The £12.2 million restoration and development of the Grand Opera House, Belfast has recently been completed. The project was delivered by specialist construction firm, Tracey Brothers Ltd, architects Consarc Design Group and more than 60 sub-contractors.
The design of the foyer and public spaces has been totally reimagined, with a new bar installed in the restored 1980 glass extension overhanging Great Victoria Street, as well as beautifully refurbished stalls and circle bars. The auditorium’s paintings and decorative and ornate plasterwork was painstakingly restored and conserved, as well as new seating, carpets, curtains and drapes installed.
The exterior of the building has also undergone a significant facelift, with extensive restoration of the beautiful 1985 listed building designed by Frank Matcham. The 2006 Baby Grand extension has also been reimagined – the new façade has a contrasting, contemporary aesthetic, while complementing the historical Matcham building. Using as much transparent glass as possible, the project utilised an Akzo Nobel Steel Bronze Anodic paint finish as well as various face caps and silicone pointing. To achieve a u-value of 1.6w/m2k across the built glazed façade, a range of Metal Technology Ltd’s systems were used in conjunction with solar control glass.
Systems used in the scheme: System 4-35Hi+ Thermal Casement Windows, System 5-20DHi+ Thermal Heavy-Duty Doors, System 10 Automatic Sliding Commercial Doors, System 17 Capped Curtain Walling, System 17 Silicone Pointed Curtain Walling.

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Architect
Consarc Design Group
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Main Contractor
Tracey Brothers Ltd
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Fabricator
D&K Architectural Systems
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Systems Used
System 5-20D Hi+
System 10
System 17 SP Silicone Pointed
System 4-35 Hi / Hi+