20 Fenchurch Street – The Walkie Talkie Building, London

Architectural Innovation and Design

20 Fenchurch Street stands out on the London skyline with its unique, top-heavy silhouette that earned it the nickname “Walkie Talkie.” Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the building breaks from traditional skyscraper shapes by having floorplates that increase in size as the tower ascends, culminating in an overhanging top floor extending 13 meters beyond the base. This design maximizes usable space at upper levels while creating open public plazas at street level. The tower rises to 160 meters (525 feet) with 38 floors, including 34 office floors and a three-level Sky Garden on top.

The Sky Garden Experience

At the summit of 20 Fenchurch Street is the Sky Garden, London’s first free public garden atop a skyscraper. This three-story space features landscaped gardens with Mediterranean and South African plants, open-air terraces, and two restaurants offering spectacular panoramic views across London’s skyline. The Sky Garden provides a rare urban oasis combining greenery with breathtaking vistas, including views of landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Thames River. It is accessible to the public and has become a celebrated social and leisure destination.

Urban Integration and Public Realm

The building’s slender base allows for generous open spaces at street level, including landscaped plazas and pedestrian pathways that enhance the City of London’s urban fabric. A pocket park connects adjacent lanes, contributing to the city’s green spaces. A separate annex building houses retail outlets that enliven the public realm. Vertical louvers on the east and west façades provide sun shading while following the building’s organic curves, integrating aesthetic appeal with environmental responsiveness.

Sustainability and Construction Excellence

Constructed at a cost exceeding £200 million, 20 Fenchurch Street incorporates numerous sustainable features. It achieved an Outstanding BREEAM In-Use rating, reflecting its high environmental performance. The building includes a grey water harvesting system for toilet flushing, extensive bicycle and motorcycle parking with shower facilities, and uses 100% sustainably sourced timber. The façade includes 28,000 sqm of complex curtain walling with 8,000 custom sunshades, designed to mitigate solar glare issues that initially earned the building the nickname “Walkie Scorchie.” These louvers now reduce heat gain and air conditioning loads.

Historical Context and Location

Located in London’s historic financial district, 20 Fenchurch Street sits near landmarks such as The Monument, Leadenhall Market, and The Gherkin. The street’s name traces back to a 13th-century church destroyed in the Great Fire of London, with the area evolving into a hub of commerce and architecture. The building’s curved profile complements the Eastern Cluster of skyscrapers and visually connects to the Thames River, reinforcing its role as a modern icon within a historic cityscape.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visitors to 20 Fenchurch Street can enjoy more than just office space; the Sky Garden offers restaurants, bars, and terraces with sweeping views. The building’s public areas are designed to be welcoming and accessible, with a variety of tree species and green walls enhancing the entrance. The blend of commercial and public spaces creates a dynamic environment where business, leisure, and nature coexist in the heart of London.