In the heart of Canary Wharf’s vibrant financial district, Oasis Bar & Terrace has quickly established itself as one of London’s most desirable after-work destinations. Surrounded by some of the capital’s most prestigious office buildings, the luxury bar has been designed to blur the boundaries between inside and out, creating a seamless connection between its stylish interior and the landscaped gardens of Canada Square.
At the centre of this striking venue is a long, elegant bar, flanked on both sides by two impressive 15-metre-wide sets of IDSystems’ theEDGE2.0 centre-opening sliding doors. Complete with clerestory glazing above, these expansive glazed openings flood the interior with natural light while delivering uninterrupted views across the grass and surrounding buildings.
A stunning architectural vision
Designed by Givanni Associates, Oasis was conceived as a contemporary pavilion that would maximise transparency and openness. The architectural intent was clear: to create a hospitality space that feels integrated with its outdoor setting, particularly during the summer months when Canary Wharf’s office population spills out into the square for socialising and events.
On the ground floor the inclusion of two full-width centre-opening sliding door systems was fundamental to achieving the architectural vision. When open, theEDGE2.0 sliding doors create dramatic 15-metre apertures on either side of the bar, breaking down the divide between inside and out to allow guests to move freely between the bar and the lawn. The clerestory windows above enhance the sense of height and airiness while ensuring year-round daylight penetration.
On the first floor, Oasis features a stylish open terrace wrapped with frameless glass balustrades. This elevated space offers panoramic views across the gardens and neighbouring office towers, reinforcing the venue’s connection to its urban landscape while maintaining a refined and modern aesthetic.
Technical expertise & design precision
Delivering glazing systems of this scale in such a high-profile location required meticulous planning and close collaboration from the earliest design stages. From IDSystems’ perspective, the specification and detailing of theEDGE2.0 doors. Each 15-metre-wide system had to integrate seamlessly with the steel frame while accommodating the demands of a busy hospitality environment.
By incorporating a flush-threshold and treadplates to cover unused elements of the track there is a seamless transition between inside and out and the doors offer excellent thermal performance, weather resistance and security – essential for a venue operating throughout the year.
The centre-opening configuration was particularly important to the operational flow of the bar. By stacking panels symmetrically, the design maintains the balanced sightlines from the long central bar and ensures that, even when closed, the glazing maintains maximum transparency.
Complex logistics in a challenging location
Constructed by Thames & Newcastle, the build presented significant logistical challenges. Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, access for deliveries and installation was tightly controlled, with limited space for storage and strict timing constraints.
Speaking of the complexities of the project, IDSystems Technical Sales Manager Edward Stobart said “We are used to the demands of commercial projects but the challenges of working in an enviroment like Canary Wharf meant precise scheduling of manufacturing, delivery and installation to align with site requirements and minimise disruption. We had a really good relationship with the architects and main contractors throughout and we were able to ensure that every stage was planned in detail to ensure a smooth installation within such a busy commercial environmen. This planning meant the glazing systems were delivered and installed to the highest standards.”
A destination designed for summer and beyond
Today, Oasis Bar & Terrace stands as a showcase for contemporary hospitality design. In summer, the fully opened theEDGE2.0 doors transform the venue into an expansive indoor-outdoor space, perfect for after-work drinks and corporate gatherings. In cooler months, the extensive glazing maintains visual connection to the gardens while providing comfort and protection from the elements.
The result is a dynamic, flexible venue that embodies the energy of Canary Wharf, and a project that highlights IDSystems’ ability to deliver technically demanding glazing solutions in complex, high-profile environments.
Location: Canary Wharf, London Architects: Givanni Associates Main Contractor: Thames & Newcastle Photos: Edmund Sumner Photography
In the heart of Canary Wharf’s vibrant financial district, Oasis Bar & Terrace has quickly established itself as one of London’s most desirable after-work destinations. Surrounded by some of the capital’s most prestigious office buildings, the luxury bar has been designed to blur the boundaries between inside and out, creating a seamless connection between its stylish interior and the landscaped gardens of Canada Square.
