Soundforms
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Nick Guttridge (website) Download Original
Mobile demountable stage designed to enhance the acoustics of outdoor performances
Designed to create the on-stage acoustic of a concert hall, the standalone stage, which is available in three sizes, is capable of being installed in three days and demounted in one.
The inflated fabric skin is supported on a lightweight aluminium frame, which rotates into position around an articulated pin joint, locked to a steel stage grid and weighed down with 26 tonnes of ballast to resist wind load.
The skin comprises eight white PVC-coated polyester cushions inflated to various depths by hoses connected to a low-noise AHU, which are attached to the frame with belts and buckles before being connected together with waterproof, airtight zips.
Sound is bounced towards the audience using geometry and a mixture of visible 18mm plywood reflecting panels, painted white, and acoustically transparent lycra screens with additional plywood panels behind.
Data
- Begun: Jul 2012
- Completed: Jul 2012
- Floor area: 75m2
- Sector: Arts and culture
- Total cost: £350,000
- Procurement: Partnering
- Address: London, United Kingdom
Materials 
Professional Team
- Architect: BFLS
- Client: Soundforms
- Structural engineer: Total Solutions Group
- Structural engineer: Malcolm Richards
- Structural engineer: Architen Landrell
- Structural engineer: Tensys
- Acoustic consultant: Arup Acoustics
- Project manager: ES Global
- Main contractor: ES Global
- CDM coordinator: ES Global
Suppliers
- Acoustic panels: Fineline
- Aluminium trusses: Total Solutions Group
