Glasshouse

The Glasshouse comprises a 600-seat theatre, rehearsal/performance studio, conference facilities and regional gallery in the centre of Port Macquarie, a rapidly-growing coastal city. The project brief was to establish the Glasshouse as the pre-eminent performance and exhibition facility in the region. The design takes advantage of the Pacific Ocean views and is based on 'openness' and accessibility. The gallery shares the foyer space of the theatre, allowing appropriate exhibitions to fill the public spaces. Wrapped around the sculpted form of the auditorium, the naturally ventilated foyers are open and glassy. The route from entry to auditorium is an exciting architectural journey through the levels of the space, overlooking parts of the gallery. The auditorium is a semi-traditional proscenium horseshoe, with a fully equipped lyric stage and fly tower. The expressive form of the exterior signals the cultural use of the Glasshouse, echoing the movements of the ocean and sky.