Theater Koblenz Refurbishment

Koblenz, Germany

The extensive renovation of Theater Koblenz includes the redesign of significant parts of the theatre’s backstage facilities and brings its heating systems and energy infrastructure up to date to support its focus on reducing carbon emissions.

The theatre has been at the heart of the cultural life of the city of Koblenz since the 18^th century, with the original main part of the theatre building dating from 1787. A series of additions to the backstage areas were added in the 1950s and most recently, an extension in the rear of the complex was built in 2012 with new workshops, rehearsal stages and rooms for the educational department. Much of the theatre is in urgent need of refurbishment and its technical infrastructure requires updating.

An ambitious project is underway to transform this historic building, with the latest theatrical technologies and low carbon heating and cooling systems to ensure the comfort of future generations of theatre-goers, performers and staff. Buro Happold is at the forefront of the cultural sector’s approach to green recovery and is well known in the industry for its Theatre Green Book, which presents a clear pathway for action to make theatres sustainable. The Green Book, which has been translated into German, follows in-depth studies, workshops and consultations with a broad section of the theatre community. Each of the three volumes contains guidance, standards and toolkits written and compiled by the Buro Happold team, providing guidance for different roles, scales and typologies of theatre.

Theater Koblenz, whose historic auditorium dates back to 1787, is undergoing a major refurbishment and updating of its technical infrastructure, backstage facilities and low carbon energy systems.

Buro Happold is at the forefront of the cultural sector’s approach to green recovery, having created the industry-leading Theatre Green Book.

The buildings are being thoroughly transformed and upgraded to modern fire safety and low carbon energy codes, with air source heat pumps replacing gas-fired heating systems.

We used 3D imaging techniques to study the existing buildings to understand how to integrate new systems, as well as assessing what can be retained to minimise the use of new materials.

Challenge

Stretching for 21,000m², the Koblenz complex is a jumbled collection of structures, which have been added to the classical venue in the mid-twentieth century. This has resulted in a series of buildings with complex and critically ageing infrastructure systems and finishes, making effective maintenance challenging.

We were engaged to provide expert consultancy for the Theater Koblenz refurbishment particularly to create a cohesive, low carbon infrastructure plan for the complex, informed by our experience on creating The Green Book. The work in Koblenz includes the development of new cooling and heating systems, plumbing, building management systems, updated sprinkler systems and high and low voltage electrical supplies – always with a focus on improving sustainability throughout.

We have worked closely with lead consultants theatre GmbH, architects MVRDV and a range of other collaborators and stakeholders, to develop efficient and modern systems that will serve all elements of the complex for the next stage of the venue’s evolution. The original 1787 auditorium section of the building is listed, designated a “building monument” by the authorities, in recognition of its historic status, and interventions into the fabric and structure are carefully planned.

Solution

Our experts initially carried out a wide-ranging feasibility study, carefully recording the current systems and equipment serving the theatre buildings, before moving on to plan a series of cost-effective, sustainable interventions to ensure the long-term operation of the venue.

The assessments include retaining as much of the existing systems as possible to avoid unnecessary interventions into the fabric of the building and use of new materials. Recommended system improvements include converting the heating system to run from air source heat pumps located on the roof, which will enable the theatre to significantly lower its operational carbon footprint. Alongside this we recommended the current heating system should be carefully adapted to integrate the air source heat pump technology.

We also supported the wider design team in planning the addition of a new photovoltaic array on the roof, which will allow the venue to generate renewable solar power to further lower its carbon load.

A building automation and monitoring system will be used to manage all the infrastructure systems in a centralised digital platform. We also advised on the addition of new isolation fire dampers, which prevent fire from travelling across different sections of the complex. We are ensuring all fire dampers and fire-rated walls meet the latest fire safety codes and standards.

Our team also advised around the renewal of low-voltage mains distribution panels, sub-distribution panels, new lighting systems, new cabling for emergency lighting, a lightning protection system and an extension of the fire alarm and voice alarm systems. We were also involved with planning new IT infrastructure across the site and worked closely with other specialist consultants on the integration of new theatrical audio-visual systems.

The project includes the replacement of external rainwater drainage systems to build resilience against flash flooding in the coming decades. The theatre will be closed for one year, from 2024-25 to allow the works to take place, with performances being transferred to a specially erected tent and other larger venues in the city when required. We will be working closely with the contractor in the preparation of the work, so it can be carried out within this limited timeframe to ensure the closure period of the theatre is minimised.

Value

As theatre experts, sustainability experts and existing building refurbishment experts, our integrated team delivers insight and value across the project.

We have carefully assessed a range of technical infrastructure systems across the theatre complex, from fire protection to heating, building a detailed analysis of the required interventions that will ensure the theatre’s long-term sustainability. We have been able to build on decades of experience of working on similar cultural venues across the world. Our integrated plans for significant improvements throughout the site include the addition of low carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps and a solar PV array, which will enable the organisation to lower its operational carbon footprint.