The sprawling and brutal South Kilburn Estate in North West London. The estate was built in several phases between around 1964 - 1972. Designed by Brent Borough Architect’s Department. The most prominent features of the estate being the 18 storey slab blocks. Most of the estate, with the exception of the earlier blocks is clad entirely in cast concrete panels of different colours, finishes, and my favourite ones, with cast abstract patterns, (as above) These panels do give the buildings a concrete Legoland look that is both appealing and intimidating in equal measure. I can imagine the panels being chosen from a catalogue at the time, no doubt there were other abstract patterned options available. The whole estate is scheduled for a phased demolition as part of the massive South Kilburn Masterplan Redevelopment. A large section to the North of the estate has already been demolished. All the buildings in these photos should have gone by around 2026 if it all goes to plan.. I think the wholesale demolition of the estate is rather sad. I’m especially surprised that the early blocks, built 1964-1967 (last four photos) including Crone Court are going to be demolished as they would not suffer the common prejudice against concrete or have possible structural issues of the later panel built blocks. Ultimately its the residents that one should seek the opinion of when it comes to deciding if it has been the right decision to demolish the entire estate. As an observer I can bemoan the loss of some rather nice concrete panels but I have to be honest and ask myself would I want to live there with many of the buildings and external areas in their current condition, although this must be partly due to a lack of enthusiasm from the local council to maintain an estate that is due for demolition…...
Hereford House
Hereford House
Hereford House
Hereford House & Exeter Court
Exeter Court
Exeter Court & Hereford House
Exeter Court & Hereford House
From left: Dickens House, Austen House, Blake Court
Austen House
From left: Blake Court, Dickens House, Austen House
Austin House (satellite constelation)
from left: Dickens House, Austen House, Blake Court
Blake Court
Blake Court
Wordsworth House
Blake Court
Crone Court
Crone Court
From left:: Craik Court, Crone Court,
From left:: Craik Court, Crone Court,