Star Live is combining technical innovation and practical experience to revolutionise the conception and delivery of buildings
The construction world is changing rapidly. Today’s developers, architects and quantity surveyors face mounting pressure to deliver high-performance structures faster and more sustainably, while venue operators and investors need solutions that maximise returns without limiting future flexibility.
For over four decades, Star Live has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in structural engineering. Born in the fast-paced world of live events, their expertise has matured into something that’s now changing conventional construction.
Their experience in creating structures that can support more than 100 tonnes, go up in days rather than months and can be completely dismantled and reused, isn’t just impressive; it’s revolutionising how buildings can be conceived and delivered.
The technical edge that makes it possible
What sets Star Live’s approach apart is a combination of technical innovation and practical experience. Their modular systems incorporate pre-engineered components designed for multiple configurations, with structural integrity verified for demanding conditions including high wind loads and seismic requirements.
The high load-bearing capacity comes with minimal ground preparation needs, while their proprietary connection systems dramatically reduce assembly time compared to traditional methods.
And because everything is manufactured in controlled factory conditions, they achieve consistent quality with precise tolerance control.
NEON at Battersea Power Station: Innovation in action
The NEON exhibition space at Battersea Power Station shows what’s possible when event engineering meets construction challenges.
Designed for meanwhile use, this impressive structure spans over 3,200m² of floor space with a 15m clear height. The roof assembly alone weighs 128 tonnes, featuring 235mm insulated steel-clad panels that deliver a U-value of 0.18 W/m²K – meeting demanding environmental and regulatory compliance requirements.
What makes this project remarkable is not just its scale but its approach. Star Live assembled the massive roof at ground level and lifted it into place using 48 synchronised chain hoists powered by their in-house developed smART
control system.
The entire structure can be disassembled with 95% of materials recoverable, and they achieved a 60% reduction in on-site construction time compared to traditional builds.
Grahame Muir, chief executive officer at Star Live, explains: “The NEON project demonstrates how we’ve applied large-scale staging principles to solve construction challenges. We’re essentially using the core engineering concepts from event structures but adapting them to meet permanent building requirements. The result is something that delivers the best of both worlds – rapid deployment with proper environmental performance.”
Real-world advantages for construction professionals
The benefits of this approach extend across the entire project lifecycle. Construction schedules can be reduced by 40%-60% thanks to rapid assembly and deployment, while offsite manufacturing in controlled environments dramatically reduces quality issues.
Site disruption is minimised, with significant reductions in noise, dust, and construction traffic – something neighbours and local authorities appreciate.
Weather-related delays become less problematic through rapid enclosure methods, and preliminaries and site overhead costs drop substantially. Perhaps most importantly for forward-thinking clients, the structural components are engineered for multiple reuse cycles, enhancing whole-life costing models and sustainability credentials.
Muir adds: “Our rapid non-traditional building methods are transforming what’s possible by significantly reducing project timelines while maintaining high-quality builds.
“Manufacturing components offsite in a controlled environment and then assembling them on location isn’t just cost and time effective, it’s also better for community relations by reducing the typical disruption associated with construction sites.”
Beyond temporary: The flexibility to evolve
One of the most interesting applications of Star Live’s approach can be seen at Butlin’s holiday resorts, where they serve as principal contractor and design engineers for their entertainment facilities.
This ongoing, multi-year project shows how adaptable their structural systems can be – purpose-built entertainment venues that began as temporary structures have successfully evolved into permanent facilities.
The transition from temporary to permanent demonstrates how this approach creates buildings that can adapt over time, meeting commercial objectives while significantly reducing material usage and carbon footprint. It’s construction that can respond to changing needs without starting from scratch.
Bringing this approach to your projects
As construction moves towards faster, leaner and more adaptable building solutions, innovations from adjacent industries like live events are proving invaluable for solving complex challenges. Star Live’s expertise bridges the gap between traditional construction and rapid deployment requirements, creating new possibilities for architects, cost consultants and quantity surveyors looking for optimised building solutions.
For project teams interested in exploring modular, demountable or rapid-assembly structural approaches, Star Live offers comprehensive feasibility analysis, technical consultation and value engineering services. Their team can analyse the feasibility of converting conventional designs to modular systems and provide comparative lifecycle cost modelling to help make informed decisions.
To discover how Star Live’s expertise in rapid construction and demountable structural systems could enhance your next project, contact project director Michael Reid at m.reid@stargrouplive.com.
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.
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