THE LEADENHALL BUILDING - London, United Kingdom

STRUCTURAL EXPRESSIONISM

122 Leadenhall is a building of world firsts, boasting the world’s largest and fastest suite of panoramic elevators. But the real stunner is the mold-breaking design – nothing comparable has ever been attempted before.

Description

The Leadenhall Building is the latest iconic addition to the London skyline. Designed by Graham Stirk of world-acclaimed architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the 45-story skyscraper is the tallest building in the Square Mile financial district, with 57,000 square meters of office space providing spectacular views across the Thames River and beyond.

Building facts

• Completed: 2014
• Height: 224 m
• Floors: 45
• Maximum speed: 8 m/s
• Total floor area: 111,484 sqm
• Building owner: British Land and Oxfort Properties
• Developer: British Land and Oxfort Properties
• Architect: Graham Stirk of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
• Contractor: Laing O'Rourke

KONE solutions

• 24 KONE MiniSpace™ scenic elevators
• 2 KONE MiniSpace™ elevators
• 6 KONE TransitMasters™ 120 escalators
• 2 customised platform lifts
• KONE Polaris™ Destination Control System
• KONE E-Link™ monitoring system

CHALLENGES

• To create a one-off elevator concept that is visually and technically integrated with the architect’s uncompromising vision
• To provide smooth transition between low-, mid- and high-rise elevator groups
• To oversee the challenging installation of the scenic cars, which had to be installed in one piece and delivered along a tight corridor

SOLUTIONS

• Successful technical and architectural integration was achieved during two years of intensive collaboration with the contractor and architects
• All three elevator groups adhere to a common design principle, with a unique brightly colored sling
• As the building has no concrete core, all wiring is concealed in the back wall and floor units, achieving a clean, minimalistic effect
• Special destination control software provides smooth automatic transfer at the push of a single button

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