End client: Telex Sarl
Architect: HKR Architects
Principal contractor: Skanska
Structural engineer: Ramboll
Steelwork contractor: Severfield (UK) Ltd
Product: Celsius® 355 Circular Hollow Section

Moorgate Exchange is a 12-storey office building constructed on the site of the City of London’s old telephone exchange.

The challenge

Maximisation of internal space was a key consideration during the development and posed an interesting challenge for structural engineers Ramboll. To realise the architect’s vision it was vital that perimeter columns did not detract from the sleek glass façade when viewed from the outside and had a smooth, unobtrusive finish when viewed internally.

Efficient use of steel material and ease of construction were also key considerations.

The solution

Close collaboration between Ramboll, steelwork contractor Severfield (UK) Ltd and Tata Steel delivered a cutting edge solution for the columns.

The design, utilising hot-finished Celsius® 355 CHS filled with reinforced concrete, enabled columns to be reduced in size, freeing up more space within the building. It also removed the need for intumescent coating and column encasement, allowing for a smooth finish to the columns, in keeping with the building’s high-spec interior.

Stubs welded to the sections enabled fast and efficient connection of the columns on site.