This very successful multi-use drama facility at The Kings of Wessex Academy is located within the existing school campus which forms part of an Ancient Scheduled Monument.
The new performance centre building consists of two interlinking teaching studios which combine to form one large performance theatre (‘The Kings Theatre’) with an audience capacity of 200. The division between studios is achieved by a full height movable acoustic screen wall. The accommodation also includes green room, offices, generous foyer, toilets and control room. Integrated state-of-the-art lighting and audio systems combine with the carefully engineered internal acoustic finishes. Evenly distributed natural lighting to both studios is achieved using clerestory glazing whilst controlled ‘low energy’ passive ventilation is provided by ‘wind-catcher’ terminals working in tandem with automatic opening windows.
Externally, the elevational design incorporates a curved aluminium roof and eaves that are reminiscent of cinematic forms providing the new centre with a strong visual identify.
