Glyndebourne Opera House, East Sussex – PVC Membrane Foyer Canopy by Michael Hopkins and Partners
General information
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Home page
https://www.architen.com/projects/glyndebourne-opera-house/
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Location address
Glyndebourne, near Lewes, East Sussex, UK
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Location country
United Kingdom
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Year of construction
1994
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Name of the client/building owner
Glyndebourne Productions Ltd
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Function of building
Theatres & cinemas
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Degree of enclosure
Open structure
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Climatic zone
Temperate - cold winters and mild summers
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Number of layers
mono-layer
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Primary function of the tensile structure
- Rain protection
- Space defining elements
- Sun protection
Description
When Michael Hopkins and Partners rebuilt Glyndebourne Opera House for Glyndebourne Productions Ltd in the early 1990s, the brief was to enlarge the auditorium and improve conditions for audiences and performers without losing the traditions and magic of an evening at Glyndebourne, one of England's most celebrated country opera houses.
Part of the answer is a tensile fabric canopy over the external foyer between the new auditorium and the old backstage area. Around 250m² of PVC-coated polyester forms a series of conic shapes that curve around the brick and concrete apron of the theatre and cover the 36m-long foyer. The cones are carried on flying struts and masts rather than columns brought down to the floor, which keeps the space free of obstructions and trip hazards for opera-goers in evening dress.
The foyer is a semi-external space, open at the sides so that the foyer and the gardens read as one continuous space. Radiant heating keeps the area comfortable on cooler evenings, while the canopy provides shelter from rain and summer sun during the festival season.
The organic, gently curving forms were chosen to reflect the glamour of the opera, while the lightweight construction complements the pastoral setting and contrasts with the solid brickwork of Hopkins' auditorium.
Client/building owner: Glyndebourne Productions Ltd. Architect: Michael Hopkins and Partners. Engineer: Arup. Membrane fabrication and installation: Architen Landrell.
Description of the environmental conditions
Rural opera house in the South Downs, temperate climate. The open-sided PVC-coated polyester canopy shelters a semi-external foyer from summer sun and rain, supported by radiant heating on cooler evenings.
Material of the cover
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Cable-net/Fabric/Hybrid/Foil
Fabric
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Material Fabric/Foil
Polyester
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Material coating
PVC
Main dimensions and form
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Covered surface (m2)
250
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Total length (m)
36
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Form single element
Anticlastic
Duration of use
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Temporary or permanent structure
Permanent
Involved companies
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Architects
Michael Hopkins & Partners
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Engineers
Arup
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Contractors
ARCHITEN LANDRELL
