Isaac Theatre Royal Building by Studio Carolina Izzo

ArchiPro Project Summary - Restoration of the Isaac Theatre Royal's iconic dome mural and facade, utilizing innovative earthquake-resilient design and expert craftsmanship to preserve Christchurch's historic architecture.

Title:: Isaac Theatre Royal Building
Interior Decorator:: Studio Carolina Izzo
Category:: Community/; Public and Cultural

The Restoration of the Auditorium of the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch is one of the Studio’s proudest contributions to date.

Following the Christchurch Earthquake of 2011, the theatre was left in a damaged state and many of its decorative features were damaged. While the building was eventually condemned to demolition, the original brick and limestone facade and the auditoriums iconic dome mural could be saved. Warren and Mahoney Architects enlisted the help of SCI to restore the mural and have it returned to the ceiling of the soon-to-be rebuilt Theatre Royal. During the process, however, it was realised that the mural could not be reattached to a rigid dome structure as a rigid form could collapse in the event of another earthquake. The solution was to reattach the mural to a new dome composed from fibreglass; an innovation conceived of by the studio and never before seen in the world. The structure of this new dome has flexibility so is earthquake-resilient and provides better accoustics than timber or plaster could.

In addition to the dome, Studio Carolina Izzo also took on the role of detailing the new plasterwork for the theatre and coating it in gold leaf and a colour palette chosen by the studio. The studio also consulted with experts on limestone in Venice to revise the intended facade of the theatre to one which would appear more like the original appearance and have an extended lifespan. The project was an absolute success for the studio and for reviving Christchurch’s historic architecture.

Photography Credit - Building Image Photography

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Professionals used

Studio Carolina IzzoInterior Decorators

CONSERVATION TREATMENT

ART CONSULTANCY AND INSURANCE CLAIMS

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CONSERVATION TREATMENT

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Studio Carolina Izzo

Interior Decorators

Auckland • Wellington

studioizzo.co

Studio Carolina Izzo. Studio Carolina Izzo is dedicated to conserving art and heritage. Our professionally trained and accredited art conservators offer a wide range of remedial art conservation treatments to restore art and heritage objects in private, gallery and museum collections. Our heritage team specialises in the project management of restoration and conservation procedures on heritage buildings. Studio Carolina Izzo provides professional art conservation treatments to restore, repair, preserve and conserve art and heritage objects including historic and contemporary paintings, frames and sculptures. We offer international and national workshops, collection management advice, and disaster procedure plans. Carolina has over thirty years experience in art conservation and heritage restoration, which began with her training in Florence. She has managed large art conservation teams in Italy and New Zealand and is a staunch advocate of heritage conservation.