Svendborg Architects and Wohlert Arkitekter complete timber-clad Ishøj Theatre in Denmark

Ishøj Theatre, a 1,300-square-metre children's theatre in the Tranegilde district of Ishøj, Denmark, has been completed by local studios Svendborg Architects and Wohlert Arkitekter. The timber-clad facade features curved openings and arched windows that evoke stage curtains, comedy and tragedy masks, and proscenium arches. Designed by Svendborg Architects founder Johnny Svendborg, the building's rectilinear layout places the main auditorium at the centre, wrapped by back-of-house spaces to the northeast and open foyers to the west. A curtain-like opening in the timber facade leads to sheltered outdoor seating and a glazed arch into the main foyer. Red stage curtains over exposed concrete walls mark auditorium entrances, complemented by red linoleum floors and a high-level mirror. The black-box auditorium has movable seating tiers and black curtains for flexible performances. A smaller studio space to the northwest overlooks the landscape through a large arched window. Externally, thin vertical timber planks reference traditional Danish barns. Photography is by Hampus Berndtson.