Close
Sydney Opera House Joan Sutherland Theatre Renewal
Sydney NSW
Major Renewal Works within a Heritage Icon
The Joan Sutherland Theatre (JST) within UNESCO World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House underwent a major renewal comprising auditorium, theatre machinery and stage upgrades to transform the experience for performers, crew and patrons.

At its 40th Anniversary in 2013, the Sydney Opera House launched a decade of Renewal works with the primary objective of preparing the building for the needs and expectations of future generations of artists, audiences and visitors.

Works included extensive front-of-house and back-of-house JST renewals and an accessibility masterplan to realise equity and social inclusion. A new connection between the Southern Foyer and the Northern Foyers, a bespoke bronze and glass lift designed to fit between the existing concrete ribs and façade’s complex geometry.

Crafted detailing of the brushbox timber panels, expressed concrete walls and bronze accent elements dress the space, establishing it as a natural extension of the foyers language and referencing both Utzon and Peter Hall’s work.

The Sydney Opera House facade was altered to seamlessly integrate the new lift, utlising elegant structural elements that frame a transparent shaft, giving the illusion that it dissolves into the existing building form and reflection of the harbour.

Seamless Glass Lift Integration
Lift Ascension Experience
Bronze Lift Detailing
Lift and Opera House Roof Interface
Accessible Walkway

Sydney Opera House Joan Sutherland Theatre Renewal

Location

Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW australia

Indigenous Lands

Gadigal Country

Status

Completed

Client

Sydney Opera House Trust

Key Stats

  • 1500+ Theatre Seats
  • World Heritage Building
  • Accessibility Masterplan
  • 40th Anniversary Renewal Works
  • Living
  • Multi-Residential
  • Retail
  • Workplace
Sirius Wentworth Point
  • Experiential
  • Multi-Residential
  • Retail
  • Hotels
  • Mixed-Use
201 Elizabeth Street
  • Commercial
  • Workplace
  • Retail
20 Hunter Street
  • Living
  • Multi-Residential
  • Retail
  • Mixed-Use
Spring Square
  • Living
  • Build to Rent
  • Retail
Novus on Harris
  • Living
  • Retirement Living
  • Retail
Sage by Moran