The concrete sections hide the services and elevators and have
defined, sharp edges whereas the ceramic bands are curved and
more fluid and clad the office floorplates. The vertical banding
serves to minimise heat gain and draw in more sunlight to the
occupied areas.
The two buildings share the same striking appearance, with
contrasting sections of vertical rectilinear bands of glass-reinforced
concrete (GRC), and dark blue ceramic ribs that form a vertically
elongated grid. The materials were inspired by the Kentish ragstone
found in the Roman wall, with the GRC echoing the smooth, matt
appearance of the stone’s chalky exterior, and the iridescent blue
ceramic reminiscent of the stone’s glossy interior. The verticality is a
foil to the horizontal form of the neighbouring Barbican.