FAIRCLOTH GROUP NEWS

Koobric

16/04/2009

THE high profile opening of a new nightclub inside the 02 Arena in the Docklands presented Faircloth with a six week deadline from start to finish, to construct a bridge for VIP guests inside latest London hotspot Matter, which opened in September.

The bridge, which was hung from the underside of the existing down stand roof structure, was designed, manufactured and installed all within six weeks.

William Russell, of Architects Pentagram, said: "Faircloth were great. They did a fantastic job, the logistics of installing the bridge could have caused problems but they succeeded without any problems."

He added: "The bridge is a key feature of the nightclub. The main room of the club is over three floors and the bridge spans a 25 meter long gap on the second floor overlooking the main dance floor."

Paul Withers of Engineers HBPW Consulting Ltd said: "The vibration response of the bridge in both the vertical and horizontal directions was critical to the client in order to ensure that the clubbers dancing on the bridge did not cause a problem, and this factor was carefully considered in the design works."

"The structural design and detailing of mesh infill panels was carefully undertaken to ensure that they could safely support crowd loading.

"The mesh infill panels and handrails were subjected to a physical test to prove their design strength," he added.

The striking structure is made of steel. There is no hand rail on the bridge as the sides are cantered away so that clubbers can lean over and view the dance floor below. Other design features included mesh wire and LED lighting.

The bridge was completed with acoustic lining to the underside, mesh enclosed to the sides and site spray finished.