Acoustic GRG

At the Grammar School At Leeds Theatre

Interior view of a room at Grammar School at Leeds, featuring wooden paneling and a partially open door to a storage area.
Empty theater stage with wooden walls, black curtains, and tiered seating on the right under overhead lighting.
Close-up of wooden slat wall with angled shadows, displaying geometric and textural detail.
Modern theater seating with wooden acoustic panels and a mounted stage light against a black wall.
Hallway with wooden paneling leading to an auditorium at Grammar School at Leeds.
Spacious room at Grammar School at Leeds with mirrors, wood paneling, and stackable chairs.
Wooden paneling in an auditorium with soft lighting and curtains.
Spacious room with wood paneling and mirrors at Grammar School at Leeds, featuring chairs and minimal decorations.
Vertical wood paneling with varying shades and widths, creating a textured and layered appearance.
Spacious auditorium with wooden paneling, tiered seating, and stage lighting, viewed from the stage towards empty seats.
Spacious room with wooden walls and large windows at Grammar School at Leeds.
A hallway with light wood paneling and flooring, featuring closed wooden doors with metal handles and a ceiling light.
Empty auditorium with tiered seating, wooden walls, and a stage with curtains. Overhead lighting is visible.
Wood-paneled hallway with bright lighting and wooden flooring, leading to closed doors at the end.
Empty theater auditorium with wooden walls, tiered seating, and a stage with curtains.
Wood-paneled hallway with light wooden floor and double doors at the end, illuminated by ceiling lights.
Close-up of modern wooden wall paneling with a recessed doorway.
Wooden double doors with blue
Modern auditorium with wooden paneling, closed double doors, and rows of padded theater seats with armrests.
Empty theater stage with wooden panels and rows of black seats facing it, lit by overhead lights.
Diagonal wooden slats create a geometric pattern on a wood-paneled wall, showcasing texture and depth.
Interior of an auditorium with wooden walls and flooring, featuring tiered seating and a door on the side wall.
Vertical wooden slats creating an abstract pattern with varying shades of brown.
Spacious room with wooden paneling and modern lighting at Grammar School at Leeds.
Empty theater auditorium with wooden walls, stage, curtains, and rows of black seats, viewed from the back.

Case Study: Acoustic GRG & The Grammar School at Leeds – Capturing Acoustic Excellence in a Stunning New Theatre

The Brief – Showcasing a Completed Project

Acoustic GRG, a leading provider of acoustic insulation solutions, had supplied their specialist panelling for the brand-new theatre and workshop spaces at the Grammar School at Leeds. With the installation complete, Managing Director Mat wanted a set of high-quality images to showcase their craftsmanship and the impact of their products in a real-world setting.

As Acoustic GRG is based in Kent, access to the site had to be coordinated remotely. Initially, we contacted the contractors who installed the panelling, but as the project was already finished, they were no longer on site. After some back and forth, we connected with Jessica at the school, who kindly arranged a visit during the half-term break—a perfect opportunity to capture the space without students present.

The Shoot – Creating Striking Architectural Images

On arrival, I was given a tour of the building by the incredibly helpful Richard. We mapped out a plan to ensure every key area was covered, starting with the workshop space.

Here, the acoustic panels stretched up to around eight feet, with beautifully crafted wooden slats set against a darker upper section. The lighting presented a challenge—bright doorways and windows created high contrast with the black ceilings. To ensure we captured every detail, I used a seven-exposure bracketed technique, taking a range of shots from very dark to very bright, allowing maximum flexibility in post-processing. To maintain clean, precise architectural lines, I shot with a Canon 17mm tilt-shift lens, which kept everything straight and professional-looking.

Next, we moved into the corridors. The floor-to-ceiling wood panelling created a stunning, high-end feel. These were spaces people would typically walk through rather than stop in, but the warmth of the materials deserved to be highlighted. I took a combination of straight-line, end-to-end perspective shots to capture the flow of the space, as well as some detailed close-ups to showcase the craftsmanship.

The Showstopper – A World-Class Theatre

Walking into the theatre itself, the scale and quality of the space were immediately impressive. It didn’t feel like a school facility—it had the grandeur of a professional venue in the West End. And right at the heart of it all was Acoustic GRG’s standout wood panelling, stretching from floor level up to around 20 feet high, creating a striking visual centrepiece.

While photographing the space, I spoke with a theatre technician who was setting up lighting. She pointed out how the room’s acoustics were incredibly well controlled—no unwanted echo, just clean, crisp sound that could be tailored through the speakers. This was a major selling point of Acoustic GRG’s products, and I even tested it myself with a quick finger snap—sure enough, no echo!

To fully capture the space, I used a nine-angle approach, covering all perspectives much like the shape of an “8” on a domino. This ensured every angle of the theatre was documented, from wide, immersive shots that showed the scale of the installation to tight detail shots that highlighted the texture and pattern of the wood panelling.

A panoramic shot from the rear of the theatre gave a complete view of the space, showing how the panelling framed the stage and blended beautifully with the lighting setup. Shadows created by the overhead lights added depth, giving the images a stunning 3D effect.

The Final Touches – Capturing the Finishing Details

The last area to document was a second floor-to-ceiling panelled corridor at the rear of the theatre. Like the earlier hallway, this space had a sleek, seamless finish. One final standout feature was a hidden door leading to the backstage area—when closed, the wooden panels fit together so perfectly that the door was completely invisible. When opened, it provided the ideal height for moving backdrops and stage equipment. A small detail, but one that spoke volumes about the craftsmanship involved.

The Result – A Portfolio of Architectural Excellence

The final images provided Acoustic GRG with:
✅ A complete visual showcase of their work, covering all key areas of the installation.
✅ Architectural-grade imagery, shot with a tilt-shift lens to ensure perfect alignment and precision.
✅ A balance of wide, immersive shots and detailed close-ups, offering versatility for marketing and case study use.
✅ Proof of the acoustic impact, reinforcing the functional benefits of the installation alongside its aesthetic appeal.

Final Thoughts

This was an exciting project to document—not just because of the visual appeal of the space but also because of the real impact Acoustic GRG’s products have in creating better-sounding, more immersive environments. The combination of expert craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and cutting-edge acoustic technology made this theatre and workshop space a true standout.

Need High-Quality Architectural Photography?

If your company has completed an impressive project that deserves to be captured professionally, let’s chat. Whether it’s interiors, construction, or specialist installations, I’ll create images that do your work justice.