"acoustic"

The MicroSlat System was specified in three areas of this premium development, each space requiring very unique shapes. Bespoke spacing was required in order to accommodate LED strips between the grooves. The client ordered MicroSlat 25-18 that was spray finished to a high quality sheen using a bespoke lacquer finish to match other materials at the site. Black slat core and black acoustic backing complete the look to help transform the interior. MicroSlat was specified as it's a lightweight, modular system that's easy to install, which provides excellent acoustic absorption for a space with such high ceilings.

Construction of Herman Miller’s New HQ and distribution centre began in 2014, being the biggest single investment in the town, and creating 200 jobs in the local area.Soundis Absorb-R Timber Grooved 14/2m Sound Absorption panels...The 170,000 sq metre warehouse project required Absorb-R Timber Grooved 14/2m Sound Absorption panels to be fitted to the walls of the office area, meeting rooms, restaurant and general circulation space. The acoustic wall panels were specified for innovative design and high sound absorption acoustic performance.The timber wall panels are grooved, providing impeccable sound absorption performances, but also ensuring a high class aesthetic finish and feel with a choice of timber types and finishes.Herman Miller provide “Class A” products and are renowned for great quality and therefore required a sound absorption solution to comply with their own brand style. Soundis fitted perfectly to the Herman Miller specification throughout the installation space being treated and installed by UK Acoustic Systems.

The Old Palace, once a moated castle, has been redesigned, offering an immersive experience that seamlessly blends history, elegance and acoustic brilliance.

Sonata Vario Class A suspended acoustic absorption panels installed within Narborough Village Hall to control reverberation and noise during use.

Tolson's Mill, Tamworth is a new £16 million development consisting of 51 canal side apartments and 10 town houses. Set within a five-storey textile factory, each apartment and house is set to retain the industrial character of the grade 2 listed Mill building. Leading the project development was Brookland Group with subcontractors V&D Interiors fitting out each of the living spaces. In designing the building, Crosby Granger Architects placed safety and comfort as the main priorities for product specification.Given the listed nature of the building, ensuring the materials used met and exceeded safety needs was critical. Likewise, ensuring acoustic performance would be key given the luxurious nature of the apartments and town houses.    For Calvin Challis, Commercial Manager at V&D Interiors, using Knauf products was the sensible thing to do. “The goals of the architect were to ensure a quality, soundproof interior which meant that the product specification met and exceeded this expectation. That’s where Knauf came in. Not only were they always there to help and ready to listen if we had any questions, but their product were also the right choice to achieve the goals specified by the architect.” Attaining this level of performance would be achieved using Knauf performance systems products including metal partitions, which not only offer speed advantages on site, but enhance fire protection as well.Meeting the acoustic needs of the brief, standard 12.5mm and 15mm Knauf Soundshield Plus were used on the walls and ceilings. Soundshield Plus provided enhanced acoustic performance and excellent fire resistance. Importantly, Soundshield Plus can give up to 54Db acoustic sound reduction when used as part of a Knauf system. Getting the perfect finish throughout was achieving by using a mixture of Knauf finishing products. This included jointing tape, intumescent and acoustic mastic for their fire and acoustic performance attributes, and Knauf Fill and Finish. The result was a high-quality finish on partition walls with necessary performance built in.Ensuring consistency throughout the interior, Knauf Ceilings were specified for their acoustic performance and peace of mind both ceiling and wall systems would complement each other. “From a specification point of view, it was critical we knew that all products used would achieve the performance required. This was the main point for the architects but for us on site, having all the product come from a single supplier made it easier to source the right materials and know they’d install and work together easily” Calvin recalls. While efficiencies were gained on site by using Knauf systems, one of the biggest advantages this approach offered was the peace of mind through warranties. Calvin explained why this was so important: “The Knauf System Performance Warranty meant everyone knew the products would perform as intended for the lifetime of the system, with guarantees in place in the unlikely event of something going wrong.” “Having that security in place was vital for all involved, it meant we could get the support we need for installation and the main contractors and client would be protected going forwards. Especially on a listed building project, you need to have that peace of mind in place.”For added reassurance, Calvin recalls how Knauf would provide onsite support in the form of inspections “Knauf were brilliant, if we needed any help or assistance, they were more than happy to help. They came to the site a few times, to inspect the installation and provide some guidance if we were unsure of something. This was particularly helpful when it came to checking the acoustic ratings. They were able to check the acoustic ratings and ensure that they met the requirements, and that the client was satisfied.” The apartments that form part of the luxury residential development at Tolson's Mills and Tamworth were completed in November of 2022, with the houses scheduled to be finished in June 2023.

A case study on applying acoustic roof systems in the Educational sector, with a detailed description of common project challenges and proven solutions offered by Ash & Lacy

Farrat BowlFLOOR PRO was designed and supplied to provide acoustic isolation for the five-lane bowling alley, part of Roxy Leisure’s new site in Leicester

This grand Edwardian property began life as commercial premises, but has recently been given a new lease of life by urban regeneration experts Stockwool Design. The site near the City of London, known as Sterling Mansions, has been transformed into 59 quality apartments for Berkeley Homes. We designed, manufactured and installed 216 traditional timber flush casement windows with feature moldings. Fitted with high acoustic double glazing on the Leman Street elevation, the windows achieved an impressive 45 dB Rw acoustic performance rating (55.4 ACf / 12 / 44.1 Low-E glass).

The University of Central Lancashire development of a new UCLAN Student Centre 7,304 sqm and University Squares 8,440 sqm.Soundis was approached by BAM Construction to supply the Absorb-R WoodTec Walls Slats and the Absorb-R SofTone Fabric Baffles. These where installed by our installation partner UK Acoustic SystemsThe WoodTec Wall Slats are based on a fibre gypsum board which has excellent properties regarding both fire safety and acoustics. The slats are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which results in 100% straight aligned slats over their full lifetime.

The Royal Caribbean Company, specialized on cruise ship construction, has recently inaugurated the Oasis of the Seas, the biggest and the most luxurious ship of the world. With its 360 meters long, this monster of seas can welcome 7400 persons. As a central meeting point, the Royal Walk is a place to relax and to admire oceans. 920 m² of microperforated Barrisol Acoustics® stretched ceilings were installed, offering an excellent acoustic quality. Barrisol® stretched membranes also dressed 7 " trees umbrellas " with white matt finish and the kiosk lamps with translucent Barrisol Blanc Vénus ®.

Our Type 100E Fully Electric movable wall was installed here a few years ago. This fully automatic system allows for ease of use and gives the client the ability to open or divide the lecture theatre in minutes with the touch of a button. With an acoustic rating of Rw 58dB, both sides of the theatre can have full AV lectures without disturbance. Each panel is hand crafted to millimetre precision to match every step and riser, then fabric wrapped in sound absorbing acoustic panels and installed by our own highly qualified technicians. There are walls, but there’s only one London Wall.

Our Type 100E Fully Electric movable wall was installed here a few years ago. This fully automatic system allows for ease of use and gives the client the ability to open or divide the lecture theatre in minutes with the touch of a button. With an acoustic rating of Rw 58dB, both sides of the theatre can have full AV lectures without disturbance. Each panel is hand crafted to millimetre precision to match every step and riser, then fabric wrapped in sound absorbing acoustic panels and installed by our own highly qualified technicians. There are walls, but there’s only one Movawall.

Working with a design concept from FKM architects, SAS International developed a hybrid ceiling based on their existing SAS500 offering. This tailor-made system was formed to incorporate the intricate design pattern while maintaining the systems stability. The perforated baffles installed in LogMeIn incorporate an acoustic backing pad and are finished in a Calm White shade. Chosen for its superb acoustic properties, this bespoke baffle solution offers an eye-catching and unique ceiling. The bespoke linear system is a unique feature of the office and lends itself to SAS’ design and manufacturing capability to take on complex and challenging designs.

Thermal and acoustic insulation secondary glazing was installed by Selectaglaze for the National Trust as part of a full-scale refurbishment at the Grade I Listed Belton House stable block in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which has been converted into restaurant and office space. Selectaglaze Series 10 horizontal sliders were specified for 24 of the original leaded windows in the offices, and meeting rooms. Custom made timber grounds were affixed to all the openings which were splayed or out of shape. As a result of the installation, thermal efficiency has improved considerably, with the added benefit of increased acoustic insulation.

Associated Architects chose SAS International to provide the high acoustic and finishing touches to the UoB academic interior fit-out. Anodised gold cladding and bulkheads were selected to encase the atrium lift-shafts, the main staircase and highlighting the university crest on the 4th floor. Three additional acoustic treatments for open soffit areas were specified over computer clusters and lounge spaces. SAS500 baffles and bespoke ring shaped and circular rafts were designed and manufactured by SAS to fulfil this requirement. The architects have effectively linked elements of the build to the next tying the theme of regency with modern amenities.

Style has installed one of the UK’s largest Skyfold vertical-rising partitioning walls, delivering an exceptional acoustic divide to the new Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall, Oxford Brookes University. Just under 19m wide and with a clear opening height of 7m, the fully automatic moveable wall is housed in the ceiling cavity and descends gracefully at the push of a button to be fully opened in just 2½ minutes. Skyfold takes up zero floor space when not in use whilst the acoustic performance is second to none, ensuring concurrent events can take place either side of the divide, completely undisturbed.

London Zoo is one of the UK’s best-known tourist attractions and the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Opened in 1838, it now houses nearly 20,000 animals. The new Terrace Restaurant by SHH architects has tripled the dining space to 700 covers. Troldtekt ceilings play a major part in helping to create an acoustically pleasant environment for the high visitor numbers. With an abundance of hard surfaces, coupled with echoes and ambient noise, it was important to find a solution which would complement the design. This has been achieved by installing Troldtekt ultrafine acoustic panels on the ceilings below the mezzanine floor.

Orac Decor has created an immersive, experiential showroom which includes a nude coloured curved ceiling near the entrance featuring Rockfon Mono Acoustic.

The Grade II Listed Aberdeen Wharf had thermal and acoustic secondary glazing installed by Selectaglaze to help reconfigure, redesign and renovate the 2-floor apartment.

The heritage property was first built in 1931 as an office building, so the acoustics had to be upgraded during the renovation process without spoiling the character of the original design.

Sound absorption experts, Sound Reduction Systems (SRS), have recently completed a successful acoustic project at Socketts Heath Baptist Church in Grays, Essex.

The Maidenhead-based Thames Hospice service has proudly served its community for more than 30 years, offering world-class palliative and end-of-life care and support to people across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.Thames Hospice, “We provide the highest quality nursing, medical and therapeutic care supporting the physical, social and emotional needs of our patients and their loved ones. Our services are free of charge to all who need us, thanks to the generosity of our amazing community and organisations, as well as our 700 incredible volunteers who give their time to support the best possible end-of-life care for local people.” KKE Architects were responsible for the project. They said, “Set in more than eight acres, with stunning views across landscaped gardens and Bray Lake, the new hospice has 28 inpatient beds in individual en-suite rooms. The new Day Centre (the Paul Bevan Centre) offers a wider range of daily therapeutic and social activities for day patients and inpatients and has allowed the hospice to double its day service provision.”Bespoke seamless acoustic islands created on siteIn one part of the building, KKE Architects designed a central double height rotunda from which 11 concrete ‘spokes’ splayed from the structure underneath a circular glass dome. Islands were the best option for acoustic control within these unusual spaces, which the installers – Aspect Ceilings and Partitions – were able to create on site with Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic system components. This approach eliminated any lead time in ordering bespoke, pre-manufactured islands.Rockfon Mono Acoustic is a system comprising grid, panel and acoustic render, which can be used to create ceilings, wall coverings and bespoke islands and rafts.Within the rotunda 1200 x 1200mm panels were initially cut to size and adhered directly to the concrete soffit. They were then taped, jointed, filled and rendered to create seamless, elegant islands which help create a calm atmosphere by providing Class A sound absorption.Aspect Ceilings and Partitions carried out the installation of Rockfon acoustic systems at the Hospice. Company Director Grant Stevens “This was a great project to be involved with. We know the Rockfon team are always available to offer advice. Given the bespoke nature of the design, the installation relied heavily on the creativity of the installation team. The process needed to be precise and the completed work looks great.”Optimum acoustics can improve sleep and reduce anxietyThanks to its core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, it provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. It is Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can also contribute valuably to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards. Rockfon Eclipse® are also used at the hospice, arranged groups of refined frameless panels suspended on wires directly from the soffit, giving the illusion they float in mid-air. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shapes with custom colour matching and are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Director Phil Kavanagh of KKE architects, “Acoustics were a key consideration in our choice of both Rockfon ranges, where each fitted the brief and offered the best solution. In particular, Mono Acoustic suited the installation requirements within the rotunda where specifically shaped elements needed to fit within the radiused space and deliver a monolithic appearance.” The right solution when it matters mostIn common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono and Eclipse are made with a core of naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stone wool, which is non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. In addition, their high light reflectance characteristics help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and further enhancing wellbeing. Rockfon Business Development Manager, Simon Slade, “The invaluable work done at this hospice made it an important project to be specified for. The whole purpose was to create a calm, quiet environment for those receiving care and for their families. I’m humbled that our products can make a difference to their experience at such a difficult time.”

XPS Insulation and Dry Screed Board Acoustic FlooringKing’s College London is one of the Top 20 Universities in the world, according to the international world 2013-14 ranking. They are the fourth oldest university in England, holding over 25,000 students. As well as this, the college includes more than 10,600 postgraduates and over 7,000 employees. The College also has research earnings of nearly £587million overall annually.The Architect specified a combination of Soundis Dry Screed Board and XPS Insulation, both of which are recyclable and amongst the most effective insulation materials available for acoustic performance and thermal performance in this student development.

New York City’s newest boutique hotel makes a bold statement in upper midtown Manhattan, thanks in no small part to the extensive use of Crittall steel windows, doors and internal screens and partitions. The Whitby is the second in New York opened by Firmdale Hotels, whose owners have already made a big impression in central London use fenestration from Crittall. Opened in late February, The Whitby’s position called for higher acoustic attenuation, so Crittall MW40 fenestration was selected. These windows can accept up to 30mm thick glazing providing excellent acoustic as well as thermal performance while maximising daylight.

Polar double-glazed partitions provided the ideal solution for dividing space in a clever and minimalistic way. The double glazed Polar partitions have impressive acoustic thresholds of up to 49dB (Rw), which is becoming more and more essential in today’s working environment. Providing opportunity for both communicative and inspired work, Polar double glazed’s simplistic method of installation, demountability and powerful acoustic properties makes it an intelligent option for modern offices. Due to Robinson Structures engineering expertise, steel girders were built above and around the Polar single glazed track work to create smaller offices and meeting rooms.

Komfort worked in partnership with GHI to design and support with supply and install for all Polar frame works, door frames and glass doors. Komfort’s Polar collection was used throughout the project. Double glazed Polar’s simplistic method of installation, relocatability and powerful acoustic properties made it an intelligent option for this fit-out. Whilst, Polar single glazed minimalist form facilitated speed of erection without compromising structural stability and rigidity. Deflection heads +/- 25mm were used for both systems. Additionally, the Sonik collection provided enhanced acoustic performance whilst also creating an open-plan modern feel.

Complementing the exposed services and industrial design aesthetic, whilst fulfilling modern acoustic requirements was a challenge.HERADESIGN® with its acoustic credentials and raw wood wool texture ticked all the boxes. Specified in Grey, HERADESIGN® was installed throughout the main reception area, office spaces and the lift lobbies, providing a strong visual contrast to the exposed structural elements. Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, “The conversion retained the original irregular structural gridlines of the building, so we had to create a consistent pattern across the ceiling- but HERADESIGN® is a really versatile material that worked exceptionally well in the space.”

Rockfon acoustic ceilings are installed in a new state-of-the-art health assessment clinic, Preventicum, in Central London. This specialist healthcare provider offers bespoke, in-depth health evaluation and diagnostics which includes full-body scanning. High-tech luxury Sonnemann Toon Architects designed the clinic’s interior with a high-tech spec that has the feel of a luxury hotel. Architect Galina Borovikova explains how Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic helps create a sense of opulence, “It combines the elegance of a seamless ceiling with outstanding sound absorbing qualities which enhances the sleek interior and creates client privacy.”

Delivered at a cost of £46.5 Million the scheme comprises four 6-17 storey accommodation blocks housing 864 student units. Acoustic performance was key for the glazing in noisy roadside areas and lower levels. The solution was Senior’s energy efficient SPW600e windows fitted with acoustic energy efficient insulated glass units to achieve a sound reduction index (RW) rating of 43.   A light and welcoming space, was created in communal spaces using Senior’s thermally enhanced SF52 fully capped two-storey aluminium curtain walling, whilst perimeter capped silicone glazed SF52 was chosen for the link bridge between accommodation blocks. 

ROCKFON has successfully worked together with Global Contract Interiors, Kier Construction and Architects Seymour Harris, to establish a fully compliant range of acoustic solutions that meet the required performance specifications at the new Phoenix Academy in Telford; built as part of the council’s Building Schools for the Future programme. Around 2,000m² of ROCKFON products: Rockfon Scholar and Samson wall panels; Rockfon Contour suspended baffles; and Rockfon Alaska suspended raft islands, were installed throughout the school to improve acoustic sound absorption – particularly in areas where the school design meant that traditional suspended ceilings were unable to be installed.

The congregation at Grade II Listed St Patricks Church in Bolton, can worship without interruptions from the neighbouring bus interchange, with the installation of acoustic secondary glazing. 4 large gothic arched stained glass clerestory windows were treated with internal glazed units, stopping the ingress of the sound of stationary busses which can create 70-80dB. However the tricky window was the large chancery window overlooking the altar as 4.3m (h) x 3m (w). When now inside the church, the congregation would never know there is a bus interchange just outside; the acoustic secondary glazing treatment has worked miracles.

Location: Dubai, UAEThe Opus by Omniyat is an iconic residential, hotel and office building in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa District designed by Zaha Hadid which utilises an unusual volumetric design to stand out from its peers. The developer needed a replacement for drywall which produced less construction debris and achieved a 67dB acoustic rating with walls no thicker than 200mm.This was an extremely complex project which required bespoke elements from Specwall in order to succeed. As well as considering the curved walls, high acoustic requirements and luxury finishes, there was a specific requirement for unique, 2.7m cut panels to suit the building’s elevator space.

Troldtekt 100% wood wool acoustic panels have been used to dramatic effect at London’s famous Open Air Theatre in Regents Park. A newly-constructed rehearsal building, designed by architects Reed Watt, comprises a stunning double-height dance and rehearsal studio in its centre encircled by offices, kitchen and green room. Troldtekt wood wall panelling in natural grey also complement the natural setting while helping to dampen and keep reverberated sound to a minimum. The rehearsal studio has been acoustically rated so that the maximum noise level that can happen in the studio before being audible outside is 100dB.

Delivering privacy between the design office and meeting room of leading toy and games specialist, John Adams, Style has installed a chic moveable wall system that combines three glass panels with a single solid panel and solid inset pass door. The DORMA semi-automatic sliding partition allows natural light into the divided space whilst still offering 47dB Rw acoustic rating, for excellent privacy when required. Staff at John Adams can quickly and easily slide the panels into place, whereupon substantial rubber seals automatically expand to form the optimum acoustic barrier, every time.

It is interesting how design trends are quickly mirrored across the world. A few years’ ago, for example, lifestyle and interior design magazines were all about plain white walls, hard surfaces and minimal furniture. Today, heavier materials are being revitalised and darker colours are being used in more and more projects. Troldtekt has seen a steep rise in the specification of its wood wool acoustic panels in dark greys and black. From residential houses, hotels and music venues to London’s iconic Design Museum, black acoustic ceilings have been used to add to the ambience and enhance atmospheric design.

To meet the client’s requirements of wanting sliding doorsets rather than pivoting doors on the meeting rooms, Komfort’s Sonik Slide doors were installed. This project gave us the opportunity to use Sonik Slide as our new acoustic pocket double glazed sliding door, which can be specified as a single or double door set within its own unique frameless glass. On this project, Sonik Slide double door sets were specified and installed. Sonik Slide has been designed to focus on ease of installation and to allow light to flood through the workplace whilst ensuring high acoustic performance is maintained.