Client
ARM Architecture
Location
Brighton East, VIC
Completion date
2020
St Leonard's College underwent a substantial redevelopment that includes the newly completed 2,100sqm three-storey Merton teaching building and the 2,300sqm Leonardian performing arts centre.
The Merton building provides learning spaces designed to expand minds and foster essential life skills in Year 12 students. It includes contemporary teaching spaces that encourage the working styles that will soon be encountered, a custom-build exam space, two STEM labs, a cafeteria with a presentation space and hot-desk style workspaces and an extension to the existing underground car park.
The Leonardian is a purpose-built performing arts facility with seating for up to 600 people. The shoebox shaped auditorium has flexible acoustics to accommodate musical performances with natural acoustics as well as theatrical performances, in addition to hosting school assemblies and presentations.
The venue will also provide a professional theatre environment for students to learn lighting, sound engineering, audio recording and set design. Key features include control rooms for PA system and lighting operators, an orchestra pit with hydraulic pit lift and a half fly tower.
Images of the Merton Building courtesy of St Leonard's College. Images of The Leonardian by Chris Matterson Photography.
Our Scope
Marshall Day Acoustics provided full acoustic design services for the project, including town planning support and commissioning testing.
Timelines
The Merton building was completed in January 2020, and the Leonardian was completed in late 2020.
Challenges
A high degree of innovation was required in the design of the flexible acoustics system in the Leonardian. An operable stage acoustic 'shell' can be deployed to provide natural acoustic reinforcement for orchestral and choir performances and can be easily moved off stage when not required.
“We held the first performances in the Leonardian in January during the 2021 Music Camps for the Orchestra, Band and Guitar ensembles, and then the Jazz and Big Bands. These included a wide range of groups showcasing the full range of music at the College. The sound quality was always clear and full, and projected clearly throughout the auditorium. The room was never overpowered and beautifully enhanced all the performances. We are delighted with the outcome of Marshall Day’s work and could not have asked for a better environment for our young musicians to thrive in.”
“We are extremely happy with the work undertaken by Marshall Day Acoustics on our newly opened Merton building. Having high-quality acoustics in our new learning spaces was very important to us and the results are a flexible educational environment that supports clear communication and enhances our students' learning experiences.”
