Panagram, Goswell Road

Utilising 3D design and high-performance glazing, the new atrium marries high technology and neoclassicalisms in a ground-breaking and visually stunning design. In order to ensure some privacy in one of the busiest areas of town, Cantifix worked closely with the architect on an ethereal solution of upmost elegance.

Located in the centre of London, our challenge was to help create a bright oasis of modern design, something that can sometimes be difficult when other sky-scraping structures overshadow buildings. Because Panagram has a north-east aspect, the natural light available is far lower than a building facing south-west, so this needed to be harnessed effectively to achieve the overall objective.

Whereas other, more rural projects allow for an abundance of time and space to transport glazing and maneuver it into position, Panagram is located in our nation’s busy capital, making the installation of pieces of glass that weigh as much as 284kg very difficult.

As well as its central location, the building is also an excellent example of postmodern architecture, an eclectic style that deployed colour and vibrancy to defy the uniformity of the modernist movement. Whereas some people were calling for the demolition of the original structure and the creation of an entirely new one, our client wanted to retain its form, emphasising its quirky characteristics – of which there are many!

Having decided this would be a bright, modern reimagination of an architecturally significant structure, the need for high-quality, robust glazing was clear. We were happy to help, proposing that frameless glazing be deployed wherever possible to minimise obstructions to the natural light which bounced off the white reflective surfaces for maximum effect.

When you walk into Panagram, you will pass through large Pureglaze™ entrance doors that are integrated into the building for a frameless look and be met by a mixture of Schuco facade systems (FW50 and FW50+). Alongside the clarity offered by these glazing products, we also deployed some opaque glass punctuated by huge feature handles to add character and privacy to the design.

The average person spends approximately one-third of their entire life at work. That’s a long time, so we needed to help to get this office redesign right. Our client wanted a bright, modern office space that complemented the building’s original features. The project won the 2022 FX Award for Best Large Workplace, was shortlisted for the 2021 Mixology Awards, and architects Buckley Gray Yeoman won Building Design’s Architect of the Year Award in 2021, so we would say that the results speak for themselves.

Photography by George Sharman.