The Hamlin School Gymnasium & Theatre

Client – The Hamlin School

Location – San Francisco, CA
Architect – Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects
Contractor – Herrero Builders

For The Hamlin School, the selected structural system and design allowed the client to achieve their goals of expanding the existing gymnasium and adding a new theatre on a severely limited site. The new structural design components were integrated into the existing structural system, providing safe and cost-effective solutions to protect the integrity of the surrounding buildings and allow for this expansion.

Given the densely populated area and zoning requirements, the only option was to move forward with the subterranean expansion into the side of the steeply sloped site, partially below the existing building. The structural engineering solutions required to support building a subterranean structure while preserving existing structures directly above and nearby called for creativity and a commitment to safety, innovation, and a high standard of structural engineering design. In total, the expansion added the equivalent of four stories (a double-height expanded gym and a double-height theatre below) to help the Hamlin School achieve its goal of facilitating needed programs for students and the community.

Additionally, the seismic retrofit to the existing structure, which integrated the existing and new structures together while optimizing the interior space to allow for as much flexibility as possible, served the client’s goal of creating a safe building designed to minimize damage during a seismic event, and to allow students to return to school as soon as possible after an earthquake.