Came across an interesting item about a new elevator technology using carbon fiber cabling ropes developed by KONE.

The UltraRope cables are very lightweight and yet incredibly strong, thus enabling the moving masses required to propel the elevator to be significantly reduced. As such, energy requirements are lower and elevators could rise much higher than current technology allows. The resonant frequency of the carbon fibers also presumably make them far less susceptible to the effects of building sway.

Video on this here:



Supposedly, this new elevator technology would make buildings as tall as 1km feasible. That is about 4 times as tall as the Devon Tower. Daunting to think about. Current supertalls are about 500 meters, which is hitting the limit of what current elevators can handle.

Since they're more energy efficient (due to lower mass) even regular size highrises might benefit from this. However, for buildings smaller than Devon Tower, the benefits might not be as compelling. For the really tall buildings, the reduction in mass becomes extremely significant.

KONE's page for this is here:

KONE UltraRope - The benchmark in high-rise technology and innovation

Also, there is a note about it on this page, where it has earned an award for innovation by the CTBUH.

High-Rise Construction Innovations Recognized by CTBUH - High Rise Facilities