Our project for The Grove Performing Arts Centre at Oswestry School entailed the refurbishment and extension of the existing school theatre to create two dedicated dance studios and a flexible, multi-functional performance space featuring retractable seating and tailored acoustic characteristics. Supporting facilities are thoughtfully located and organised to carefully separate the audience and performers whilst maximising use of space to provide best value for the client within this constrained site.
The design focuses on reuse and retains the 1950s theatre building, enhancing and extending it to ensure it can meet the varied needs of the school and its excellent Performing Arts offer. It will operate as both a teaching building in the day and performance space outside of school hours facilitating extra-curricular activities for both Oswestry School students and the wider community.
The project focuses on an environmentally driven, sustainable design which retains the embodied carbon of existing fabric, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. A ‘fabric first’ approach has been adopted to maximise insulation and air tightness and minimise space heating demand, including the thermal upgrading the existing theatre with the addition of roof insulation, new windows and internal wall lining. Use of natural light and ventilation is maximised. Photovoltaic panels (PVs) have been installed on the roof and a low carbon heating solution invested for the building.
Refurbishment and extension of the existing school theatre, creating two dance studios and a performance space alongside significant fabric improvements.