Hallé St Peter’s

Buttress was appointed to create new rehearsal and performance space for the Hallé orchestra in the Grade II listed St Peters Church in Manchester.

Here the challenge was to create an environment that was tuned to specific acoustic requirements while respecting the fine interior of the church setting, satisfying both English Heritage and the Local Conservation Officer.

Any acoustic treatment had to be non-invasive, with no material effect on the building fabric. A series of ‘Sound Sails’ were installed within the space using a series of pulleys, with no fixings to the structure, so the building was left entirely as it was found. Freestanding structures were also created for refreshments and access within the building and a new reception and toilet area designed.

The solution we devised provides sound reflecting surfaces close to the orchestra, below the high nave ceiling of the church, helping reduce the reverberation of the space to an appropriate level.