A skyscraper with three huge wind turbines on top is one of London’s strangest projects. Although the English capital has been intrigued by increasingly fickle towers for years, Strata SE1 ‘won’ the 2010 Carbuncle Cup, a competition for the ugliest development. The pseudo-modern appearance and the dominance of the low-rise Elephant & Castle area are frequent causes for criticism. However, it must be acknowledged that the high-rise boasts energy efficiency and many environmentally friendly features. Surely Strata SE1 deserves the infamous title of London’s ugliest skyscraper?
Flats to be demolished
In the early 2000s, London’s Southwark authorities attempted to revitalise the Elephant & Castle area located deep within the borough. According to councillors, the post-war blocks of flats were no longer fit for purpose and merely intimidating concrete architecture. One such brutalist colossus was the Heysgate Estate building inhabited by the poor. As part of the regeneration, the building was demolished and replaced with flat blocks. Unfortunately, the authorities’ programme involved the mass gentrification of the entire area.
High-rise residential buildings such as Strata SE1 began to spring up in Elephant & Castle. The BFLS studio intended the building to offer great views, modernity and energy efficiency. A set of three 18-metre-high turbines built into the body of the skyscraper became a symbol of the latter virtue. However, the energy produced by the wind turbines only provides 8 per cent of the building’s energy needs, which quickly became a target for criticism. In fact, the turbines are switched on very rarely because of the vibrations and noise they generate.
Shaver? Lipstick?
The unusual shape of the skyscraper is worth noting. The building’s bulging triangle shape is reminiscent of an electric shaver, and former London mayor Boris Johnson referred to the Strata SE1 as a lipstick. Of course, in a city where the most famous buildings resemble walkie-talkies, cucumbers and glass onions, the shape of an electric shaver should come as little surprise. However, the choice of colours, the irregular shape of the windows and the unusual turbines on top did not appeal to critics and some residents. The 147 m tall skyscraper dominates the neighbourhood, and its façade is ageing as fast as that of Warsaw’s Zlota 44.
Inside are 310 expensive flats and 98 affordable flats. Interestingly, 20 of these have been reserved for former residents of the demolished Heysgate Estate. The flats offer high ceilings, great views of the city and good access to sunlight, although it should be noted that some tenants complain about the rooms heating up quickly.
However, the controversial appearance should not overshadow the energy-saving aspect. The multi-layered glass façade insulates the interior very well, which helps to reduce heating costs. Energy-efficient lighting was installed in all flats, thinner construction elements reduced the amount of CO2 emitted during construction, and almost all construction waste was recycled.
“Winner”
Despite these strengths, Building Design magazine. awarded the skyscraper the 2010 Carbuncle Cup award. Every year, the jury selects England’s ugliest and also worst building. The cluttered appearance of the facade, the dominance of the surroundings and the ‘gargantuan turbines’ determined the building’s victory in this infamous competition. It is worth mentioning that you can read about another failed project that won the Carbuncle Cup 2024 award HERE.
15 years after the construction of the Starta SE1 skyscraper, Londoners’ opinions are still divided. On the one hand, the building is simply ugly, while on the other it is energy efficient and comfortable. What’s more, in addition to the famous Strata SE1 anti-award, it has also received several accolades in flattering architectural competitions. It is worth mentioning that the prices of the lower flats start at £460,000, which is a huge sum for the average Englishman, but a London resident should not be surprised by it.
Source: Building Design.
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