Associated Architects

Princess Alexandra Auditorium

Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA AUDITORIUM

Associated Architects LLP

QUANTITY SURVEYOR
LPS

MAIN CONTRACTOR
Miller Construction

MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
LEDA

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Shire Consulting

BUDGET
£20m

AREA
4228.0 sqm

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
United Kingdom

CATEGORY
Schools

Text description provided by architect.

Earlier this year Associated Architects completed the Princess Alexandra auditorium, an integral part of their overall masterplan for the school.

Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP

The zinc clad performance hall won a 2013 RIBA North East award and has become a thriving arts venue in the North East.

A double-height entrance foyer, maximising stunning views of the River Tees, connects the fan-shaped flexible auditorium, capable of seating up to 800, to a new riverside academic block containing classrooms, and multi-use dance and drama group activities spaces.

Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP

The flexibility of the Auditorium was achieved through the use of robust acoustic separating constructions and specialist fit out equipment, such as telescopic seating, an acoustically separating sliding proscenium partition which divides the Auditorium and Stage Studio Theatre into two independent teaching spaces, and an orchestra pit elevator able to be set to various levels.

The masterplan site proved to be extremely sensitive, with listed buildings, conservation areas, potential flooding, nationally significant archaeology, protected species and asbestos, standing between inception and completion.

Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP

During all this, the careful implementation of the phased works programme meant the school was able to remain fully operational, even during construction operations.

The Princess Alexandra Auditorium, was unveiled by its namesake, who was treated to a 15 minutes excerpt from Les Miserables, by students from the school.

Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP

It is most fitting that Princess Alexandra, so well known for her support of the performing arts, agreed to open the facility and gave the blessing for it to bear her name.”

The Headmaster, Mr David Dunn, said: “We are extremely honoured to be naming the auditorium after Princess Alexandra.

Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Courtesy of Associated Architects LLP

Barbora Bott, Lead Architect on project said: “Although the site offered some interesting challenges, we’ve delivered a flexible design, that’s attractive as well as practical, providing students of Yarm School the facilities to realise their full potential.”


Princess Alexandra Auditorium
East Elevation


Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Section A


Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Floor Plan - Details
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Elevations


Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Details
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Section - Details


Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Diagram 3D
Princess Alexandra Auditorium
Site Plan

Associated Architects
T +44 121 2336600
Associated Architects
1 Severn St, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1SE, United Kingdom