Metal Exchange

When London Metal Exchange decided to move to new premises the overriding factor was to keep their famous Trading Ring which had been at the centre of trading since 1881. To make use of the height available between existing concrete floors they wanted to install a mezzanine floor to create work stations below and an open plan breakout area and viewing platform overlooking the Ring. However the buildings existing suspended concrete floors had very little spare load capacity in them to take the extra level.

Bradfields provided a unique, bespoke design with support columns and spreader channels positioned specifically to enable the existing floor to carry the additional loads AND to be concealed by partitioning finishes. This included curved beams to create The Ring.

As the project moved forward Bradfields were also entrusted with the design and installation of staircases which not only accessed the Bradfields Mezzanine but also the 2 existing floor levels above. These were bespoke steel staircases with stainless steel capped frameless glass balustrades.

The project was unusual from start to finish; the design was radial rather than the usual grid layout, it had curved beams, concealed columns, and presented challenges in getting the structural design to work within the capability of the existing structure.And all installed on a site in Central London.
The project was completed within very tight timescales so much of the installation was carried out at weekends and on extended hours. Given the site location every delivery had to be managed within tight time slots.