Image: Chris Bennett
Steensen Varming collaborated with ARM Architecture on the renewal of the Concert Hall, home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and the largest interior, and most prestigious and majestic performance space of the Opera House.
The project was the biggest upgrade to the Concert Hall since the Opera House opened in 1973 which will replace ageing theatre systems and improve acoustics, accessibility, and stage and backstage areas. The upgrade has transformed the live experience for both performers and audiences with 18 acoustic reflectors and diffusers to improve sound, better accessibility with a new lift and passageway and new stage risers to increase intimacy between artists and audiences.
Steensen Varming were responsible for the electrical, mechanical and house lighting building services as an integral support to the renewal works for the Concert Hall and designed the electrical supplies for all new theatre and stage machinery as well as developing the theatre systems integration matrix to delineate scope between the electrical and specialist trades. The mechanical engineering services elevated thermal comfort of the air conditioning in the auditorium and foyers and the house lighting design controls harmoniously integrated with the production lighting systems to maintain the heritage lighting with new RGB LED lamps, upholding the Utzon Design Principles whilst revitalising the space to the modern times.