30 St Mary Axe 

Description
KONE high-speed elevators enhance the experience of moving within this new award-winning building.
Address
London, United Kingdom
Year 2004 
Project New building 
Products Elevators, KONE Alta™ 
All references »
©Foster and Partners/Nigel Young 

The building

In the spring of 2004, a new landmark addition to London’s skyline opened in the financial district. The insurance company Swiss Re commissioned the uniquely shaped 41-story tower designed by Foster and Partners.

The solution

Sixteen high-speed, double-height high-capacity KONE Alta™ passenger elevators are arranged in three banks, each serving a third of the floors. There are also goods and firefighter elevators, a car park elevator, and two special shuttle elevators serving the top floors. KONE Alta™ met the architects’ requirements for customized elevator cars and signalization. It also met environmental requirements: KONE is well-known for its eco-efficient solutions.

Natural light is available all around. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young
Natural light is available all around. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young The dynamic structural grid of the exterior is echoed in the spiraling lightwells in the interior. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young The circular plan is part of the environmental idea of the building. Image: © Foster and Partners
The double-skinned glass façade is cooled by air extracted from the offices. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young A new landmark addition to London’s skyline opened in the financial district.
Natural light
Natural light is available all around. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young
Natural light is available all around. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young The dynamic structural grid of the exterior is echoed in the spiraling lightwells in the interior. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young The circular plan is part of the environmental idea of the building. Image: © Foster and Partners The double-skinned glass façade is cooled by air extracted from the offices. Image: © Foster and Partners/Nigel Young A new landmark addition to London’s skyline opened in the financial district.
Contact
Email
Print
Share
KONE South East Asia > References > Office > 30 St Mary Axe