Lots Road Power Station
Power packs for a former power station
Usage | Office & Residential |
Solution | 230 V smoke extraction, Smoke Extraction SHEV, Controlled natural ventilation CNV |
Year | 2024 |
Location | United Kingdom |
Architect | Formation Architects |

A historic landmark on the Thames is getting a unique ventilation solution thanks to precise collaboration
Built in 1902, Lots Road Power Station was once London's largest power station, supplying the London Underground. As part of the Chelsea Waterfront master plan, it was transformed from an industrial, Victorian relic into a modern residential and business centre. Today, the building, which is located directly on the Thames, houses 260 luxury apartments and commercial premises, designed by the London-based firm Formats Architects. The listed façades and chimneys have been restored, while innovative and sustainable designs inside ensure contemporary use – a true ‘building within a building’. Particularly noteworthy is the positive effect of the continued use of the existing building structure, which significantly reduces the consumption of resources and makes the project a model of sustainable development. These efforts have been positively evaluated by environmental standards such as BREEAM, EcoHomes and EPC. At the heart of the project is an impressive, spacious shopping mall, whose fully opening glass roof provides natural light and fresh air, creating an outdoor atmosphere in the middle of the building.
The particular challenge in implementing the glass roof was the realisation of the ventilation solutions. Over 240 chain drives of the type CDP-Twin (2 chains per drive with a total of 3000 Newton force of pressure) with a visually matching RAL coating were mounted on custom-made steel frames. These drives open the double-wing ventilation flaps from the façade manufacturer Raico, which have a weight of 225 kg and a stroke of 1500 mm. The window sections, each 15 metres long and equipped with eight ventilation openings, were extensively tested before installation and delivered as complete sections, which significantly reduced the installation effort on site.
A decentralised operation via six D+H control panels, housed in watertight metal enclosures with heating and ventilation systems, ensures reliable operation in all weather conditions while preserving the historic character of the building.
The careful planning and technical sophistication of the D+H solutions are crucial to the success of the redesign of the Lots Road Power Station. They ensure both functionality and safety, as well as the preservation of the historic ambience.
For this great project and the outstanding partnership, D+H UK and Raico were awarded the Atmosphere Award 2024 – “Special Mention Partnership”.