We recently completed the conversion of a redundant school gym into a new 200-seat theatre for drama and music, the latest development in our pioneering re-use Masterplan for St Mark’s Catholic School in Hounslow.

Our pared-back approach to materials and our commitment to re-use and reducing waste has resulted in a high-quality and low-maintenance space that minimises costs not only at construction stage, but over the life of the building. Finished in deep claret seating and acoustic-baffling bamboo, the theatre provides temperature-controlled fresh air from beneath the fixed seating – an innovative solution that does not compromise space or visitor experience under the loudest noise contours of Heathrow Airport.

The scheme provides an entrance foyer, level performance area, fixed seating, a mezzanine for sound and theatrical control and stage storage underneath. Original hard wood flooring has been stripped back for current use and, where feasible, we have avoided a layering of new finishes, avoiding paint and other high maintenance products.