When it came to fulfilling the architect's extraordinary vision - to create a ‘visual metaphor'- for the roof of a £2.25 million London dance studio, only one company could turn it into a reality, Design & Display.

The arching structure designed for Siobhan Davies Dance Company's new studio was intended to give the impression that the studio was directly under the sky.

D&D designed, constructed and installed the truly creative, yet practical composite roof, which featured entwining curves throughout the ceiling. With GRP, D&D had the ability to create five identical large shell structures using a series of moulds. This formed the essential element of the roof's construction and allowed for a recurring complex and curvaceous design.

To accommodate the intense requirements of the dancers, the acoustic ceiling, also built by D&D in computer calculated plywood strips, allows for a studio space that is, in places, 5.5 metres high - thanks to the concaved nature of the structure.

As well as being a highly efficient method of producing large constructions, it also ensured a far lower environmental impact. Being lightweight, the low payload sections of roof required minimal transportation to site - reducing carbon emissions.

At this unique project, the company proved that its expert GRP solutions offer architects the chance to create designs more imaginative than other materials could ever allow.