Hidden behind the listed façade of the Royal Academy of Music’s Edwardian premises and surrounded by Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, refurbishments and additions have been undertaken to provide the Academy with an improved Theatre, a new rooftop Recital Hall and many new practice rooms and studios.
The project has been designed by Ian Ritchie Architects who have upgraded and added to the existing facilities whilst having to operate within a tight footprint in the Regent’s Park conservation area.
At the heart of the Academy sits the Susie Sainsbury Theatre, the 309-seat cherry-lined performance auditorium. Within the concrete walls of the old theatre, 40% more seating has been incorporated through the addition of a balcony. The design ensures that all seats have unrestricted views, whilst a larger orchestra pit, a stage wing and a fly tower have all been introduced.
In addition, the new 100-seat Angela Burgess Recital Hall, entirely lined in lime-washed oak, provides the Academy with a further 230m² space for recording, public concerts and master classes. Outside the Recital Hall is a new glazed lobby which reveals the previously concealed Grade II rear façade, in which bricked-up windows have been reopened improving the ambience of many practice rooms.
Shadbolt manufactured and supplied bespoke FSC® certified stile and rail pattern straight grain Sapele veneered FD30 fire performance doors and hardwood framesets, all stained to match approved pattern. In addition, glazed doors were supplied in matching veneer to provide secondary glazing for existing windows. Lastly, acoustic doors were also supplied to both the Theatre and Recital Hall, which were clad by the joinery sub-contractor to match the interiors.
