Transformation of a 1970s icon into a low-carbon cultural landmark.

A new 300-seat theatre extension with rehearsal spaces, offices, a workshop, gallery, café, foyer, and back-of-house areas. The project resolves complex technical and spatial challenges while supporting the decarbonisation of the existing theatre through low-carbon systems, including an open-loop ground source heat pump. It targets BREEAM Excellent.

The Hexagon Theatre, designed by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall & Partners, is a distinctive six-sided building and a striking example of 1970s architecture in central Reading. Celebrated at its opening for its radical form, the hexagonal geometry defines both the building’s exterior and the auditorium within.
The theatre is currently undergoing a major redevelopment, supported by Levelling Up funding awarded to Reading Borough Council. The project aims to decarbonise the existing building while enhancing its cultural capacity through a new studio extension designed by Haworth Tompkins. The new facilities will be located on the building’s right-hand side and will include a 300-seat auditorium, rehearsal spaces, and a foyer. Skelly & Couch are leading on environmental services across both aspects of the project, helping to drive the Council’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and securing a BREEAM Excellent rating.

In the extension, a fabric-first approach maximises airtightness, while daylight is introduced through rooflights, internal windows, and glazing to the auditorium and foyer. Solar control is managed through brise soleil, canopies, and blinds to prevent overheating. The auditorium features a hybrid ventilation system that combines natural airflow with a sound-attenuated exhaust chimney, preserving acoustic integrity while regulating temperature. A punkah fan enhances clearance of performance smoke effects. In the foyer, CO₂-controlled insulated louvres and doors enable secure night-time ventilation through passive air circulation.

In high-occupancy areas, air is supplied using mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Efficient heating and cooling are provided by two four-pipe air source heat pumps, serving radiators, fan coil units, underfloor heating, and an AHU coil in the auditorium.
Existing water systems are upgraded, and electrical capacity increased with the installation of a new switchboard and sub-mains and substation upgrade. Lighting enhancements include track spotlights, LED fittings, and ETC Arc System Pro units, providing professional-grade dimming control. Safety systems have been modernised with an upgraded fire alarm and a PAVA system to support improved emergency response and accessibility. A new LED non-maintained addressable emergency lighting system has been installed to align with the Theatres preferred maintenance regime.

As part of the Theatre’s decarbonisation strategy, Skelly & Couch collaborated with the Council to devise and implement low-carbon, energy-efficient solutions—from early feasibility to detailed design. A key element of the sustainability strategy is the integration of an open-loop ground source heat pump system. Following feasibility studies and successful borehole testing, detailed design is now progressing alongside a range of complementary upgrades. These include an enhanced Building Management System, improved heat recovery within the main auditorium’s air handling units (AHUs), and the replacement of heat emitters—all designed to improve thermal efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. A CIBSE TM54 assessment has validated the projected performance, confirming significant reductions in operational energy use.

The Hexagon is set to become a flexible, low-carbon cultural hub, strengthening community ties and supporting long-term sustainability in the heart of Reading.