Taastrup Theater Renovation Boasts a Stunning Prismatic Facade

A local community theater in Copenhagen's Taastrup neighborhood recently received an incredible energy efficiency <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/01/28/berlin-factory-renovated-into-stunning-recyclable-livework-space/">retrofit</a> that encapsulates the existing building within a tessellated façade of translucent pyramids. Designed by <a href="http://www.cobe.dk/">COBE</a>, the Taastrup Theater renovation boasts a beautiful multi-faceted skin that insulates the interior while allowing <a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting/">daylight</a> to filter in. The renovated theater also benefits from a simplified program, an expanded floor plan, and increased connectivity with its surrounding community.

<a href="http://www.cobe.dk/">COBE</a> was originally called upon to improve the energy efficiency of the <a href="http://www.taastrupteater.dk/opslag.asp?side=42">Taastrup Theater</a>, an aging concrete structure situated in a social housing neighborhood in Copenhagen.

The architects went above and beyond their brief by devising a visually-striking <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/30/modern-mexican-school-keeps-cool-with-solar-shading-skin/">second skin</a> for the building that insulates the interior structure while extending the theater's area.

Inspired by the opening curtains of a theatrical production, the building's façade is composed of acrylic prisms accented by red lights that signify the start of each play.

The newly-extended interior space features an open foyer, an arrival area, and a café.

The opacity and positioning of the pyramids is carefully controlled to allow in the optimal amount of <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/09/24/the-eyelids-of-10-hills-place-by-ala/">daylight</a> without overheating the interior, and operable windows allow for <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/page/4/?s=natural+ventilation">natural ventilation</a> when the mercury rises.

The addition of several new entrances and exits grants the renovated theater an additional measure of flexibility and the ability to accommodate a variety of events.

At night the entire structure emits a warm glow that welcomes theater-goers into the interior space.

The original concrete Taastrup Theater before renovation by COBE.

The interior of the old theater has been completely re-organized to improve accessibility to the restrooms and the café while consolidating the bar, box office, and administration into a single unit that requires a single attendant.

COBE's solution to increasing the theater's energy efficiency was to skin it with a new facade that transforms the interior by providing additional space. Inside, a more efficient layout makes better use of space and allows the building to function more flexibly as an event venue.

COBE's Taastrup Theater renovation has been shortlisted in the <a href="http://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/">2010 World Architecture Festival</a> for the New and Old category.