Its carefully developed massing is responsive to the local area, particularly the buildings along Charterhouse Street. The contextual approach is reinforced by the treatment of the façades which are articulated to distinguish a base building and an upper building – the latter appearing lightweight as the building steps back from the street.

Further definition is achieved with natural stone cladding to the lower building and a lightweight aluminium and full height glazing to the top. The building is orientated toward the historic Smithfield market with the main entrance to the building off Charterhouse Street, accessed through a dramatic courtyard atrium.

Adding to the complexity of the scheme is a basement ramp providing Crossrail with access for the duration of the station construction phases, necessitating a robust basement arrangement and detailed strategy. 33 Charterhouse St. received planning permission from the City of London in July 2012.