Tate Modern Switch House (Blavatnik Building) extension
London, England · 2012-2016 · £260 million (total cost of extension)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchConversion of oil tanks: Three large, circular, underground oil tanks were converted into accessible display spaces, becoming the world's first museum galleries permanently dedicated to live art. - Controversial design: The initial glass stepped pyramid design was changed to a brick latticework facade to better integrate with the existing building. - Significant increase in display space: The extension almost doubled the amount of display space, providing 22,492 m² of additional area.
Key engineering challenges
Building a 10-storey tower above existing underground oil tanks, which were converted into exhibition spaces. - Designing a complex brick latticework facade that matches the original power station building while allowing light and views. - Integrating the new extension seamlessly with the existing Tate Modern building. - Managing the construction on a constrained site within an active museum environment.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Tate
- Lead contractor
- Mace
- Lead designers
- Herzog & de Meuron, Ramboll (structural, geotechnical, civil, and façade engineering)
- Project type
- new build (extension)
- Scale
- Height: 65 m (213 ft), 10 storeys, 22,492 m² (additional gross internal area)
- Disciplines
- Architecture; Structural Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Façade Engineering; Environmental Consultancy
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations (implied)
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tate_Modern#Switch_House_(Blavatnik_Building); https://www.herzogdemeuron.com/projects/263-the-tate-modern-project/; https://www.steelconstruction.info/Tate_Modern,_London