Speelhuis Theatre
Jannes Linders

Speelhuis Theatre

architectenbureau cepezed as Architects

When the ’t Speelhuis theatre in Helmond, designed by Piet Blom, was destroyed by fire in December 2011, the town council opted for a temporary replacement in the Our Lady of the Assumption, a neo-Byzantine domed church near the centre that had become disused. There were important preconditions for the new theatre facility. The church is a monument, it remains the property of the Den Bosch diocese and the facility is temporary, so interventions must damage the building as little as possible and must be reversible. The theatre also had to be operational very quickly.


The physical appearance of the original building was strongly prescriptive and its rich ornamentation has been made part of the ambiance as much as possible. The auditorium has a good view of the wall and ceiling paintings, various sculptures, the dome, the organ and the stained-glass windows. All the additions, such as the stage, the stage front, the lighting bridge and the stand and balcony have been inserted as loose removable objects, and that is completely discernible. To create an intimate atmosphere, the stand in the complicated and imposing steel structure reaches close to the stage without structural provisions in the front section. The stairs system is suspended from the projecting footbridge on the balcony. The logistics of moving on the stand element is extremely intuitive and all the seats can be reached in a natural way from both the front and the rear. Like part of the acoustic muffling, the lighting for the circulation routes is integrated in the banisters, which also have a structural function. The foyer is situated under the stand, with the bar in a recess that can be closed to create a sonically sealed work area for the staff.


The supporting programme components are largely situated in compact and contrasting extensions directly adjacent to the church. A structural element with goods delivery area, artist dressing rooms and greenroom occupies a two-storey new-build volume on the south-east side near the apse, with a passage in the sacristy. The extension with the entrance, box office, cloakroom and toilets is situated on the north side against a side aisle, has a completely transparent frontage, is equipped with roof lighting and is linked to the church via a passageway at the spot of a former confessional.


The new Theater Speelhuis is such a success with performers and audiences, that by now the decision has been taken to make it permanent.

Read story in Nederlands

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More