Emanuel School, Theatre

Emanuel School, Theatre, Battersea, London

Emanuel School engaged HHA to expand and enhance their drama facilities through a substantial extension to the existing theatre. The project involved the removal of the original roof and side wall, replaced by a new pitched roof and timber-clad extension. This expansion significantly increased the volume of the space, allowing for both teaching activities and professional-standard performances. Central to the design are features such as an acoustically separated sound control room and a dedicated entrance foyer, enhancing usability and aesthetics alike. A tension wire grid was incorporated to enable students to safely learn technical skills related to theatre lighting rigging, further enriching their educational experience.

Externally, the building combines exposed steel framing with carefully crafted Western Red cedar cladding, bespoke shutters, and timber louvers. This architectural approach creates a sleek, contemporary look that complements the school's surroundings while providing a modern contrast to existing structures. The extension not only meets Emanuel School's immediate needs for expanded drama facilities but also reinforces its commitment to providing a high-quality environment for performing arts education. By integrating advanced technical features with thoughtful design elements, the new theatre extension supports the school's mission to foster creativity and excellence in the arts. Overall, the completed project stands as a testament to innovative architectural design and effective project management. It ensures that Emanuel School continues to offer its students exceptional opportunities for artistic expression and development within a state-of-the-art facility.

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