The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2010, a bold geometric structure designed by Jean Nouvel, has opened to the public. Stage One was the company responsible for the manufacture and installation of all the structural steelwork, flooring, a 12m high freestanding wall leaning at a 30º angle, central canopy area, seven metre high steel-framed glass cube section and bar/café areas – all in striking shades of red.
“We are honoured to have been asked to construct the prestigious Serpentine Gallery Pavilion for the second year running, “ said Mark Johnson, Managing Director, Stage One. He continued, “our involvement in the construction of the 2010 Pavilion, which required completely different manufacturing capabilities to the 2009 Pavilion, highlights the truly diverse range of skills and services we can offer to our clients.”
The Company worked closely with Jean Nouvel’s design team, ARUP and the Serpentine Gallery, and using their extensive experience helped to develop the design: sourcing and testing numerous red materials for their potential use. This included a staggering array of different paint finishes. As a result of this process Stage One were able to identify a number of practical design solutions, such as the extensive use of the unique self-draining rubber chip flooring that has been used throughout the Pavilion.
Working alongside the other contractors and within the confines of both the strict conditions imposed by The Royal Parks and a very tight site boundary, required an organised and systematic approach to the build. Nevertheless, Stage One completed construction of the Pavilion in less than eight weeks, using their extensive workshop facilities in North Yorkshire to fabricate the 45 tonnes of steel required for the Pavilion before transferring it to site for erection by their experienced installation team.
Mark concluded, “as both Gold Sponsors and the main build contractor we are very proud to have been associated with this exciting project and we wish the season of events that will take place within the Pavilion the greatest of success.”
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