Inspired by similar uses of timber at theatres in Lahti and Savonlinna, Finland, Valerie Gergiev asked acoustic designer Dr Yasuahisa Toyota and Finnforest to provide a solution that would “enhance, not compromise the acoustic performance of the hall”.

This resulted in 600m3 of Kerto LVL covered in a 12mm birchwood veneer being applied to the inner walls and ceiling at a thickness of up to 20cm.

Finnforest has said that the use of Kerto LVL allowed for the theatre to be clad with no gaps or open joints and maintain the acoustic performance of the venue.