Main Focus
The main focus of the project was the construction of a 42
metre high, galleried, fly tower, 900 square metres in area, to
hoist and house the hugh amount of scenery needed by the Royal
Opera and Royal Ballet who now share this prestigious site. The
tower is isolated from the side and back stage areas by massive
steel acoustic and fire doors, each weighing around 60 tonnes.
Challenge
The challenge was to meet the strict requirements specified
for such a tower, wich is three times the height of the proscenium
arch, with safety and durability in mind. Fire, acoustics, impact
and deflection were all paramount considerations in an area where
sets for up to six productions may be erected, retained and moved
by elevators.
Solution
The solution was to construct the fly tower walls using
ShaftWall, a system designed to meet the extreme conditions created
in high speed lift shafts. The system was lined with one layer of
Gyproc FireLine overlaid with Glasroc FireCase S, a high performance non-combustible glass
reinforced gypsum board. The structure achieved all key performance
requirements, with the added advantage that construction could be
achieved from one side only, reducing both installation costs and
time.
Construction Manager: Schal Construction Management
Sub-Contractor: Thermofelt (Contracts) Ltd.
Architect: Jeremy Dixon Jones
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