How we helped
Trinity was an integral part of the design team for the Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre (ERPAC), which was designed to seat the entire St Laurence’s College. This made it the only 1,500 seat theatre in Brisbane, and its larger-than-normal width and height presented significant acoustic challenges.
The acoustic design considered many uses of the theatre, including flat floor performances, trade shows, functions and a 1,200 tiered seating section. The facility includes other complementary facilities such as a foyer and function space, meeting rooms, green room and dressing rooms. The theatre is designed for maximum flexibility of performances from orchestral, musicals, speech nights and flat floor functions.
Trinity undertook extensive 3D noise modelling to balance the specific and variable acoustic requirements with the significant and counterproductive major volume of the spaces. A suspended, reflective layer of purposeful designed timber panels was implemented. This ensures the space makes the best use of direct sound from the stage across the entire wide seating area, and assists in seemingly reducing the space volume in the performance zone space.
This project connected with another significant project that Trinity contributed to, which was the Mater Hospital Hancock Street car park.
This was built on the original St Laurence’s College playing field at ground level. The six storey car park for the new Queensland Children’s Hospital and existing Mater Hospital was developed on the school playing fields, and a replacement new playing field was built on the roof top of the car park. This is known as Gair Field. Gair Field has also been used by world-renowned football, rugby, cricket and futsal teams.
About the project
The Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre is owned and operated by St Laurence’s College, and is a vibrant, modern and professional multipurpose cultural centre. It is Brisbane’s only dedicated 1,500 seat raked theatre, and offers a range of versatile presentation, breakout and meeting facilities.
The ERPAC auditorium includes 1,200 fixed tiered seating with the option to add an additional 300 seats to the flat floor space in front of the stage, with an easily accessible loading dock direct to stage level and quality technical facilities.
The ERPAC auditorium can host a range of different events including dance eisteddfods, music concerts, award evenings, conferences, training program and graduations.
ERPAC also includes the main foyer and forecourt overlooking the picturesque Brisbane city skyline, which can be used for separate corporate cocktail functions. Located outside the auditorium, the glass walls retract up to create a seamless flow out onto the forecourt. This flows directly onto the St Laurence’s College playing field, which is located on top of a six-storey car park structure (of which Trinity was also part of the design team).
Please note, Trinity Consultants Australia is a merger of three former Queensland-founded businesses: ASK Consulting, Air Noise Environment, and Vision Environment. Many projects listed have been undertaken by current Trinity Consultants Australia team members, while operating under those former business names. Learn more about our history.
