Hauppauge High School, Auditorium Renovation

Hauppauge, New York

Firm

John A. Grillo, Architect PC

Client

Hauppauge Union Free School District

Area

20,500 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$4,321,000

Completion Date

09/2010

Hauppauge Union Free School District desired to renovate its 1960s high school auditorium into a state-of-the-art performance center. The pre-renovation auditorium was very poorly lit and had numerous acoustical problems. Other than the existing brick walls and recently refurbished seating, all finishes and infrastructure were removed.

The ceiling was replaced with custom-designed "clouds," which together with the new acoustical wall elements, improve the clarity, intelligibility and overall acoustics. Even when the new digital sound system is off for classical music performances, those familiar with the space prior to the renovation marvel at how even the sound coverage is throughout the 1,500-seat auditorium.

Other added features include a high-definition video-projection system with surround sound; motorized acoustical curtains and diffusers for "variable acoustics," which do double duty by resizing the space for more intimate performances; two new front-of- house lighting catwalks; stage acoustical diffusers; motorized flying band shell with rolling towers; multimedia touchpanel-controlled lectern; audio and video lobby monitoring; two group-instruction areas with independent multimedia presentation systems, which can be linked to the main system in combined mode; two-channel production intercom, state-of-the-art LED light fixtures, which allow the house to be lighted with half the amount of traditional house lights and consume 50 percent less energy; and a computerized production lighting dimmer system.

High-tech audio and video systems combine with new acoustical elements to make this a unique performance center on par with many college and professional facilities.