The Leadenhall Building End-of-Trip Facility, London
A Calm Transition Beneath an Iconic Tower
Beneath The Leadenhall Building, the experience of arrival has been quietly redefined.
Working within one of London’s most recognisable commercial towers, dMFK Architects transformed previously back-of-house basement space into a considered sequence of end-of-trip facilities. What was once purely functional is now part of the daily rhythm of the building. A place to reset, transition and prepare for the day ahead.
The design is driven by a simple idea. Movement from energy to calm. From the cycle store through to lockers, changing areas and showers, spaces are choreographed to gradually soften. Lighting shifts. Materiality warms. The pace slows. It’s a subtle progression, but one that reshapes how the building is experienced at ground level and below.
Product
Click-on Battens
Material
Timber and Aluminium
Applications
Feature Walls
Sector
Workplace
Architect
dMFK
Location
London, UK
Completion
2025
Photographer
Jack Hobhouse
Material contrast, carefully resolved
Material selection plays a central role in this transition. Timber battens in Spotted Gum introduce warmth and tactility to the more private areas of the facility. Their natural grain and tonal variation bring a sense of calm and familiarity, softening the harder, more functional elements required in high-use environments.
In contrast, the aluminium battens finished in Zeus Territory Red and Grandis timber battens coated in ‘Muscovado’ or ‘Grate Black’ establish moments of clarity and direction. Used within more active zones, the bold powder coat and timber coating introduces visual energy while maintaining durability and consistency across high-traffic spaces.
Together, the palette strikes a balance between performance and atmosphere.
Integrated lighting, designed into the system
Lighting is not treated as an overlay, but as part of the architecture itself.
Integrated within the batten system, linear lighting runs through key zones to reinforce the spatial sequence. It draws people through the facility, subtly guiding movement from arrival to transition spaces, and into more private areas.
Wayfinding is handled with the same level of integration. Directional signage, including arrow indicators, is embedded within the battening itself. Rather than relying on applied graphics, navigation becomes part of the architectural language. Clear, intuitive and consistent with the overall design.
The rhythm of the battens allows light to sit cleanly within the ceiling and wall planes, avoiding visual clutter. Instead of competing elements, light and material work together as a cohesive system that supports both movement and orientation.
Designed for performance, built for longevity
End-of-trip facilities carry a unique set of demands. High footfall. Constant moisture. Daily wear.
The design responds with materials that are not only visually refined, but resilient over time. Every element is considered through the lens of long-term performance, ease of maintenance and integration within a live, operational building.
It’s an approach that ensures the space continues to perform well beyond day one, maintaining both its appearance and usability under constant use.
Supporting the modern commute
As active travel becomes central to city life, the role of end-of-trip facilities continues to evolve.
At The Leadenhall Building, this shift is met with a space that supports both function and wellbeing. A facility designed not just to accommodate movement, but to improve it.
It’s a subtle intervention within a complex building. But one that meaningfully improves the overall experience of arrival.
Product Specifications
Grandis Batten Feature Walls
Product
Click-on Battens
Material
Timber
Species
Grandis
Profile
Block, 30mm x 30mm
Mounting
Standard Track
Finish
Natural Accent (sheltered exterior, stained to match ‘Muscovado’ or ‘Grate Black’)
Acoustic Backing
Yes
Aluminium Battens
Product
Click-on Battens
Material
Aluminium
Profile
Block, 30mm x30mm
Spacings
30mm Gaps
Track
Standard Track
Finish
Powdercoat
ZeusTerritory Red
Acoustic Backing
Yes
Spotted Gum Battens
Product
Click-on Battens
Material
Timber
Profile
Block, 30mm x30mm
Spacings
30mm Gaps
Track
Standard Track
Finish
Clear Oil
Acoustic Backing
Yes
Related Projects