Bristol Old Vic Theatre

Structural Designer

Momentum Consulting Engineers

Client Name

Bristol Old Vic Trust

Location

Bristol, UK

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR
Gilbert-Ash

ARCHITECT
Haworth Tompkins

KEY CONTRACTORS
Plann - Project director
Max Fordham - Services engineer
GVA Acuity- Project manager
Gardiner and Theobald - Quantity surveyor
Charcoalblue - Theatre consultant Images: © Phillip Vile

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Built in 1766, Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world. New spaces designed to open up the front of house areas to a larger audience were created and the Grade I and Grade II* listed fabric itself was altered and repaired.

Judge's comment:
The engineers were challenged by the requirement of weaving a new structure between and within parts of a listed building believed to have originated in the 1700’s.

Many lines of support from the new structure did not align with the existing substructure, meaning many innovative details were used to transfer new loadings into the original foundations.

The judges were impressed by the many examples of pragmatic engineering judgement which avoided unnecessary structural intervention. The entrance foyer showcases a stunning diagrid timber roof and thoughtful use of timber in the construction of balconies and mezzanine floors.