Senior Architectural Systems’ SF52 aluminium curtain wall system was used to create the new facade of the historic Octagon Theatre in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
The 60s-built theatre recently reopened following a complete refurbishment. Designed by JM Architects, the new-look theatre features Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain walling which has been integrated with the company’s SPW501 aluminium commercial doors and SPW600 aluminium windows. The fenestration package was fabricated and installed by Aire Valley Architectural Systems Ltd for Willmott Dixon.
The theatre has been reconfigured and extended to provide new facilities for community use, upgraded performance areas and new front of house and back stage amenities. A new entrance and foyer have been created, with both using Senior’s aluminium fenestration systems. The design of the new building, which is 25% bigger than the original space, also incorporates improved accessibility and wayfinding.
Despite its name, The Octagon’s historic auditorium is actually hexagonal in shape and this, alongside the tight site footprint in the busy Bolton town centre, resulted in restricted access on site and numerous challenges in coordinating the new extension with the existing building. These challenges were successfully overcome through supply chain collaboration and the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM).
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