A calm, carefully choreographed sequence of end-of-journey spaces unfolds beneath the iconic London landmark affectionately known as The Cheesegrater, transforming the daily commute. Shaped through dMFK’s ongoing role as Design Guardians for client C C Land, previously back-of-house areas are reimagined as an intuitive arrival experience, moving from energetic, high-performance zones to quieter, more restorative rooms. Sitting beneath the intensity of the City, the scheme balances clarity, comfort and generosity, quietly elevating everyday routines within the tower.
- Location
- City of London
- Size
- 22,000 sqft
- Client
- C C Land
Our ambition was to transform overlooked basement accommodation into an experience that meaningfully supports the working day. As Design Guardians for The Leadenhall Building, we set out to create a best-in-class end-of-journey offering that would work seamlessly within a live, complex environment. The brief demanded clarity, durability and ease of use, while also rethinking arrival as a moment of transition – a place to slow down, reset and prepare for the day ahead.
We wanted the spaces to feel calm without losing their operational edge. Supporting active travel was central, but so too was enhancing the wider tenant experience of the tower. The facilities needed to accommodate high daily footfall, integrate seamlessly with building services and remain resilient over time. Above all, the project aimed to quietly elevate an everyday routine, balancing functional performance with atmosphere, material quality and a sense of care.
Working closely with client C C Land, the design is shaped around a principle of gradual calming. The journey begins in the cycle store, where darker ceilings and vibrant, directional lighting bring order and legibility to busy spaces. From there, the architecture softens. As users move through locker rooms, showers and WCs, materials, colour and light are carefully modulated to guide movement and signal a shift from public to private.
Delivered within the constraints of a live, globally recognised building, the scheme reflects a custodial approach to working within complex environments. A 6,000 sqft cycle store accommodates 445 bicycles, alongside e-bike provision, repair stations, bespoke lockers, drying rooms and integrated concierge, laundry and towel services. Throughout, comfort, longevity and ease of use are prioritised. The result is an end-of-journey experience that works hard in the background – calm, intuitive and built to last.
