The Leadenhall Building
Designed by Richard Rogers and developed by British Land and Oxford Properties, the Leadenhall Building stands at 225 metres (737 feet) tall with 48 floors, defining London’s skyline with its striking architectural form.
Opened in July 2014, this commercial skyscraper is widely known as The Cheesegrater due to its distinctive tapered shape, angled at 10 degrees. This design choice was integral from the outset, ensuring that the building respected protected sightlines of London’s historic landmarks, particularly St Paul’s Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster. From Fleet Street, the structure appears to lean away from St Paul’s, preserving the city’s visual heritage while adding a modern icon to the skyline.
Sustainability is central to the building’s design. British Land and Oxford Properties engineered it to make efficient use of energy and resources, creating a high-performance structure that blends innovation with environmental responsibility. One of its standout features is its triple-layer glass façade, designed for optimal energy efficiency. The outer layer is separated from an inner double-glazed layer by a cavity that houses automated blinds, which adjust dynamically to the sun’s movement. This system regulates internal temperatures, keeping the building cool in summer while enhancing energy efficiency year-round.
A landmark of both engineering and design, the Leadenhall Building stands as a testament to London’s architectural ambition—where modernity meets sustainability with uncompromising precision.
