The Halle, Manchester

Project - The Halle

Location - Manchester

Product Used - Special Order Aspen Raw

Designer - Stephenson Studio

Photographer - Daniel Hopkinson

Stephenson Studio has transformed The Halle Manchester, a Grade II listed church, into a contemporary cultural space. Havwoods’ Aspen Raw flooring plays a central role, combining resilience with timeless character.

A Symphony of Design

A Space Rooted in Heritage

Originally deconsecrated and refurbished in 2012, The Halle Manchester became the first permanent home for orchestrated music in its long history. 

The extension brief called for rehearsal, performance, and education facilities, together with a café that would open the building to the public realm. 

Stephenson Studio’s design carefully balanced the architectural legacy of the church with new interventions that respect and enrich its character. Brushed gold handrails, bespoke ironmongery, and crafted café furniture all contribute to the building’s considered detailing.

Flooring That Defines the Interior

At the heart of this project is Havwoods’ Aspen Raw wood flooring, specified for its exceptional durability and smooth surface. 

The two-layer construction, comprising a robust hardwood surface over high-quality birch ply, ensures long-lasting stability across the varied program of spaces. 

Rich in colour and adaptable in tone, the flooring unifies rehearsal rooms, café, and public areas, supporting both the practical demands of orchestral use and the aesthetic requirements of a modern cultural venue.