Behind the Build: Hopgood Theatre's Refined Entrance

The Hopgood Theatre project marks the beginning of our “Behind the Build” series, a collection of deep-dive case studies that showcase real-world applications of Latham Australia products.

Each edition will highlight a unique project, exploring the design challenges, the problem-solving process, and the partnerships that bring it all together. Backed by great photography and expert insights, these case studies aim to celebrate the people and materials that make each build exceptional.

Behind the Build: The Hopgood Theatre, South Australia 

When architects and builders want that perfect balance of design, durability, and safety, every detail counts, right down to the matting beneath your feet and the nosing on every step. That’s exactly what happened at the Hopgood Theatre redevelopment, where Grieve Gillett Architects specified Latham Australia’s premium RSA Gold Anodised Abrasive Infill Entrance Matting and B1005ST Solid Brass Abrasive Stair Tread Nosing. Working alongside our exclusive South Australian distributors Tower 29 and expert installers Corporate Design Floors, we helped deliver a flooring solution that performs beautifully, both in form and function.

The Challenge: Performance Meets Presentation  

The Hopgood Theatre project required more than just a flooring upgrade. The brief demanded a solution that could handle heavy daily traffic, deliver long-term safety, and maintain the elegant aesthetic expected of a cultural venue.

Key challenges included:

• Durability vs. Design: The flooring had to withstand high footfall from performances and community events, without compromising visual appeal.
• Slip Resistance & Safety: Safety compliance was critical, especially across stairways and entry points used by hundreds of visitors.
• A Cohesive Finish: The architects wanted a unified look that carried from the theatre entrance through to internal circulation areas.

Our Solution: The Right Materials, Expertly Installed  

To meet these requirements, we supplied 12sqm of RSA Gold Anodised Abrasive Infill Entrance Matting and approximately 60 metres of B1005ST Solid Brass Abrasive Stair Tread Nosing. Both products were custom fabricated around the unique requirements of this exclusive location. The RSA Gold Anodised Matting adds a touch of sophistication to the theatre’s entrance, while effectively trapping dirt and moisture, a crucial consideration for maintaining interior finishes.

Meanwhile, the Solid Brass Stair Tread Nosings offer timeless elegance with a durable, non-slip surface that enhances safety without detracting from the theatre’s heritage aesthetic. Every element was delivered through Tower 29 and expertly installed by Corporate Design Floors, ensuring the final result was seamless, safe, and visually stunning.

The Result: A Step Above

The completed installation at the Hopgood Theatre is a perfect example of how Latham products combine craftsmanship, compliance, and design integrity.  

• Safety First: The abrasive inserts provide dependable traction, even under wet or high-use conditions. 
• Enduring Aesthetics: The gold anodised and brass finishes elevate the theatre's entry experience, while retaining their brilliance over time.
• Cohesive Design: The seamless transition between the matting and stair nosing systems delivers a unified architectural language across the project.

The end result is a theatre entrance and stairway that not only look exceptional but are built to perform for years to come.  

Looking Ahead: Our Deep-Dive Project Series 

Stay tuned for the next instalment in our “Behind the Build” series, where we’ll continue to explore standout projects, uncover the challenges behind the details, and celebrate the architects, builders, and installers bringing exceptional design to life with Latham Australia.

About Latham Australia  

Latham has been manufacturing premium quality flooring products in Sydney, Australia for 70 years. End-to-end control and oversight of procurement, manufacturing, and quality control results in the industry’s most reliable and high-performing products.  

The name Latham is synonymous with quality and Latham have been the recipient of over 30 awards including numerous Australian Design Awards. Latham products can be found in many prestigious buildings around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminals and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.    

To find out more about Latham products, please visit latham-australia.com. To talk to a Latham product expert, call 1300 LATHAM (528 426) or email sales@latham-australia.com.