SIS Building

The SIS Building is a government structure in Vauxhall on the south bank of the Thames, standing out with its stepped silhouette of pale stone cladding and green glass panels. The multiple sections rise at different heights, forming a terraced composition along the riverfront.

The structure was erected in the mid-1990s on a site that previously hosted an 18th-century park. Archaeologists discovered remnants of glass kilns before construction, pointing to craft activity from the 17th century.

The building appears in films that use its striking shape to frame scenes along the Thames waterfront. Visitors often recognize the structure from cinema, giving the location an unusual connection to popular culture.

The structure stands on Albert Embankment and is visible from the riverside walkway, though not open to the public. Photographers find several vantage points along the Thames where the façade is well framed.

Two broad water moats encircle the grounds, forming an extra layer of protection between the street and the entrance area. The façade consumes roughly 12000 square meters (129000 square feet) of aluminum and glass, giving the structure its characteristic pale appearance.

Location: Vauxhall

Inception: April 1994

Architects: Terry Farrell

Official opening: 1994

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.48722,-0.12417

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:51