Building project shortlisted for award

Architecture and design company BuckleyGrayYeoman was commissioned to carry out the redevelopment at the Minster Building and Shropshire firm Jesmonite, based in Bishop’s Castle, was heavily involved in creating many of the new features.

The building was first opened in 1993 and its position in the City of London has made it a prime business location.

The recent renovation was designed to provide high quality commercial space with the focus on a better work/life balance.

Jesmonite is a chameleon building material that can be made to look like anything and is regularly used in the industry as a safe alternative to fibreglass and a lightweight option to cast concrete.

The new-look Minster Building has now been shortlisted for a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors award, with regional award events being held across the country ahead of the big national ceremony in London in November.

Tim Sharman, Jesmonite sales director, said: “We work very closely with our partners on many high-profile projects and the Minster Building is one of the best-known and most iconic buildings in London, located at the centre of the capital’s financial district.

“The heart of the building has an awe-inspiring eight storey atrium which showcases a vast number of internal Jesmonite AC730 fluted panels.

“Our client required a material which could replicate natural stone whilst replicating fine surface detail - the Jesmonite AC730 proved to be the perfect material solution due to its chameleon like characteristics.

“The eye-catching atrium has curved glazing, textured Jesmonite panels, bronze and marble.

“The Jesmonite material solution is shrinkage compensated with reduced free-lime content and has low alkalinity, leading to major reductions in efflorescence in comparison with ordinary Portland cement systems.

“Our team worked closely with architect BuckleyGrayYeoman and manufacturer Simplicity Specialist Finishes on the project and we are delighted the Minster Building has been shortlisted for a RICS award in the commercial category.

“This follows on from the building being shortlisted last year in the AJ Retrofit Awards in the office category.

“The nominations show just how much this extensive refurbishment has caught the imagination. It’s been an amazing project to be part of.”

Companies setting up home in the new-look Minster Building include BrewDog, with its first venture involving its BrewPub concept – including an on-site brewing operation; Crussh, an in-house juice bar; and The Third Space with its first luxury health club in the City of London.

Jesmonite AC730 contains no volatile organic compounds, is fire rated under the harmonised Euroclass system and is a water-based acrylic composite so has a low carbon footprint impact.