130 Old Street

Transforming a Commercial Landmark

130 Old Street is a major commercial extension and retrofit project located in the heart of London’s bustling Old Street district. Tasked with revitalising an existing concrete-encased structure, the project involved significant structural alterations, including a six-storey steel extension, full façade recladding, and the creation of additional high-specification office space.

The development aimed to modernise the building’s functionality while integrating sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, making it a people-centric workspace with state-of-the-art amenities and rooftop terraces.

As the project progressed, Forcia encountered significant challenges in sourcing a rooflight that met the architect’s ambitious specifications. The required unit was exceptionally large, measuring 1280mm wide by 6450mm long, and needed to be automatically hinged while ensuring a completely clear opening to avoid obstructing travel distances in the staircase below. Additionally, it had to function as a secondary means of escape while maintaining high thermal efficiency and compliance.

Given the size and complexity of the requirement, Forcia struggled to find a supplier that could meet both the structural and regulatory demands of the project. After reaching out to EOS, it became clear that a bespoke solution could be designed to meet the exacting standards.

To address the project’s unique requirements, EOS engineered and supplied a thermally broken, double-door roof access hatch designed for seamless integration into the building. The hatch was designed with a 24V DC actuator for automatic operation, ensuring effortless opening and compliance with escape access regulations. Due to its significant size, the hatch was divided into two equal sections of 3225mm by 1280mm, allowing for better weight distribution while maintaining a clean and unobtrusive design.

The access hatch featured a 50mm Polyisocyanurate insulation core within both the lid and upstand, achieving a U-value of 0.43 W/m²K, significantly improving the building’s thermal performance. The 300mm high insulated upstand was fitted with an aluminium curb liner, making it ideal for compatibility with the building’s hot-applied weatherproofing system. The unit was finished in D2525 Bronze PPC, providing a high-end aesthetic that complemented the newly refurbished façade.

Due to the size and weight of the unit, EOS coordinated with Forcia to have the access hatch craned onto the roof for installation. Precision planning was essential to ensure a smooth and safe lifting process, minimising disruption to site operations. EOS also carried out the full installation, ensuring that the hatch was fitted to exact specifications and fully integrated with the control panel, which allowed it to be connected to the building’s fire alarm system.

The installation of the EOS roof access hatch provided Forcia with a solution that met all structural, regulatory, and architectural requirements. The automated opening function ensured that the unit could serve as a fully compliant means of escape, while its thermally broken construction delivered excellent energy efficiency. The powder-coated aluminium finish provided a sleek and modern aesthetic, seamlessly blending with the upgraded façade.

The size and complexity of the rooflight required careful logistical planning, and EOS’s ability to manage the process from design to installation was a key factor in the project’s success. By craning the unit into position and overseeing its installation, EOS ensured that the system was fully operational and ready for use with minimal disruption to the wider construction programme.

The 130 Old Street project is a testament to EOS’s expertise in delivering high-performance, custom-engineered roof glazing solutions for complex commercial developments. By managing the design, transportation, craning, and installation, EOS played a crucial role in overcoming technical challenges and ensuring the successful transformation of this landmark office space.

For more information on our bespoke access hatch, contact us today: