Multi-level scenery Design and Build

ModTruss by Triple E is used to create a detailed multi-level stage set with wide front span and full scenic dressing.

Strict design requirements

The designers stipulation of a wide clear front span with adjoining staircase and angled flooring segment was outside of the scope of traditional stage modules which require legs every 4ft or 8ft. ModTruss was used in place of a single use steel beam that would otherwise have been required to provide the open frontage to the set, crucial for acceptable sightlines from the audience perspective.

Efficient use of materials

By removing the need for custom steel work to be acquired the Modular ModTruss system reduced the need for single use items whilst maintaining the design as envisaged by the shows creative team. By hiring in the parts from Triple E the theatre also further reduced their costs with ModTruss nesting efficiently into a small transport vehicle.

Modular building method

Using the venues over stage grid capacity the upper floor was built at ground level, quickly and with zero working at height. Chain motors were then used to lift the entire floor pallet and legs manoeuvred into their positions and secured in place. Some minor position adjustments to the legs were made, all possible because of the plurality of fixing holes in our Modular Structural Systems.

Efficient use of time

Time on stage during construction periods or ‘fit ups’ as we know them is always tight. With several departments requiring time and space to work, construction has to be done as efficiently as possible to allow as much time for rehearsals before the show opens. Shows always open on a fixed, immovable date – no slide in the schedule is allowed!

Integration with other elements

A separate scenery company produced the detailed ‘interiors’ of the hospital set featuring many wall panels, casings for the two columns that are seen at the front of the set, ceilings, doors, and even a lift! Our Modular Structural Systems are the easiest system to clad with either scenic dressing or actual exterior grade walls. With no protruding nuts and bolts you have a smooth face to attach to and many fixing holes to use.

Cost effective solution

In any creative process there is always the risk of costs running out of control. The solution provided by Triple E for the project enabled the Production Managers to provide scenery contractors with accurate drawings for the manufacture of their elements, as a simple and easy to put together system the time required on stage for the ‘fit up’ was reduced, and all the parts were hired from Triple E with zero custom parts required for the framework of the stage set.

Core details

The front span is 5.5 m, doing it in standard scaffolding would mean a massive frontage on the set. A single 12’’ deep ModTruss section was used. No lamination was even required.
Sound and lighting systems were all contained within the ModTruss frame itself for a slick and swift installation.
"Allows you to build something that seems to be custom out of a standard box of parts. It’s the ultimate tool in any construction process." – Stuart West – Production Manager
Simple and intuitive method of construction. "We followed the drawings from Triple E – It was almost like constructing by numbers."
Easily interchangeable parts if damage occurs, or if sections need to change to adapt to location changes.
Safer working with an easy to lift floor pallet, no hoisting up standard stage deck modules on long scaffold legs.

Project Highlights

Rapid build times

Quick and easy to bolt together and install flooring and other components.

Full design service

Consult the experts at Triple E for help with your design, tap into our years of experience making the strange and the beautiful.

Bespoke from stock

Create a custom design to fit in with your requirements, but entirely from stock parts. One kit = many uses.

Easy Integration

Complete your design with the ability to easily add wall panels, lighting, sound, lifting points, tracking and more quickly and with a minimum of required parts.