The Court Theatre
Christchurch

Client

Christchurch City Council
Architect

Athfield Architects
Completion

End 2024

The Court Theatre project is more than just a new building; it is a space that reflects the spirit of Christchurch, fostering creativity and community engagement

Haworth Tompkins, renowned for their expertise in theatre design, initially led the project from concept through to preliminary design. This vision was then handed over to New Zealand-based Athfield Architects, who have collaborated closely with Haworth Tompkins throughout the detailed design phase.

The result is a three-storey building that harmoniously blends natural materials, ventilation, and light, creating a welcoming and sustainable environment for both performers and audiences.

One of the key challenges in designing a modern theatre is balancing the need for high-performance, durable materials with the comfort and experience of both performers and audiences. In this regard, the choice of fixtures and fittings has been crucial.

The Supreme Dri Bubble hand dryers were selected after a testing phase by the architects. These dryers were evaluated on several technical parameters, including acoustic performance, drying times, noise levels, and heat modes. The results were overwhelmingly positive.

This feedback underscores the importance of integrating well-considered products into the design. The Supreme Dri Bubble not only meets the technical demands of a high-traffic venue but also contributes to the overall aesthetic and functional goals of the project. Its low noise operation ensures that it won’t disturb the theatre’s quieter spaces, while its efficiency supports the building’s sustainability objectives.