UKSSH HELPS SKY SCAFFOLDING TICK BUCKET LIST AT ELSTREE STUDIOS
Working with Sky Scaffolding Midlands Limited, UKSSH supplied three temporary roofs covering over 1720 square metres for use on the set of the latest Willy Wonka film which was filmed at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesdon. The three temporary roofs - which combined to form a cross shape - were installed on top of a base scaffold erected from Sky Scaffolding’s existing stock of Layher scaffolding. Built to cover the mall featured in the film’s opening sequence, the set design required a 53m x 46m weatherproof structure for a crossroads with retail units. The scaffold also had to support lighting, camera gear, catwalk … and 20 trapeze artists at a height of 14m.
To minimise the scaffolding required, Sky Scaffolding developed a solution with a cruciform shaped roof with the central roof flanked by two smaller roofs on either side.
The first stage of the assembly included the four support structures, each 17m in height and each covering 23m by 16m.
Phase two required the construction of two massive spine beams – each 25m in length and each weighing approximately 3 tonnes - to bridge the intersection. The beams were assembled at ground level and craned into position.
Next, 17m long duo-pitch roof beams were installed. The main roof was 52m long, and the two smaller side roofs were each 15m long. Again, these were constructed in braced pairs at ground level, before being craned into position.
Following completion of the roof, 750mm aluminium lattice beams were installed throughout to support the lighting and camera equipment, catwalk and trapeze hoist pulleys.
The temporary structure not only met the technical challenges but also showcased the creativity and expertise of the team involved. The collaborative effort between all concerned resulted in a cost-effective and efficient solution that provided a safe working environment and allowed the filming to progress in all weather conditions.
UK System Scaffold Hire provided the temporary roof materials for the project. UKSSH’s Managing Director, Gary Griffiths observed: “This was a highly prestigious project to be involved in and we had to deliver the best, most watertight solution possible.
“At UKSSH we pride ourselves on a proactive approach to projects. We understand the commercial realities of running a scaffolding company, so we were more than happy that Sky Scaffolding opted to use a Haki roof on this project and to offer them the flexibility to either hire or buy not only the temporary roofs but also the sheeting required for the project”.
