Trinity Bay High School Theatre

School building, $1.2m, Cairns (2006-07)

A transformation of a dilapidated assembly hall into a modern, functional school theatre.

Brief & Context

The Trinity Bay State High School Theatre is built within the shell of a previous Assembly Hall built in the mid sixties, and was severely constrained by the existing form and tight budget. The school’s original brief was for a multi-function hall with new foyers and amenities, but it was clear early on that this was not achievable within the budget or the space. Instead, a compromise of a functional small theatre was decided as the priority for the school’s performing arts program.

Design Approach

The existing shell has been divided into an auditorium and back stage spaces. Back stage, change and stores have been lifted onto the same level as the stage for ease of use, and at just under 300m2, avoid costly fire codes. The auditorium space is shaped to provide storage spaces either side and to fan out to the back to maximise sight lines. While a new foyer was not affordable, a new deck, mainly under the existing entry roof, provides an outdoor break out space. This is served by a kiosk placed under the bio-box. The theatre has functioned very well.

While new services such as air conditioning, electrical and lighting took up two thirds of the limited budget, the architectural response still manages to create impressive and functional internal spaces, with a renewed and brightly coloured verandah providing a public focus. This is a budget project, with simple finishes and simple detailing, however Studio Mango has taken a difficult brief and provided a positive outcome for the school and wider community.

Sustainability

Reusing an existing building’s embodied energy is a fundamentally sustainable outcome. However the building has also unavoidably been converted to a sealed ‘black box’ theatre with air conditioning, which means its ongoing energy consumption has increased dramatically. To ameliorate this, the building has been extremely well sealed and insulated and the most energy efficient air conditioning available used.

Design Team & Builder

Mango team: James Maude, Barry Bradbrook, Liam Froggatt, Renee Lee
Structural Engineer: Chas Gianarakis
Electrical and Mechanical Engineer: Lincolne Scott
Hydraulics: Gilboy Hydraulics
Builder: Max Bryant Constructions