The Deck National Theatre, South Bank London Building, Project, Photo, Design
The Deck, National Theatre
South Bank Building Development, London, UK – design by A-EM Studio Ltd
11 Jun 2009
The Deck National Theatre
Location: South Bank, City of London SE1 9PX
Design: A-EM Studio Ltd
Stunning rooftop events venue
Phone: 020 7452 3796
Address: National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award Finalist 2009
The Deck at the National Theatre
About The Deck, National Theatre project
The National Theatre wanted to use its public spaces more imaginatively, and raise more revenue. The roof seemed to be an ideal place for receptions and corporate entertainment. It has spectacular views, is easily accessible from the foyer, and has service access from the back of house.
A-EM responded to the brief by designing the Deck, a 200 square metre glowing box structure, made from tubular mild steel clad with polycarbonate panels. A tensile PVC membrane roof fits over the central space and is lit by LED fittings which produce kaleidoscopic colours.
However, the site cannot take loading and it is exposed to high winds. The solution was to suspend the structure on a steel support, transferring loadings to bearing points. The pre-fabricated pavilion was craned into position and bolted together on site. It was designed to be dismantled, as initially planning permission was only for seven months each year. This is an inventive, cost effective design solution, on a complex and sensitive site.
The Deck has proved a success – first season earnings were twice those predicted – and now has full permission for five years.
Judges’ comment
“The Deck has successfully met awkward construction challenges and ingeniously created a new event facility.”
The Deck, National Theatre – Building Information
Client: National Theatre
Principal designer: A-EM Studio Ltd
Principal engineer: Delstar Engineering, Flint & Neill Ltd
Principal contractor: National Theatre
Contract value: £500,000
National Theatre London South Bank intervention images / information from A-EM Studio Ltd 11/0609
22 Feb 2018
National Theatre begins work to install new rooftop entertainment space
Design: Haworth Tompkins Architects
photo : Philip Vile
The Deck at The National Theatre London
Location: South Bank, City of London SE1 9PX
London, England, UK
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