Hoskins Architects

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

ROCKVILLA – NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND HQ

Hoskins Architects

ARCHITECTS
Hoskins Architects

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Chris Coleman-Smith, Rory McCoy

QUANTITY SURVEYING
Thomas & Adamson

MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Atelier Ten

MAIN CONTRACTOR
Luddon

ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT
Sandy Brown

STRUCTURES AND CIVIL ENGINEER
Woolgar Hunter

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Atelier Ten

CLIENT
The National Theatre of Scotland

QS
Thomas & Adamson

EMPLOYERS AGENT
Thomas & Adamson

CIVIL ENGINEER
Woolgar Hunter

STRUCTURES ENGINEER
Woolgar Hunter

QS/EMPLOYERS AGENT
Thomas & Adamson

MANUFACTURERS
Buchele, Kalzip, Metal Technology, VELUX Group, MacKay Flooring

AREA
3675 m²

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
Glasgow, United Kingdom

CATEGORY
Theater, Adaptive Reuse

Text description provided by architect.

Hoskins Architects was commissioned to design the National Theatre of Scotland's headquarters, bringing together various departments previously scattered across several buildings.

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

This new facility, Rockvilla, does not host public performances, but rather, is a creative engine room to facilitate the Company's commitment to performing to diverse geographic audiences, and their growth on both their national and international stage.

The redevelopment of a disused industrial warehouse on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal provides: three rehearsal rooms of varying scales, a learning and community suite, wardrobe department, production workshop and technical store; plus office space and social areas.

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

The bringing together of previously disparate departments was a key tenet of the design.

The decision to redevelop a previously disused industrial warehouse was in keeping with the desire for producing a ‘hard working’ building.

This new facility creates an open atmosphere, stimulating a collaborative working environment in which the Company can thrive.

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

The retention of the existing structural frame of the warehouse generates a factory-like form, and the new sinusoidal-metal cladding enhances the industrial aesthetic, appropriate for the vision of a ‘creative factory’.

The use of simple, robust and restrained materials and finishes internally (white walls and a polished concrete ground floor with an exposed services and existing and new steel structure) continues the raw aesthetic, while meeting the performance requirements of a modern theatre company.

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

An internal double-height atrium allows light deep into the plan, and creates a social space where the paths of full-time staff cross with each other, as well as the large number of temporary production-specific staff.

Glazed internal screens further reinforce the connections between departments.

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

The first floor open-plan office, featuring reclaimed gym hall floor, provides space for informal discussions and team working.

The elevated location of the office rewards the desk-bound workers with panoramic views back over the canal to the city centre beyond.

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

In this location the National Theatre of Scotland are fueling the regeneration of a previously neglected area, which is fast becoming the city’s cultural quarter.

Consideration of the wider impact of the development lead to the decision not have a physical boundary to the site, so that it becomes part of the route along the canal and provides a public access point to the canal.

Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
© Gillian Hayes - Dapple Photography

The project has gone on to win a RIAS Award, a Scottish Design Award commendation, and the UK’s prestigious RIBA National Award.


Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
Section
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
South Elevation


Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
Ground Floor Plan
Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
Fist Floor Plan


Rockvilla – National Theatre of Scotland HQ
Site Plan

Hoskins Architects
T +44 141 5535800
Hoskins Architects
Osborne St, Glasgow G1 5QH, United Kingdom