Hayman Theatre is situated within the newly formed Eastern Gateway precinct at Curtin University and is a key building within the campus’ Historic Heart that is characterised by the brutalist architecture from the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

The Hayman Theatre upgrade involved repurposing a pair of tiered lecture theatres and adjacent external spaces to create a new home for Curtin University’s Hayman Theatre Company. Also included in the design were, new storage and administration offices for the Theatre Company and sanitary facilities to service the Theatre and the wider Eastern precinct. Maintenance to the existing building envelope to address water ingress was an imperative and new services were installed throughout, along with a major upgrade and revitalisation of the foyer area.

All works were undertaken with due respect to the heritage architecture and Code compliance and improved functionality was addressed.

In addition to accessible entry to the theatre front doors, an internal ramp was integrated to one of the theatres to provide access at stage level. Coupled with raised floor levels in a reconfigured back-of-house area, performers (including those in wheelchairs) and props now move freely between both theatre spaces.

The project adopts robust environmental passive design principles such as orientation, natural light, ventilation, and effective use of materials that have aesthetic value, are low maintenance and long-lasting. Reusing an existing building is best practice for sustainability and a staged building program allowed the facility to remain operational throughout construction.

Furniture: Zenith, Unitec Advanced Systems, Mobilia. Lighting: Lighting Options, feature Flexalighting Kirsten, Castaldi Superflat, Coolon Lattitude, Track Mounted Ecrco Pantrac. Finishes: BGC Duracom Greystone, Austral Bricks, Everbright, Tiling, Muldoon Tiles. Fitting and Fixtures: Plumbing fixtures, Bobrick, Clark, Reece Plumbing, Soltex Widerscreen External, Corian Gravel.

Photography: Douglas Mark Black, Ed Janes