The completion in May 2009 of the new building containing three studios follows an earlier project phase in 2008, which saw the conversion of two former stables at Glasgow's co-located Tramway venue. Here at the end of last year, British Harlequin installed Harlequin WoodSpring into the converted stables at Tramway; one being covered with Harlequin Cascade and the other with Harlequin Studio vinyl dance floors. All three new studios are also furnished with Harlequin WoodSpring basketweave floors and completed with a dance surface of grey Harlequin Cascade vinyl.
At 382sq.m, one studio is thought to be the largest in Europe. In addition to the new dance studios Scottish Ballet enjoy the benefit of a small practise studio fitted with a Harlequin Liberty sprung panel floor, also completed with Harlequin Cascade dance surface.
Harlequin WoodSpring, more commonly referred to as "basketweave", uses a counter-batten configuration comprising at least three layers of highly flexible southern softwood battens, placed on top of each other at right angles. The intermediate layer acts as a spring to the top layer which is laid at the centre of the span formed by the intermediate layer over the bottom layer. In the Harlequin WoodSpring system, shock absorption and energy return are enhanced by elastomer pads attached to the underside of the bottom layer.
The brief to Edinburgh-based Malcolm Fraser Architects was for a 'building comprising three distinct areas - large technical workshops at ground floor, administration, wardrobe and music departments on the first floor, with three large rehearsal studios situated at the very top of the building. All the rehearsal studios have been designed as naturally ventilated spaces, reducing running costs and carbon emissions. Studio one is located at the centre of the plan with nine truncated pyramid skylights, designed to maximize levels of natural light'.
Scottish Ballet is widely recognised as having an exceptionally high artistic standard and the new facilities will also enable the Company to extend its repertoire and to tour more widely.
(Claire Beeson)
