"acoustic"

The challengeA new 53,280ft campus was being built to enable three schools to co-locate. An Additional Support Needs (ASN) unit and a new Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) would also operate at the site.In total there would be 21 open-plan flexible learning spaces for the potential 747 students, as well as a centrally-located shared administrative areas, gym halls and assembly area, while the ASN has capacity to assist 36 pupils with a varying range of support needs.To ensure the success of this modern and multi-faceted open-plan approach to learning, the specification of ceiling systems with high performing acoustic control and total design flexibility was imperative.The solutionFor maximum acoustic comfort Zentia’s Oplia hA Tegular within a standard 24mm grid was used in offices, classrooms and stores.These tiles perform to Sound Absorption Class A and were also the first mineral ceiling tile in Europe to win Cradle to Cradle™ certification as part of the new generation of sustainable and acoustic ceilings offered by Zentia.In keeping with the modern and sleek design of the campus, Zentia’s integrated ceiling systems featuring Perla OP Tegular 15 planks were also used throughout. Whilst, in the kitchen and changing room spaces, Zentia's Hygiene board mineral tiles on a 24 mm corrosion-resistant grid was specified.

Michael Laird Architects approached Planet Partitioning to provide high acoustic partitioning screens and doors, across all 4 floors of the scheme, with an extra 5th floor secured upon completion, as a result of the impressive works Planet provided.With audio being the Client’s line of work, the office space not only included meeting rooms, open plan office space and break out areas, but also ‘Jam’ rooms and recording studios. Stringent acoustic attenuation was therefore called for, with PURE100 double glazed partitioning screens and IsoPro doors being used throughout the office and meeting areas, and PURE100 single glazing used in the break out spaces. By using the PURE100 range throughout, the scheme ensured the head and base details remained uniform across all 4 floors.For the Jam rooms and recording studios, Planet recommended specialist PURE200 triple glazed screens, which can achieve staggering acoustics of 64dB Rw, ensuring workers wouldn’t be disturbed while staff ‘rock out’!ech panels were integrated to the partitioning screens surrounding the meeting rooms, as an easy way to book the rooms remotely and to notify staff of when the rooms are booked, and by whom.Planet designed a bespoke ‘zig-zag’ glazed partitioning screen to run along the front of a section of offices. The completed effect was quite striking and greatly received by the client and architect.

As business evolves and requirements change in our fast-paced world, Movawall Systems Ltd continue to bring ground breaking, intuitive products to the industry and pride ourselves in being able to create unique and bespoke systems for all our clients, whatever the application. One of our latest projects which has been installed and tested has made us particularly proud and set a new standard in acoustic movable walls.The requirements on this project were clear and simple with very specific needs for one of the leading pharmaceutical companies and we were going to tackle it head on. A movable acoustic wall with radiation protection for a research and testing environment needing to maximise flexibility while still offering the safety and protection required in a radiology environment.Our Type 100SE semi-electrically operated movable wall was developed and tailor-made for this requirement; with X-Ray protection and specialised seals to ensure the ground-breaking radiation protection and acoustic levels would be achieved. Each wall weighed in the region of circa 6 tons and the top hung system was fitted with our Type “K“ track which allows for remote and varied stacking locations. The walls varied in width and height but were all finished in Rigato Formica laminate with aluminium protective edge trims. The vision panels in the pass doors were fitted with Med-X type single glazed glass between two layers of 4mm thick toughened glass.

Palco supplied single & double door Riser Doors for both front and back of house. Front of house are panels that have been specifically designed and tested to accept wall paper whilst still achieving a fire, smoke and acoustic certification.

At Coverys new headquarters, a stunning array of design elements make this fit-out an undeniable success. Employees work in peace and quiet whenever needed due to the acoustic laminated glass in the Revolution 54 Plus partitions and Edge Affinity doors.

Versapanel®, Euroform’s cement particle board, has been specified for its acoustic properties as a roofing system component for what is set to be one of the UK’s largest film and TV studios, Shinfield Studios, at the Thames Valley Science Park.

At this luxury residential block, by developer Purelake and ECE Architecture, VELFAC windows and patio doors are installed in all 52 apartments. The slim framed windows deliver maximum natural light, optimum thermal and acoustic insulation, and some stunning views.

Architect: 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.

ChallengeThe Building Centre, a central information point for all sectors of the construction industry, recently refurbished its London based headquarters. The second stage has seen Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll supplied to the Construction Products Association, the UK Green Building Council and Design for Homes offices located on the first floor.In order to maximise all potential space available to the offices, it was essential to select a product that would take up as little space as possible, while satisfying the environmental and acoustic criteria required to achieve the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.SolutionTo accomplish this, 50mm Acoustic Roll was specified as it is lightweight, flexible, non-combustible and provides a high level of sound absorption, furthermore, it has been specifically designed for friction fitting between members at 400mm and 600mm centres. Acoustic Roll significantly improves the sound insulation performance of partitions whilst at the same time delivering improved thermal and fire performance. Plus, thanks to ECOSE® Technology, offers outstanding environmental credentials.Knauf Insulation products with ECOSE® Technology are made with a formaldehyde free binder technology derived from rapidly renewable, bio-based materials, which reduces embodied energy and delivers superior environmental sustainability. The insulation doesn’t look or feel like any other insulation. It is naturally brown in colour as there are no artificial colours or dyes added and it produces a ‘super softer’, odourless and easier to handle insulation.Colin Henderson, CEO of the Building Centre comments on how specifying Knauf Insulation was an easy decision to make: "After looking at the requirements and from our existing knowledge of Knauf Insulation, we knew the company would be able to meet all our needs quickly and efficiently."Maria Morgan, Market Manager – Building, Non Residential at Knauf Insulation explains: “Our unique position in having a broad product range, coupled with our expertise within the industry, enabled us to fully advise and install the appropriate insulation solution for the Building Centre.”

Inspiration: Royal Holloway UniversityProduct: Gustafs Panel SystemArchitect: Associated ArchitectsInstaller: Rosguill Developments LtdProduct: Gustafs Panel System for Walls and CeilingsSpecification: Natural and Pigmented Oak and Stained Ash Veneer SM5 PerforationsQuantity: 4,000m2LSA Projects Ltd are pleased to share with you our case study of Gustafs Panel System at Royal Holloway University which was installed in addition to 2,000m2 of Linear Ribs.Alongside an abundance of books and other historical and academic literature the library was designed with student life in mind with a wealth of quiet, individual, and group study space in addition to informal social breakout spaces looking out over the founders square.The statement library is part of a bigger expansion and improvement project for the Top 25 University; beginning with the Emily Wilding Davison library in 2017 the University has recently opened The Beatrice Shilling Building for Electronic Engineering and new Music and Media facilities are planned for the near future.Sold exclusively in the UK by LSA Projects Ltd, Gustafs Panel System is the leading product on the global market for timber veneered (as well as painted and metal or laminate faced) panels and acoustic panels. The panel system has a recommended 50 Year Design Life and a track record in the UK alone of 20 year old projects (and counting) owing to the unique solid panel base provided by the gypsum particleboard which eliminates the risk of panels moving and warping over time as you would expect to see with a solid timber or MDF cored product. The panels are also completely non-combustible achieving Euroclass A2,s1-d0 for Fire Resistance (exceeding the criteria for Class 0) for the whole product build-up from the paper panel backing to the facing veneer and lacquer.Across the space 3 different timber finishes were specified to the project: white washed Oak, natural Oak and black stained Ash. The range of timbers helps to add to the depth and texture of the material and to break-up the finish between spaces and floors whist keeping a consistent theme across the library’s cladding. A mixture of plain and SM5 mini slotted acoustic panels were used to give some acoustic absorption to the atrium space, SM5 perforations mini slot perforations at 5mm x 20mm provide 15% open area and achieve acoustic class C which is perfect for light acoustic control across all frequencies.In addition to the traditional wall and ceiling Gustafs cladding, panels were used to cover pillars and beams within the library. Each piece was made to measure at the factory to ensure a perfect fit using Gustaf’s unique CAPAX profile system for invisible installation.

This high quality, creative working environment in one of Bucharest's most iconic buildings includes a variety of spaces carpeted with Milliken modular carpet. The acoustic performance of the modular carpet delivers an extraordinary working environment for this high profile client in gaming technology.

Emirates Stadium in London, is the home to Arsenal football club; and with a capacity of more than 60,000, it is the fourth largest football stadium in England!Lorient supplied LAS8003 si automatic drop seals. These seals are perfect for acoustic and smoke containment at the bottom of doors.

1,400m² of PanDOMO® Floor, and 700m² PanDOMO® Wall provided the luxurious seamless finish required by Delugan Meissl Architects. At its opening in 2012, the orchestra pit was the largest of its kind globally and is reputed to provide some of the best acoustics in Europe.

In 2016, we designed the ceilings for the new Stephen Hung's Casino. A huge admirer of the Palace of Versailles and passionate about France in general. Hung opted for a baroque style design with Barrisol® Acoustics® printed menbranes. Architect : Peter Silling & Associates

Architect: Archial NORRInstaller: GHI ContractsProduct: Gustafs Panel System500m2 of Gustafs Panel System in Gemini Walnut veneer were installed to the feature wrap-over wall and ceiling at the multi-million-pound makeover of the Gardyne Campus at Dundee College.SH8 acoustic perforations were used on small section of the panels in the main atrium. Slotted perforations give the illusion of a grille whilst providing class C acoustic absorption above the college walkways.Gemini Walnut veneer was chosen for the space to achieve a greater consistency in colour, tone, and texture, across the space. Gemini veneers from Gustafs are natural veneer that is stained to match a chosen timber species; doing this achieves a consistent colour across the panels as well as making them less photosensitive and less susceptible to natural colour variation over time.

Dundee College Gardyne CampusArchitect: Archial NORRInstaller: GHI ContractsProduct: Gustafs Panel System500m2 of Gustafs Panel System in Gemini Walnut veneer were installed to the feature wrap-over wall and ceiling at the multi-million-pound makeover of the Gardyne Campus at Dundee College.SH8 acoustic perforations were used on small section of the panels in the main atrium. Slotted perforations give the illusion of a grille whilst providing class C acoustic absorption above the college walkways.Gemini Walnut veneer was chosen for the space to achieve a greater consistency in colour, tone, and texture, across the space. Gemini veneers from Gustafs are natural veneer that is stained to match a chosen timber species; doing this achieves a consistent colour across the panels as well as making them less photosensitive and less susceptible to natural colour variation over time.

Queen’s University is a member of the Russell Group, and one of the United Kingdom and Ireland’s leading universities which continues to shape and serve the world through research and teaching. Based in the heart of Belfast, Queen’s University is committed to enhancing its historic campus and the surrounding conservation area while providing 21st century facilities for education and research.With the entrance atrium combining various double and triple-height spaces over different floors, Armstrong METAL Cellio was the perfect choice to provide a sleek contemporary ceiling that connected and unified these spaces into one recognisable volume, with a sense of lightness and transparency.HERADESIGN® was used throughout the building as a recognisable and repeated element that provided good acoustic performance with texture and pattern. From a wall and ceiling installation highlighting the reception area, to acoustic absorption on the walls in meeting rooms and subtle black hanging baffles in a bar space.

Following a £15 million restoration of the Grade-II listed building, renovating and transforming the site, the UK’s largest casino and entertainment venue opened in 2012.Lorient supplied LAS8001 si automatic drop seals and DS acoustic, smoke and fire seals to this historic site.

This large, cavernous office space has been installed with Milliken's cushion backed modular carpet and demonstrates the acoustic performance of this product. The biophilic colour palette has been chosen to zone the space and plays an important role in reflecting the values and products at the heart of this business.

This project was part of LSE's £12M refurbishment of the Lower Ground Floor library. Colour Compositions in a range of natural green tones was specified and installed in this fast turnaround project to stunning effect. The sound absorbing properties of the modular carpet's cushion backing was significant impact on the acoustics of the space.

PROJECTACTA, AmsterdamCOMPLETION2010ARCHITECTBenthem CrouwelPRODUCTSRectangular metal panels on two levels without visible sagging, 1 mm [dimensions 3950 x 900mm], approx 900 m2Perforated acoustic panel ceiling at the Academic Center for Dentistry in Amsterdam.

This bright, inspiring workspace is enhanced by Milliken's vibrant Lightbox carpet planks. Delineating the break out spaces the Lightbox insets reflect this the client's colourful, dynamic brand identity and inject energy into this workspace. The Tracing Lanscapes field carpet provides texture, comfort, and important acoustic benefits.

Hannah House student accommodation accommodates 458 students in stylish apartments and en-suite rooms with comfortable modern interiors. Gerflor’s, 19db acoustic, Taralay Impression Comfort in Nest Black, which was specified by Vastint Hospitality’s in-house design team with 1500 sqm installed by MacGregor Flooring.

The company needed a slat wood wall in an office refit. MicroSlat - a lightweight, modular solution that's easy to install and provides acoustic absorption - was chosen in a bespoke Sand Ash finish. The 2.75m standard panel height is taller than other panels on the market and provides increased floor to ceiling coverage.

The £25 million redevelopment of the hospital includes a new emergency department. Working alongside our clients Willmott Dixon Interiors Ltd, GDL were appointed to manufacture and supply the Acoustic Louvres and the Clip-on Louvre screening as part of the 23 hour assessment and A&E refurbishment. Our acoustic Louvres are designed to attenuate medium and high frequency noise breakouts from ductwork and plant room openings and were selected for the existing plant area along Pond Street. This product can be manufactured to suit any bespoke size requirements and is available in single bank or for higher levels of attenuation, double bank.  Our Louvre screening can be located at basement, ground, mid or roof level and can be fixed in a conventional 45º angle or inverted depending on the privacy requirements of the designers and architects. We can also supply single or double leaf doors providing secure access to the screened areas. 

PROJECT OVERVIEWHaving a strong reputation for developing innovative design-led partitioning solutions, Norwood was given the challenge of creating an acoustically sealed teaching pod areas within the iconic Round House grade II listed building at Derby College. The project was commissioned in consultation with Bowmer & Kirkland and Maber Architects.OUR SCOPE OF WORKWe demonstrated our ability to introduce fully demountable and relocatable teaching pods into a grade II listed building, with the benefits of their obvious stunning visual and acoustic appeal. Whilst the solution emphasises the importance of using a design-led partition solution partner, our on-site manufacturing facilitates allowed delivery of finished materials direct to site, thereby minimising on-site disruption. Furthermore, the incorporation of electrical and mechanical equipment within the partition design was a significant to the overall project finish. We provided our Mediline solid and glazed partitions, PodSolve, doors and walk on ceilings.

An urban luxury conversion in the heart of Nottingham City Centre. This project involved the contractor converting a commercial building within a conservation area into luxury apartments.There were various design issues that needed to be overcome, including curved on plan bays. The curved bays required a bay pole system to allow the installer to gain the necessary shape profile.An added challenge was window size. There were a number of large, multi-part windows in apartments accessed via tight staircases and small door openings. To overcome this we made some of the larger units in kit form and sent one of our experienced fabricators to site to assemble them in situ.A key requirement was noise abatement which was achieved with acoustic glazing and an optimal 100mm air gap, adding - on average - 35DB of noise reduction on top of that provided by the primary windows.The end result were minimal profiles matching original sightlines, coupled with significant thermal and acoustic performance improvements. 

Project: Birmingham Energy Innovation CentreDate: 2020 Background:·        APL were engaged to provide a non-combustible construction solution to meet challenging acoustic and thermal performance requirements for the roof and walls·        APL were able to meet the clients requirement for matching solid and perforated profiles·        APL provided all structural, thermal and acoustic calculations Systems:·        2,000m² of APL built-up pre-coated aluminium roof system, using the sinusoidal AP18HR and trapezoidal AP31/1000RR profiles·        1,300m² of APL built-up aluminium wall system, using the sinusoidal AP18HR and AP45HR profiles with both pre-coat and PPC finishes·        800m² of APL perforated aluminium wall system, using the AP45HR-Airwall™ profile with a PPC coating·        Bespoke featured fins in aluminium with an anodised-look PPC coating·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing ·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Birmingham

In this case study, taken from Episode 30: Civic, Community & Culture - Well-being focused acoustical design - Adam Cossey - Hawkins\Brown we look at the growing trend for well-being, and the interrelated role of acoustics, in the design and build of commercial offices, educational libraries and town halls; with Adam Cossey, Partner at Hawkins\Brown. Adam shares his experiences working on:●    The new University of Bristol Library - a world class facility for all, to support and enhance the services offered by the University’s broader library and study centres network. It will strengthen the University’s ability to provide high quality study spaces, programmes and events, and services to reach out to an increasing number of new students, researchers and academics.●    The Grade II listed Waltham Forest Town Hall and Assembly Hall, along with the surrounding landscape, which recently, have sensitively been transformed into a place where council staff, local business and residents come together. 

This £590,000 project on behalf of Imperial College, London was delivered for Berkeley Group with specialist commercial fabricator Dempsey Dyer. The project features: 1100 frames Deceuninck 2500 Series Tilt and Turn Decoroc 4 sided colour Iron Grey RAL 7011 Acoustics RW38db U Value 1.5

Sonixx Resilient 250 was installed as an acoustic underlayment. It was bonded to the subfloor and an Firmfit SPC floor covering installed on top.The installation was completed at the Eye Zone outlet owned by the Rivoli Group. The Rivoli Group is one of the biggest retailers in the UAE. As the installation was in the Dubai Mall, this makes it a particularly high profile and prestigious installation.

Royal Holloway, University of London Library and Student Services Project Profile - features a 10,000 sq metre installation of Milliken modular carpet including a range of designs: Culture Canvas, Laylines and Clerkenwell - Three Corners. This case study demonstrates the acoustic performance of Milliken's cushion backed modular carpet tiles.

Shortly before the new school year started, the municipality of Ogre in Latvia opened a brand new sports complex at Ogre’s gymnasium. In the contest “Sustainability in Architecture Construction Design in the Baltics 2023”, organised by the Building Design and Construction Council, the sports complex was awarded 1st place in the category “Most Sustainable Project”. It was constructed by MONUM construction company.The multifunctional and energy-efficient sports hall has stationary and mobile tribunes, therefore providing space for up to 1700 spectators. The sports complex meets the requirements of the International Athletic Federation with four circular (200 meters) and six sprint tracks, a sector for the long jump, high jump, pole vault, and shot put. Also, in the centre of the hall, there are team sports courts suitable for basketball, floorball, tennis, volleyball and other games. On the second floor, the project's developers have built halls for a gym, gym classes and choreography. The building is complex and multifunctional, and four different Riga Wood birch plywood products have been applied here. Perforated Riga Decor and Riga Lacquer panels ensure excellent acoustics during sports activities, while Riga Paint gives an elegant touch to the lobby. Riga Ply has been used for various construction elements.“Riga Wood birch plywood products were chosen due to two main factors: it is a sustainable, renewable material with excellent technical properties and durable, with high wear resistance. Furthermore, in sports halls it is important to ensure good acoustics and perforated acoustic panels made of Riga Wood birch plywood panels serve their duty perfectly,” comments Maksims Žaguļins, project manager at MONUM.Riga Wood birch plywood has a long lifespan, and what is no less important, the maintenance is easy too. “In recent years, birch plywood has been used in many sports halls, especially for acoustic panels. The technologies that we use allow us to adjust the panels to the specific needs of each project with great results”, comments Intars Metums, head of the Wholesale Department of Riga Wood Baltics. “Furthermore, the versatility in our Riga Wood birch plywood products allows us to find the best solution, whether it’s for wall lining, floors or tribunes,” adds Intars.

This architectural and engineering consultancy office feels calm and relaxed thanks to tones and textures of Milliken's Wireframe modular carpet. The biophilic design is installed in rich, brown Hazel and lighter tones of of Fawn. The product's Comfort Lite cushion backing absorbs distracting noise by up to 32dB helping to manage the acoustics in this beautiful workspace.

Biotecture’s impressive 93m2 green wall for the atrium of British Gas owner, Centrica’s new Oxford headquarters was an integrated element of the ambitious sustainability aims for the building; the green wall, which reaches three storeys up, contributed to the building’s BREEAM rating of 'Excellent', acting as acoustic buffer and a natural filter to improve air quality.

CONCEALED RISER DOORSOur Christo Riser Doors blend discreetly and seamlessly with the surrounding interior. They are certified third party fire approved and are available in a variety of acoustic and air tight options. With a ‘T’ Key or Euro Cylinder Locked for security, the doors have a 5 Point Locking Mechanism securing the leaf in 5 places.