The SFE Façade Design and Engineering Awards recognise excellence and achievement in façade engineering. We will be using the SFE newsletter as a platform to showcase some of the winners from 2023.
seele, Wilkinson Eyre and Buro Happold Battersea Power Station Phase 2 was awarded first place for UK Refurbishment.
- Client: Battersea Power Station Development Company
- Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects
- Facade Engineering/Consultant: Buro Happold
- Facade Contractor: seele
All pictures copyright of Peter Landers Photography
Innovative Design Revitalizes the Iconic Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station, a beacon of London’s industrial heritage, has undergone a
breathtaking transformation through the second phase of its redevelopment. This
project, a landmark in urban regeneration, has breathed new life into the decommissioned Power Station, which had stood derelict since 1983. Now, it stands as a vibrant hub of mixed-use spaces, demonstrating a perfect blend of historical preservation and innovative design.
Historical Significance and Revitalization Efforts
Constructed in two phases before and after World War II, Battersea Power Station
is an architectural gem designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott with interiors by Theo J.
Halliday. After its decommissioning, the Power Station became an iconic yet vulnerable structure, added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 1991. It remained there for
30 years until its removal in November 2021, thanks to the redevelopment efforts
that began after the site was purchased by a consortium of Malaysian companies in
2012.
The stabilization and enabling works commenced in 2012/13, and planning permission for Phase 2 was granted in March 2014. Construction began in 2014, with successive phases completing from May 2021 to Spring 2023. Today, the Grade II*
listed Power Station is the centrepiece of a dynamic new neighbourhood. The building is home to over 140 shops, bars, restaurants, office space including Apple’s new
UK headquarters, 254 new homes and unique leisure experiences such as the Lift
109 experience, which transports visitors up to the top of one of the building’s iconic
chimneys offering stunning views of the London skyline.
Innovative Design and Sustainability
The design, developed by Battersea Power Station Development Company
(BPSDC), WilkinsonEyre and Buro Happold, and executed by seele, Focchi, and
PAYE, showcases a meticulous approach to heritage conservation and modern innovation. One of the standout features of the redevelopment is the adaptive reuse
of the building's original structures. The refurbishment included the installation of
13,500 square meters of heritage glazing and the replacement of over 1.75 million
bricks, emphasizing the project’s commitment to preserving the building’s historic
fabric.
A critical aspect of the project was its sustainability. An on-site energy centre now
provides low-carbon heating, cooling, and electricity to the development. The re-use
of existing structures, including foundations, columns, beams, and slabs, resulted in
significant embodied carbon savings, equating to over 40,000 tons of CO2e.
The roofs of the main volumes now feature fully planted gardens, enhancing biodiversity and providing green spaces for residents and visitors. These rooftop gardens,
along with the surrounding new park and public spaces, contribute to the project's
environmental credentials.
Innovative Engineering and Construction Techniques
The project faced numerous engineering challenges, particularly in ensuring the
structural integrity of the historic building while integrating modern functionalities.
The Turbine Halls (A & B) have been transformed into vibrant retail and dining
spaces, conserving their historical features. The central Boiler House is home to the
24,000 sq ft Arcade Food Hall and 500,000 sq ft of office space, housing Apple’s UK
headquarters.
One of the most ambitious engineering feats was the replacement of the iconic
chimneys. The original chimneys, found to be structurally compromised, were meticulously dismantled and rebuilt to the exact specifications of the originals, ensuring
their longevity and aesthetic fidelity.
Blending Old and New
The design philosophy celebrates the juxtaposition of historic and contemporary elements. The restored Art Deco features in Turbine Hall A, such as the faience and
internal fenestration, are complemented by bespoke designs for the new galleries
and bridges. The Boiler House’s entrance atria showcase original walls with their
patina of age, set against new roof lights framing views of the iconic chimneys.
The project also introduced innovative façade systems that reconcile conservation
with modern energy efficiency. The bespoke glazing solutions, including multi-skin
acoustic curtain walls and thermal performance enhancements, were crucial in
meeting the stringent requirements of heritage preservation while ensuring comfort
and sustainability.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station stands as a testament to the power
of innovative design and engineering in urban regeneration. By meticulously preserving its historical essence while integrating modern amenities and sustainable practices, the project has successfully transformed a derelict industrial site into a thriving, mixed-use community. It is a shining example of how thoughtful design can bridge the past and the future, creating spaces that honour their heritage while
meeting contemporary needs.
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