AVA Electrical Ltd have been appointed by 8build to transform South Hampstead High School’s Waterlow Hall into a state-of-the-art performing arts centre.
AVA will be providing LV, lighting, power, fire, data, photovoltaics and lightning protection for the independent all-girl school based in London.
Designed by award-winning international architects Broadway Malyan and Hilson Moran, Waterlow Hall will be transformed into a fully flexible centre for performing arts that can accommodate 12 different layouts and put on professional standard concerts for up to 400 people.
AVA is set to install a visually stunning lighting system that is suspended from the ceiling and creates a canopy of stars.
Through the installation of hundreds of LED tubes, it will be fully adaptable to create a beautiful environment for any event.
How transformed Waterlow Hall will look with new lighting system. Credit: Broadway Malyan
Other work being carried out on behalf of 8build includes the installation of tiered retractable seating to improve the audience experience.
A new technical gantry will surround the hall while integrated services will make for a comfortable environment in all conditions and ample storage is also being installed to hold equipment.
“This is an exciting project to be working on,” said AVA director Richard White. “The lighting system we have designed is truly stunning and forms a vital part in realising the client’s vision.
“Studies have shown there is now a huge demand for creative skills and the new Waterlow Hall will give pupils the perfect environment in which to hone their craft.”
South Hampstead High School has a rich history and its alumni include Academy Award-nominated actor Helena Bonham Carter, Murder She Wrote star Angela Lansbury and Garbage Lead singer Shirley Manson.
Dan Fleming who led the design project for Broadway Malyan said: “Waterlow Hall is currently a functional space used by the school for exams and assemblies and some performances but it is a visually unappealing space, suffers from poor acoustics and lacks the necessary infrastructure and flexibility to meet the school’s needs.
“The design proposal works within the spatial constraints of the existing structure to create a performance space that focuses on supporting and encouraging creativity at the new ‘heart’ of South Hampstead High School. It will dramatically transform the atmosphere and experience for both performer and audience while providing significant additional utility in the everyday life of the school.”
South Hampstead High School headmistress Vicky Bingham said: “This project is not just about a hall, it is about creating the heart of who we are and who we want to be.”
The school have also confirmed revenues generated by the new Waterlow Hall will be invested back into their own bursary scheme and be used to help girls who cannot afford to attend the school with tuition fees.