Is this one of Britain’s ugliest buildings? London architect’s shock as dream home shortlisted for design Carbuncle Cup

Standing out: critics said the eco-home in Streatham looked like an electricity substation.
ES Local Feed

An architect whose self-built “dream home” was nominated one of Britain’s ugliest buildings said it should not be listed among the worst eyesores.

Chris Moore, 39, was shocked to learn his three-bedroom Streatham eco-home had been shortlisted for the Carbuncle Cup, an annual wooden spoon for architecture.

Staff at Building Design magazine described the orange, three-storey property as an “alien blot on the streetscape” that looks “more like an electricity substation than a home”. Editor Thomas Lane said the house had “the appearance of a red-faced child”.

But Mr Moore, a partner at Pace Jefford Moore Architects who studied at London’s Bartlett School of Architecture, said he was “very proud” of it.

Architect Chris Moore (ES Local Feed )
ES Local Feed

He added: “I’m an architect — I know what I’m doing.” The father of one, who lives in the £800,000 house with fiancée Caroline Ingman, 35, and their 20-month-old daughter, said the nomination “called into question” the award’s validity. “My house has no impact on anyone other than the few people living on my road,” he added. “This is at best a local issue, and shouldn’t be compared to the other buildings nominated.”

Mr Moore said the prize would be more useful highlighting “large abuses of public space”. Previous winners include the “Walkie Talkie” in the City. Other nominees this year included Lewisham Gateway, and Haydn Tower at Nine Elms Point in Vauxhall.

Previous winner: the Walkie Talkie is one of London's most famous skyscrapers
PA

After paying £160,000 for the land in 2013, Mr Moore spent about £280,000 building the home. It is energy-efficient, with solar panels and over a foot of insulation throughout. The shutter-like windows help regulate temperature.The orange, he said, was in keeping with the area. Neighbour Ranjeet Brar said: “I like it. It’s very cleverly designed.”

The winner of the cup — Redrock Stockport, a £45 million leisure complex and car park — was announced this morning. The development is part of a £1 billion regeneration project for south Manchester. The judges called it an “absolute monstrosity”.

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