Floating Auditorium

At the start of 2018, the new head office of November Five, a well-known Antwerp-based digital bureau, was opened. On the inside, wood, concrete and steel were predominantly used to create a modern and stylish interior concept. Raes Constructies from Duffel (Belgium) commissioned Staco to manufacture the gratings and steps for the floating auditorium.

For the construction of the new head office on Het Zuid, near the river Schelde, a conscious choice was made to use a modern and stylish design, whereby a loft atmosphere was key to a certain extent. The desired effect was created by using plenty of concrete, wood and steel. 

What makes the building unique, is the centrally positioned floating platform, constructed in black powder-coated steel, which was to serve as an auditorium. This eye catcher makes up the central axis of the building as it were, and connects the various office wings.
Commissioned by Raes Constructies in Duffel, we've had the pleasure of cooperating on this beautiful project. Craftsmanship was of the essence because the entire build-up of the tribune required the utmost precision, both vertically and horizontally.

The floating platform consists of a heavier grating type RR 60-2 mesh 33x33, to provide sufficient bearing strength in case this open gallery were to do service as a seminar room. The many benches made of vertical and horizontal gratings are wrapped around this platform. For this purpose, a lighter grating type RR 30-2 mesh 33x33 was used. The stair construction itself rotates in an angular shape around the central shaft that connects the ground floor, the floating platform and the first floor. 

Given the amount of shaping, almost every grating in this project was unique. Thanks to professional preparation and the numbering of the gratings and the corresponding installation plan, the customer was able to count on a smooth installation.
This is a good example of an original, challenging project, in which customisation is an asset. It just goes to show the versatility of grating applications.

Staco products used

Staco pressed gratings type RR            

Technical information

Staco pressed gratings type RR 2-60, mesh size 33,33x33,33 mm, hot dip galvanized  and powdercoated in black
Staco pressed gratings type RR 2-30, mesh size 33,33x33,33 mm, hot dip galvanized  and powdercoated in black  

Location

Antwerp, BE

Application

Floors
Staircases
Decoration

Used in sectors

Architectural