"ceiling trims"

A range of acoustic ceiling products from Knauf are controlling noise in new classrooms, corridors, halls and kitchens of the St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham.

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.

Architects: Woods BagotLocation: Wiltshire, UKPhotography: Will PryceMaterial: NATURSOFFIT-W CladdingFinish: RustikThe project by the Woods Bagot architecture studio for the library at St. Mary’s Calne School re-centres the space as the hub of academic and social activity. Completed in 2020 and located in the British county of Wiltshire, the project maintains the school’s traditional aesthetic, all while incorporating a central garden with apple trees.The library’s faceted ceiling is a central part of the design, which evokes spreading tree branches. All of the wood panels are held up by an iron truss structure connected to large pillars, simulating the vertical nature of trunks. The properties of Parklex Prodema’s false ceiling allow continuity for the wood from the interior to the exterior, making it visible through the clerestory windows.The triangular panels that make up the complex faceted geometry are resistant, long-lasting, sustainable, and maintenance-free. They were custom manufactured for this project, including perforations for acoustic purposes, allowing sound to pass through the panel to be absorbed by the insulation behind it.The natural Okume wood panel selected by the architects provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere, creating a point of inspiration for learning. Combined with the garden landscape around it, the continuous ceiling magnifies the building’s appeal and integrates it into his surroundings.

Design and acoustic performance were key criteria for this project, which is why HERADESIGN® was installed in all the classrooms as floating canopies and throughout the school, in the main corridors, where bespoke swing down access panels were also installed. Reddy Architecture commented, “We really love the architectural raw wood wool quality of HERADESIGN®. The visible texture provided the required aesthetic contrast.” A calm neutral colour palette with HERADESIGN® specified in warm-white provided a gentle contrast with the soft charcoal walls and floors - the perfect backdrop for bold bursts of colour at the entrance to the classrooms.

FIREFLY ZEUS Lite™ Safeguards Ceiling Spaces Across Wakefield Food WarehouseForming a fresh element to the UK’s critical food supply infrastructure, a new distribution warehouse in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, is near to completion with the specialist suspended ceiling installer making use of ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 from the range of TBA FIREFLY™, to create vertical fire barriers at intervals within the roof-space across the footprint of the building.The 15,300m2 facility at Headways in Stanley, on the outskirts of Wakefield, has been built by GF Tomlinson for the Kitwave Group, a national distribution business with a fleet of over 500 vehicles supplying hotels, restaurants and many other venues across the country. The installation of the ZEUS Lite™ was undertaken by Nottingham Suspended Ceilings, as the sub-contractor well experienced with the performance and user-friendly characteristics of the Firefly range.All the rolls of ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 material and the well proven FIREFLY™ fixings, including stainless steel staples and fire-resistant adhesive, were supplied to Nottingham Suspended Ceilings by the merchant, Minster On-line.The site agent for Nottingham Suspended Ceilings, Mark Prescott, commented: “Our company carries out commercial contracts right across the East Midlands and beyond, where we have made use of Firefly barriers on a large number of past projects. Although you have to be a competent contractor and follow the manufacturer’s guidance precisely, we find the ZEUS Lite™ and other products in the FIREFLY™ range straightforward to install. In the case of the warehouse here, we have now completed the installation of the fire barriers up to roof level in dozens of locations across the building; as well as installing all of the suspended ceilings throughout.”FIREFLY™ ZEUS Lite™ is ideally suited to this type of application, comprising a flexible woven fabric fire barrier that has been specifically developed for the vertical separation and compartmentation of extensive concealed spaces within buildings.By offering 90 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, FIREFLY™ ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 exceeds the minimum requirements regarding fire barriers under the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety). The specially treated glass fibre fabric is strong and resilient as well as flexible while, crucially, the system’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations; which many alternative products do not.

C.A.T. AC38 stick fix cover plates were specified by the Architects in an Onyx (satin black) finish. These were installed around the perimeters of the space to enhance and highlight the floor-length windows. This installation shows how versatile our floor thresholds can be and that with a little inspiration and imagination there are endless possibilities.

CAT BN69 solid brass stair nosings were chosen to help compliment the £50 million refurbishment of this historic 19th century country house.

Exterior 70U Metal Ceiling Project

Leeds Arts University completed a 5-year £22m building expansion with HERADESIGN® Sonic Element and Baffle Element, installed throughout the main entrance, library and the new group spaces to minimise noise disturbance.The design for the project meant all the mechanical services had to be exposed and the lighting integrated into the hanging canopies.Paul King of DLA Design Group said, "We chose HERADESIGN® because, aside of the acoustic performance, we liked the natural, raw wood wool. It’s a striking and versatile material and we were really impressed with how the individual panels could be matched to the chosen colour scheme.”

The challengeCeiling systems by Zentia have provided form and function for an award-winning Grade A office building at the heart of one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.Zentia’s Cradle to Cradle™ certified mineral tiles were specified by regular Zentia users Falconer Chester Hall Architects for the Kingsgate building at Birkenhead in Wirral Waters which was built at a cost of £11.4 million.The solutionThe decision to choose Zentia Prestige hA+ Tegular24 tiles with Prelude 24mm XL2 grid was made simple due to the 30 year system warranty and both having Cradle to Cradle certificates helping achieve Kingsgate’s BREEAM Excellent rating.Manufactured with up to 41% recycled content, the Prestige family is available in three core densities that allow specifiers to engineer sound absorption and attenuation for optimum acoustic performance – standard Prestige giving medium density, Prestige hA+ giving low density (both of these variables were used at Kingsgate) and Prestige dB giving high density, up to 41 dB.Stephen Fieldsend of Falconer Chester Hall said the Zentia systems were specified to reduce acoustics in the open plan office areas which serve as the core business for The Contact Company in its role as a contact centre. Flexible open-plan office spaces allow greater flexibility for the call centre which takes up three of the four storeys, with offices and meeting rooms on the top floor. While its design concept references Liverpool’s past and the trading vessels that once negotiated the waters on its doorstep, the building remains forward focused on sustainability.

Northumbria University’s Grade II Listed Sutherland Building, home to its Architecture and Built Environment Department, now boasts a state-of-the-art architecture studios. Page\Park worked closely with ESH Group to deliver the new-build for which functionality and design were key. HERADESIGN®, a high-performance product which effortlessly retains ambient sound whilst reducing disturbing background noise, provided the acoustic and aesthetic solution required for the project. HERADESIGN® Superfine tiles are a versatile material and Page\Park were able to work with the tiles to deliver a distinctive, geometric herringbone design on the ceilings for maximum design impact.

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

Manufactured from light-weight, durable aluminium components, the Ecco concertina loft ladder is easy to operate yet still offers excellent performance. Capable of supporting loads of 150 kg per step, it is also tested to EN 14975 (DN 4570). It is supplied as a ready to fit unit for ceiling apertures as small as 800mm long by 550mm wide. Furthermore, the ladder is fitted within an insulated and airtight wooden hatch box. Technical drawing NBS Specification and BIM object available.

Completed Works:- Metal Ceiling- FLOOR and more- NORTEC- Plasterboard partition systems- Fire protection doors

During the core renovation of the Frankfurt office tower, the Lindner Group was entrusted with the complete basic fit-out and one of the tenant fit-outs. In addition tocarrying out various drywall works, high quality raised floors and energy-efficient heated and chilled ceilings were installed in combination with lighting systems fromLindner. High-quality wooden doors from Lindner’s own production, related joinery work, as well as flexible system glass partitions complete the construction package. Lindner also carried out plastering and painting work as well as tile, coating and flooring work, and additional installation services.Despite numerous challenges such as (heritage-protected) construction in existing buildings and the high logistical effort involved, the vision of a modern office tower wassuccessfully realized. Thanks to sustainable construction systems and building services combined with effective thermal insulation measures, the Global Tower is set tobe awarded with the DGNB Platinum certification.

Knauf integral in Warwick Hall development.The Knauf team has played a significant role in the  specification and design process during recent  construction at one of the oldest schools in England, working alongside award winning Associated Architects to produce a masterclass in acoustic  performance.The site consisted of an existing hall, which was used for assemblies, performances and functions. This hall was built in the 1960s and suffered from a series of failings which impacted its flexibility and usefulness.The proposal for the Warwick Hall was an opportunity to build a physical embodiment of Warwick School’s  academic excellence, prosperity and ambition, which saw the existing school hall stripped back to its structural frame and heavily modified to provide a state-of-the-art, revitalised and flexible school hall with  a large double height entrance foyer, two performance  studios and other ancillary spaces. The brief was given to the team at Associated Architects and they quickly relied on the quality of materials and service provided by Knauf.

This high profile project in The Shard was a complete office fit-out, designed to future-proof and meet the end client’s operational needs. The modern design featured Vtec’s MaxiBeam system and Supacoustic panels. These systems allow for excellent visual appeal and acoustic performance combined with being easy to install and flexible to incorporate the specific access requirements.

The Architects involved in the design of the new Marriott hotel at Aberdeen airport really understood the need for a solution for the kitchens which ticked all the boxes. Beplas’s Elite FRP was the product chosen to line the extensive kitchen areas because it holds the ultimate combination of fire rating, low smoke development, clean-ability and durability.

Hospital ward refurbishment where hygiene , durability and ease of maintenance were the primary drivers.Materials usedElite Komadur Dove wall claddingElite Endurance Dove wall protectionAll joints were either heat welded or postformed to create a seamless jointed scheme

Based in Cheltenham, Collicutt Meats is the largest meat depot in the South West. After almost 30 years, the Elite FRP panels and fixings that were fitted are still looking and performing as good as new.

The University of Winchester programmed the upgrade of 63 student en-suite showers and toilet facilities for their halls of residence through the 2014 summer vacation period over an eight-week program. The walls were covered with tiling. The grout was difficult to clean and the tiles were showing signs of age which required regular repair. It was decided to renew areas with materials that would give long life, reduce maintenance costs and above all make it much easier for the cleaning teams to accomplish their tasks quickly and effectively.

A refurbishment of a hospital restaurant, where the look and feel of ceramic tiles was required without the high level of ongoing maintenance that this material demands. The solution a 3D digital image depicting tiling was agreed giving the area a crisp clean hygienic finish with low level maintenance requirements.

Calibre based in Warrington provide the food industry with food testing technology to ensure quality and safety. Calibre are all about exceeding standards and quality and they needed their environment to do that too. The walls of their testing labs walls used to be painted in white. They soon became very dusty and dirty making the environment look unhygienic and uninviting to their clients and staff.

A portfolio of Rockfon acoustic systems feature throughout the former British Gas Engineering Research Station (ERS) where iconic 1960s modernism meets 21st Century needs following sensitive and innovative refurbishment on a grand scale.The former ERS building at Killingworth has a very strong architectural pedigree. The 50,000sq.ft. Grade II* listed structure sits within a ten acre site and was the brainchild of pioneering architectural partnership Ryder and Yates. Built in 1967, the starkly beautiful, uncompromising construction was influenced by such luminaries of modernism as Le Corbusier and Lubetkin.Collaboration delivers heritage sensitive solutions Rockfon were very pleased to have been selected for the project and to have worked with RIBA Chartered Architects, Ainsworth Spark Associates on the specification of acoustic ceiling and wall systems for such an important and sensitive undertaking on behalf of property owner and main contractor North Tyneside Council. The building is now a fit for the future, multi-use resource which includes public access areas, open plan work spaces, smaller offices and meeting rooms. A primary eco-drive for the project was to bring the building back into use rather than wastefully demolish it only to build a new facility elsewhere. Recognition and respect for the building’s listed status were at the forefront of the architects’ plans. The development offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate a portfolio of acoustic systems to match the particular demands of each space throughout the building.Rachel Charlesworth of Ainsworth Spark Associates talked about the project, “We needed to expose the history of the building and respect its architectural heritage whilst delivering a positive, modern working environment. An example of this was to painstakingly remove original service grid, thoroughly clean all components, down to each nut and bolt, and reinstall to help tell the historical story visible above the Eclipse Islands. The Rockfon team worked closely with us, providing solutions, particularly for the 1st floor concourse. Rockfon Blanka® X with a concealed grid and bespoke edge trim delivered the smooth, seamless appearance we were looking for to fantastic effect. The new ceiling systems clearly define the refurbishment and were a crucial part of the build.”Rockfon Blanka® offers a wide choice of options for installation and usage. Its smooth high white surface is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money. The range embodies Class A sound absorption, 26dB – 46dB room to room sound Insulation, 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion. Blanka B was also used as wall panels. All Rockfon acoustic systems are made from naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stone wool, are non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Rockfon also contributes to a more sustainable future. They are recyclable and have a high recycled content, supporting the closed-loop circular economy, and are certified to leave a positive impact on people and the planet as the firm’s latest Cradle to Cradle certification confirms. Architectural legacy meets modernityThe building’s interiors use a pared back palette of greys and light wood to great effect with occasional elements picked out in blue. Original floor to ceiling strip windows and new, glazed screens, allow light to filter through.In the vast, open plan work spaces around 600 square format Rockfon Eclipse® Islands have been used to control sound and diffuse the visual impact of the exposed mechanical and electrical services above. These elegant, frameless acoustic islands are suspended in a linear formation by wires affixed to the three metre high plenum but they can also be installed using a suspended grid or fixed directly to the soffit. They absorb sound on both sides, helping to reduce reverberation time and improve ambient sound levels. Their smooth, deep matt, super white surface has anti-static properties which extend product life. Elsewhere in smaller spaces, Rockfon® Koral™ and Rockfon® Tropic™ tiles were used. Dimensionally stable, each has an attractive moisture resistant surface. Installed with semi-concealed or visible grid options they both offer Class A sound absorption and Class A1 fire safety.Rockfon expertise and support always availableKD Building Solutions were responsible for the ceiling systems installation. The firm’s John Duffy, “We wanted to develop our expertise in ceiling installation and this project certainly gave us the opportunity to do that. We faced challenges due to the need to protect the listed interiors and the re-use of original materials but Rockfon’s Jim Lundy was always available to offer support and advice. Thanks also to Minster, Newcastle for ensuring Rockfon materials were there on time. The completed installations look and perform brilliantly.”

This guide on the different variations of Access Panels, will help you decide which one is best for you.

Improve the Student and Staff Experience at LSEThe new building, which opened its doors in January 2022, demonstrates the School’s ambition to create a world class estate and university quarter in the heart of London. Designed by Dublin-based Grafton Architects, the large, multi-purpose building occupies a pivotal position at the southern corner of Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The Marshall Building is LSE’s largest building with ten storeys plus two basement levels. It accommodates the Departments of Accounting, Finance and Management, as well as the Marshall Institute of Philanthropy and Social Enterprise, the Systemic Risk Centre and the Financial Markets Group.HERADESIGN® Fine and HERADESIGN® Superfine were chosen for its acoustic performance, aesthetics, economy and low carbon. The impact resistant type was also specified for the sports areas. Alongside, Armstrong METAL R-H 200 panels provide a sophisticated open and contemporary look. They were chosen for areas where more service access was required but where a consistent aesthetic was also important. The metal panels were also used as ‘floating canopies’ so a high perimeter was specified to give a finished look at all sides.

Blue Is the ColourChelsea Football Club stadium’s refurbished Westview Hospitality Area represents the biggest single investment in years and is hailed a triumph by enthusiastic club supporters.To dramatically improve the match day experience of fans by providing new state-of-the-art hospitality facilities at Chelsea’s landmark stadium in London.Merging two small hospitality restaurants with an upper Guest Area concourse area into one single wide open plan space represented a technical and design challenge.Now on offer: a new welcoming open and flexible concourse, two panoramic bars offering views of the stadium interior and west London, with ample room to take a seat, new comfortable padded seats in the stands and three additional video screens.

Project typeRefurbishmentContractorWilliam Bowley Projects LtdBrief descriptionRecently retired, the clients were looking to move from London to the bustling seaside town of Poole. They found a chalet bungalow at a desirable location right by Poole Park and only a short distance from Poole Harbour & Sandbanks beaches. However, due to it being previously rented out long term, it was in need of a lot of modernisation.The client’s desire was to create a large steam shower area in the master en-suite with plenty of space for them to relax, listen to music and unwind after a busy day.Due to the size and layout of the existing en-suite, and especially its low angled ceilings, careful planningwas required to provide the client with the desired, spacious steam shower without compromising too much on the floor space.RequirementsSteam shower area with sound & lightingThe clients wanted to create an area for absolute relaxation, a private wellness oasis, accessible only from their bedroom.Required components• watertight and steam-proof components with longevity• spacious seating area• practical storage• sound technology• lightingProducts usedBase products• wedi Vapor 85 building boards with pre-installed vapour barrier membrane (SD value of 92)• wedi Sanoasa Bellina seat element• wedi Sanoasa Bellina carrier element• wedi 610 adhesive & sealant• wedi Tools joint reinforcement tape, self adhesive• wedi 620 sealant• wedi Tools waterproof sealing tape• wedi Tools waterproof sealing corners• wedi Tools washers, stainless steelProducts usedIndividual products• 1600 x 950 x 50mm wedi Fundo Riolito shower element(1100mm channel on the long side and DN50 horizontal drainage)wedi solutionsDesigned & built by the installer• a practical and easy to maintain niche for storage(using the trimmings of Vapor 85 building boards)The required technology was integrated into the wedi elements by the installer, providing the clients with the perfect atmosphere to promote well-being.‘Compared with cement board/aqua panel, wedi is truly a superb system; easy to use and fit, lightweight and perfect for tiling over. I will definitely be using wedi for future bathroom installs’Nick Turner, Director at William Bowley Projects Ltd.

Hunter Douglas launches new HeartFelt Multi-panel system

The Cube in Birmingham city centre is home to The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill which offers it’s customers an ultra modern 25th floor dining experience. Beplas played their part by supplying contemporary colours from their Elite Komadur PVC Sheets which still provide the ultimate in food hygiene for the kitchen. Beplas’s ethos of sensible prices goes hand in hand with the group’s affordable luxury.

Transforming a run-down pub into a sleek, modern restaurant and bar was made all the easier with the latest Dulux Trade ScuffShield Matt. With its unique formulation and ultimate scuff resistant technology, it’s perfect for maintaining that crisp, just painted look for longer. Paul Schofield Managing director of PA Schofield Ltd explained: “New Dulux Trade ScuffShield Matt is a great product that really works. It has really good application and absolutely no flashing at all. The clients are over the moon with the finish and durability of the product, and so are we. We will use it again without question.” As director of PA Schofield Ltd, based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Paul was given complete responsibility for conceiving and implementing all design decisions. For his starting point, Paul paired statement wallpapers with contemporary floor finishes. He complimented the wallpaper through a colour scheme that combined colours such as Coyote Grey, Perfectly Taupe and Winter Avenue. Ceilings were painted in Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt, while Dulux Trade Satinwood was used on the trim and Dulux Trade ScuffShield Matt on the walls, along with Dulux Trade Diamond Matt in some areas. Dulux Trade ScuffShield Matt is an ultra-tough formulation, designed to cope with the scuffs and everyday wear and tear of busy commercial spaces. And he identified a number of benefits from using it on the project, explaining: “It flowed really well on rollers and brushes and left an excellent finish overall. “And there was no flashing or colour difference from roller to cutting in. “It’s really brilliant for touching in, too. We’d often have to redo entire walls as spots we’d touched in stood out like a sore thumb, but there was none of that with the new Dulux Trade ScuffShield Matt.” Paul was supported on the project by Lee Crossland, Leeds and Yorkshire Technical Support Manager for Dulux Decorator Centre 360. Lee said: “I’d heard PA Schofields was about to start work on the high-end restaurant conversion so got in contact with Paul to let him know about our new product that would be perfect for him. “I talked Paul through the benefits of Dulux Trade ScuffShield Matt and that the appearance of the finish would be an ideal fit for the design he was looking to achieve, while explaining how the improved durability would allow the restaurant to look better for longer. From start to finish the process took 18 months. And Paul has been checking in to see how the Dulux Trade ScuffShield Matt has been performing. He added: “The clients are very happy that the paint cleaned easily without removing the paint from the plaster substrate. For more information visit: https://www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/content/scuffshield

Established in 2017, Steps Together Group is a collection of private addiction treatment services, providing a winning combination of residential and outpatient addiction treatment & therapy services for individuals, their families, and their employers.This latest addition to their portfolio is Rainford Hall near St. Helens, the former home of the Pilkington Family.The property was completely refurbished with a a sympathetic approach that conserved the best of the house and original features but with modern, luxurious comfort levels.

Rockfon Mono Acoustic's tile/filler/render system was used to control reverberation in a large open plan office.

Acoustics in this spectacular courthouse is controlled using Rockfon Mono Acoustic.

Acoustic consideration was critical for the design of a new generation cycle studio in London. An isolated sound box was constructed to form the studio with stud walls built to separate it from the café – using a lift shaft model allowing for air and acoustic separation.To complement the paired back industrial ‘Scandi’ design and monochrome pallet, HERADESIGN® in black was specified throughout. Joe Stuart of Warehome Architects said, “Heradesign was perfect for this project. It provides excellent acoustic properties and we love its natural, raw wood wool texture. Specified in black it is really striking.”

Whilst following government guidelines, Beplas have supplied a huge amount of material for a number of key businesses and projects during the Covid-19 crisis. We have supplied materials for hygienic environments in Nightingale temporary hospitals, a huge number of smaller temporary installations at schools and leisure centres around the country.