First Skyscraper With Built-In Wind Turbines Opens in London!

London recently saw the completion of the world's first skyscraper with wind turbines integrated directly within its building fabric -- the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/15/the-strata-worlds-first-skyscraper-with-built-in-wind-turbines/" target="_blank">Strata</a> tower. Nicknamed the Razor, the black and silver skyscraper measures in at 147 meters (485 ft) tall, making it the tallest residential building in central London. The Strata is topped with three building-integrated <a href="../energy/wind" target="_blank">wind turbines</a> that provide <b>8%</b> of the total electricity needs of the building, and it features an array of green building strategies that make it the face of the regeneration of the Elephant and Castle area.

Located in the Elephant and Castle area, the Strata is expected to help push the regeneration of the inner-city area and spur on new development.

At 485 ft tall with 43 stories, the tower is the tallest residential building in central London.

Three wind turbines are integrated into the top of the tower, making this the first tower in the world with built-in turbines.

The tower is oriented to take advantage of the prevalent winds from the south-west and also to take in the beautiful vistas of the London skyline.

The residential tower is 43 stories tall and has 408 apartments, with 25% of those deigned for affordable housing.

Natural ventilation and daylighting were key elements in the design of the residences.

Floor to ceiling windows offer unparalleled views of the London skyline and operable windows allow for natural ventilation.

Over 1,000 people have already moved into the tower so far.

The tower is nicknamed the Razor because of its shape.

Each turbine has five blades instead of three, which is expected to help reduce noise levels for residents in the building.

The wind turbines were difficult to install -- almost prohibitively in fact -- as each piece had to be hauled up via crane.

The wind turbines are expected to generate 8% of the building's energy needs, which is enough to cover the electrical and mechanical systems, including three express elevators and the automated window cleaning systems.

The Strata is the first of three towers in to be built in the Elephant and Castle area along with other planned developments, which are expected to regenerate the inner-city neighborhood.