Secrets of Suffolk's Structural Engineering: The Willis Building, Ipswich
- Tom Morris (Chartered Structural Engineer)
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
The Willis Building in Ipswich, completed in 1975, is a significant example of high-tech architecture and early work by Sir Norman Foster. Its structure is defined by a grid of concrete pillars spaced 14 metres apart, supporting cantilevered floors that allow for expansive, open-plan spaces across three storeys.
Concrete Pillars
The building's centre is made of a grid of concrete pillars that support concrete slab floors.
Curtain Wall
Dark Glass
Raised Floors
Rooftop Garden
The building’s curved shape responds to the irregular site, surrounded by road junctions and the Grade I listed Unitarian Meeting House. Its exterior features 890 smoked glass panels that follow the curved form and reflect the surrounding streetscape.
A rooftop garden, rare for the time, acts as insulation and enhances energy efficiency. The building’s raised floors were designed for flexibility, accommodating the introduction of computers and cabling.
The Willis Building was influenced by the Daily Express Building in Manchester, seen in its use of tinted glass and absence of right-angled corners. In 1991, it was awarded Grade I listed status, highlighting its architectural and structural significance.
Today, The Willis Building in Ipswich stands as an important architectural landmark. A prime example of 20th-century design, it showcases the innovation and craftsmanship of its time, making it both a key feature of the town’s skyline and a testament to Ipswich's rich heritage.
JMS Engineers partners with architects across Ipswich, Suffolk, and East Anglia to deliver projects that combine engineering expertise with architectural vision.
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