RELIGIOUS PROJECTS

Orchard Hill Church – Sanctuary Renovation |  Wexford, PA  
Owner  Orchard Hill Church
Contract Amount $2,348,000

The auditorium and sanctuary renovations were the second project within five years for the Burchick Construction and the Orchard Hill Church team. The scope of this project included a complete architectural rework in addition to lighting and electrical upgrades, and a massive audio-visual system overhaul.

Orchard Hill is proud of its Christian based music and theatrical programs, and the appearance and environment of the auditorium is a very important part of these presentations and productions.

The first item of work involved removal of all 1100 seats within the auditorium. All the stage lighting and house lighting was also removed. These removals allowed for unimpeded access over the entire auditorium floor for equipment maneuvering. Multiple 30’ high man lifts would be needed for architectural, mechanical, electrical, and audio-visual work in the high bay areas.

The architectural scope included a complete repainting of the auditorium interior, the installation of new acoustical panels throughout, rework of the stage footprint and facade, and construction of a new proscenium, new steps for stage access, and new seating and aisle layouts. New maple wood panels were also installed on the sidewalls.

The structural work included new support columns for the perimeter catwalks to allow for removal of some existing obtrusive columns in the side aisles. Supplemental steel was also installed beneath the stage for the increased new stage loadings.

One of the prominent features in the new auditorium is the addition of 24 ceiling hung “clouds” to serve as both reflective and absorptive surfaces for the new sound system. These clouds varied in size, with the smaller ones averaging about 140 square feet, and the larger ones about 240 square feet in size. These clouds weighed between 700 pounds and 1200 pounds, and required supplemental steel reinforcement to be installed in the large steel ceiling trusses. The HVAC and lighting systems had to be reworked and coordinated to allow the clouds to be properly positioned.

The electrical work included new LED lighting throughout along with new circuitry to support additional stage equipment.

A completely new audio-visual system and sound board, and was installed as part of this renovation. This system included new stage and spot lighting, new microphones, and a new Production Room. Two large LED television monitors were mounted on the stage with other multiple monitors positioned within the auditorium and lobby. A new sound booth, complete with expansive controls was constructed and installed in the rear of the sanctuary.

New fire alarm and smoke detections systems were also installed as part of these renovations.

Burchick began work in May of 2021. It was very important for Orchard Hill to have the sanctuary completed for their busy Christmas season. In December. Burchick successfully completed the project on November 30, 2023, in time for the holiday season.