Today the JWA design team for The Stanley Building attended the Topping Out Ceremony for The Stanley Building. Located in the development at King’s Cross, this project is a 30,000 sq. ft. combined office and retail fit-out for The Office Group Limited.
The term Topping Out refers to the overall completion of a building’s structure. A topping out ceremony is normally held to commemorate this significant moment in the creation of a new building. This event was attended by the Developer, Argent, and JWA’s client and Stanley Building’s lessee, The Office Group. During the ceremony a Yew tree was craned into position on the top of the building. A sprig of a Yew has been used by builders for centuries as a tradition to ward off evil spirits.
Joanna Black architect at JWA comments, ‘Whilst The Stanley Building is the smallest office building at the King’s Cross site, it is one of the most significant since it has been created with and for the client.’ This ceremony was an exciting time for the design team; standing atop the threshold building in the King’s Cross development on a clear Winter day the team had fabulous views of London’s cityscape.
The development at King’s Cross is a joint venture between developers Argent, London & Continental Railways and DHL. By 2016 most of the 67 acres will be developed making the region one of London’s most exciting regeneration projects. It will house five new office buildings, new homes, student housing and the refurbishment of the Great Northern Hotel as well as the University of the Arts London, Granary Square, King’s Bridge and King’s Boulevard, the latter of which are open now.
