Tarmac/CRH - Tunstead 2024
Nest Studios was engaged by Tarmacs Branding Agency to design and install temporary event accommodations for Tarmac (CRH) at their Tunstead Quarry site. The project centred on two major back-to-back events in June 2024: a high-profile CRH Board visit and a subsequent Tarmac customer day. The brief required transforming industrial quarry environments into sophisticated, functional spaces for meetings, presentations, and hospitality.
Objective
The primary goal was to provide high-quality temporary infrastructure to host approximately 100 delegates for both strategic board discussions and customer engagement. Key requirements included:
Creating dedicated zones for demoing, conferencing, catering, and health and safety briefings.
Providing secure areas for delegates to change into Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Developing safe, elevated viewing platforms for attendees to observe quarry operations and product demonstrations in action.
Ensuring all structures were sustainable, re-usable, and could be installed rapidly with minimal disruption to ongoing site operations.
Nest Studios' Contribution (Spatial Delivery)
As the Principal Contractor and Principal Designer, Nest Studios oversaw the complete spatial delivery across three distinct site locations: the Quarry Office Car Park, the Cement Plant Car Park, and the Old Moor Viewing Platform.
Modular Infrastructure: Nest utilized a mixture of "Showblock" units—modular, industrial-style steel structures similar to shipping containers—and traditional hard-sided marquees. This approach allowed for the rapid assembly of multi-level zones with high architectural impact and multi-functional use cases.
Specialized Fit-Out: The interior delivery included full electrical systems, HVAC/Climate control, interior design with bespoke joinery, and professional audio-visual installations.
Main Structure Features: The primary building featured a two-story design with internal and external staircases, a ground-floor reception and theatre space, and a large first-floor viewing balcony. The design and approach allowed the structures to seamlessly blend in with the rugged landscape around
Operational Safety & Facilities: Nest managed all site logistics, including the installation of temporary flooring (Terrazzo polyfloor), kitchen facilities, and VIP toilet structures. They managed all external contractors and had full responsibility for the site in which they worked
Agency Partner's Contribution (Strategic Marketing & Content)
The project was a collaborative effort with the Branding Agency, who managed the strategic and content-driven elements of the event:
Brand Experience & Scenography: Responsible for the project briefing and defining the event goals to ensure the space reflected Tarmac's brand identity.
Content Creation: The brand agency content team developed and supplied all AV materials and graphic artwork for the event's digital placements and large-format lightboxes.
Strategic Oversight: The Branding Agency acted as a key checkpoint for design approvals, ensuring that the spatial layouts, user journey and graphical and video content was engaging and consistent
Event Management: Branding Agency coordinated high-level logistics, including menu selection, guest attendance capping, and the overall agenda for both the Board and customer events.
Result
The project successfully delivered a series of modern, "industrial-chic" structures that provided 360-degree views of the quarry operations while maintaining a premium hospitality environment. Despite tight lead times and shifting design requirements, the team achieved:
On-Time Delivery: The site was fully installed and ready for dress rehearsals on Jun 11, 2024, ahead of the live events on Jun 25 and Jun 27, 2024.
Optimised Space: Feedback loops between Tarmac, Branding Agency, and Nest led to a simplified, cost-effective fit-out that prioritised visibility, such as increasing ground-floor glazing and elevating screen heights for the audience.
Operational Excellence: The use of sustainable, re-used modular units fulfilled the client's environmental objectives while providing the necessary structural integrity for a high-traffic industrial site.
