Turning heads and turbines: Dalston's aerodynamic tower

The 14-storey Kinetica building currently taking shape in Dalston, east London, has been designed to channel wind towards the building's four wind turbines.

The apartment block, which has a notable resemblance to New York’s ‘Flat iron’ building, has been designed by architects Waugh Thistleton and features four wind turbines stacked vertically down the side. These will supply 15% of the building’s energy needs.

The aerofoil shape of the building has been derived from the technical requirement to drive the air towards the spine and through the turbines and to ensure that no eddies occur along the facade a smooth surface was essential.

Specialist cladding company James & Taylor has come up with a version of its Moeding Alphaton cladding which has an ivory coloured hue and glazed finish.

Mark Boehmer, associate at Waugh Thistleton Architects said: “As such a conspicuous object in the skyline we had to ensure that the appearance was not only visually striking but also met the high quality standards that we set ourselves. We have chosen a natural product with James & Taylor and through experimenting with the glazing gauge believe that we have developed a highly durable product with a beautiful and impeccable finish.”

The building will include 41 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments along with commercial spaces. It is due for completion in early 2010.