10 Mar, 2010
New US Embassy Wandsworth London architecture Kieran Timberlake
Posted by: admin In: Awards| Buildings| Government Schemes| Planning| architecture| building| water
Kieran Timberlake US architect has won a US competition to design the new US embassy in London, in Wandsworth. This is the first time an embassy has been built south of the river Thames, and locals in Wandsworth and somewhat bemused. The US embassy is moving from Grosvenor Square – a famous central London location – to the rather obscure Nine Elms, Wandsworth, south London. Wandsworth London was recently voted London’s trendiest borough – by some squirrels.
Nearest neighbours are Battersea Dog (and Cats) Home, the Battersea Power Station, a few boring gastro pubs and some equally tedious buy to let developments.
Nine Elms is not a leafy grove but a fast highway between Battersea, near Battersea Park and Chelsea Bridge, and Vauxhall, home of a solar powered bus stop (I kid you not) and some well-established gay pubs. There used to be a balloon ride (straight up and down) on some waste ground there but that went years ago. If only they’d waited for that other American concoction, the film ‘Up!’. (Which I greatly enjoyed btw.)
The winning entry looks like this:

US Embassy Nine Elms Wandsworth London Kieran Timberlake
The new US embassy in London building is placed in a large open space which is to prevent terrorist attacks, no one ever walks around this area. I suppose it is now near the River Thames in case of the need for a fast exit. The rather imposing MI5 building is nearby at Vauxhall fronting onto the river, as featured in some James Bond film or other. That has trees on top, for no particular reason. Gives it a festive air.
Here is a building in Singapore, on the river.

Singapore office block on Singapore river, green garden

Singapore office block on Singapore river, green garden close up
Here is one of the losing entries, not sure why this one lost, Battersea Power Station is falling down, or is that the point? Last thing I saw there was a Chinese Young Artist exhibition a few years ago. Water floods down inside when it rains, it will collapse soon, then more buy to let developments can be built there.

US Embassy Wandsworth London losing entry
Here are some more great modern buildings, from our very own Building DIY book >.

Melbourne Australia Federation Square

Melbourne Australia Council House eco green office building
Here is the link to the US State Department’s website for the new London US Embassy in Wandsworth London… Nine Elms!
And here is the link to Kieran Timberlake’s site > (is he related to the excellent superstar Justin Timberlake? We should be told).







