The Malthouse Theatre – Technical Pavilion and Upgrades

Sibling Architecture were engaged by Creative Victoria to revitalise the Malthouse Theatre including upgrades to interior amenities and a new technical pavilion to support its outdoor programming. Located within the Ngargee courtyard between the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and the heritage Malthouse Theatre, the pavilion becomes a transitional element that bridges the contemporary design of ACCA with the historical context of the Malthouse. The project was conceived in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating live outdoor performances across the summer months, but also to animate the cultural precinct's public realm during the off season.
Stemming from the idea of a theatre curtain, the pavilion's luminous veiled facade greets the audience as they enter the precinct from Stuart St, drawing them into the courtyard. Realised by custom undulating, perforated aluminium panels, the pavilion is a striking architectural element that activates its surrounds in different ways depending on the time of day. Two large digital screens embedded within the veiled facade display digital programming and artworks from the three local arts organisations Chunky Move, ACCA, and Malthouse Theatre, transforming the Pavilion into a dynamic canvas.
Within its interior; a refreshed foyer, lounge, bar and bathroom amenities enhance the Malthouse theatre experience with a warm palette of natural native timbers and crimson carpets complementing the heritage brickwork and steel structure.