Sydney Coliseum Theatre
Case study
The Sydney Coliseum Theatre is part of the ongoing transformation of the Greater Western Sydney region. Constructed as an extension of West HQ’s existing entertainment precinct, it features striking architecture and interiors.
Project Overview
Developer: West HQ
Architect: Cox Architecture
Builder: Hansen Yucken
Background
Constructed by Hansen Yuncken and delivered in 2019, the theatre’s unique, segmented building facade created a complex build sequence. The project employed a range of innovative construction techniques to ensure timely and safe delivery.
This flexible venue can accommodate 2,000 people as a conventional lyric theatre, 600 people in banquet-style seating, or 2,200 people for a concert. It can change between modes within an hour, courtesy of a top-of-the-line retractable seating system designed and manufactured in Belgium.
The theatre offers a multi-mode auditorium, three foyers, seven bars, multiple entertaining areas, a VIP room, a large rehearsal space and a commercial kitchen. Public access is via a glass link bridge that integrates into the existing West HQ precinct.
The building won the following awards:
2020 AIDA – Public Design Award
2020 Master Builders Australia – Public Buildings $30m and over
2020 Master Builders Australia – Best use of concrete
The Challenge
With an external facade consisting of pale concrete, the building offers a blank canvas for graffiti vandalism. For this reason, it was important that the facade was protected by a coating that supports easy graffiti removal.
With thousands of patrons visiting the theatre each day, surfaces are subject to constant foot traffic. It was vital that the interior wall paint was durable and could be cleaned continuously.
The building’s facade needed to offer strong aesthetic appeal while providing long-lasting protection against harsh coastal weather conditions.
This iconic building’s interior spaces and facade called for beautiful finishes to support the theatre’s striking architecture and design.
Project Outcomes
There were concerns the project’s vast pale concrete facade would offer an enticing blank canvas for graffiti vandalism. Dulux Surfaceshield HD was specified to protect the facade without altering its appearance and was sprayed on in multiple wet coats using an elevated work platform (EWP). Graffiti on surfaces treated with Surfaceshield HD can be removed using graffiti removal agents and high-pressure hot water.
The project required different finishes for different areas – including matte black surfaces for theatre ceilings. With project specifiers able to order samples, textures, colours and finishes were able to be viewed on site prior to application, assisting with decision making.
Thousands of people walk the theatre’s halls and spaces daily, so it was vital that interior walls could withstand a demanding cleaning program. Dark colours were used throughout to reduce the appearance of marks or dirt that can build over time. Dulux Wash & Wear was specified to meet these needs and provide a long-lasting, washable surface.
Beautiful timber cascading through the theatre was a key design element for the project. These surfaces were finished using Intergrain Naturalstain to provide outstanding protection and a beautiful result.
The external coatings used needed to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the exterior facade while ensuring surfaces remain structurally sound. Dulux exterior products provide structure/substrate longevity and protection that means surfaces look fresh for years to come.
“The clear penetrating sealer forms an invisible hydrophobic layer on the substrate, giving graffiti resistance to unwanted ‘tags’ that may occur.”
Joel Fernandez – Commercial Account Manager, Dulux
Products Specified
Dulux Paint
Cladding – compressed fibre cement sheet (exterior)
These premium products were specified to meet the various requirements for surface preparation, low odour, opacity, durability and colour.
Dulux Precision High Opacity Stain Blocker
Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen
Exposed structural steel (exterior/coastal)
Dulux Precision High Opacity Stain Blocker
Dulux Durepon P14 Primer Two Pack Epoxy
Dulux Duramax GPE – Pc255 Two Pack Epoxy
Dulux Weathermax HBR Two Pack Gloss
Ceilings and walls – store rooms / store areas – plasterboard (interior)
Dulux Wash&Wear +Plus Kitchen & Bathroom Semi Gloss
Door frames – architraves, skirting and trims – timber (interior) and metal / steel (exterior)
Dulux Precision All Metal Primer
Dulux Professional Total Prep
Dulux Aquanamel Semi Gloss
Walls – blockwork (external), plasterboard (interior, and concrete (interior)
Dulux Professional Acrylic Sealer Undercoat
Dulux Wash&Wear Low Sheen
Dulux Powder Coatings
Steel, corner guards & miscellaneous (exterior)
Dulux LuxaPrime Zinc Phosphate Primer
Dulux Metalshield Prem UV Resistant Enamel Topcoat Gloss
Mild steel – MIO bridge (exterior/coastal)
Dulux Durepon P14 Two Pack Epoxy
Dulux Duremax GPE – Pc255 Two Pack Epoxy
Dulux WeatherMac HBR Two Pack Gloss
Floors and paths – new concrete (interior)
Dulux Protective Coatings Luxafloor WB Gloss
Floors and paths – concrete (interior/exterior)
Dulux APP Surfaceshield HD-H Clear
Floors and Paths – new Concrete (interior)
Dulux Protective Coatings LUXAPLOOR LGE Semi Gloss
Stair treads – new concrete flooring/paths (interior)
Dulux Luxafloor ECO2 Low Sheen
Dulux Acratex
Interior ceilings – flytower lift shaft, recessed joints / walls – flytower – speed panel new zinc coated steel - interior
Dulux Metalshield Etch Primer
Acratex Acrapatch High Build Course
Dulux Acratex 951 Sponge Fine Render
Dulux Professional Ceiling Paint Black Flat
Dulux Protective Coatings
Handrail balustarade – aluminium
Dulux Powder Coatings Electro
Roller shutters - steel, glazing frames - new aluminium, balustrades, kick plate, hand rails, lighting bar, supports & rehearsal room pipe grid, ceiling panels (interior)
Dulux Powder Coatings Zincshielf 2
Dulux Powder Coatings Electro
Trims – alluminium extruded (interior)
Dulux Powder Coatings Electro Duratec
Louves – Sheet and Extruded on new aluminium
Dulux Powder Coatings Duralloy FG
Intergrain
Handrails – entry & common areas – timber & timber flooring (interior)
Intergrain Enviropro Timberseal
Intergrain Enviropro Endure 1 Pack Matte
Face only of exterior doors – timber (interior)
Intergain Naturalstain