Leeds Grand Theatre new build rehearsal rooms
Photography by Andy ParaskosThe Challenge
Originally built in 1878, Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House was once the prime theatrical venue in the north of England. In a bid to give the building back its former glory, and create a new home for the Opera North Company, a £30 million restoration campaign known as Transformation was initiated.
As part of the restoration, the two new theatre rehearsal rooms were built. To accurately reflect how live performances would sound, Leeds Grand Theatre required the rehearsal rooms to replicate the main stage in terms of shape, seating and acoustic quality.
The floor was identified as a critical factor in achieving the correct acoustic atmosphere. As such, an appropriate impact sound solution had to be identified.
The Solution
As flooring subcontractors on the project, Irwins Ltd consulted CMS Acoustics for advice. Evaluating the project requirements, CMS Acoustics recommended Regupol 6010HT with a tempered hardboard finish. While this was not the standard application for the material, it delivered the acoustic properties that the rehearsal rooms required.
Regupol 6010HT is a high performing polyurethane (PUR) bound rubber granulate material, designed to isolate and dampen noise at source. It can be used in a variety of different applications and at Leeds Grand Theatre it was installed above the subfloor with a tempered board finish. This was because the rehearsal room required an acoustic flooring solution that was firm, yet flexible enough to deliver some feedback.
The material is supplied in rolls of 10m x 1.25m, at a standard thickness of 15mm, and can also be provided as pads or strips of various dimensions. At Leeds Grand Theatre 600m2 of Regupol 6010HT was laid over insulation material.
Results
By calling in CMS Acoustics to identify an acoustic solution, the rehearsal rooms at Leeds Grand Theatre accurately replicated the sound atmosphere of the main stage.
Anthony Wild of Irwins Ltd, concludes: “Regupol 6010HT was a cost effective solution with excellent dampening and isolation characteristics.”
Product Case Study
