Neptunus built temporary structure for BBC Earth Experience

On the 30^th March 2023, a ground-breaking new immersive attraction in the centre of London opened its doors for the first time. The BBC Earth Experience offers visitors the chance to experience the extraordinary diversity of our seven unique continents on the most epic scale, featuring bespoke narration from Sir David Attenborough.

The experience takes place in The Daikin Centre, which is a sustainable and demountable building. Producer Moon Eye Productions and main contractor ES Global Solutions, contracted Neptunus to build the temporary structure to stage this unique experience. Neptunus provided the perfect solution with the Evolution-structure. The Evolution is a temporary building that can be built rapidly with insulated and soundproofed roof and wall panels, making it ideal for long-term events or studios.

Solution

The BBC Earth Experience was divided into two structures. For the entrance lobby and shop, Neptunus built an Evolution III structure with mezzanine floor. On the first floor, offices and washroom facilities were created for staff. The ground floor was used for the entrance lobby and gift shop. The Evolution III covered a total surface of 600 sqm and has a height of 10 metres.

An Evolution I with a total of 2400 sqm and a height of 15 metres was used for the main BBC Earth Experience. With an internal clearance height of 12,5 metres, the Evolution I offered the blank canvas for Moon Eye Productions to create this unique experience. The structure has been fitted with multiple multi-angle screens, suspended from the roof of the structure and the latest digital screen technology to fully immerse the visitors to experience the extraordinary diversity of seven unique contents

Temporary structure for BBC Earth Experience

Challenge

The Experience will be open for 24 months, so fully compliant insulation and sound-proofing were essential for planning and sustainability. Neptunus used Hipertec Roof and Wall Panels with excellent insulation and sound-proofing values. Neptunus developed a fully reusable insulated wooden floor with insulation panels that can be easily installed and dismantled.

Following the calculations that were provided for the building the structure could remain in place for multiple years and the hire could be extended however should the BBC Experience not extend its use, the structures can be totally dismantled, and all materials can be reused for other applications.

Verdict

The BBC Earth Experience showcases footage, including extended scenes to fully immerse the visitor, and music from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit television series Seven Worlds, One Planet, projected on multi-angle screens using the very latest digital screen technology. This new London attraction offers a truly transformative experience that will allow audiences of every age to feel like they’ve stepped into the natural world, losing themselves in boundless wonder as they travel to far-flung places.

Ben Keast, Managing Director of Neptunus Structures: ‘We are proud to provide our temporary structures for the BBC Earth Experience. Our Evolution-structure has proven to be the ideal space solution for these kinds of projects. We have built the Evolution multiple times in London for various different applications including the LTA cinch Championships and Masterpiece Art Fair, but this is the first time that we have built it with a height of 15 meters in the middle of the city. The size, scale and effectiveness of the building is perfect for this application and the results are fantastic.”