Walkie Talkie Building Solar Reflection Issues

20 Fenchurch Street is a new office building in The City of London, it is affectionately known as the Walkie-talkie building. It has great location right in the heart of the City and is likely to be occupied by legal and financial companies. It is shown below in this pre-construction CGI image. It is scheduled for completion in 2014.

Pre-construction CGI image

It rises 33 storeys of office accommodation and will include a Sky Garden above that with truly stunning views of London. It's position is prime for viewing other buildings in the City of London and the Shard looms opposite on the South Bank. Again this image is a pre-construction CGI impression.

The development includes 422 secure bicycle storage position, a BREEAM rating of Excellent and dual power supplies.

Unfortunately Sky News are reporting issues caused by solar reflection from the concave side of the building. Reports include car's melting, pavements bubbling and buildings smouldering as the suns rays are focused on to the streets south of Fenchurch street. There are discussions regarding shading at ground level and the roadside parking has been suspended following the damaged caused to a vehicle.

Although incomplete at the time of photographing (August 2013) a strong reflection can be seen here.

 

August 2013