Behind the Scenes: The Façade Fabrication of 220 Blackfriars Road

How do you transform a complex architectural vision into a modern, sustainable landmark in central London? In this video, we take you inside the state-of-the-art KFK factory in Zagreb to witness the precision engineering, advanced automation, and meticulous craftsmanship behind the façade of 220 Blackfriars. The building's distinctive "tenter hook and fabric" concept—a nod to Southwark’s historic textile industry—was originally designed by Fathom Architects and later honed and detailed for construction by EPR Architects. To bring this intricate vision to life, JTRE London partnered with façade specialists KFK to manufacture a high-performance, structurally complex unitized system. The Engineering by the Numbers: 2,900 Façade Units: Each individual panel is built from over 400 single parts, including bespoke architectural elements like tender hooks, bells, and wave panels. Millimetre Precision: Despite measuring a massive 4m x 2m, each panel is fabricated to a strict tolerance of just +/- 1mm. Built-in Sustainability: Every single panel is digitally tracked for material origin, carbon data, and waste reduction, ensuring environmental accountability from factory to site. Achieving this level of architectural excellence requires seamless teamwork. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration between JTRE London, Fathom Architects, EPR Architects and KFK International.