London’s First F1 Arcade at St Paul’s Case Study

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Design Your Own Balustrade

Project Overview

Located in the heart of London beside the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, F1 Arcade is one of the most innovative and visually striking hospitality venues in the UK. Combining cutting-edge Formula 1 simulation technology with premium dining and entertainment, the venue represents a new generation of immersive leisure environments.

Designed to deliver a high-end, futuristic guest experience, the architectural vision demanded bespoke finishes, premium materials and precision-engineered details throughout the interior. The staircase areas, which serve as key circulation routes and focal points within the venue, required specialist balustrade systems that would deliver both structural safety and a visually striking design aligned with the Formula 1 brand identity.

SMART Balustrades was appointed by Archetypely Limited as the specialist balustrade contractor to manufacture and install bespoke stainless steel balustrade systems and wall-fixed handrails to the internal staircase areas.

The scope of works included the supply and installation of SMART professional stainless steel balustrade systems comprising square stainless steel posts, stainless steel top rails and bespoke perforated mild steel infill panels, powder coated Noir. These systems were designed to achieve heights of 900–1100mm and comply with the required 1.5kN loadings in accordance with British Standards.

Challenges

Delivering balustrade installations within a premium hospitality venue such as F1 Arcade presented a unique set of technical and architectural challenges.

F1 Arcade’s interior design incorporates bold lighting, reflective surfaces, precision detailing and high-performance finishes inspired by Formula 1 engineering. The balustrade systems needed to complement this futuristic environment while maintaining a clean, precise and premium appearance.

The use of black powder-coated perforated steel infill panels required exceptional accuracy in fabrication and finishing to ensure consistent alignment and visual continuity across all staircase areas.

 

Complex Staircase Geometry and Visual Exposure

The staircase areas form a central architectural feature within the venue, meaning the balustrades are highly visible to guests. Any imperfections in alignment, finish or installation would be immediately noticeable.

SMART Balustrades ensured precise manufacturing tolerances and expert installation to achieve flawless visual results.

Meeting Strict Safety and Compliance Standards

As a high-traffic hospitality venue welcoming large numbers of guests daily, the balustrade systems were required to meet strict safety and structural performance standards.

All systems were designed and installed in accordance with relevant British Standards, including BS 6180, BS 5395 and Building Regulations requirements. 

This ensured the balustrades provided reliable and compliant edge protection while maintaining architectural design integrity.

 

Coordination Within a Fast-Paced Commercial Fit-Out Programme

Hospitality fit-out projects often operate within demanding timelines to meet opening schedules. SMART Balustrades worked closely with Archetypely Limited to ensure the balustrade installation aligned with the overall construction programme.

Effective coordination was essential to ensure timely delivery without impacting other trades or project milestones.

SMART Balustrades’ Solution

SMART Balustrades delivered a bespoke architectural metal balustrade solution designed specifically for the F1 Arcade environment.

 

Bespoke Stainless Steel Balustrade System

The installed system comprised:

Precision-engineered stainless steel square balustrade posts (60x30mm profile)

Stainless steel top rails (60x20mm profile)

Perforated mild steel infill panels with 25mm diameter holes at 28mm triangular pitch

Side fixings and base plate fixings with cover caps

Installation heights between 900mm and 1100mm

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