Perth Modern School – Multipurpose Auditorium
Perth Modern Auditorium project consisted of the construction of a new auditorium between existing buildings at the school. The existing buildings to the North and East abutted the new auditorium building at a higher level. This required the buildings to be retained as there was a 4m variance from the ground level of the new build to street level and heritage buildings, 2m away to the west. Due to space restrictions all stormwater needed to be retained onsite and done through concrete culvert tanks below the new build.
The construction consisted of a mixture of core filled block work and grout injection for retaining to enable new foundations works at ground level. The structure was predominantly steel frame with precast panel cladding, shaft walls and colourbond cladding. There is a sunken orchestra pit and a low-level plantroom, with all the mechanicals under the seating.
Existing services were required to be diverted, however where this was not possible due to levels and/or falls, a route was attained, beneath the new build. The project had an extensive internal fit-out which was staged due to space restrictions onsite, and the extent of services, areas and functionality which was required for the new auditorium. Acoustics were crucial, which required a rain barrier ceiling below the roof sheeting and a feature suspended ceiling in a saw tooth pattern below. Extensive timber lining over acoustic stud framed walls required the works to be undertaken with access equipment due to the height ranging from 10 -12m and limited space.
PS Structures was involved with the extensive service infrastructure and fit-out works to make the new auditorium suitable for both the school and as a public venue for hire.
CLIENT:
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE – BMW
ARCHITECT:
SITE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO