Completion of Iconic Theatre Makeover

Media Release 17 April 2013

Architectural Firm Celebrates Completion of Iconic Theatre Makeover

Leading architectural practice Archoffice is set to celebrate the completion of a challenging two-year, $15million renovation project.

Tomorrow night Auckland’s ASB Theatre welcomes its first opera performance in the completed interior with the official opening of New Zealand Opera’s highly anticipated production of Madame Butterfly.

Archoffice was selected by The EDGE, from a shortlist, as lead architects for this special project - the first complete interior refurbishment in twenty years for the iconic ASB Theatre (within the Aotea Centre).

The new architecture provides an integral theatre experience both during and between performances. New features include advanced acoustic technology, state-of-the-art lighting and safety features, improved sightlines and cutting-edge design features.

“With this popular theatre becoming increasingly inflexible for modern performances, as well as the need to improve seating, sightlines and acoustics, this was a unique and challenging brief,” says Archoffice director Brendan Rawson.

A prominent new design feature is the solid timber geometric diamonds between the staggered panels which are designed to break up the large wall sizes for scale.

“These are also decorative in that they reflect light during performances to allow the theatre to sparkle,” Rawson said.

At the rear of the theatre, in the stalls, circle and balcony, the new wall panelling system was changed for a slotted version to add acoustic absorption to these surfaces.

Due to acoustic considerations, new durable and decorative parquet flooring was selected throughout the stalls and circle floors to replace the existing carpet.

“You can hear the improvement in sound quality quite significantly. It really is an incredibly vast enhancement and one the general public will notice straight away,” adds Rawson.

A new HVAC plant room on the roof provides improved comfort inside the theatre, with superior air conditioning and temperature control, alongside an effective smoke extract system.

New layout for the stalls and circle offers theatre-goers a superior view of the stage. The Archoffice design has also allowed for an increased number of disabled access seats and better viewing positions for people in wheelchairs.

The choice in lighting has resulted in energy savings, with a low-energy, long life LED system installed which is controllable down to individual fittings.
Rawson describes the overall interior as “light, modern and vibrant, while still staying true to the underlying elements of a traditional theatre pallet with its deep red seat colours, and floor and wall finishes.”

“This combination complements and provides a link to the international style the Aotea Centre was originally based on.”

Director of THE EDGE, Robbie Macrae, is delighted with the finished project and Archoffice’s involvement in this special assignment. “The Archoffice team have now developed a beautiful space that provides an unparalleled experience for patrons, and offers a desirable venue for world-class productions right here in New Zealand,” Macrae said.

Rawson said one of the most challenging aspects was completing the project in two deadline-driven stages over the busy Christmas periods to enable the theatre to remain in use.

The interior finishes and design had to be completed in minimal onsite time. Three months prior to work starting inside the theatre, construction took place off-site to enable quick and efficient use of time and to reduce the amount of interior demolition.

Archoffice also designed a series of repetitive, fabricated, modular, wall panelling components with interlocking hidden edge joints, which were quickly and efficiently installed over the existing substrates.

“We are immensely proud of what we achieved as there were many factors against us. Coming in on time and on budget was a real triumph,” Rawson said. “To be the lead consultant on such a complex project was a huge undertaking, but also a huge honour.

“This project started as a feasibility report seven years ago, so to see it complete and functioning at a first-rate level is a real accomplishment for the entire Archoffice team.”

A submission has been presented for the ASB Theatre refurbishment project in the 2013 Property Council, Property Industry Awards. Judging is now underway with winners announced on Friday 7 June at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland.

ENDS

© Scoop Media