A CLT theater: a sustainable building in the UK landscape
- Project by Tuckey Design Studio
- Photography: Jim Stephenson and Nick Dearden
At the heart of the rural campus of Horris Hill School in Berkshire, England, stands the Horris Hill Theatre, a work by Tuckey Design Studio that reinterprets the school theater as a civic and pedagogical space. This building not only responds to the functional needs of the institution, but also establishes a respectful dialogue with its historical and natural surroundings.
Architecture for interaction
The 160-seat theater consists of three main elements: the indoor auditorium, a south-facing outdoor amphitheater, and a portico that frames the main entrance, activating a new civic plaza within the campus. This provision seeks to encourage interaction between students and the community, extending the use of the building beyond school hours.
The materiality of the project is consistent with its context and sustainable objectives. The main structure is made of cross-laminated timber (CLT), which made it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions compared to traditional construction methods. Viroc’s exterior panel cladding, with a unique reddish hue, establishes a visual connection to the surrounding Victorian buildings, while its modular installation optimizes resources and construction time.
In the interior, the use of beech slats of different depths generates a texture that adds warmth and improves the acoustics of the space. The undulating ceiling, painted in a deep blue that evokes the night sky, has been designed to optimize the sound projection from the stage to the auditorium.
The theater’s design is inspired by historical elements, reinterpreted in a contemporary language. This fusion of references seeks to create a space that, beyond its scenic function, acts as a catalyst for collective experiences and shared memories.
The Horris Hill Theatre exemplifies how architecture can be a tool to enrich the educational environment and strengthen community ties. Through a sensitive and technically rigorous intervention, Tuckey Design Studio offers a space that celebrates the culture, sustainable construction and identity of the place.