Piccadilly Circus: Delivering performance behind the iconic screens

When Landsec undertook the redevelopment of several key buildings behind Piccadilly Circus’ iconic digital screens, every design detail mattered. The brief was clear: preserve heritage character, meet modern performance standards and ensure durability in one of the UK’s most demanding urban environments.

In the heart of London’s West End, Piccadilly Circus is one of the most photographed, heavily trafficked and globally recognised intersections in the world. Any construction here is more than just a building project; it’s a statement under constant public scrutiny.

This unique project comprised 46 bespoke box sashes and 36 casement windows. Each needed to deliver high technical performance, long-term durability, while maintaining the iconic aesthetic of Piccadilly Circus.

Restoring character

From the outset, architects and joinery specialists faced multiple layers of complexity. Visually, the windows needed to reflect traditional timber designs, with slim profiles and classic detailing. Behind the appearance, however, were 21st century performance requirements.

Firstly, the glazing had to match modern curtain wall glass in tone and reflectance. Custom acoustic glass was specified to insulate interiors from the constant noise of buses and foot traffic.

Secondly, every window had to replicate original detailing precisely – from sash bar profiles to mouldings – even where elements had been altered or removed over time. On one elevation alone, four different glazing bar layouts existed across five floors. Many windows had previously been reinstalled backwards as a temporary fix for failing putty. The new designs corrected these issues while preserving the appearance required by planners.

Thirdly, each street frontage presented unique constraints. Some windows needed to align visually with modern neighbouring buildings, while others required bespoke sightlines to maintain symmetry. Salvaged timber fragments were used to reverse-engineer lost features and new tooling was commissioned to replicate exact period profiles.

Sample windows were produced, hand-finished and submitted for client review. Multiple iterations followed before full production began.

Coatings that stand up to demanding urban conditions

A project of this scale leaves no room for shortcuts. In a location exposed to pollution, moisture, UV light and constant public interaction, the coating system had to perform flawlessly from day one – and endure over time.

That’s why Mumford & Wood selected Teknos for the project. As a global specialist in wood coatings, Teknos is trusted on prestigious projects across Europe and beyond, with factory-applied systems proven to perform in extreme environments.

The system applied comprised an ANTISTAIN AQUA 2901 primer with an AQUATOP topcoat – a combination proven to protect against weathering, UV degradation, mould and fungal attack. AQUATOP also offers enhanced resistance to dirt pick-up, thanks to its smooth and even surface finish.

Proven performance

Achieving aesthetic alignment is one challenge; ensuring long-term performance is another. What reassured the architects, specifiers and the team at Mumford & Wood, was Teknos’ proven track record. Windows finished with Teknos coatings have demonstrated outstanding durability in comparable UK conditions, with 10-year inspection results showing no signs of breakdown.

At Piccadilly Circus – where repainting or access works would be costly and disruptive – long-term stability is not just desirable, it’s essential.

The coatings not only reduce maintenance cycles but also support the project’s sustainability goals, which was a key consideration throughout.

Close collaboration

This project succeeded not only because of the products used, but also because of the collaboration behind them.

Teknos is more than a coatings supplier – it acts as a technical partner, supporting manufacturers and specifiers from early design through to delivery. In this case, expert guidance helped optimise coating selection and ensured factory processes delivered exactly what was required.

The joinery was manufactured by Mumford & Wood, a long-standing customer and a company that’s relied on Teknos finishes for more than 15 years. This level of trust is critical when producing bespoke, high-value joinery to tight timelines.

Teknos’ global footprint also provides reassurance on projects with international visibility. Its products have been used on some of Europe’s most demanding architectural landmarks, from timber-clad libraries in Finland to large-scale civic buildings. This pedigree carries weight on a site like Piccadilly Circus, where every decision has long-term implications.

A finish built for its environment

Few locations place greater demands on building materials than central London. The windows installed here are fully exposed to constant movement, pollution, cleaning cycles and changing light conditions.

That’s why every element – from profile to paint system – was designed to perform reliably, without reliance on frequent maintenance or future intervention.

To explore the Teknos Technical Library – a free resource with over 50 technical documents, which supports manufacturers with coatings, from application guidance to technical advice – visit www.teknos.co.uk.