Design/Completion 2008/2010
Westlake, California
12,563 s.f.
Building Structure: Within an existing concrete, steel and wood shell
Building Materials: High performance glazing, concrete, steel and wood, acoustical treatment
Design Awards:
2011 Western Council of Construction Consumers: Notable Achievement Award
2011 CMAA Southern California Chapter: Project Achievement Award
A generous donation from Richard and Mary Carpenter, combined with matching Bond funds, has enabled the Westlake High School Lecture Hall and Commons Building to be transformed into the new, state-of-the-art 7,500 s.f. Carpenter Family Theater. To achieve this goal, the transformation has taken place within the existing building shell, necessitating complete interior demolition, including the slab. A deep orchestra pit has been carved out of the floor, and an ADA compliant sloped theater floor has replaced the former existing concrete slab. Overhead structure has been modified to provide a tiered acoustical panel ceiling, along with acoustical wall treatment, and house and stage lighting. The former commons area adjacent to the food service venue has been re-invented to provide pre- and post-function space to support the theater, while providing indoor dining and gathering during school hours. This inherent flexibility achieves the goal for a multi-faceted campus resource.
Fixed tiered seating for 380 increases seating capacity by 20%, all seats have excellent sight lines. A thrust stage allows an additional 26 seats. Back-of-the-house facilities include two audio/video stations, a second level catwalk with audio/video, a make-up/green room, a set/prop storage and work area, cast restrooms, and two ante chambers. The reception/lobby area is served by a ticket booth, and provides 5,000 s.f. of pre-function and intermission space. The exterior building elevations are re-furbished to redefine the significance of the partnership with the high school theater arts program and community theater.
The construction of this facility has taken place year-round while the campus has been fully occupied to meet an aggressive deadline for completion, the Carpenter’s daughter’s final performance prior to graduation. Ultimately, the project delivery was completed on-time and under budget.
