Information about this scheme

The Malthouse, a fine example of the 19th century functional tradition in architecture, had been used since the 1960s as a car-parts warehouse. Internal spaces had been partitioned, and several external features removed. Large modern casement windows replaced the original small openings, dramatically changing the robust and rhythmic appearance of the building. By the time the school acquired the building it had lost much of its original character and was in an increasingly poor state of repair. The building houses a 334-seat theatre offering flexible stage and seating layouts, orchestra pit, control room, technical gallery with generous back of house facilities, dance and drama studios, and dining facilities and classrooms for the adjacent International College. Only alterations that were essential, were made thereby preserving the inherent dramatic character and atmosphere and making the Malthouse a place for creativity and experiment. Internally, original features were preserved. Existing cast iron columns and steel beams, and timber joisted floors were intumescent coated, so they remain on show. The central foyer stair rises from the base of a former kiln and up through a lattice of existing steelwork. Original tiled floors were carefully lifted and set-aside, before being re-laid following the enhancement of floor structures to suit modern requirements. The existing brickwork was sandblasted. New materials were chosen that were in keeping with the existing industrial character of the building. The auditorium walls are clad with timber, the spacing and treatment of which is subtly modified to create the desired acoustic reverberation and absorption and accommodate the ventilation system. Metalwork to the central stair, theatre balcony fronts, and lighting bridges is detailed with a functional industrial aesthetic. The theatre space was formed by threading steel portal frames through the existing structure and hanging the third-floor structure from the new frames.Externally original features which had been removed were rebuilt, the large modern windows removed, and small openings to match the remaining original openings rebuilt using carefully matched bricks.

Judges’ Comments:

“Every design detail reflects the original use of the building, whilst the finished whole has undoubtedly assumed a new identity – with huge success.”