Space Truss

Space truss, a space-efficient steel truss system, has been in our partners Serious Stages’ portfolio since 1999 but has been somewhat under-utilized, being used traditionally for a range of building structures of up to 41m in span.

The relatively modest load capacity and maximum clear span of the Orbit stage systems has inspired the development of the SPACE Stage system into a realistic and working alternative to the Orbit systems on offer. The 20m and 25m Space Roofs that have been developed offer a logical next step in greater load capacity, greater trim height and greater clear span to their smaller Orbit siblings.

General Information

The new range of space roofs were launched in May 2005 and have quickly proven themselves immensely popular. Recent events supplied with a space roof include Glastonbury Festival (The Other Stage), T4 on the Beach, Tom Jones Homecoming concert, Cannon Hill Park VE Day celebrations, Blenheim Palace and Blickling Hall. In addition to this, the 25m space roof was used as the main stage at the Carling Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Design

Constructed from steel SPACE truss the 20m and 25m Space roofs use a new flatter arch profile with vertical “legs”. The modular main arches are spaced 4.8m apart so clients can tailor the depth of the stage to their requirements. The roofs feature a flat rear gable end which maximises the usable covered area and an angled, load bearing “cantilever” arch which provides front cover and rigging points for front lighting. The normal maximum trim height is 13.4m for the 20m roof and 15.8m for the 25m roof.

Load Bearing

The configuration of the 20m and 25m Space roof is very robust allowing for relatively high loading capacity. Load bearings are specific to final stage specification but, to give an indication of load bearing capacity, the 25m Space arch carries a maximum distributed load capacity of 11 tonnes. Even the front cantilever arch can support a distributed load of over 6 tonnes. Spreader beams are pre-rigged between the main truss arches to ensure that rigging points required are dead-hangs.

On a 25m x 20m stage there is the ability to fly a distributed load of 60 tonnes from the roof alone.

Construction

The Space Stage is constructed very simply clipping units together on the ground and using a crane and motor system to construct the stage. From a Health and Safety perspective this is extremely beneficial as it minimises the amount of men working at height.

In addition to this, the Space Stage systems are also very versatile. Due to the large clear span there may be options to have viewing platforms, technical areas and wings created using our mezzanine systems to the sides of the stage. As the Stages are capable of flying such extraordinary loads, options to bring external PA wings and Video screens to within the confides of the stage are a possibility – thus reducing the need for added event ‘extras’ such as PA towers or masts.

Weather Proofing

The new 20m and 25m roofs combine the proven weather-proofing ability of an Orbit-style roof with the load bearing capacity and flatter aesthetic of a more traditional flat roof. The new Space Roofs can withstand high wind speeds and have no snow load limitations – an ideal and impressive structure for any weather.