Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts

The Story

Blending old with new, the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts at Queen University made history come alive. The 127,500 square foot learning facility incorporates the adaption of a 19th century former brewery, the Stella Buck which also housed a former stable, both constructed from locally quarried limestone. Rehabilitation of a historic masonry wall façade was also incorporated during the build and the structure itself was anchored into the native rock. Consisting of classrooms and office space for the school music department, the centre holds a 550-seat concert hall, recording rooms, film screening studio and art gallery room. EllisDon showcased their innovative thinking when a second crane was brought in to flip the precast panels; due to the auditoriums high ceilings horizontal precast panels were suspended from the structural steel above. Being a performing arts centre meant sound requirements were top priority allowing EllisDon to use a high-performance system to create the perfect acoustics.