The Gherkin, London

The Gherkin

This incredible construction in London is an absolute must see! This huge building comes complete with over 24,000 square metres or the equivilent of 5 football pitches of glass cladding and is recognised worldwide as a fantastic piece of architecture which has changed the capital's skyline.

Owned by Swiss Re, the Gherkin has 40 floors (let's hope there's a lift!) and it's restuarant at 165 metres high, is officially the highest in London, so there's no doubt that this amazing building must be one of the best places in the city for views. 
     
 Fast Facts

  • 378 people can be vertically transported through the building at up to 6 metres per second.
  • The building is made of 10,000 tonnes of structural steel, which is the equivilent of 71 double-decker buses!
  • The building is extremely environmentally friendly. It's primary fuel is gas, which is one of the cleanest available and it also uses low energy light fittings wherever possible. The six fingers of accomodation on each floor, configured with lightwells between, maximise daylight penetration, reducing the amount of artificial lighting that is required. Light level and movement sensors prevent unnecessary lighting, reducing energy consumption and cooling loads.

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