Sky Studios, Elstree

Opened in 2022, the Sky Studios Elstree is the UK’s newest, state-of-the-art film and TV studio. With 12 sound stages, ranging from 10,000 sqft to 40,000 sqft, each of the studios come with the latest technology and sound proofing built in. The site also comprises workshops, offices and ancillary spaces inc. meeting rooms, dressing rooms, screening rooms and parking.
Contracting client: 
BAM Construction
Location: 
Elstree, Watford
Sector: 
Film Studios
Key Elements
  • Fast track Project
  • Engineering Assessments
  • Buildings - Multiple Usage Types

The Challenge

The studios were already in the process of constructing an internal wall that measured 14 metres high with acoustic (sound proofed) properties.

The wall could therefore not be built in line with the manufacturer’s instructions or using their existing test data.

At the time, clients of UK Fire Test houses were typically experiencing a four-month testing lead time to conduct a burn test which would greatly impact the studio’s build programme and budget. An additional complication was that testing facilities generally are unable to test a system measuring 14 metres high.

The Solution

Combining existing test data along with the knowledge and experience of the KFS engineering team, the client was provided with an Engineering Assessment.

The assessment concluded that from the industry guidance (standards) available, the wall would remain structurally sound for the duration of the required fire resistance period, as stipulated within the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Outcome

By providing an Engineering Assessment Report in just five weeks, the KFS data analysis and experience were able to mitigate a lengthy time delay to the construction project and hefty costs.

The client was able to avoid the expensive burn test and four month wait for it which resulted in some significant cost savings - both in employee costs and loss of revenue.

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