Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust appointed us to help them achieve a long-held vision to expand and diversify their offer by creating a second studio space, as well as sensitively refurbishing and upgrading their historic 666-seat auditorium.
Located in Cambridge city centre, the Grade II listed building is land-locked and much-loved for its unique proximity of audience and performers.
The first phase of works – currently on site - involves a carefully considered series of improvements to the original auditorium. See Cambridge Arts Theatre.
Phase II will deliver a new rooftop 200-seat studio, replacing an unused restaurant at third and fourth floor levels.
The structure is designed as a hybrid cross laminated timber and steel box, encased in a skin of brick with rich detailing to complement to Cambridge’s historic skyline of turrets and spires.
This innovative construction process is designed to have minimal disruption to the main auditorium, as well as acoustic separation between the two auditoria allowing shows to run concurrently.
The highly sustainable new studio re-uses existing services, connects to an air source heat pump, is topped with photo voltaic panels and can be naturally ventilated.
Cambridge Arts Theatre’s flexible, mixed-mode studio will help diversify their programme and facilitate collaboration with local education institutions and the wider Cambridge community.
The phased works will preserve the innate character of this important theatre whilst ensuring it remains technically, functionally and experientially amongst the finest performance venues in the UK.
“We are very grateful to Ian Chalk Architects for helping us come up with this visionary scheme for the future of Cambridge Arts Theatre.”
Dave Murphy,
CEO of Cambridge Arts Theatre