Strata tower gets carbuncled

Strata SE1 was designed by architects BFLS (formerly Hamilton’s Architects), led by Robin Partington and Ian Bogle, and built by developer and contractor Brookfield Europe.



Strata SE1 is the tallest residential building in central London at 148 metres (485 feet) and 43 storeys. There is also a five-storey pavilion building with a mix of residential and retail facilities, together both providing 408 apartments.

According to BFLS, it is the "first building in the world with integral wind turbines" (which look like clocks to me).

The three five bladed nine metre diameter wind turbines are rated at 19kW each and are anticipated to produce 50MWh of electricity per year. To put this figure into context, it is enough energy to meet the total annual demand from 30 two bedroom apartments (based on current 2006 Building Regulations) or 20 two bedroom apartments (based on 2001 Building Regulations); approximately 8% of Strata SE1's estimated total energy consumption.

The electricity generated by the turbines will be used to supplement the landlords supply for the common areas of Strata SE1. The actual energy output of the wind turbines will only accurately be known after they are fully commissioned and 2 years of comprehensive wind data analysis has been completed.

The building has been described as a 'Giant Philishave' and its local nickname is Isengard, the tower of evil Saruman in Lord of the Rings.

On 12 August 2010, Building Design magazine awarded the building the Carbuncle Cup for 2010, for the ugliest building in the United Kingdom.

See also Daily Telegraph x2 (UK) and treehugger.

I think it looks alright actually.