The Hamlin School Gymnasium & Theatre

San Francisco, CA

Client – The Hamlin School
Architect – Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects
Contractor – Herrero Builders

At 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 structural design component was integral, providing safe and cost-effective solutions to protect the integrity of the surrounding buildings and allow for this expansion. MBC was honored to serve as consulting structural engineer for this incredible project.

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 needed 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.