What do La Traviata and logistics have in common, or cocktail parties and conveyors? The answer, surprisingly, is mezzanines.
At Hi-Level Mezzanines we usually focus on mezzanines for commercial premises, carrying conveyor belts in distribution centres or holding stock in logistics warehouses, for example.
But mezzanines also bring a stunning “wow factor” to historic and Listed buildings repurposed as arts venues, galleries and museums, concert halls and shopping arcades.
The genius of the mezzanine is that it adds more space and an eye-catching feature without compromising architectural integrity.
Ambiance and architecture
So at the Royal Opera House guests can enjoy a glass of champagne before La Traviata on the elegant mezzanine of the Paul Hamlyn Hall (formerly the Floral Hall), soaking up the ambiance and architecture of the space.
And The Mezzanine at Albert Hall in Manchester – a structure which actually dates back to 1908 – is billed as “a versatile event space that offers a captivating backdrop for intimate cocktail parties or grand receptions.”
Mezzanines are used in prestigious cultural spaces to enhance the setting, create a feature or repurpose space in an iconic building. They can allow the original fabric of the building to be seen whilst carving out a new area within a large overall volume.
Unique perspective
In London, Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall has a mezzanine floor that offers visitors a unique perspective on the expansive hall and its large-scale installations. At Tate Liverpool a mezzanine balcony was integral to the design when Albert Dock warehouses, built in 1845, were converted into an art gallery in 1988.
The British Museum’s Great Court features a mezzanine level that offers a striking view of the glass roof and central reading room, enhancing the visitor experience. At the British Library, also in London, the main reading rooms and the King’s Library Tower include mezzanine levels that provide additional study spaces and storage for the extensive collections while offering impressive views of the architectural design.
The renovated Battersea Power Station boasts mezzanine floors with shops, restaurants and bars overlooking the two giant Turbine Halls. For the National Museum in Dublin, Hi-Level Mezzanines installed metal decking rather than wood to prevent woodworm contaminating the picture frames of the museum’s artworks and causing irreparable damage.
Quality and flexibility
Mezzanines have a fascinating history with flexibility that goes far beyond manufacturing and warehouses, and they bring strong visual impact to a project.
They can be completed in high-quality finishes, with feature staircases, sleek glass balustrades, stainless steel handrails, flowing walkways, aesthetic materials and a choice of colours for the tiles on the mezzanine decking. Hi-Level Mezzanines’ innovative Hi-Tile comes in a range of 11 colour variations.
In public spaces, mezzanines are less disruptive and quicker to install than more invasive construction schemes, they will always be fire-rated for safety in places used by the public, and they can be fitted out of normal working hours to minimise disruption.
Great for sustainability
Repurposing iconic and historic buildings for modern use, whether for commerce, exhibitions or hospitality, gives old spaces a new lease of life. Retrofitting with a mezzanine to reinvent space is great for sustainability – looking to the future as well as the past.
From creative to highly commercial spaces, whether to inspire a “wow factor” or increase productivity, at Hi-Level Mezzanines we understand the engineering challenges involved. The expertise of our qualified structural engineers is valued by the biggest operators in the industry and we work closely with every client to design the best mezzanine for their needs.
Hi-Level Mezzanines provides mezzanine floors of the highest quality in the industry, yet remaining competitively priced thanks to the expertise of our team of qualified structural engineers, innovative digital design process and advanced solutions.
If you are considering installing a mezzanine and would like more information, contact us today at [email protected] or call 01730 237 190 .
