Konditor & Cook - The Gherkin

Fileturn was chosen by legendary London bakers Konditor & Cook when they wanted the best possible execution of an iconic retail design in an iconic building – London’s famous Gherkin at St Mary Axe.

Jamie Forbert Architects devised a striking contemporary design for the double-height retail unit incorporating a suspended black steel ceiling which holds a mezzanine floor where all the cakes are freshly made for sale on site.The mezzanine also acts as a viewing gallery where those who commission custom-made cakes can see their delicacies being made to order.

The ceiling posed the technical challenge of hanging 26 tons of steel on the structure of the Norman Foster-designed building. While most of the equipment and materials had to be transported onsite via underground access from a building some distance away from the Gherkin and carried up via a small lift, this was not possible for the steel due to its size and weight.

Fileturn negotiated with the Gherkin management company to gain an exception to its strict access rules. This enabled the company to board over the water feature at the front of the building so that the steel could be carried across and brought in the main entrance. The work had to be done very early in the morning before commuters arrived and was subject to rigorous planning and risk assessment.

Other eye-catching features of the store include purple painted glass walls, a cleverly concealed staircase, end-grain oak laminate flooring, stylish lighting and black steel counters, tables and display units.