"acoustic"

Nine Elms Parkside: Under Screed Acoustic LayerWhen carrying out a large-scale housing development it pays to rely on tried and tested products to provide acoustic certainty. Regupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) is one such product. With a long history of reliability, it is now being installed in the UK’s largest single-phase build to rent development.The ProjectNine Elms Parkside is the redevelopment of a 5.6 hectare Royal Mail depot site in Wandsworth, a key part the Vauxhall Battersea Opportunity Area, sitting between Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms market and adjacent to the new US Embassy. The scheme is master planned around the new Nine Elms Linear Park, part of a new green link connecting Battersea Park in the west, along the Thames to Lambeth Palace Gardens in the east.Blocks B and D Nine Elms Parkside were acquired in 2019 by real estate groups Henderson Park and Greystar who contracted Telford Homes to construct 641,000sft of residential space to a design by Allies & Morrison.The scheme consists of 894 build to rent apartments in two twin blocks of 10 to 17 storeys, each of which also features 12,500sft of amenity space with a rooftop swimming pool, gym, pet spa, children’s play space, private dining rooms, cinema rooms and a sky lounge. There are two large outdoor terraces, yoga gardens and community herb gardens complete with beehives. The scheme will also contain 25,000 sq ft of retail and community space.CMS Danskin is supplying Regupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) Acoustic Resilient Layer to Stanmore, the leading drylining and façade specialist subcontractors who are carrying out the screeding between floors in the apartments.The project to supply commenced in 2020 and we have to date supplied over 96,000m2 of the product. Topping out took place in July 2021, residents will begin to occupy the scheme in 2022 and the units are expected to be fully complete in 2024.Acoustic insulation for new build apartmentsSince 2004 the Building Regulations require that separating floors between apartments meet specific requirements for airborne and impact sound transmission. The requirements are set out in Approved Document E, Resistance to the passage of sound.With a 150mm concrete slab, common in multi storey new build apartments under 18 storeys, a product is required to isolate the structure from a floating screed, thereby significantly reducing impact and airborne noise and enhancing the living conditions of occupants of the apartments.Regupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) Acoustic Resilient Layer is an isolating layer specifically designed for this purpose and is the go-to product for floating screeds over 150mm concrete slabs.Regupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) Acoustic Resilient Layer isA high performing insulation that delivers superior impact and airborne performance.An under-screed product designed to isolate screeds from the main structure simply and conveniently.Manufactured from recycled materials – typically aircraft tyres – making it cost effective and sustainable.Compatible with all types of floor screed, making it adaptable across a project and between projects.Aimed at constructions where Pre-Completion Testing (PCT) is preferred to a Robust Detail (RD) approach.Testing under screed insulation for acoustic performancePre-Completion Testing of acoustic floor installations gives a contractor more flexibility, allowing alternative layouts between apartments. If the designer wants to make changes to the layout of apartments, they won’t need to change the Robust Detail as each eventuality can be tested on site. With a project of over 860 flats a 10% required test rate would produce 86 acoustic tests, but the flexibility of using a PCT solution like 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5), and its reliability as an established product, makes that regime cost effective.Telford Homes, a long-standing customer of CMS Danskin, were looking for a Pre-Completion Testing product for Nine Elms blocks B and D. Regupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) Acoustic Resilient Layer is an established product from an established brand, so not only were Telford Homes familiar with the product, but their experienced screeders Stanmore were also confident that testing on site would not raise any issues.Over a year into the project all the tests carried out so far have been successful.Supply chain reliabilityFor a large project with over 100,000m2 of product required over a long contract period, reliability of supply is essential. Any delay in supply can hold up wet trades and affect the critical path. With support from our supply chain partners, CMS Danskin has ensured over 96,000m2 of product has been delivered on time to date.Specify Regupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) Acoustic Resilient LayerRegupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) Acoustic Resilient Layer is a tried and tested solution to under screed insulation over a concrete slab, be it in apartments, hotels, education buildings or student accommodation. It provides excellent impact and airborne performance, is approved by NHBC for ADE 2003 compliance, and offers long term performance even under high loads.The product is completely recyclable and is produced from recycled materials. It provides Zero global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).Regupol 7210C (REGUPOL sonus core 5) Acoustic Resilient Layer is supplied in easy to handle sheets which are quick and easy to install without the need for separate perimeter strips.

Tallest tower in London’s financial district uses market-leading SonaSpray for acoustic perfection.As well as dominating the skyline of London’s financial district with its striking 23-sided glass façade, 22 Bishopsgate has not only rewritten the rules of what a modern office space should look like but also how it sounds. Having become a ‘mecca’ for workplace wellbeing, putting individuals and employees at the heart of its design, it was important that the spaces sounded as good as they looked. With acoustics playing a leading role in delivering overall comfort to a space, partnering interior design studios DesignLSM and The Morris Project turned to experts, Oscar Acoustics, to control sound levels within its buzzing food and dining area - ‘The Market’ for pitch-perfect ambience.  Known as the ‘foodie heart’ of 22 Bishopsgate, its selection of bustling food counters makes it a hub for workers looking to drink coffee, take lunch breaks and host meetings. However, being a lively, open hospitality space, the clink of cutlery and energetic conversation would mean that the café space was at risk of excessively high noise levels, which left unchecked would create an uncomfortable drinking and dining experience for guests.  Karen Taylor, DesignLSM’s lead designer, said: “Providing a healthy environment that would enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of those working in the building was a top priority when designing the 20,000sq ft space. The building itself includes triple-glazed windows to reduce outside noise, but it was important that the internal acoustics were just as well considered to compliment the sense of balance and harmony throughout.  “As a multi-purpose space, The Market area is a dynamic part of the building where the Bishopsgate community can unwind, dine and socialise. Whilst the area needed to have a spirited ‘buzz’ to it, there would also be guests that wanted to relax and recharge, and therefore considering the people and their needs was always at the forefront of our design strategy.” As The Market includes an array of hard surfaces such as tables and chairs in-line with its open dining aesthetic, a solution was needed to counteract noise reverberation and echo, which causes sound levels to climb. To remedy this, DesignLSM turned to Oscar Acoustics’ SonaSpray acoustic spray range. Once applied to ceilings or walls the seamless acoustic finish absorbs sound energy instead of reflecting it, enabling designers to create serene and inviting spaces. In this case, its SonaSpray fcx acoustic plaster finish was used to reduce overall noise for a more calming atmosphere. With strict building deadlines and restrictions to adhere to, SonaSpray was also chosen for its efficiency as it can be applied quickly with minimum disruption, allowing work to continue as promptly as possible.  Importantly, it was Oscar Acoustics’ third-party safety certifications that caught the eyes of designers. With such a large building to consider, fire safety had to be a number one priority. With fire credentials that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating), the SonaSpray range produces little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets – which can assist in the safe escape of occupants should an event occur.  As the first building in the UK to apply for the WELL Building Standard, the premium acoustic spray was a perfect fit due its contributions towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including WELL, BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. It also boasts GREENGUARD Gold certification which shows it has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of VOCs into indoor air, aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments. Ben Hancock managing director at Oscar Acoustics, said: “22 Bishopsgate has raised the bar in office design and it’s a real feather in our cap to be part of such a pioneering and monumental building.  “When we were approached about the project, we jumped at the chance. The design ethos of 22 Bishopsgate aligns closely with our own values – putting employee wellness and comfort above all else.  “It’s clear that our experience working on some of the UK's biggest office refurbishments has been put into action, encapsulating future thinking around work/life balance, to create a dining destination that offers maximum comfort without comprising on design. “We know from our own independent research that excessive levels of noise are a major deterrent for workers who want to embrace hybrid working – but this building proves that if it handled correctly, it’s possible to create a space where employees want to revisit time and time again.”Image credits to Tom Meredith Photography.

Richard Bowler wanted to tackle noise transference as part of his basement flat renovation in Autumn 2020. He turned to Oscar Acoustics to solve the issue cost-effectively, choosing Iso-Mount Type1 acoustic hangers to dramatically reduce noise from the house above with minimum ceiling height loss.Quality soundproofing is fundamental to the enjoyment of our homes. High levels of noise can affect our health as well as our sense of wellbeing. So, when Richard planned a complete revamp of his basement flat, part of his nineteenth century, four storey Devon property, he was determined to factor in sound insulation, while also creating a beautiful interior finish.Problem: Lack of sound insulation“Dating from 1850, the basement flat was of very poor construction and in need of complete renovation,” clarifies Richard. “In particular, with respect to the seven different ceilings of the flat and the ground floor of the house, there were undersized joists, making it uneven, bowed and springy. The wooden floorboards in the house had large gaps between them, and the ceiling of the flat was constructed with thin plasterboard. This meant no sound insulation at all - even a conversation could be fully overheard.”Solution: Soundproof ceiling with minimum ceiling height lossRichard wanted a fast, cost-effective, and easy to install solution to solve the noise problem. He discovered Iso-Mount Type1, an isolating acoustic ceiling hanger which significantly reduces transmission of noise from the floor above but only loses 6mm of ceiling height. Further with this choice, it’s possible to carry out all work from the room below."I selected Iso-Mount because it was simple and easy to install with extensive video instructions,” Richard says. “My builder, had never installed an acoustic ceiling, so it was important to find a solution he was confident with."“I did not fully appreciate at the time, but the use of Iso-Mount with an industry standard metal channel was a huge bonus and cost saver. We have saved a great deal of time and money using the adjustable Iso-Mounts to level the uneven joists.”Process: Simple installation of acoustics hangersRichard’s builder, Mark Lipton started the Iso-Mount Type1 installation in one of the smallest rooms of the flat. Within two days, he was confident using the height-adjustable acoustic hanger.Marks says, “Initially I was unsure about the system as I had not used it before. I started with the bedroom as it seemed the easiest to install. Once that was done it was easy to fit the other ceilings. The living room was the largest room and the most uneven in terms of joists. The ceiling went up in no time.”“One of the nice features of the system is that it is easy to create a false ceiling to run services. It was also useful in complex areas where, for example, we had a concrete lintel to accommodate. The fiddliest part of the whole install is fitting the rubber isolators to the mounts. On the other hand, achieving perfectly level ceilings was very easy.”“We used belt and braces which included the Iso-Mounts, the acoustic tape, the sealant, foam filler, acoustic insulation, and two layers of SoundBloc plasterboard,” says Richard. “The SoundBloc was the most challenging install since it was much heavier than ordinary plasterboard and my builder had to work hard to install it. From my perspective it is only marginally more expensive and worth it for the extra isolation.”   Result: A ‘superb’ soundproof ceiling systemWith installation completed in ten days, Richard was delighted with the ceiling.  “For acoustic isolation, the Iso-Mount system is superb. It even created a perfectly flat ceiling despite the uneven joists above. Noise transfer between house and flat is far, far reduced. When experiencing noise transfer now it is normally through an open door or window rather than transmitting through the floor/ceiling." “We had no woodworking or fillers to add or level off. We simply used the adjustable Iso-Mount for reduced noise transfer. The Iso-Mount system is a brilliant way to isolate between floors and I couldn't be happier with the results. The ceiling is superb and flat as a pancake despite the uneven joists above. I highly recommend it."Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, says: ‘Unwanted noise can negatively impact on our lives at home, and affect our health. With over 43 years of acoustics and soundproofing experience, we developed the Iso-Mount system to manage and reduce sound transfer reduction between floors, to help restore the peace and create a tranquil home environment.”

Hush Acoustics was tasked with transforming the acoustic conditions inside the multi-use hall and dining area at East Sheen Primary School.The headteacher and teachers were keen to solve a major issue within their hall resulting from sound reverberation, echo and high levels of ambient noise. The brief was developed so speech clarity could be improved, resulting in easier learning and a better environment for teachers and pupils.During the initial survey, the scale of the issue became apparent. A specification was then developed to address the situation in what was obviously a very noisy space during peak times and unbearable for the pupils.The solution came with Hush Absorber panels. To achieve the results required by East Sheen Primary we carried out a site inspection to calculate the amount of absorption material needed to bring the school hall reverberation times in-line with BB93 design criteria for educational buildings.The site survey involved taking measurements and detailing where any absorption panels could be installed to maintain aesthetics. From the site survey, Hush Acoustics could then calculate the level of absorption needed and provide the installation service required. All the advice provided and work carried out was fully in line with BB93 design guidance for acoustics in school and Document E of the Building Regulations.The solution provided by Hush Acoustics treated the reverberation issue extremely well and created a much better environment for teachers and pupils.The school headteacher commented, “Just wanted to say a huge thank you from us all for your work around the acoustic issues. Everyone had noticed the positive impact and assembly today was much better. The difference is massive.”

Oscar Iso-Mounts combine space saving with isolating acoustic technology to provide clients with the best possible ceiling acoustics and soundproofing, perfect for house/flat/apartment conversions, new builds and renovations. Commercial applications include hotels, offices, shops and restaurants. The mount fixes under existing concrete and timber joist ceilings with just one fixing saving time and money. Extensions are available for 50mm to over 1 metre voids for acoustic services and thermal insulation.

Office acoustic panels are the best way to fix reverberation in spaces where sound becomes noise. A lot of modern offices end up in need of acoustic panels as contemporary designs use hard surfaces, vaulted ceilings and plenty of glass. While this creates bright office spaces, they are often noisy and difficult to focus in.We partnered up with Yorkshire Soundproofing to go and treat a local office in York that was suffering from terrible reverberation issues.Acoustic problems in the officeAcoustic problems in Monitor’s offices meant people were unable to focus, take a phone call or speak with colleagues easily. These office spaces were newly decorated and refurbed, but sound hadn’t been considered in the office designs. Ultimately, the glass partition, high ceilings, hard floor and in-room kitchenette meant the space wasn’t user-friendly. Luckily, management at the company took sound seriously and decided to get the problem resolved with proper sound absorption.They chose the grey Still Note panels which come in different sizes and suited their aesthetics. They are also a superb retrospective sound design choice as they can be added to ceilings or walls and configured to fit the current space.Why acoustic panels are good in office spacesAcoustic panels are a good fit for office spaces because they can be hung from the ceiling out of the way. In this example, the office still felt light and open after the installation was finished. Acoustic panels can also be adhered directly to the walls. This was done in a smaller side office where two desks were close to a wall which increased reverberation.The acoustic panels are lightweight, which means no additional structural changes need to be made before installation. Our Still Note panels were hung from wire fixings which are adjustable to fit any ceiling height. It is best to allow a gap between the panel and the ceiling, if possible, as absorption is increased. You can see in this example that a 25cm gap was left to improve the performance of the acoustic panels.How were the panels installed?The panels were installed with a fixing and wire system which was simply screwed into the ceiling. Each acoustic panel is hung from multiple pigtail screws that are twisted into the material. This makes the panels easy to install and take down for light maintenance.It is best to spread acoustic panels around an office so that the absorption is evenly distributed. In this case study you can see that the panels go from one end to the other. We generally advise covering around 1/3 of hard surfaces, but this depends on your space and sound issues. For this example, the ceiling treatment alone was sufficient for good sound attenuation.Did the acoustic panels work?Yes, the acoustic panels worked and reduced reverberation in the office. The video above has a before and after audio example, so you can hear how acoustic panels work for yourself. Before installation, the room was too noisy and speech could be hard to focus on. After the installation, sound was controlled and it was easy to talk while other activities carried on.This has made a huge difference to the office and made it far better to work in. Now the office space has been successfully treated, they are installing acoustic baffles in their meeting room. This will make in-person meetings and video calls far easier and more professional.

“The Word has set the standard for Design thinking in the UK.” David Lindley, Executive Director at Designing Libraries. The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, is the iconic centre piece of a multi-million pound regeneration project in the heart of South Shields. Arranged as a modern rotunda, The Word offers innovative facilities designed to inspire creative ideas and nurture a love of learning. ROCKFON® Mono® Acoustic seamless ceiling system is installed throughout to meet both the aesthetic and acoustic requirements which helped the project win the prestigious Public Sector Interiors Project of the Year award.

These meeting spaces at the KPMG site in Edinburgh called for our advanced acoustic knowledge and for Topakustik’s design oriented manufacturing. Using the Topakustik micro perforated technology, we were able to create the image of the founders of KPMG into timber acoustic panels.

As one of the UK’s most environmentally friendly universities, Brackenhurst is the crown jewel in Nottingham Trent University’s commitment to sustainability. Using our Topakustik systems the students and teaching staff will benefit from the great acoustic properties whilst meeting the sustainable target.

A custom approach to multipurpose learning environmentsThe projectCollaboration and innovation were core tenets underpinning the design direction of Farnborough College of Technology’s new Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC). The state-of-the-art facility, which was refurbished from two redundant teaching blocks, was developed to house the college’s technology resources and serve as a dedicated student zone. To make the most of the footprint, the team from design practice, Bond Bryan was tasked with bringing the building to life.The challenge “The ETC was designed as a multifunctional teaching area with a large, flexible open-plan space at its centre,” described former Bond Bryan Associate Edward Leone. The goal was to create an inspiring and versatile environment suitable for student-led learning, lectures, enrolments, and graduation ceremonies. “The key challenge though of a multi-functional space such as the ETC is the control of acoustic reverberation,” explained Edward, highlighting the necessity of acoustically treating areas with multiple end users to ensure speech intelligibility. However, the Bond Bryan team also had to account for the building’s challenging physical composition. “The space was made up of mostly hard surfaces, with just the carpet on the floor offering any form of acoustic absorption; the existing soffit was concrete, and the services were all exposed.”The solutionTo accommodate the ETC’s broad demands and enhance its acoustic performance, the designers selected several treatments to reduce noise reverberation and echo. Autex Acoustics® Groove, which boasts superior reverberated noise absorption, effortlessly suited the area’s requirements. “Groove served to reduce reverberation to the rear of the space where the ETC is used for lectures and graduation ceremonies,” said Edward. Made from Cube™ panels in Autex Acoustics’ manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire, the precise, angular patterns of Groove add creativity and nuance to walls and ceilings whilst also improving the acoustic comfort of occupants.The resultIn keeping with the project’s broader design brief, the team designed a custom pattern to adorn the walls, something that was easily achieved using Groove with the help of Autex Acoustics’ in-house design consultant. “Groove allowed us to match the abstracted drone propeller and aeroplane shapes, which were a theme throughout the interior finishes, as this linked to key aspects of Emerging Technologies the client wanted to capture,” detailed Edward. The result is a visually appealing, dynamic workspace for the leaders of tomorrow.

BackgroundPure Gym has recently opened a brand-new facility in Canterbury. The gym hosts over 220 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio apparatus, treadmills, rowers and spin bikes. Customers also get to benefit from a free weights zone and a fixed weights area, as well as access to a multitude of fitness classes.The ChallengeSituated on the first floor of a mixed-use development, a jack-up floor was specified to prevent vibrations from transferring into the building structure. However, to ensure the development was fit for purpose, Pure Gym believed additional treatment was needed to further enhance the performance of the floor and reduce unwanted noise.As such, Pure Gym commissioned an acoustic consultant to produce a report outlining the exact performance criteria that would need to be met across different areas of the gym. The report recommended individual performance standards for the free weights zone and the rest of the studio. One of the main challenges was to find a solution that would meet the specification but also be delivered for installation within a strict two-week period.In addition to the prompt supply time, the solution also needed to match the Pure Gym aesthetic guidelines and corporate colours. Pure Gym approached CMS Danskin Acoustics detailing the project specification, seeking advice on what solutions were available to meet the criteria.The SolutionCMS Danskin Acoustics used the consultant’s report to identify system build ups that would best achieve the specified performance detail. Two separate build-ups proposed by CMS Danskin Acoustics were subsequently approved for use. For the free weights area, a build-up of two layers of Regufoam® in grades 220 and 270, plus a 43mm everroll® Weightlayer (everroll multitile 43mm) was supplied. For the remainder of the studio, two layers of 15mm Regupol® Vibration 480 was supplied, complimented by a final floor finish of 10mm everroll®.The specified finish of black and grey EPDM was also matched by CMS Danskin Acoustics and all materials were produced for installation within the strict two-week time frame.The ResultCMS Danskin Acoustics was able to quickly identify solutions with the required technical capabilities from across the breadth of its product portfolio. The volume of material needed was in stock, allowing a quick turnaround for Pure Gym to meet the specified project completion date.Pure Gym opened to the public on the proposed launch date and is now fully operational. The treatments provided by CMS Danskin Acoustics are providing a robust solution to reducing unwanted noise, protecting the structure of the gym floor and preventing vibrations travelling into the structure of the building.CMS Danskin Acoustics is now one of Pure Gym’s preferred suppliers and has since worked on projects such as the new build of a two-storey facility in Croydon, and the refurbishment of the Winwick Quay site in Warrington.“The service CMS Danskin Acoustics provides is of an extremely high standard. Their expert advice, quality of the product and efficiency in getting the materials to site, were instrumental in allowing us to complete the project on time. The superb service has instilled a confidence in us to develop our relationship with CMS Danskin Acoustics as a trusted supplier,” commented John Graham, Pure Gym Property Development Director.

Light, air, acoustics and spatial organisation are well recognised as essential elements when designers work on medical and healing facilities. This is because they have an impact on the treatment of body and mind. Now a wealth of information is available from Troldtekt, a leading developer and manufacturer of acoustic ceiling and wall solutions. This is available in an online series of articles which focuses on visions and practices opportunities and pitfalls within healing architecture. Interestingly, the internationally acknowledged MIPIM Awards have in recent years started celebrating outstanding healthcare design. The award is an acknowledgement of the role architecture plays in healing and treatment of both physical and mental illnesses. The UK’s recent Mental Health Awareness Week also reinforces the severity of the issues around mental health.Right design is especially critical for people suffering from mental illness or feeling unwell. According to Swedish architects White Arkitekter, a good example is their design for the Ostra Hospital psychiatric facility where traditional conventions have been replaced by an open and unrestricted environment characterised by tranquillity and light. The area is also not isolated from the rest of the building. Another key aspect has been specifying superior acoustics, such as in the psychiatric ward in their design for the Södra Älvsborg Hospital in Borås. Recently shortlisted for the European Healthcare Design 2021 Awards in the Mental Health Design category, their starting point was that the architecture must cater for people’s need to feel safe and to improve their well-being. In designing the interior, the emphasis has always been on soft, round shapes (no sharp edges), while the colours strike a balance between providing stimulating sensory impressions and instilling a sense of calm. They say that the choice of materials, such as wood, also plays a key role because it adds warmth and naturalness. “Sound is an environmental factor that we’re very careful to incorporate correctly in psychiatric buildings,” explains White architect Peter Johnstone. “Creating subdued and comfortable acoustics helps to counteract stress and anxiety that can otherwise be triggered by a noisy environment. Apart from Sweden, international research shows that the therapeutic environment can be crucial to the treatment of mental disorders. In fact, research from Chalmers University of Technology proves that the right interior design, including perfect acoustics, can reduce both the use of physical restraint on psychiatric wards as well as the number of sick days among employees.Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk while the theme can be found at https://www.troldtekt.com/news/themes/healing-architecture

Acoustics for learning environmentsFor West London Free School, music is at the heart of school life. Located in the busy district of Hammersmith, West London Free School needed to be transformed into an acoustically sound teaching and learning environment catering for students from Year Seven to Year 12. Existing buildings ‘The Music Lodge’ and ‘Palingswick House’ both needed to be fully refurbished. This included labs, art rooms, a canteen, a library, and a two-storey music centre.The project In order to provide better learning environments, Rodney Maggot, Senior Design Co-ordinator for Willmott Dixon Construction, planned the acoustic requirements for each new space. The classrooms were originally built for other purposes, making the spaces challenging to work with. The refurbished buildings were full of hard reflective surfaces, so Rodney requested that Autex break up the spaces by adding sound absorbent materials. Quietspace® Panel was employed to achieve high acoustic absorption for each of the spaces being renovated. Great care was taken to strategically place each individual panel where they would best absorb problem frequencies, ensuring the rooms were balanced. By altering the height of the suspension, the surface area of the panels were increased ­– drastically improving the targeted sound absorption and reducing the number of panels needed to achieve the same result. Autex was able to cater to the different acoustic needs of each classroom by custom cutting each of the 50mm panels to the size they would be most acoustically effective.During the project there was a lack of storage and delivery space on site which meant nothing could be delivered prior to the installation date. Autex Acoustics coordinated with Willmott Dixon and delivered the panels on the exact date they were required for installation – making the process more efficient. To guarantee none of the panels were damaged in transit, Autex made several alterations to the packing of the panels which allowed for a quick and efficient installation once the panels had arrived safely. Choosing the safest acoustic products for the updated learning environments was an important aspect in the product selection process. Autex Acoustics were deliberately specified as they are lightweight; the panels are suspended above the classroom, so it would be considered a hazard to have them overhanging if the panels were too heavy. For peace of mind all Autex suspended acoustic systems have been vigorously tested and have been proven not to fall or collapse in the event of an earthquake. All Autex interior acoustic products are made from 100% polyester, making them non-toxic, safe, and a healthy alternative to other fibreglass systems available on the market. The installation of Autex Acoustics products dramatically altered the acoustic performance of the buildings, particularly in the Music Centre, which was a fantastic result.

Airport terminals are immense places with high ceilings and are subjected to significant acoustic disruption from the outside due to air traffic. In addition, crowd noise can often make airport terminals disorienting and confusing. To improve the acoustic comfort of the terminal for its occupants, URS Corporation chose BARRISOL ACOUSTICS® as the best solution to balance aesthetics and the functional need for sound control. The results obtained were much better than expected by airport administrators. The terminal is now more acoustically comfortable and the space benefits from the modern feel of the BARRISOL elements.

Project OverviewIsolgomma products played a key role in the sophisticated renovation of Koningslaan 32, an elegant historic villa overlooking Amsterdam's beloved Vondelpark. The project aimed to restore the property's grandeur while creating four luxurious 400-500 sqm apartments spread across two levels. Isolgomma’s expertise ensured acoustic comfort remained a priority amidst the transformation.ChallengeThe renovation presented a unique acoustic challenge. The existing wooden floors, while maintaining their historic charm, posed limitations in sound insulation due to their variability in structure and lower mass. This could potentially disrupt the tranquillity desired in these luxury apartments.SolutionThrough collaboration with an acoustic project consultant, with the manufacturer they devised a bespoke solution to achieve optimal sound insulation. This combined approach incorporated:Plasterboard Ceilings with Fibrous Insulation: This installation effectively reduced airborne noise transmission within the apartments.Upgrei Underlayment: Installed beneath the screed flooring, Upgrei provided superior impact sound insulation, addressing the specific concerns related to the existing wooden floors.ResultThe combined solution successfully addressed both airborne and impact noise concerns. The adaptability of the chosen methods ensured compatibility with the historic structure's variability, preserving the building's heritage while achieving the desired level of acoustic comfort for the future residents.Balancing Modern Needs with Historic CharmThis project exemplifies our products ability to deliver innovative solutions for complex renovations. We understand the importance of preserving a building's character while ensuring modern comforts like superior soundproofing. Contact Buildtec Acoustics today to discuss your unique renovation project requirements.

The Opera of Oslo in Norway was designed by Snohetta architects and won the European prize of contemporary architecture 2009. This wonderful building was built at the edge of the Fjord where it appears from the ground such an iceberg. For its construction, noble materials were used like the Barrisol Acoustics® sheets on a surface of 4000 m². Barrisol Acoustic® sheets absorb noise and improve sound comfort in this building of 32 meters height. This modern and original cultural center promises to attract a large public. A prestigious project !

By their very nature of being large, open spaces with many hard surfaces, ambient noise levels in bars and restaurants tends to be high. This inevitably leads to customers talking louder to be heard and so begins a perpetual cycle of increased noise levels as everyone starts to have increasingly louder conversations. This, coupled with noise from music, kitchen machinery and HVAC services, can easily ruin the experience.To help combat the problems of reverberating sound, designers frequently specify acoustic ceilings to help to strike a balance between a lively and welcoming environment and an experience where the space is uncomfortably loud. This is important because customers’ comfort and a willingness to spend time and money is decreased in a noisy environment.A good example of this is the Chamberlain Hotel in London where sustainable and ethical designers Sibley Grove have used Troldtekt acoustic panels to counterpoint the reverberating noise reflecting from the stripped-back architecture with its exposed structural columns, ductwork and concrete surfaces. Troldtekt acoustic panels are a perfect solution for this type of venue either as part of a suspended ceiling or individual ‘acoustic clouds’. They are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and combine sound absorption with a tactile surface. With an expected life cycle of at least 50 years and resistance to humidity and impact, they are available in various sizes and four grades, from extreme fine to coarse. The panels can be left untreated or painted in almost any RAL colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept and having attained Gold certification, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC™ and FSC®C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB or LEED points.

Installed were three various sized Topakustik Panels, the 9/2M, 12/4M and 14/2M. Primarily chosen for the aesthetics; these panels also created a better natural environment to combat the acoustic struggles of the modern day work place. We help combat higher reverberation levels, lower the sound pressure levels and diffused those annoying noise frequencies.

Bad acoustic design is not just annoying, but also unhealthy. This is particularly true for elderly residents in nursing homes. Scientist Nicole van Hout conducts research into acoustics in care of the elderly.

20 Water Street in Canary Wharf, London is leading the way for how offices should look and feel in the post-pandemic era. As the HQ for real estate giant, JLL, this serene waterside workspace has become synonymous with sustainability and wellbeing. With high expectations to meet in terms of staff welfare, Tétris knew it needed to ensure each space was designed for appearance but most importantly experience. This meant creating productive workspaces free of distraction, where employees can focus and thrive. It was also vital that teams could easily collaborate in its spaces, without having to raise their voices to be heard. With the ability to absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it, SonaSpray K-13 Special, provided the perfect acoustic solution – giving clarity to speech and keeping unwanted excess noise at bay. Along with many other design benefits, SonaSpray follows the lines of whatever is beneath it, giving architects and designers the freedom to design without the constraints of traditional acoustic methods.Image credits to Jonathan Banks Photography.

CMS Danskin were able to provide Regupol 4515 (REGUPOL sonus eco) to the prestigious new Gateway project in central Leeds. As the city centre’s largest residential project to date, it has also provided the area with a luxury landmark.In keeping with high-end living, the interior design of the new build project incorporated a number of characteristic atrium and foyer spaces. While this lack of uniformity gave the building and its apartments an impressive level of individuality, it also created irregular shaped rooms which were difficult to work with from a finishing perspective.The finish of the apartments incorporated tiles throughout all of the bathroom and shower areas. To comply with Part E impact sound regulations, an acoustic flooring system had been specified for use under the tiled floor finish. However, when the tile fitters began installation, a number of challenges emerged.Phil Johnson, building development manager at Aqua Interiors, explains:“The acoustic matting and adhesive combination we were initially using at The Gateway caused us a few problems. There were issues from the tile fitters regarding application of the adhesives, and the over flexibility of the system meant that the grouting was cracking and crumbling once the surface was subjected to weight and traffic.” As the tiling contractors were already on-site, a reliable alternative that would meet Part E standards for impact sound had to be sourced and delivered against extremely tight timescales.The SolutionAs the only acoustic tiling system on the market to comply with the UK Tiling Association’s (TTA)Coefficient of Restitution figure (0.56), a test method to assess the impact resistance of ceramic floor tiling, Regupol Acousti-Tile was identified as the best solution to overcome the difficulties being experienced at The Gateway.The main component in the Regupol Acousti-Tile system is Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco), a high performance acoustic underlay which isolates impact sound at source. Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco), which can be used with any finish, is first bonded to the construction’s base floor using Ardex AF200.Tiles are then laid on top of Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) using BAL Acousti-Bond adhesive. The acoustic tiling system is completed by filling in the joints using an appropriate grout finish, which is dependent upon whether the base floor is concrete or timber.As a complete acoustic tiling system, all components of Regupol Acousti-Tile are delivered to site in a single delivery. Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) and the complete Regupol range is available exclusively in the UK through CMS Acoustics.The ResultThe quality of the finished bathroom environments is in keeping with the ambition and attention to detail of The Gateway project overall. By installing RegupolAcousti-Tile, Aqua Interiors has ensured that the impressive tiled floor surfaces will not cause residents disruption because of excessive noise transfer between dwellings.Having undergone independent site trials, Regupol Acousti-Tile has been shown to achieve an impact sound value of up to 52dB, which is significantly less than the 62dB required by Part E of the Building Regulations.Johnson concludes: “All of the environments were around 4-5m², but there was a great deal of variation in the room shapes and sizes, meaning there were some changes to the setting once we were on-site.Regupol Acousti-Tile was versatile enough to cope with any changes we made – the Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) element was easy to trim and shape while BAL Acousti-Bond offered the same.

Grafton Architects made stunning use of BASWA Phon, insetting the acoustic surfaces into the structural concrete. The smooth marble plaster finish complements the interior aesthetic, whilst the high performance acoustic absorption provides calm and comfort.

The developer behind a Victorian mill conversion in West Yorkshire has achieved superior levels of sound insulation for the building’s separating walls, floors and ceilings through a range bespoke sound insulation systems and products from Hush Acoustics.The redevelopment of the Old Town Mill in the Pennine hills close to Hebden Bridge was undertaken by Clay Developments, with the conversion work managed by its sister-company Clay Construction. Both companies have a strong track record in successfully breathing new life into heritage buildings, but this latest project presented its own unique challenges including how to soundproof each of the newly created individual two- or three-bedroom connected properties.The original mill building was built around 1851, initially for use as a cotton mill. The complex was developed with the construction of a second larger mill building and associated facilities in the 1880s, and it was used for a variety of purposes during its industrial life, including for the production of hosiery yarns, wool combing and sheepskin rug manufacture.Externally the converted building, known as Carding Mill, retains its external character with its distinctive coursed square gritstone walls and Welsh blue slate roof, complemented by high performance aluminium glazing and new features including perimeter walls created using natural reclaimed stone. Internally, however, the transformation has been substantial to remodel the building into residential units which comply with the high performance standards demanded by today’s Building Regulations.The new homes created in Carding Mill could have been designed and built to comply with the minimum acoustic requirements, but that was deemed insufficient to deliver the level of luxury the developer wanted to offer potential buyers. Hence, Clay Construction approached Hush Acoustics to explore the design options and available materials to go beyond what the Building Regulations require for material change of use projects like this.Hush Acoustics supported Clay Construction and the architect, Gagarin Studio, to achieve the optimum separating wall and floor designs throughout, with underfloor heating (UFH) also accommodated.Airborne sound tests in the separating walls revealed levels ranging between 52 and 61 dB DnT,w+Ctr, well above the compliance level of 43 dB. And for impact sound on the separating floors, two tests were carried out which registered levels of 35 and 37 dB L'nT,w, again surpassing the Approved Document E requirement of no higher than 64 dB.

Working to BDP acoustic departments design the project boasts the Topakustik 14/2M (aw – 0.90, Absorption Class A, NRC – 0.89) with a factory finished RAL 9010. 

Acoustic Products were utilised on the class room teaching space using Topakustik 8/3M to aid with speech intelligibility,combat room reverberation and to lower the sound pressure levels.

Specified and installed specifically for the acoustic and impact resistant properties was our (Topakustik) Topperfo M 16/16/8 (aw 0.75LM Euro Class C, NRC 0.91) perforated panels.

Being in an overtly-loud space – whether it’s in a restaurant, an office, a gym or anywhere else – is really irritating, right? You’d be reluctant to go back or never return again. Maybe at home, the marble top counter in the kitchen wasn’t the best idea for open plan living, but you’re stuck with it. Or are you?  Rockfon is proud to announce it has been awarded the industry-leading Quiet Mark certification for its Mono Acoustic, Blanka and Color-all acoustic ceiling tile ranges which will help solve these excessive noise issues, and they will look amazing. https://www.quietmark.com/brands/rockfon Here we have a beautiful range of colours and styles that allow you to get as creative - or discreet - as you like with your acoustic ceiling and they all have built-in Class A sound absorption from the stone wool core.   Rockfon is one of a growing number of building material manufacturers to have its products assessed by Quiet Mark. Nigel Watkins, Country Director at Rockfon UK & Ireland, explains why: “Rockfon has been an expert in acoustics for over 60 years, but we understand very well that acoustics can be complex. Quiet Mark certification is a short cut for saying “this product is going to help make your space quieter.” Rockfon Mono Acoustic is a seamless acoustic ceiling. It is often used discreetly in residential properties, heritage projects or offices where it looks like a smooth plasterboard finish, but it has Class A sound absorption. But Mono Acoustic has allowed the imaginations of some architects to run riot, creating big geometric shapes or curves on walls and ceilings, to create Instagrammable moments for their clients in restaurants, shops and public spaces. Not all acoustic suspended ceilings are white. There are 34 contemporary colours in the Rockfon Color-all range which has been curated by Interior Designer, Sara Garanty, chosen to reflect nature’s colours.  The tiles – which come with a matching grid – provide great opportunities for zoning different areas, depending on how you want to make people feel. Greens are relaxing, blues encourage us to think outside the box and be creative, yellows are uplifting, creams and browns feel cosy, and so on. These tones are designed to bring acoustic and visual comfort to interiors, to enhance well-being Quiet Mark is an independent global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation. Its international award programme recognises excellence in low-noise products, technology and solutions to unwanted noise. Poppy Szkiler, chief executive and co-founder of Quiet Mark, said: “Because sound is invisible, it is often overlooked. Yet the fundamental impact it has on all the physical rhythms of our bodies, our hormones, heart rate and brain waves, is so profound and inherent to our wellbeing, and therefore also to the design process of the buildings we live in.” “Quiet Mark and our expert team of acousticians are delighted to approve and certify three beautiful acoustic ceiling products by industry leaders, Rockfon, whose vast selection of edge designs, dimensions, colours and shapes help architects create spaces that people can enjoy with their eyes and their ears”.

Renzo Piano Building Workshop chose BASWA Phon to create a calm acoustic environment in the Shard main reception. The smooth, seamless finish and versatile detailing options allowed the design aesthetic to be maintained.

The ChallengeLocated in a mixed-use development with apartments directly above the gym facilities, Bannatyne Health Club Maida Vale, was faced with a Noise Abatement Order following a series of complaints from residents occupying the dwellings above. In a bid to remediate the situation, CMS Danskin Acoustics was brought in to trouble shoot the cause of the nuisance noise.The SolutionAn initial site visit by the CMS Danskin Acoustics technical team identified the ‘free weight’ area as the source of the impact noise. Inspection of the floor treatment confirmed that a generic sports flooring tile product had been installed, yet this would not offer sufficient levels of absorption for the impact of free weights hitting the ground.Recognising that a bespoke specification would be required to achieve the necessary sound reduction, CMS Danskin Acoustics commissioned Pace Consult to conduct subjective testing on-site using a range of acoustic system build-ups.To resolve the Noise Abatement Order as swiftly as possible and to protect against any further complaints, the highest performing floor-build up was installed as follows:Regufoam 220Regufoam 190FX75 Tile10mm High Impact MatThe combination of these materials delivered a highly absorptive, durable and resilient construction which reduced the noise generated in the free weights area to a level deemed acceptable by the Council – leading the Noise Abatement Order to be withdrawn.Martin Jones, Managing Director, Pace Consult, comments: “Remediation in gym environments is more common than many realise. In the absence of any legislative standards, the specification of acoustic treatments is left very open. That’s why subjective testing is crucial in any mixed-use development, it’s the only way to be confident the products specified will deliver the exact acoustic performance required.”

This wonderful acoustically treated auditorium at the Headington School featuring TOPAKUSTIK Lungern micro perforated and solid panels.Architects: Lyons+Sleeman+Hoare ArchitectsContractors: BeardFor any questions or queries do not hesitate to get in contact.

University of Strathclyde TICArchitect: BDPInstaller: Linear Projects LtdProduct: Gustafs Acoustic Panel System and Linear RibsGustafs Panel System was specified for the feature ceiling in the entry foyer as well as walls and ceilings in the lecture theatre at the University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovations building which opened in 2014.The £89 million campus will share facilities with local business, industry and public sector projects as well as being a leading research facility for Health, Energy and Environmental studies.Wall and ceiling panels in natural Oak veneer with SH8 slotted acoustic perforations were used on the atrium ceilings as well as the walls and ceilings of the lecture theatre. Gustafs Panel System was chosen to achieve a consistent look across wall and ceiling elements throughout the campus as well as for the flexibility of acoustic perforation styles and versatile Capax invisible installation systems.The Gustafs ceiling panels in both the foyer and lecture theatre of the Technology and Innovations centre at Strathclyde University were specified to be triangular, this design feature was approached differently for each area.The panels in the lecture theatre were cut and finished at the Gustafs factory to have finished edges on the finished triangles and a border of plain panel around the outside (completed using a special perforation pattern).In the foyer the panels were trimmed at the site finished with the white frames to give the illusion of triangular panels.In addition to Gustafs Panel System at the University, Linear Ribs were used across the vast atrium space along the mezzanine and balcony areas with varying widths of rib in Natural Oak VeneerLinear ribs were specified for its flexibility in design and installation, allowing the product to work continuously around the internal and external curves of the space.In addition to this, linear ribs enable the specifier to vary both the width and depth of each rib as well as the spaces between on a piece by piece basis giving infinite possibility for acoustic performance variations as well as value engineering.

The clinking of glasses, the chatter of patrons and the selected music are all essential to a vibrant dining experience. This experience is, other than that of the food, is one of balance that is often found tipping towards the more noise-related end of the scale. An enjoyable experience does not include people having to raise their voices above one another, or by missing out on a conversation because they cannot hear. This effect is called the Lombard effect, or ‘Café effect’ where groups unconsciously raise their voices over others so that they can listen to. This effect continues to happen until the room reaches a dreadful cacophony.There is now greater access to online reviews that can be brought up in seconds on your smartphone. There are even Crowdsourcing apps (check out SoundPrint) that allows the user to measure the loudness (in decibels) and categorise how loud it is. You will also find those food critics discussing how ‘noisy’ a restaurant is, as over time they have cranked up the volume. Potential customers now have these ‘tools’ to help avoid eateries that do not match what they want as an experience, and this could be potentially your restaurant(s)!When it comes to noise and sound, this is your ‘acoustic environment’. When Bluebell got hold of iKoustic to see how a new and thriving restaurant could create a better acoustic environment, we walked them through what is possible, and the path to dimming the cacophony.Noise in Restaurants.In open-plan restaurants like Bluebell, designers are creating a living, breathing space. These feature kitchens that blend into dining areas and have high ceilings that expose the ducting of air conditioning with light fixtures that extend the reach of the room. They are also made up of hard-finished furnishing and surfaces to appeal to the current boom in minimalism. Not only this, but the hard furnishings are easy to clean, another area of management for making sure your restaurant is in tip-top shape. But, what these mean for your acoustic environment is far less manageable without professional input and a series of effective resolutions in place. There has been a rise in studies of noise, music, taste and experience in hospitality in recent years; it is a complete sensory experience combined with social interaction. It is our vision, hearing, taste and smells that all become excited. The rise in noise found in restaurants has steadily grown year on year. On some occasions, these measurements have been found at damaging levels to our sensitive ears, let alone at levels that are comforting for allowing conversation; an essential part of the social element of dining out. The Guardian has found that“The dB levels at many restaurants far exceed this pleasant thrum [between 55-65dB]. The average sound level recorded in UK restaurants on Soundprint, taken between 6pm and 9pm, is 79dB. “I’m sure many of those are above 80, and I’m sure some are above 85,” says Scott. “It’s really loud for conversation.” In 2017, the UK charity Action on Hearing Loss (AoHL) found that noise levels in some well-known chains, such as Patisserie Valerie, topped 90dB on busy evenings. That’s the equivalent of munching your croissant next to a lawnmower or motorbike.”and if you are finding these kinds of levels at your restaurant, these would most definitely land complaints and critiques pointing this out.There are possible connections between the sound intensity and the drinking of alcohol, but when combining this with food, it comes up as the second most common complaint in restaurants. Different intensities in background noise may even affect what you taste. PRI’s study on the impact of sound on taste highlights the following.“Researchers asked participants to eat chips and cookies while listening to white noise at either high or low volumes, or in silence. They found that the eaters perceived saltiness and sweetness as less intense when they ate the food in the presence of loud background noise, in contrast to when they ate it with quieter or no background noise.”The fascinating part of what we are beginning to discover is that there are certain foods that taste best or worse at specific sound intensities, with the aviation industry tailoring their meals to match the loud roar of jet engines, to the average dB levels of restaurants revamping their menu for the different intensities. Reverberant spaces are open and reflective. They allow everyone’s conversation, the clanging of pots and pans in kitchens and the background music to all meld together as intrusive background noise. It is the introduction of more absorptive surfaces that help to control this ‘bouncing around’ and reinforcement of perceived amplitude of the sound. Acoustics Today has highlighted that“The higher the average absorption coefficient, the more sound will be absorbed by the room surfaces. So, if a restaurant is to offer a quiet, subdued environment, where people can talk quietly, it is important to use larger amounts of sound-absorbing material on the available ceiling and wall areas. If a venue is to have a more “energetic” feel, less sound-absorbing material should be used, but that material should be used in strategically placed areas that have the potential to get louder than others”. It is not that that whole room would require absorptive materials; this would not create a vibrant balance and would be more like dining in an anechoic chamber! The aim is to place them evenly across walls and ceiling so that there is a more even surfacing that will absorb the sound energy.As we mentioned, it is about the balance of what you want for your restaurant’s atmosphere and experience. These will determine the amount of internal acoustic treatment you will need to create it. BluebellBluebell has had a successful start with their food, but after receiving a few reviews about the noise at their restaurant, especially on busy evenings, they got in contact with iKoustic. With an open-plan dining space made up of glass partitions, hard finished walls and floor – this resulted in a very challenging and reflective environment. Both at lunchtimes and evenings, the noise reverberated and caused massive disruptions to the conversation of others.The team at Bluebell wanted a complete design that would complement their current interior design and colour scheme, so we needed to work together on finding a solution that would do so. We went to visit them to present our Note™ range on-site to show them the possibilities of not only matching their surface colours but also their light fixtures and cooling fans. We brought along our ‘mood-board’ to collaboratively choose the right tone and mood of the room by comparing these internal features with our available options!MeasureWe took a simple projection of estimated reverb time by using a modelling of the room. These take what is called the ‘absorption coefficients’ of the surfaces, how absorbant a surface is in other words and calculates an estimated reverb time. This reverb time is how long it takes the sound to decay. You can discover more about reverberation by pressing on our icon below.Dimensions of the spaceLength – 8.1mWidth – 4.9mHeight – 4m (top of pitch) 2.4m (bottom of the pitch.)Estimated Reverberation CalculationsFrom these dimensions, our calculations were estimated at a reverberation time of 3.3 seconds, much too high for a restaurant with receiving even modest levels of speech intelligibility. We would usually aim between 0.8 – 1.2 seconds. We proposed that at least 17.3m2 of Class A sound absorption would be needed to be at the levels between 0.8 – 1.2 seconds. This would need applying across the wall and ceilings space for best coverage.LookTo present our proposed finished look, we provided them with our visualisation service. 2D drawings would help display the layout of our Hexagonal Soft Note™ panels wrapped in Camira Cara Fabric. The choice of using Hexagonal cuts in various sizes and colours not only creates a visually stimulating space, but the shaping also allows more space to add sound absorption in these areas, just as bees do with its honeycomb structure.From the measurements, we then created a 3D scale of the room with its current colour scheme and implemented our approved Note designs with the addition of Soft Note™ Pro on the ceiling, evenly spaced. In this process, we include all fixtures and furniture that we closely match to assure best representation.Hexagonal Soft Note™ x 18 (various sizes)Soft Note™ Pro x 20All ceilings panels were evenly spaced to provide the best performance possible, and this is important when reducing reverberation as there is more available absorptive surfaces.FeelOur installation team installed the panels as direct adhesive fixing so as not the impose on the room or interfere with the fixtures. The Hexagonal shaping in these colour gradients created an off-beat style of imagery but at no time feeling out of place. The different sizing and placement also allowed various shapes to appear from the original wall which we think creates a stimulating visual.The texture of the Hexagonal Soft Note™ panels comes from the Camira Cara Fabric wrap, and this gives them more depth instead of a solid colour wrap. An approach that both us and the team at Bluebell love.The final sound was vastly improved and the ‘feel’ of the room was undoubtedly more controlled, we now await those reviews after a busy period from customers that congratulate them on the improved acoustics of the room!

BackgroundThe Injured Jockey Fund (IJF) Oaksey House rehabilitation centre in Lambourn, Berkshire, was opened in 2009 by the IJF Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Oaksey House provides specialist rehabilitation treatment for physical and neurological injuries, it has a fully equipped gym which includes a state-of-the-art anti-gravity treadmill. The centre has respite accommodation available for those receiving extended treatment and their carers. Educational courses on fitness and nutrition for the general well-being of young and aspiring jockeys are also on offer.Oaksey House is not only a rehabilitation centre for jockeys, but anyone with physical or neurological injuries. Although the centre was only opened in 2009, it was decided that a refit was required to make improvements to further support the people that pass through its doors. The refit included moving the gym to the first floor and building a hydro pool on the ground floor.The ChallengeRelocating the gym to the first floor was no easy task, primarily because the building structure was composed of a steel tray and concrete base. To accommodate gym activity, the floor build-up would need to be enhanced to prevent noise and vibrations travelling through the building.As a charity, the IJF had limited funds to work with, so flooring specialists, Sport & Fitness Flooring, worked with the architect and an independent consultancy to identify an effective solution within the specified budget. Moreover, the floor had to be designed to meet the needs of four distinct areas: a cardiovascular zone, a running track, main gym area and an entrance lobby.The project was unique because various performance requirements had to be met across the four areas but the floor level needed to be consistent throughout to make it accessible for wheelchair users. Sport & Fitness Flooring consulted CMS Danskin Acoustics – Gym Flooring Division to advise on potential solutions to address this challenge while remaining cost effective.The SolutionCMS Danskin Acoustics worked with Sport & Fitness Flooring to undertake on-site subjective testing to determine the level of sound reduction and vibration control that would be required. The primary objectives were to prevent vibration travelling into the structure of the building thus resulting in potential structural damage or unwanted noise levels on the ground floor below. Samples of different build ups were provided by CMS Danskin Acoustics on site for testing within a day of the initial request.“Throughout the planning stages CMS Danskin Acoustics acted as a ‘springboard’ for our ideas. They were extremely helpful in offering their expertise to find solutions to meeting the performance requirements of the floor,” said Darren Wood, Director of Sport & Fitness Flooring.Sport & Fitness Flooring worked with CMS Danskin Acoustics to identify a way of raising the floor in different areas to meet a consistent 84mm thickness throughout, without having an adverse effect on the acoustic performance of the flooring. CMS Danskin Acoustics developed a bespoke specification for the four key areas, with solutions subsequently presented to the architect and approved for use on the project.The ResultCMS Danskin Acoustics was able to meet the performance, volume, and diversity of product needed to effectively treat the floor at a competitive price and on budget.In the main gym area, a high-performance combination of everroll® Multitile (everroll Multitile 27mm) was bonded to Regupol® 40/80 Acoustic Foam and fitted to Regupol® Vibration 300. In the cardiovascular zone, Multitile (everoll Multitile 27mm) was bonded to Regufoam® 270 acoustic PU foam and fitted to ply which was adhered to Regupol® Vibration 300. The track was treated with BOK Sprint track bonded to a everroll® Impact Pad elastic layer, ply build up and Regupol® Vibration 300. Finally, concrete effect Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) were used to create a purpose-built ramp up to the 84mm floor level from the entrance lobby.On day one of the build schedule, there was a timed delivery of the material. The bespoke order was exactly as specified and allowed installation to begin immediately with no delays. CMS Danskin Acoustics attended Oaksey House to provide expert on-site support and technical guidance on the installation. The project finished a week ahead of schedule, on budget and the flooring met all the performance requirements that were specified. Crucially, a consistent floor level was successfully achieved throughout the gym.“It’s quite common for suppliers to just sell a material and move on, but CMS Danskin Acoustics deliver a first-class expert and professional service from initial technical involvement, to tracking, delivery, installation and sign off. We regularly work with CMS Danskin Acoustics on various bespoke projects and are always confident in the solutions and expertise provided,” concluded Darren.

Custom Frontier™ System for Headingley Stadium’s Emerald SuiteEstablished in 1890, Headingley Stadium has been a Leeds landmark for 130 years. Unlike traditional oval stadiums, Headingley has two adjacent grounds—the Headingley Cricket Ground and the Headingley Rugby Stadium. Dividing the two is a new corporate hospitality space, with panoramic views of each field. Completed in 2019, the hospitality space boasts eight event suites, 12 meeting rooms, and 36 hotel rooms, designed to be a world-class venue and corporate destination.“Raft was chosen for the space because of its sleek aesthetic and effectiveness in open-plan environments.”Interior designers SpaceInvader worked alongside Caddick Construction, tackling the project with a blend of functionality, flexibility, and aspiration. Finding the balance between timeless corporate design and practical event space meant incorporating design elements that perform a dual purpose. A feature of the building, the Emerald Suite functions as a versatile event space; easily configured to be a theater one night and a dinner and dance hall the next. Due to the 500-person capacity and spatial flexibility, the acoustics had to be perfect. Originally SpaceInvader were investigating an off-the-shelf product, however, when unimpressed with the offering, Autex were brought on to create a bespoke solution.While the acoustics were a priority, SpaceInvader wanted a treatment that could double as a design feature. A custom Frontier™ Acoustic Raft system was designed and installed as 40 mm slats; equal parts Flatiron and Savoye used to create a banded salt-and-pepper ceiling feature. Raft was chosen for the space because of its sleek aesthetic and effectiveness in open-plan environments. The compressed polyester outer shell absorbs high frequencies, while the calculated air gap in the centre absorbs lower frequencies. Spread across the expanse of the space, the Raft system controls the reverb and echo that would otherwise be exacerbated by the parallel glass walls. Completed on time and within budget, the finished space tastes of subtle elegance with rich, warm accents. The soft furnishings and tasteful luxury are matched with acoustic comfort, successfully creating space for people to eat, drink, and celebrate in the company of others.

Hush Acoustics has successfully addressed a party wall noise problem for a homeowner in north London through the installation of its slimline HD1041 acoustic wall system, improving sound insulation without significantly compromising the room size.The owner of the semi-detached house in Hackney, contacted Hush to find a solution that would enhance the acoustic performance of a separating wall, ultimately improving the quality of life for their neighbours.The properties suffered from inadequate acoustic control within their original construction, allowing everyday sounds to pass through the party wall and become clearly audible next door.The brick wall in this particular case lacked the necessary mass and density to block sound waves generated by speech and activities like children playing. As a result, the noise disturbance caused stress and anxiety for the neighbours.Key to homeowner’s wishes was a solution that would not significantly reduce the size of the room. While retrofitting the wall with acoustic treatment would naturally increase its depth, the client understood the trade-off between volume reduction and improved soundproofing.Hush proposed three fully tested acoustic wall systems, each offering varying build-up thicknesses and sound reduction levels ranging from good to better and best. After thorough discussions between the Hush team and the homeowner, it was agreed that the Hush HD1041 Acoustic Wall Lining System would deliver the optimal solution. This system utilises a combination of high-performing acoustic materials, resulting in a wall lining that is only 55mm deep.A local contractor completed the installation of the acoustic wall system, with Hush providing full technical support and supervision throughout the process.Expressing their satisfaction with the improvements delivered by the system’s installation, the client said:“We have completed the work on the wall, and the results are excellent. The neighbours can barely hear anything now, and they no longer get disturbed when my son is up in the middle of the night. A heartfelt thank you to you and the team.”

The Spirit of Sittingbourne is a town within itself, offering town centre shopping, city living, hotel and a cinema complex.Within the Travelodge on this town centre development Soundis provided Soundis Acoustic Battens overlaid with an 18mm OSB and mineral wool insulation between the battens. This specification is a perfect combination of providing great impact and airborne acoustic performance due to the resilient layer pre-bonded to the battens along with the void created by the battens and the added mass within the build up from the mineral wool insulation.Acoustic solutions for both airborne and impact noises...The cinema specification on this project was a lot more specialised as are all solutions to the required acoustic flooring within cinemas. The system used on this project was the Soundis CineSystem – Ultra (Concrete/Structural Screed), one of two CineSystems which Soundis offer for anti vibration flooring requirements. This system is the natural choice of a floated build-up when there are no constraints in regard to weight, distribution etc. due the additional mass that this system provides and offers the greatest acoustic benefit.