Balfron Tower

Balfron Tower stands in Poplar, a district of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is a 27-storey residential building designed in the Brutalist style by Ernő Goldfinger. Completed in 1967, the tower forms part of the Brownfield Estate, an area of social housing between Chrisp Street Market and the A12. The building is 84 metres high and contains 146 homes, including 10 maisonettes. A separate service tower houses lifts, laundry rooms and rubbish chutes, linked to the residential tower by eight walkways. The tower is worth the journey for its architectural significance and Goldfinger’s personal involvement. Ernő Goldfinger moved into flat 130 on the 25th floor for two months in 1968 to gather feedback from residents. His observations shaped the design of the similar Trellick Tower in West London. Balfron Tower was listed at Grade II* in 1996, recognising its importance in 1960s Brutalist architecture. The surrounding Brownfield Estate includes Carradale House, another Goldfinger design, completed in 1970. Visitors find a building with a striking concrete exterior and carefully planned internal layouts. The lifts serve every third floor, with access via sky bridges. The maisonettes occupy the first two and top two floors, creating a distinct pattern on the west side. Inside, original features such as natural wood panels and large south-facing balconies remain in some flats. The tower has featured in music videos and cultural projects, including a restoration of Goldfinger’s flat for a National Trust exhibition. The refurbishment preserved many heritage elements while updating services to modern standards.