Gazing up, the Saint George Wharf Tower pierces the London sky. It is a shimmering statement of modern architecture. This residential skyscraper stands tall in Vauxhall. It is an integral part of the St George Wharf development.
At a height of 181 metres, the Saint George Wharf Tower is impressive. It has 50 storeys. Upon its completion in January 2014, it briefly held the title of the tallest residential building in the United Kingdom. Now, it ranks as the 20th-tallest building in London.
The Saint George Wharf Tower’s design is distinctive. Its floor plan resembles a Catherine wheel. Typically, each floor houses five apartments. Separating walls radiate from the central core. Sky gardens offer residents semi-external spaces. These gardens step forward from the circular plan. This design creates visual interest in the façade. It also accentuates the building’s impressive height.
The Saint George Wharf Tower is divided into three sections. The base contains communal facilities. These include a lobby, business lounge, gym, spa, and swimming pool. The middle section houses most of the apartments. The upper section reduces in diameter. It provides 360-degree terraces. A wind turbine tops the structure.
The wind turbine is a testament to green technology. Developed by Anthony Mewburn-Crook, it powers the tower’s common lighting. It operates with virtually no noise or vibration. At the base, water is drawn from the London Aquifer. Heat pump technology extracts warmth from the water in winter. This warmth heats the apartments. The Saint George Wharf Tower requires one third of the energy compared to similar buildings. It produces between one half and two thirds of typical carbon dioxide emissions. The tower is triple-glazed. This minimizes heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Low-e glazing and ventilated blinds further reduce heat gain from direct sunlight.
Luxury lower penthouse apartments feature special stairs. These apartments mirror each other. One apartment offers a 360-degree view across London. It also houses the city’s highest swimming pool.
The planning process for the Saint George Wharf Tower was not without challenges. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment provided ongoing advice. Two revised planning applications were submitted and withdrawn. Finally, the Deputy Prime Minister approved the tower in 2005. This decision went against the planning inspector’s advice. There were concerns about setting a precedent for tall buildings across London.
Construction began in March 2010. By October 2011, the concrete core had reached level 22. Glass curtain wall construction began in September 2011. By October 2012, the steel and core had reached full height. Installation of the wind turbine commenced.
Tragedy struck on January 16, 2013. A helicopter collided with a crane attached to the nearly completed Saint George Wharf Tower. The helicopter crashed onto Wandsworth Road. Two people died in the accident.
In August 2014, the Saint George Wharf Tower received a Carbuncle Cup nomination. It was named runner-up.
Ownership of the apartments has drawn attention. In May 2016, The Guardian reported on foreign ownership. The family of Andrei Guriev owned the five-storey penthouse. They were believed to be installing a Russian Orthodox chapel.
The Saint George Wharf Tower stands as a landmark. It represents modern London. It is a place of both luxury and innovation. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges of urban development. Its towering presence is a permanent fixture on London’s skyline.