Projects Latest Company Contact Hallé St Peter’s Conversion of St Peters church in Ancoats to a rehearsal and performance space for the Hallé orchestra. Arts & Culture 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. Renamed the Hallé St Peter's, the former church is now a permanent base for the Hallé's choirs and orchestra. It can also cater for smaller performances. Awards: Manchester Society of Architects Awards 2013: Winner of the Re-Use Award You may also be interested in: St Botolph’s Boston Care and restoration of St Botolph's, Boston; plus new build visitor facilities designed within. Ecclesiastical Church of the Ascension Bringing back to life a much-loved community church after it was devastated by fire. Ecclesiastical Royal Hospital School A new build music school and the redevelopment of ten boarding houses for the Royal Hospital School. Education Royal Northern College of Music New facilities for the RNCM creating high quality spaces for study and performance Education Buttress Projects Hallé St Peter’s 41 Bengal Street Manchester M4 6AF +44 (0)161 236 3303 contact@buttress.net © 2017 Buttress Ltd. Privacy & Terms Registered in England no. 05363573 VAT no. 403655177