Bristol Old Vic

The focal point of a radical new front of house space and studio theatre for the Grade I listed Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world.

 

Constructional Timber (Manufacturers) Limited manufactured & installed all structural timber elements to the foyer, roof & front façade as well as carrying out the timber-to-timber connection design. The result of five years careful research, consultation, design and construction, the project’s aim was to open up the front of house areas to a wider, more diverse audience and to place the theatre at the heart of Bristol’s public life and public space.

 

Although a comparatively small insertion between two imposing buildings, the new entrance, expressed verticality, holds its own with a strong confident presence on the street scene, providing a counterpoint that enhanced the Coopers Hall façade.

With a demand for a warm and welcoming feel, the design and selection of materials was vitally important, and the decision to utilise a Douglas Fir Glulam frame for the front of house and façade have paid dividends.