The Gherkin - Smoke Curtain Installations and Servicing in Tall Buildings: A Case Study of The Gherkin

In the heart of London, the iconic 30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as The Gherkin, stands as one of the tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers in the UK. Designed by renowned architect Lord Foster, this landmark showcases a modern open-plan office environment. However, to uphold the architectural vision while complying with stringent fire regulations, an innovative approach to smoke and fire management was essential.

Client Requirements for Smoke Curtain Solutions

The Gherkin, with its 41 floors, necessitated a robust strategy to prevent smoke migration during a fire incident. The primary goal was to implement an effective smoke containment and channeling system that would safeguard occupants by directing smoke safely out of the building. This complex challenge required collaboration with experienced fire engineers to ensure compliance and safety.

Comprehensive Smoke Curtain Installation and Servicing

For over 10 years, Coopers Fire has partnered on the Gherkin project. Having previously collaborated on the London City Hall project, Coopers Fire was chosen as the preferred supplier of smoke curtain barriers for The Gherkin. Our established reputation for delivering high-profile contracts made us the ideal partner for overcoming the challenges presented by this unique structure.

Through a detailed tender process, Coopers Fire worked closely with Arup to develop a tailored smoke curtain system that integrated seamlessly with the building’s Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation System (SHEVS). Over 100

SmokeStop smoke curtain barriers were installed, strategically concealed within the ceiling voids of each of the 39 floors.

Effective Smoke Management and Safety Solutions

In the event of a fire, these SmokeStop barriers deploy to channel smoke away from occupants and facilitate safe evacuation. This comprehensive smoke management strategy ensures that The Gherkin’s 41 floors remain protected from smoke infiltration, maintaining the safety and comfort of all occupants.

Awards

2003 – ECCS European Steel Design Award

2003 – AR/MIPIM Future Project Prize – ‘Best of Show’ Joint Winner

2004 – DETAIL Special Award for Steel

2004 – RIBA Stirling Prize

2004 – IAS/OAS Awards – Best Central London Development

2004 – RIBA London Award

2004 – Emporis Skyscraper Award

2004 – Dutch Steel Award – Category A

2004 – London Architecture Biennale – Best New London Building

2004 – The International Highrise Award – Honourable Mention

2005 – LDSA Built in Quality Awards – Winner Innovation category

2005 – Wallpaper Design Awards – Winner Best New View

2006 – London Architectural Biennale – Best Building Award

2006 – Civic Trust Award

2010 – London Planning Awards – Best Built Project, 5 Years On

Long-Term Benefits of Smoke Curtain Servicing

Coopers Fire’s manufactured, installed, and commissioned smoke curtains form an integral component of The Gherkin’s smoke control system. Collaborating with Arup, we successfully preserved the open-plan office layout envisioned by Fosters + Partners while discreetly incorporating the smoke curtains into the building’s architecture.

Our partnership has not only focused on installation but also on ongoing servicing and maintenance of the smoke curtains for over a decade. Each curtain operates under controlled, safe speeds using our patented True TOTAL Fail-Safe by Gravity (TGFS)technology, ensuring reliable deployment when needed. Coopers Fire continues to provide planned maintenance and servicing for all smoke curtain barriers at The Gherkin, ensuring they operate at peak performance.

The Importance of Regular Smoke Curtain Servicing

Fosters + Partners aimed to leverage the latest smoke barrier technology to enhance the Gherkin’s open-plan office environment. With retractable smoke curtains installed on 39 of the 41 floors, this solution effectively channels smoke through and out of the building, ensuring the safety of occupants in any emergency.

For architects and builders of tall buildings, integrating smoke curtains like those at The Gherkin is vital for achieving both aesthetic and safety goals, and Coopers Fire remains committed to supporting this landmark project for years to come through expert servicing and maintenance of smoke curtains.