Mace Group

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The annual Serpentine Gallery Pavilion has become a much-loved tradition in Kensington Gardens. Visitors to the contemporary art gallery are greeted every summer. Previous contributors read like a roll call of cutting edge world architecture. Mace successfully completed the 2009 Serpentine pavilion in readiness for the gallery's summer opening.

Designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA, the leading Japanese architecture practice, the 2009 pavilion commission formed part of an ongoing programme of temporary structures by internationally-acclaimed architects and designers. Situated on the gallery's lawn in Kensington Gardens, the pavilion was open to the public from 12th July to 18th October 2009.

Mace was invited to work on the project by Stanhope which acted as advisor on the project. Following a construction management appointment in March 2009 and before seeing the final design, the team committed to achieving practical completion by the 9th July summer party date. Planning was granted in mid-May 2009, leaving just seven weeks to complete construction. Mace's work on the project had to be efficient, flexible to sudden changes and pay great respect to the health and safety issues of working on a project in a public space.

The structure itself was an inspirational wave design, comprising a composite aluminium and plywood roof supported by stainless steel columns on temporary screw pile foundations and a concrete floor to give the effect of floating aluminium.

The external pavilion incorporated a café and an auditorium with fully integrated electrical and audio visual installations. Due to the structure being temporary, the Mace team was instrumental in developing the design and construction methodology to ensure the pavilion is completely demountable so that it can be re-erected in its permanent home.

Quick, efficient, safe
For Mace Group the task was one of marshalling a great team together quickly, establishing good communications and greater understanding. Everyone was working uncommercially and yet at the height of professionalism. The entire project had to be delivered to a certain deadline in just three months from planning consent and the Mace team had to work very flexibly as the design developed during project delivery. Safety was also a particular priority as the gallery remained open during construction, playing host to a steady stream of visitors from across the world. As platinum sponsor, Mace Group was also a direct supporter of this exciting project.

Photo Gallery

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Links

Gallery: Learn more about the SANAA Pavilion
http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2009/02/serpentine_gallery_pavilion_20_13.html

Wikipedia: SANAA entry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANAA_%28firm%29

Structural Engineers: Arup
http://www.arup.com

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