Grange Park Opera House

Studio E Architects, Alresford, 2003

 

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There are two levels of boxes. The new soffit is fibre optic-lit while the existing ceiling is netted 

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  • There are two levels of boxes. The new soffit is fibre optic-lit while the existing ceiling is netted    
  • View of the stage from the top tier    
  • There are two levels of boxes. The new soffit is fibre optic-lit while the existing ceiling is netted    
  • The upper boxes have flush jib doors    
  • Back of backstage    
  • Hesitant end to new wall    
  • A night at the opera. Planting by GPO    
  • The Grange viewed from a distance    
  • The conservatory linked by new wall to house    
  • The conservatory linked by new wall to house    
  • A night at the opera. Planting by GPO    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • Section A-A    
  • The house, with nets and chandeliers    
  • The house, with nets and chandeliers    
  • Conservatory opening; blockwork seating support/labyrinth    
  • Historic development of site. Samwell    
  • Historic development of site. 1817 with Wilkins    
  • Historic development of site. 1823 with CP Cockrell    
  • Historic development of site. 1983 post-demolition with little more than house and conservatory remaining    

Contemporary opera house in an original Greek Revival building from 1673

Grange Park Opera House at Northington in Hampshire comes to life for a brief season each summer within the romantic surrounds of a Greek Revival mansion with a distinguished architectural history.

The original building, built in 1673 by William Samwell, has seen a number of changes over the generations. The latest renovation has seen it transformed into an opera venue comprising a 500-seat traditional horseshoe auditorium with additional facilities.

The horseshoe layout intensifies contact with the stage, whilst blockwork walls supporting the floor slab and seating create an underfloor labyrinth 150m-long, which, with the aid of two fans and pre-existing openings low in the south wall, provide near-free cooling via air outlet slots beneath the seating.

The stage block is oak boarded above a 2m-high base of knapped flints edged in red brick, whilst the new facade is largely render on brick, as was the house in its time.

Data

  • Completed: 2003
  • Floor area: 1,421m2
  • Sector: Arts and culture
  • Total cost: £2M
  • Address: Grange Park Opera, 24 Broad Street, Alresford, SO24 9AQ, United Kingdom

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