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Isaac Theatre Royal
Isaac Theatre Royal
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Other Projects by Warren and Mahoney
Isaac Theatre Royal
Christchurch, New Zealand
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2014
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
Situated in the centre of Christchurch, the Isaac Theatre Royal experienced massive seismic disruption during the 2010/11 earthquakes. The Category 1 heritage listed building was at the time the only surviving Edwardian style theatre in the country. It was also, importantly, a much valued part of the city’s historic fabric.
While the building resisted collapse, cumulative impacts to its structural integrity sustained over numerous seismic events resulted in severe damage to the building and its heritage fabric. The project brief was to integrate restoration and reinstatement with new (concealed) structure, foundations and fire strategy.
The opportunity was taken to remove existing insensitive alterations and redundant services and fittings. Operational deficiencies were corrected and interior planning reworked to better reflect the original design intent. Most crucially, theatre sightlines, acoustics and accessibility were reworked to eliminate significant shortcomings of the original building.
All elements of significant heritage value were rescued and restored by skilled craftspeople to a condition significantly better than their pre-earthquake state.
Research revealed a rich history of previous interior design including major alterations in the late 1920s. This informed detailing and finishes for the interior, which seek to restore the spirit and familiarity of the original theatre while adding a contemporary overlay. Intricate plasterwork throughout has been superbly crafted from moulds of the original, and is decorated with gold leaf and subtle complementary accent colours. Original fenestration and timber detailing have been restored and repaired wherever possible. New complimentary textures and timbers have been added; matching marble, formal stripes, damask patterning, custom-designed Axminster carpets and statement lighting both restored and new.
Innovative techniques were employed allowing the restoration/reinstatement of heritage elements of the building while concurrently providing for the (often conflicting) aims of modern seismic, fire and accessibility design. One particular example of material innovation is the restoration of the 100m2 auditorium dome; removed, conserved and reinstated to recognised conservation principles. This involved 12 months work by specialist conservators collaborating with boat builders and plaster craftsmen. The restored dome has a double layer ply diaphragm to the rear, with Teflon coating and original canvas supported on a new carbon fibre shell lining the repaired original plaster shell. A sprinkler system is discretely incorporated and concealed high performance lighting allows fully programmable colour temperature and intensity control.
The upgrade has enhanced the theatre’s operational versatility, enabling a greater range of performances to be booked. Features such as improved passive acoustics, an extendable stage, cinema capability, Wi-Fi, data, cabling and rigging enhancements have all been incorporated, with excellent results for future proofing. Revised planning to utilise space previously inaccessible has increased toilet capacity by 40 percent, increased foyer and bar areas by 400sq.m, and allowed an additional 290sq.m event and rehearsal space with commercial kitchen to be created.
As the first major entertainment venue to reopen for business in the CBD, the project returns culture, heritage, splendour and enjoyment to Christchurch. This project provides long term value for money through innovative, well designed and engineered solutions which will provide for future durability and adaptability. The significance of the project to the city is underlined by the city’s new master plan ‘blueprint’ for development. Due to the devastation of the Canterbury earthquake series, a new urban master plan was commissioned by central government. The Isaac Theatre Royal became the cornerstone for a new performing arts precinct designation.
The catalyst of earthquake damage allowed the historic theatre to position itself for the future, rebuilt to code requirements and to current theatre best practice, while successfully preserving its heritage value and charm.
The Theatre:
“…contributes to a strong sense of identity, a quality urban environment, tourism and economic growth, supporting the economic recovery of greater Christchurch.”
- Ministry for Culture & Heritage
The theatre reopened to the public in November 2014.
While the building resisted collapse, cumulative impacts to its structural integrity sustained over numerous seismic events resulted in severe damage to the building and its heritage fabric. The project brief was to integrate restoration and reinstatement with new (concealed) structure, foundations and fire strategy.
The opportunity was taken to remove existing insensitive alterations and redundant services and fittings. Operational deficiencies were corrected and interior planning reworked to better reflect the original design intent. Most crucially, theatre sightlines, acoustics and accessibility were reworked to eliminate significant shortcomings of the original building.
All elements of significant heritage value were rescued and restored by skilled craftspeople to a condition significantly better than their pre-earthquake state.
Research revealed a rich history of previous interior design including major alterations in the late 1920s. This informed detailing and finishes for the interior, which seek to restore the spirit and familiarity of the original theatre while adding a contemporary overlay. Intricate plasterwork throughout has been superbly crafted from moulds of the original, and is decorated with gold leaf and subtle complementary accent colours. Original fenestration and timber detailing have been restored and repaired wherever possible. New complimentary textures and timbers have been added; matching marble, formal stripes, damask patterning, custom-designed Axminster carpets and statement lighting both restored and new.
Innovative techniques were employed allowing the restoration/reinstatement of heritage elements of the building while concurrently providing for the (often conflicting) aims of modern seismic, fire and accessibility design. One particular example of material innovation is the restoration of the 100m2 auditorium dome; removed, conserved and reinstated to recognised conservation principles. This involved 12 months work by specialist conservators collaborating with boat builders and plaster craftsmen. The restored dome has a double layer ply diaphragm to the rear, with Teflon coating and original canvas supported on a new carbon fibre shell lining the repaired original plaster shell. A sprinkler system is discretely incorporated and concealed high performance lighting allows fully programmable colour temperature and intensity control.
The upgrade has enhanced the theatre’s operational versatility, enabling a greater range of performances to be booked. Features such as improved passive acoustics, an extendable stage, cinema capability, Wi-Fi, data, cabling and rigging enhancements have all been incorporated, with excellent results for future proofing. Revised planning to utilise space previously inaccessible has increased toilet capacity by 40 percent, increased foyer and bar areas by 400sq.m, and allowed an additional 290sq.m event and rehearsal space with commercial kitchen to be created.
As the first major entertainment venue to reopen for business in the CBD, the project returns culture, heritage, splendour and enjoyment to Christchurch. This project provides long term value for money through innovative, well designed and engineered solutions which will provide for future durability and adaptability. The significance of the project to the city is underlined by the city’s new master plan ‘blueprint’ for development. Due to the devastation of the Canterbury earthquake series, a new urban master plan was commissioned by central government. The Isaac Theatre Royal became the cornerstone for a new performing arts precinct designation.
The catalyst of earthquake damage allowed the historic theatre to position itself for the future, rebuilt to code requirements and to current theatre best practice, while successfully preserving its heritage value and charm.
The Theatre:
“…contributes to a strong sense of identity, a quality urban environment, tourism and economic growth, supporting the economic recovery of greater Christchurch.”
- Ministry for Culture & Heritage
The theatre reopened to the public in November 2014.
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