Page 11 - untitled

Pagc22 BUlLDING AND ENGINEERING November 24, 1944

St. John Hall & Heidelberg Military Hospital, Vic.

Architects: Cowper Murphy and Associates. Builder: E.A. Watts

To provide entenainrncnt to the patients at Heidelberg Military Hospital under comfonablc conditions the St. John
Ambulance Association remodelled and extended an existing small hall at the Hospital so that it is now an attractive
modem theatre. Seating accommodation is provided for 700 and there is space at the rear for cot patients.

The interior finish has been treated on simple modem lines. The stage has been designed both for pictures and for
legitimate shows, and is complete with orchestra pit. The surround to the proscenium is illuminated from lighting units
concealed in fibrous plaster cove. The ceiling is carried out ln Cclotcx and fibrous plast.er. Plywood has been introduced
into the wall decoration and on each side of the proscenium fibrous plaster ornament has been applied to the plywood.

Detail of the wall treatment the base is in Masonite in its natural colour. above is fibrous plaster fixed to form curved
bays; the ornament is the St. John badge; the upper section is plywood which is carried forward to form a panel which i~
finished with a large fibrous plaster ornament of Orpheus - the God of M~ic.

The ceiling is built up in fibrous pl~1cr, comprising a series of double cones. Concealed lights on the upper side light
light the ceiling, while the second set, with downward reflecters, light up the body of th.e hall.

(Editors Note: In "Picture Palaces & Flea-Pits", lt!e wrongly named photo on page 181 Is actually St John Hall.)

II