One Bank Street is a 27-storey office building in London's Canary Wharf, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). Bordered by the Thames on two sides, the building combines modern architectural aesthetics with sustainability credentials, having achieved a BREEAM 'Outstanding' rating. Two lobbies, trading floors and ground-level retail complete the landmark development.

Design goals

The project required high-performance rain defence louvres capable of delivering efficient ventilation alongside excellent protection against water ingress. To sit comfortably within the building's design, a vertical blade orientation was essential. KPF and façade contractor Lindner Group needed a solution that addressed these functional demands while staying true to the building's architectural language.

The solution

Construction Specialties (CS) recommended its modular RSV-5700 vertical blade louvres. Independently tested to EN 13030, the system is rated Class A3 up to 3.5 m/s, delivering strong airflow performance alongside excellent rain ingress protection.

Installed beneath a deep overhang at ground level on the West and South elevations, the louvres were powder-coated to RAL 9000 to match the building's glazing façade. Each unit was fabricated to custom sizes with a perimeter frame designed for straightforward integration into the glazing framework, and fitted with bird guards.

In total, CS supplied 38 modules covering an overall installation area of approximately 300m².

The outcome

The specification allowed One Bank Street to meet its functional ventilation and weather-protection requirements while preserving the building's aesthetic precision.