In May 2018, the Queensland Government and Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) announced their commitment to deliver a new $150 million theatre on South Bank’s Playhouse Green. The Glasshouse Theatre is a 1,500-seat venue that meets audience and producer demand, supporting the continued development of performing arts in Queensland. This world-class facility creates capacity for an extra 260 performances each year and an additional 300,000 visitors annually.
We were initially engaged by architect Blight Rayner to provide design services and to assist in their international design competition submission. Managing contractor Lendlease also commissioned our team to provide engineering design solutions to the new venue, noting that the design had to account for flood levels to mitigate any potential damage from future flooding.
In addition to meeting the architect’s unique design aesthetic for a curved glass facade, the project complies with heritage requirements, as the main complex is on the Queensland Heritage Register. The site is constrained and sits beside a heritage precinct. Our engineering integrates with architectural and structural design, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to validate air conditioning performance. Collaborating with the structural engineers and architects, we were able to overcome these key considerations by coordinating with all the stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
We designed building systems for changing spaces, providing flexibility and allowing a broad range of performances. In the lobbies, flexible lighting and ventilation enable themed arrivals while delivering high levels of fresh air. To minimise the impact on architectural aesthetics, we ensured that all building services are concealed.
The Glasshouse Theatre is the largest performing arts centre under one roof in Australia, strengthening Queensland’s reputation as a cultural destination.
Images used under license, copyright David Kelly & Christopher Frederick Jones
Project Details
Market Sector:
Sports, Entertainment & Public Buildings
Client: Blight Rayner/Lendlease
Architect: Blight Rayner (local) / Snøhetta
Contractor: Lendlease
Value: $150 m
Completion: 2022
