Kilworth House Outdoor Theatre, North Kilworth, Leicestershire

Engineering Consultant: Tony Hogg Design
Architect: Corporate Architecture
Project Manager: Robert Carter, J & J. Carter
Supplier: Verseidag Indutex
Type of works: creation of a tensile fabric structure to cover an Outdoor Theatre auditorium and stage area.

The Outdoor Theatre project was conceived by Richard and Celia McKay, owners of the Kilworth House hotel. Their love of the theatre inspired them to develop the Outdoor Theatre in the beautiful grounds of the hotel, and provide all-year-round performances. Artists include The Hollies, Elkie Brooks and acts such as The Pirates of Penzance.

J & J Carter acted as a specialist contractor on the construction of a tensile fabric structure to cover the auditorium and stage area. The structure is some 50m clear-span and utilises a series of suspension cables and perimeter masts, some 19m tall to support the fabric membrane. The structure has also been designed to suspend lighting rigs from the ridges. Integral drainage systems have been built into the structure to allow the rainwater from the vast roof surface to be drained away.

Two membranes are suspended from a series of cables covering an area of 820m². The new membrane has a design life  of  approximately  20  years  and  the  steel  frame  in  excess  of  30  years.  The PVDF/PVC/PES membrane also has a 10 year warranty, this being one of J & J Carter’s standard features.

J & J Carter has built a sustainable-membrane canopy. The PVC polyester roof can be recycled at the Texyloop facility in Italy. The recycled PVC will be used to make products such as garden furniture or packaging.

The quality of the project has been recognised at both regional and national level. It has received the following accolades (see Manufacturer Catalogues for certification):
• The Performance Textiles Association Awards 2007: Project of the Year
• Campaign to Protect Rural England, 2007 Design Awards: Winner: A Building or Group of New Buildings Within An Urban or Rural Area
• LABC East Midlands, Built-In Quality Awards 2007: Best Structural Design
• Leicestershire Property and Construction Awards 2007: Small Scheme of the Year.