Glazing Vision's Collins Theatre project

Located on a small corner site north of Islington Green, the brief was to maximise development potential in the provision of lucrative apartments and restaurant space, whilst providing space enough for a working theatre, its foyers and ancillary spaces. In addition, the proposed auditorium itself was to be the salvaged set from Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love. The solution was to sink the entire three storey Globe-style theatre underground, and use the roof as a public ‘piazza’, itself covered with a glass canopy for all-weather use by surrounding restaurants. Above this was an amphitheatre of 72 apartments. Architecturally, the post and beam structure of the Shakespearean theatre proved a useful reference for a modern interpretation in glass and concrete, which could nevertheless invoke the more poetic image of a forest glade. Client: Collins Theatre Trust Solution Glazing Vision Ltd designed a bespoke 3.2m diameter circular opening and rotating rooflight allowing light and ventilation to flood the space and enhance the traditional authentic design. This was a particularly difficult design to undertake due to sizing and mechanical technicalities; however the in-house bespoke design team at Glazing Vision Ltd rose to the challenge and produced a product which met the strict criteria outlined in the specification. The resulting product was both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Rooflight Specifications Glass - Single glazed, 6+6 with 1.5mm interlayer, a toughened upper and heat-strengthened lower

For more information on Glazing Vision's Collins Theatre project talk to Glazing Vision Ltd