A double-height stand isn't simply "bigger": it changes the technical project, the deadlines, the documentation required and the team needed on-site. Here's what to keep in mind before planning one.
What exactly counts as double height
A stand is considered double-height when it includes a usable second floor — a raised meeting room, a VIP area, upper storage — above the standard height allowed on a single level (usually 4 metres at Spain's major venues). By adding load and occupancy at height, the stand stops being treated as decoration and starts being considered a structure, with all the regulations that implies.
What changes compared to a single-storey stand
- Certified technical project: mandatory at practically every Spanish venue, signed by a qualified engineer or architect, with load and stability calculations.
- Submission deadlines: the project must be delivered to the venue weeks before assembly (the exact deadline is set by each venue).
- Post-assembly stability certificate: many venues require the engineer to also sign a certificate once the structure is built.
- Floor load: the hall has a load limit per m² that can determine where the heavy structure is placed.
- Assembly team: staff with specific experience in load-bearing structures is needed, and often lifting equipment.
Deadlines: how much longer a double-height build takes
As a general reference, a 50-100 m² double-height stand usually needs between 3 and 5 assembly days, compared to 1.5-3 days for a single-storey stand of the same size. For areas over 100 m², this can reach 5-8 days. The load-bearing structure and final technical validation are what add the most time to the schedule, more than the panel assembly itself.
Common construction systems for double height
Bematrix is the most-used modular system (guide in Spanish) for double height due to its structural rigidity and load capacity. It's also common to combine a custom metal structure with modular finishes for the visible part. The choice depends on the weight the upper floor needs to support and the finish the client wants.
How we manage it
On double-height projects, we coordinate with the engineer drafting the project, manage the documentation submission to the venue within the deadline, and bring an assembly team with specific experience in load-bearing structures. The goal is for the stability certificate to be signed with enough margin before the fair opens.