The Outer Space Project is a purpose-built facility for TV & film production consisting of a 30,000 sq. ft. production studio with additional office, support and industrial accommodation also provided on site. The column free 30,000 sq. ft. production studio is constructed from structural steelwork utilising 3.2m deep, 43m long trusses spanning over the production space below at a height of 12m. The trusses are supported by a ‘hit/miss’ column grid with transfer beams provided at mid-column bay. The lateral stability of the structure is provided by vertically braced bays carefully coordinated with the considerable plant requirements required to serve a facility of this nature. Provision of rigging beams spanning between the trusses facilitates ease of movement for the facility’s lighting and AV equipment whilst also providing lateral restraint to the bottom chord members of the trusses.
Integra worked closely with both the architect and acoustic engineers to ensure that noise and vibration transfer both into and out from the production spaces was sufficiently controlled in line with the client’s specification. Use of BIM software ensured that a tightly coordinated design was achieved from the early project stages. Review of site investigation information and borehole data resulted in a vibro stone column method of ground improvement being implemented with column loads transferred to the ground through in-situ pad foundations. SuDS measures were adopted to manage stormwater run-off from the site with use of a strategically placed attenuation tank beneath the car park to protect the surrounding drainage network from overload during periods of increased rainfall. .