Waikato Regional Theatre

KOROK® Fire and Acoustic Solutions Elevate a World-Class Arts Venue

The Waikato Regional Theatre is set to become a landmark for Hamilton and the wider Waikato region, bringing world-class performing arts, cultural vibrancy, and community engagement to the city centre. After six years of planning and collaboration, construction began in November 2021, with completion expected in 2025. KOROK® was proud to contribute to this transformational project, providing innovative fire and acoustic wall solutions that underpin both safety and sound quality.

KOROK® Contribution: Cinema-Grade Walls for Exceptional Performance

KOROK supplied 3,000 m² of our 78mm Galv Panel for the theatre, incorporating our specialised Cinema Systems designed specifically for performing arts venues. Each KOROK® 78mm Galv Panel is rollformed from zinc-coated steel strips, featuring a 0.4 mm base metal thickness and Z275 zinc coating, with an aerated concrete core weighing approximately 10.2 kg per lineal metre. These panels combine lightweight construction with superior acoustic and fire performance, making them ideal for auditoriums and rehearsal spaces.

Our systems deliver superior soundproofing, ensuring minimal sound transmission between performance spaces, enhancing the experience for audiences while meeting stringent fire safety standards. With a proven track record across cinema and theatre projects, KOROK® provides trusted, reliable solutions for both fire protection and acoustic performance.

Supporting a Heritage-Led, Community-Focused Project

The Waikato Regional Theatre has been designed as an arts-led urban regeneration project, reconnecting Hamilton’s city centre with the Waikato River. The theatre integrates the retained façade of the historic Hamilton Hotel, incorporates heritage elements and native timbers from the original building, and will feature a 1,300-seat lyric theatre capable of operating in both theatre and orchestra modes.

By installing KOROK® fire- and acoustic-rated walls, the project benefits from enhanced safety for visitors and staff, as well as controlled acoustics critical to both performances and audience enjoyment. KOROK’s lightweight, prefabricated systems complemented the architect’s use of mass timber for the auditorium roof, blade walls, catwalks, and bleachers, supporting the project’s ambitious programme while delivering practical fire and acoustic solutions.

Why KOROK® Was Chosen

Hamilton’s new theatre required walls that could handle high acoustic demands, strict fire compliance, and fast, efficient installation. KOROK® provided:

• High Fire Resistance: Fully compliant with New Zealand building code requirements, ensuring the safety of audiences, performers, and staff.
• Proven Acoustic Performance: Minimal sound transfer between spaces, delivering an immersive and high-quality performance experience.
• Efficient Installation: Lightweight panels with clip-together simplicity allowed for rapid assembly on a complex, multi-material project.

By integrating KOROK® systems into the Waikato Regional Theatre, the venue benefits from both technical performance and long-term reliability, supporting the vision of a cultural hub that will serve Hamilton and the Waikato region for decades.

Building a Legacy with KOROK®

From safeguarding audience experiences to supporting the acoustic integrity of performances, KOROK® has played a key role in making the Waikato Regional Theatre a safe, world-class venue. This project underscores KOROK’s expertise in delivering fire and acoustic solutions for complex, high-profile buildings, from cinemas to performance spaces, helping communities thrive through innovative and trusted wall systems.

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