Projects

Location: Parc de la Villette, Paris, France
Industry: Technology and Innovation
Structures: Evolution, Alu Halls, Alure Globe

Canon Expo

Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for the home and office environments. Once every five years Canon Europe stages a global exhibition to showcase its latest technologies and to unveil the very latest innovations which are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the amazing world of imaging.

Canon’s EXPO 2015 was staged in the impressive Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris. However, with all available space in the building accounted for Neptunus was assigned to supply a range of temporary structures to provide vital additional space for the exhibition which attracted over 18,500 visitors across the threeday-long show.

Importantly, Canon required a bespoke environment for the exhibition’s keynote speakers with a platform to showcase the photographic technology.

The Solution
Working for creative agency and long-term client Imagination Europe, Neptunus’ technicians built a 2,200 square metre Evolution III structure incorporating blackout roof skins to house tiered seating, incorporating a Keynote Speaker stage as the platform for Canon to offer a glimpse of the latest research projects developed from its headquarters in Tokyo – including a 120MP camera, an ultra-telephoto lens for night photography and 8K cameras.

Neptunus also provided dedicated space where visitors entering the exhibition could register in an 875 square metre x 8m high Evolution II structure that featured an internal staircase and was joined by four linked Alu Halls creating cloakrooms.

Elsewhere two sleek and linked Alure Globes featuring front glazing, a terrace and covered walkway from the Grande Hall formed a 2,400 square metre dining hall serving 1,600 meals each day. Neptunus also supplied kitchen, toilets, back of house and staff catering areas.

The Challenges
Working to a tight timeframe it took just 10 days to build all of the structures which were delivered on site by 28 trucks. The build process had to commence on a Saturday to meet Imagination’s tenancy at the venue. As articulated trucks are not allowed to drive on French roads on a Sunday, 17 trucks were delivered on the first day to make sure enough equipment was on site for Neptunus’ 20-strong team, ensuring they stayed ahead of the critical build schedule to allow the other trades enough time for the internal fit out.

Other challenges included the terrain. As the land adjacent to the Grande Hall for the Keynote Speakers and Hospitality structures is grass, which features a series of underground services and tunnels, and the entrance structures were placed on cobbled stones Neptunus had to find a way to support the large structures. A cassette floor system incorporating concrete sections was used to provide ballast
to ensure that visitors were not faced with any unsightly external concrete supports.

The Verdict
David Spiers, Production Director, Imagination Europe, said: “Having worked with Neptunus at the previous event in 2010 we were confident they could deliver the high quality structures required for this kind of prestigious event. We had very tight schedules for both the build and for the dismantle.”

He added: “We had very firm design ideas in terms of overall style and finish. We also had very firm requirements both in terms of safe working practices and, working in France, the fact all other structures need the necessary certification paperwork to allow them to be built. We looked at many options and Neptunus clearly offered the best solutions. We were absolutely delighted with the result.”

Location: United Kingdom
Industry: Leisure (inc. Hotels)
Materials: PVC/PES
Structures: Frame Supported
Roof Forms: Planar

THE MILL HOUSE HOTEL

J & J Carter and ONE, were contracted by Loddon Hotel Ltd., owners of The Mill House Hotel to replace their existing marquee facility with a modern structure. The old marquee measuring 30 ft. x 75 ft. was a classic 1980’s aluminium clearspan marquee which was fine at the time it was installed; but not by today’s standard.

With clients' ever increasing levels of expectation, and today’s high standards for weddings and corporate events, there was a requirement to replace the marquee with a facility that can provide not only comfort; but also an environment suitable for food preparation.

The new 9m x 22.5m Clearspan Structure was not only designed to fit within the existing site constraints to comply with Planning permission; but also upgraded with an insulated translucent Thermo roof system, solid UPVC side walls, double glazing, bi-folding windows, internal decorative lining and segregated kitchen area.

All these upgrades help provide for a facility which fulfils environmental requirements for reduced use of heating fuel.

The hotel have also installed specialist acoustic control systems to minimise external noise from the music system and air-conditioning.

"We can’t thank Robert and Ollie enough for their tireless patience and professionalism from the planning stage through to installation. From minor adjustments, co-ordination of the work force to ensure we have a Marquee fit for purpose. The end result is fantastic.

Their expertise of their product is faultless with a bespoke structure commissioned due to planning constraints Roberts team really do think out of the box to make things work." - Mark & Kim Pybus owners of The Mill House Hotel

Location: United Kingdom
Industry: Commercial
Materials: PVC/GF
Structures: Tension Structure
Roof Forms: Planar

DUKE OF YORK SQUARE

Developed by Cadogan from the former Territorial Army Barracks which was originally a Royal Military School, it is now the home of the famous Saatchi Gallery. One of London's “must see” destinations for modern art.

The Square has over 30 chic stores, both established brands and unique boutiques, along with six restaurants offering extensive al fresco dining. Its glamorous beauty offer includes the flagships for Richard Ward and Liz Earle.

10 Duke of York Square is home to Cadogan Estates office. The client's architects requested an internal shade sail to protect the reception from incoming solar glare. We installed specialist cleat brackets at requested positions, laser surveyed these for accuracy, and developed the sail from "as built" geometry.

The fabric chosen is a Satine weave PVC Coated Glass Fibre from Mermet. Fire Resistant to B.S 476 Class O.

Location: United Kingdom
Industry: Sport
Materials: PVC/PES
Structures: Frame Supported
Roof Forms: Planar

TOTALLY TENNIS BASINGSTOKE

Totally Tennis operates out of three centres across Basingstoke. The War Memorial Park is their main tennis venue, providing a wide range of tennis for all ages and abilities.

With 4 indoor courts and 4 outdoor courts, Totally Tennis is able to serve the community with all year round tennis in an up to date, well-equipped environment.

This centre does not require players to have a membership and offers a variety of pay and play options, courses and coaching sessions to suit all ages and abilities.

The centre, funded by the LTA and Basingstoke Council, was originally built by a continental contractor in 2000 who went into liquidation. The structures they built were without warranty and some suffering major defects.

The roof here had delaminated and was selected for replacement. With very little information on the construction details, J & J Carter surveyed the building, designed new roof membranes to re-cover some 3600m2 over 4 tennis courts.

The installation sequence was phased to enable continuous use of the centre whilst the roofing work was being carried out. The new roof was made using a PVDF Lacquered PVC Coated Polyester with a guaranteed 10 Year Warranty.

Location: United Kingdom
Industry: Automotive
Materials: 1000m2 of specialist vinyl film

Imaginators global launch of Bentley EXP 100 GT

In June 2019, Bentley Motors celebrated its 100th birthday.

To mark the occasion, the maker of some of history’s most exotic motor cars is revealing the EXP 100 GT – a car developed to celebrate the centenary as well as reveal the future of this luxurious marque. The concept vehicle tells the exciting story of Bentley’s next chapter.

Designed from the inside out whilst utilising an all-electric platform, the EXP 100 GT takes a leap into the future, imagining the personality of the Bentley grand tourer in a very different motoring world of 2035.

With short notice, yet with exceptional ease, Imaginators were engaged by Bentley Motors UK to work within strict security constraints surrounding the global launch to provide project management, print production, installation and de-rig for both the exterior and interior of the flagship Bentley showroom in Crewe.

Printing commenced on our Durst P10 press uninterrupted for 4 days to produce in excess of 1000m2 of specialist vinyl film, which was over laminated and precision cut using an ESKO robotic cutting system.

The installation required the application of vinyl to both the interior and exterior of the iconic glass Bentley showroom.

Our team of in-house installers worked day and night working closely with set build and giant video screen requirements to deliver a visually spectacular result transforming a giant glass structure into a stunning, highly visible focal centrepiece.

Subsequently Imaginators have been shortlisted at the prestigious Digital Printer Awards 2019 as best wide format and superwide format digital print supplier for the work with Bentley Motors.