Giving the Port Macquarie Hastings community a beautiful new gathering place and cultural centre, the Glasshouse comprises a 600-seat theatre, rehearsal/performance studio, conference facilities and a large regional gallery, conveniently located in the centre of the rapidly-growing coastal city. Conveying its status as the major venue in the region, the high quality construction is evident in the sculpted glass form, wrapping around the auditorium and offering clear views to the Pacific Ocean. It includes a number of advanced technological features: the orchestra pit can be hydraulically raised and lowered to increase the flexibility of the space, seating is built to achieve computer modelled sightlines and the sound performance meets exacting design standards. Embodying the latest ESD design initiatives, the centre is also innovative in its use of the local river water supply in the internal cooling systems.