One Blackfriars, Residential skyscraper in Bankside, London, United Kingdom
One Blackfriars is a 52-floor residential tower rising 166 meters above the Thames' south bank with a distinctive curved glass facade. The building houses 274 apartments of varying sizes, from studios to four-bedroom units spread throughout the structure.
The site previously housed Sainsbury's supermarket headquarters before construction started in 2013. The building was completed in 2018, transforming the location from a retail operations center into a residential development.
The tower's curved shape takes inspiration from a 1952 glass vase designed by Finnish artist Timo Sarpaneva. Walking around the base, you notice how this design creates an unusual, graceful silhouette that stands out along the river's edge.
The tower sits directly on the Thames with easy river views and access to surrounding attractions along the south bank. The neighborhood around it offers plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options within walking distance.
The structure uses a diagrid system where diagonal supports provide stability while minimizing internal columns throughout the building. This engineering approach allows for the spacious open interiors while supporting the dramatic curved glass shape.
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