KONE carbon fibre 'Ultrarope' bags innovation award

One of two winners this year, the jury said this year's award-winning innovations forged a path for the next generation of tall buildings, expanding the range of what was possible. 

"This is finally a breakthrough on one of the 'holy grail' limiting factors of tall buildings - that is, the height to which a single elevator could operate before the weight of the steel rope becomes unsupportable over that height," said juror Antony Wood, CTBUH Executive Director. "So it is not an exaggeration to say that this is revolutionary. However, it is not just the enablement of greater height that is beneficial - the greater energy and material efficiencies are of equal value."

"The impacts of KONE’s innovations reach beyond the elevator and escalator industry, and can change the future design of high-rise buildings. We are proud to achieve this recognition and this spurs us on to continue on the path of innovation," said Heikki Leppänen, Executive Vice President for KONE's New Equipment Business.

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat is the world's leading resource for professionals focused on the design, construction, and operation of tall buildings and future cities. The Innovation Award submissions were independently reviewed by a jury of industry experts. The award will be presented to KONE at the CTBUH Annual Awards Ceremony in Chicago in November 2013. 

Kone Corporation