Location:
30 St Mary Axe

London
EC3
United Kingdom

coordinates: 51.5146790,-0.0805306
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Building names(s): Swiss Re / 30 St Mary Axe / Gherkin / Bullet / Cucumber Building
Architect/Designer: Foster & Partners
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Completion date: 2004

completion date: 2004

function(s): bank, commercial

credentials/awards: 2004 Stirling Prize, Stirling Prize

check out: The Green Design incorporated into the building includes: The building uses energy-saving methods which allow it to use half the power a similar tower would typically consume. Gaps in each floor create six shafts that serve as a natural ventilation system for the entire building even though required firebreaks on every sixth floor interrupt the "chimney." The shafts create a giant double glazing effect; air is sandwiched between two layers of glazing and insulates the office space inside. The shafts pull warm air out of the building during the summer and warm the building in the winter using passive solar heating. The shafts also allow sunlight to pass through the building, making the work environment more pleasing, and keeping the lighting costs down. website: www.30stmaryaxe.com/index2.asp structural engineers: ARUP