"acoustic"

The "White Marmot" restaurant in the Corviglia ski area near St. Moritz combines top-class gastronomy with lifestyle. The traditional Swiss mountain restaurant, which emerged from the "La Marmite" founded in 1967, was renovated in accordance with the visionary ideas of its owner Hartly Mathis in collaboration with Ateiler Zürich and Testa Bodenbeläge.The White Marmot is divided into a lounge, bar and restaurant area. The existing natural stone floor was not satisfactory because of the poor room acoustics, the sensitivity to moisture caused by the guests' ski boots and the associated risk of slipping. The architects found in Flotex flocked flooring the better alternative. Comfort, anti-slip, easy care and durability could be guaranteed with just one floor covering. Moreover, the client and the planner were impressed by the endless design possibilities of the Flotex digital print technique. The digital printed Flotex Vision design was able to fulfil the requirments of a modern style in ambience of the 1960s and 1970s.

Roof with a message... CHALLENGEFor the renovation of the arena Antwerp Sports Palace the architect wanted to design a roof that gave a message. From the air people should see an “A” appearing. This A would be the A of the county Antwerp and not the A from the city Antwerp. Also with the possibility to have (solar) energy production installed on the roof. SOLUTION Six new colours within the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing range were developed specially for this prestigious project. The existing green coloured synthetic roof was used as substructure. The whole roof received extra insulation (thermal and acoustic) and the new RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes were mechanically fastened following an installation plan. All the membranes for the Antwerp Sports Palace not only had a special colour but also a special finish with an invisible protective coating. All membranes have excellent fire resistance for roofs with a higher slope. On the south side of the roof amorphous solar panels were installed upon the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes. 

Ibstock Place School opened its newly built refectory in 2021. Designed by Maccreanor Lavington the competition-winning design is a dedicated space for the most communal part of the school. With a high ceiling and intricate woodwork, the open space is functional but uplifting.The high-level roof lanterns form a chimney to pull out hot air during the summer as well as fill the space with soft natural light, which is perfectly accented by acoustic dampening panels of oak.Handmade Bricks from Freshfield Lane were used in the construction of the cloister and work perfectly with the school’s previous uses of brick. Additionally, the choice of bricks helps set the building within its tranquil garden setting. The handmade Freshfield Lane brick helps the building age gracefully into the landscape while retaining a notable elegance. This sophisticated taste is mirrored inside by soft copper notes and long, hanging light fittings.

Nestled in East London, Hoxton Press stands as a testament to contemporary urban living, comprising two hexagonal towers of 16 and 20 stories, with a total of 198 private apartments. This residential development is a key component of Hackney Council’s estate regeneration program, specifically the third phase of the Colville Estate redevelopment. Selo proudly participated in this groundbreaking project by supplying bespoke metal riser doors, seamlessly integrating safety, aesthetics, and functionality.Key Features of Hoxton Press:Architectural Excellence:Two towers of 16 and 20 stories, designed by Karakusevic Carson Architects, contribute to the area’s masterplan.Faceted tower forms create landscaped spaces, with a rotation that minimizes overlooking.Concentric arrangement of apartments maximizes daylight and natural ventilation.Handmade bricks, differing in colors, contribute to a robust monolithic quality.Seamless transition between exterior and interior spaces.Awards and Recognition:Hoxton Press received accolades, including the What House Awards 2018 for Best Exterior Design.Shortlisted for additional awards, reflecting the project’s impact and excellence.Acoustic and Technical Achievements:The site presented challenges with high acoustic requirements, met through meticulous testing.Complete CWCT Sequence B Testing ensured that the development surpassed industry standards.Urban Gateway and Community Integration:Towers serve as an urban gateway, connecting the Colville neighborhood with Shoreditch Park.Sale of private apartments partially subsidizes new social housing, contributing to the local community.Selo Doors played a crucial role in the success of Hoxton Press by supplying bespoke metal riser doors, contributing to the concealed, flush, and fire-rated doorsets throughout the development. The riser doors, hidden within the structure, enhance the overall safety and aesthetic appeal of the project. Selo’s commitment to excellence aligns with the aspirations of Hoxton Press, creating a synergy that elevates the living experience for residents.Hoxton Press stands as a remarkable example of urban regeneration, architectural ingenuity, and community integration. Selo’s contribution to this award-winning project, particularly in providing bespoke metal riser doors, exemplifies the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality solutions that blend seamlessly with visionary developments like Hoxton Press. The completion of this development marks a milestone in the evolution of East London’s landscape, creating a legacy that combines modernity with community-centric design.

Gulson Road is a new state of the art student accommodation block in the heart of Coventry’s university district. With 462 rooms, shared study areas, a common room, gym and staff management suite all set over eight storeys, fire safety was of the utmost importance.With this in mind, the architect, Stride Treglown, specified that Rock Mineral Wool should be used to insulate the rainscreen façade to comply with building regulations, which ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m tall.Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team undertook 3D U-value calculations on behalf of main contractors Robertson Construction and recommended 150mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab to achieve a U-value of 0.18W/m2K.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has a thermal conductivity of just 0.034W/mK. It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification rating, so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. It is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings and the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market.As well as exceptional thermal performance and fire safety, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab provides high levels of sound absorption.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is easy to install correctly. The slabs interlock and adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate eliminating air leakage, which can reduce thermal and acoustic performance. It is also robust and durable with a water repellent additive to preserve its integrity while exposed during construction.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded the Eurofins (Gold) certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Thanks to the enhanced thermal and acoustic performance from Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, students at Gulson Road will enjoy warm, quiet, safe and sustainable flats to study, socialise and sleep in.

With views overlooking central Manchester from several floors up, the designers for this workspace have utilised glazed partitions throughout to maximise the transfer of light and make the most of the stunning backdrop offered by the city skyline.London Wall was approached to provide a glass moving wall system that could seamlessly integrate in to the overall design of the space by matching the proposed glass partitions, while offering space flexibility.Our Type G200 system was the perfect choice, with a crittal effect indention to the static panels on show elsewhere within the space. The glazed panels can quickly and easily be stacked, allowing staff the choice between a single, large open plan space or two smaller spaces.When the panels are in use, the two spaces both remain easily accessible thanks to a lockable pass door. Type G200’s impressive acoustic performance ensures that sound transfer between the two spaces is kept to a minimum, therefore reducing noise distraction and increasing privacy.

The ChallengeThe Greenwich Village scheme completes the masterplan for the Greenwich Millennium Village development, generating a complex and picturesque arrangement of buildings defined by streets and squares and providing 1,746 homes. The build had to provide a complementary interpretation of an earlier build designed during the 1990s. The largest regeneration project of its kind in London, the challenge was to achieve a holistic, long-term scheme.The SolutionWith a strong focus on street life, the project concept incorporated a mixture of townhouses and apartments in lower-rise buildings of between three and five storeys.Traditional street patterns with narrow mews ensured compatibility with the design of the previous phases but also allowed for some individuality in the new phase. The project strategy centred on the technical and acoustic challenges of the project whilst also recognising the need to provide a sustainable environment.The BenefitsThe build achieved the required density while in keeping with the character of the Village. Forterra’s Dark Moroccan Smooth Butterley Brick was used to provide the desired aesthetics and subtleness for the build whilst also establishing its own identity.

Junckers solid hardwood flooring has been installed in a state-of-the-art recital room at the Laidlaw Music Centre, University of St Andrews. The McPherson recital room is one of the world’s first chamber halls with a moveable floor – an impressive space which can be configured for a variety of performance requirements, from symphony orchestra to chamber music recitals, at the push of a button. The moveable stage and the surrounding floor in the recital room has been fitted with Junckers 22mm Oak Harmony two-strip flooring, an expressive, warm-hued floor, providing a hard-wearing flooring surface which is not only beautiful but also contributes to the excellent acoustics in the room. The floor incorporates a grid of mechanised lifts which allow an infinite variety of configurations – a world first. The oak-lined recital room is also the world’s first chamber hall with a reverberation chamber, allowing the hall to be tuned from nearly four seconds for organ and choir work down to less than a second. 

Originally built in the 1930s, 33 Colston Street had been home to Bristol’s YMCA hostel until the freehold was bought by the University of Bristol in 2009. The university then carried out a £6 million refurbishment programme to provide 121 study bedrooms and communal areas for students, undergoing a complete refurbishment prior to accepting students for the first time in 2011.Smart Alitherm Heritage windows were specified for the project, the lines exactly matching the original steel windows that had been a feature of the building’s design. The upper floor casement windows were installed in a white polyester powder coated finish, and incorporated acoustic night vents to help maintain air flow while keeping external noise out of the building. Smart also supplied its Smart Wall framing system and entrance doors for the ground floor (in a brown finish) with the glazed panels featuring a unique selection of ‘etched’ drawings depicting various local scenes. The whole glazing scheme helped contribute to the achievement of a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’.

For The Refinery, a new build student accommodation complex in Leeds, Jasper Sanders + Partners looked to create a fresh and contemporary interior design scheme that underpinned the site’s historic significance. With a variety of activity zones, Forbo Flooring Systems’ Tessera Cloudscape carpet tiles and Sarlon acoustic sheet vinyl were specified, helping to create a fully integrated and striking space that meets the demands of modern student living. The Refinery was a winning project in the Fly Forbo 2020/21 competition.Built on a former industrial site near Leeds City Centre, The Refinery is a 397-room student accommodation complex providing high quality apartments, shared living spaces and a whole host of amenities. Developed by Gregory Property Group and operated by Fresh Student Living, the interior of The Refinery was designed by Jasper Sanders + Partners (JS+P), who worked alongside AHR Architects and GMI Construction to deliver this market leading student accommodation project for specialist investor Curlew Capital.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA)’s new facility will provide additional capacity for the STEP research programme at the campus in Culham, Oxfordshire as scientists seek to demonstrate the ability to generate net energy from fusion.Planet’s western contracting team offered their services in the creation of the site’s meeting room and office facilities across all four floors of the building.For meeting and conference rooms requiring high acoustic privacy, our double glazed and frameless PURE100 partition system (Rw 47 dB) was coupled with IsoPro pivoting glazed doors. Some doors were finished with eye-catching UKAEA branded manifestation.Elevated half-height partition screens surrounding breakout areas comprised single glazed PURE20 (Rw 35 dB).Finally, Firestop Ei30 single glazed fire rated screens (Rw 39 dB) were installed to create a fire line on each floor between the building’s offices and the internal atrium.

Opened in 1977, Ocean Park is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong.In 2005 they embarked on a HK$5.5 billion development plan that saw it expand to over 80 attractions and rides, and steadily grow visitor numbers, making it the world's 13th most visited theme park, and one of the largest theme parks in Asia.Due to open in 2019, the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is being built at a cost of $639m. In addition to 471 rooms, the five-star hotel will include a 16m high aquarium in the lobby, lagoons, a ballroom and a rooftop garden. As well as facilities for families attending the park, it will also be equipped to host meetings and conventions. The hotel and water park are part of a plan to transform Ocean Park into an international resort.Lorient supplied DS acoustic, smoke and fire door seal and LVH44 air transfer grilles to the Ocean's Park theme park in Hong Kong.

With views overlooking central Manchester from several floors up, the designers for this workspace have utilised glazed partitions throughout to maximise the transfer of light and make the most of the stunning backdrop offered by the city skyline.London Wall was approached to provide a glass moving wall system that could seamlessly integrate in to the overall design of the space by matching the proposed glass partitions, while offering space flexibility.Our Type G200 system was the perfect choice, with a crittal effect indention to the static panels on show elsewhere within the space. The glazed panels can quickly and easily be stacked, allowing staff the choice between a single, large open plan space or two smaller spaces.When the panels are in use, the two spaces both remain easily accessible thanks to a lockable pass door. Type G200’s impressive acoustic performance ensures that sound transfer between the two spaces is kept to a minimum, therefore reducing noise distraction and increasing privacy.

‘Living lab’ created for tomorrow’s sustainability engineers The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering’s (NMITE) Skylon campus is unique for many reasons. Created by a cohort of young designers, the campus building is biophilic, an exemplar of advanced timber construction techniques and a ‘living lab’, as well as being an educational space. Knauf Insulation products were used in the bespoke, timber frame wall panels constructed offsite by specialists Taylor Lane. Experimental and high performing The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a higher-education provider that has been created from the ground up by its founders, teachers, donors, and a cohort of young designers. Its goal is to give young people a path to becoming integrated engineers that are ‘sustainability conscious’ and ready to find solutions for achieving net zero. NMITE needed a campus that facilitated its unconventional style of teaching and reflected the aspirations of the institution. Sustainability was an important goal, as was using biophilic design – used to increase the building occupants’ sense of connection to the natural environment. As well as making the campus itself an object for students to learn more about timber construction, NMITE wanted the site to be a ‘living lab’. Sensors would be used to monitor the campus’ structural, acoustic, and thermal performance, with the intention of sharing this data with the industry to develop insights. This meant creating a building that was as high performing as it was experimental. Educational panel Knauf Insulation’s products were used for the pre-fabricated panels supplied for the construction of the building. Taylor Lane built 20 panels using a selection of non-standard materials and techniques specified by NMITE to demonstrate different approaches to students. Although each panel was unique, they all had a 240mm cavity that was insulated with OmniFit® Slab 35. The insulated panels were then craned into position before being attached to the building. Some were attached to the cross-laminated timber (CLT) frame, others to steel, so that students could readily observe even more varied approaches to construction. Sustainable performance OmniFit® Slab 35 is a glass mineral wool slab designed for use in both timber and steel frame constructions. Its thermal conductivity is 0.035 W/mK, and OmniFit® Slabs also provide sound insulation, a crucial feature for a busy workshop and educational space. “We chose OmniFit® Slab 35 for this project for several reasons. Its thermal and acoustic performance was important, but we also knew that, in the spirit of the project, we wanted to use materials that were sustainable. Glass mineral wool can be made from recycled glass and has low embodied carbon,” explained Paul Harris, Contracts Director. Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool is manufactured in the UK at its plant in St Helens. Up to 80% of the glass content comes from recycled glass collected locally and processed in the Veolia plant opposite the factory. About 60,000 tonnes are processed every year, and through smart compression packaging and local production, about 375,000 road miles are saved on transport annually. These factors contribute to glass mineral wool having the lowest levels of embodied carbon of any mainstream insulation material. Centre for Advanced Timber Technology The campus building is now home to students of the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) and the Centre for Automated Manufacturing (CAM).  “Coming to the campus is a real highlight of the course, I love the unique design and the biophilic features are inspiring,” explained a CAM engineering student. NMITE’s vision of an experimental, educational, sustainable, biophilic and functional campus has blossomed, thanks to the work of contractors Speller Metcalfe and Taylor Lane. Knauf Insulation’s OmniFit® Slab 35 has played a small but significant role, providing thermal and acoustic performance using a sustainable material, for an institution dedicated to teaching environmentally conscious engineers. 

Heritage Vacuum Glazing: A Transformative Case Study for Renovating Listed Buildings and Conservation AreasIntroduction:Renovating heritage properties, including listed buildings and those in conservation areas, presents unique challenges in balancing preservation with modern standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. In this case study, we explore the application of heritage vacuum glazing as a solution for renovating a historic listed building, showcasing its transformative impact on architectural preservation and performance improvements.Case Study: Renovating a Historic Listed BuildingBackground Information:The case study focuses on a remarkable historic listed building dating back to the 18th century. Situated within a conservation area renowned for its architectural significance, the building exhibits exquisite craftsmanship and unique architectural details. However, the existing single-glazed windows posed challenges in terms of thermal inefficiency, noise penetration, and condensation issues.Challenges Faced:The architectural team encountered several challenges during the renovation process. Striking a delicate balance between preserving the building's historical charm and incorporating contemporary elements that enhance functionality was paramount. Compliance with conservation regulations was crucial to ensure the preservation of the building's original fabric and character.Selection of Heritage Vacuum Glazing:After careful consideration and collaboration with conservation specialists, heritage vacuum glazing emerged as the ideal solution for upgrading the building's fenestration. The slim profile of the glazing units closely resembled the original windows, ensuring minimal disruption to the building's architectural aesthetics. The vacuum glazing technology offered superior thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and condensation control, aligning with both conservation requirements and performance objectives.Installation Process and Considerations:During the installation process, the architectural team collaborated with specialist manufacturers experienced in heritage vacuum glazing. Meticulous attention to detail was crucial to seamlessly integrate the new glazing units with the existing window frames while preserving the historic fabric. Preservation techniques were employed to minimise any damage and maintain the building's authenticity throughout the installation.Benefits Achieved:The implementation of heritage vacuum glazing resulted in a multitude of benefits for the renovated listed building. The enhanced thermal insulation significantly reduced heat loss, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced heating costs. The upgraded windows provided exceptional acoustic insulation, creating a peaceful indoor environment despite the bustling surroundings. Condensation issues were effectively addressed, preventing damage to the building's interior finishes and improving occupant comfort and well-being. Furthermore, the advanced security features of the vacuum glazing enhanced the protection of the building, safeguarding its historic fabric for future generations to appreciate.Testimonials and Feedback:Architects, specifiers, and building occupants expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the renovation project involving heritage vacuum glazing. Architects praised the technology for seamlessly integrating with the building's original design, while specifiers commended its compliance with conservation regulations. Building occupants enjoyed the improved thermal comfort, reduced noise intrusion, and enhanced visual clarity provided by the heritage vacuum glazing. Their testimonials underscored the success of the solution in achieving a harmonious balance between preservation and modern comfort.Conclusion:This case study highlights the successful application of heritage vacuum glazing in the renovation of a listed building within a conservation area. By effectively addressing the challenges of thermal inefficiency, noise penetration, and condensation, heritage vacuum glazing emerged as a transformative solution. Its ability to preserve architectural aesthetics, enhance energy efficiency, improve acoustic insulation, and safeguard historic fabric makes it a preferred choice for architects and specifiers involved in renovating heritage properties.Through careful consideration of factors like compatibility, authenticity preservation, compliance with regulations, collaboration with specialists, and professional installation, the transformative potential of heritage vacuum glazing can be realised, ensuring a harmonious blend of historic authenticity and modern performance.

In the heart of the vibrant student city of Sheffield lies The Gate, a modern student accommodation scheme that houses 455 students. The imposing building is situated along the busy main road bordering Sheffield Hallam University and is equipped with numerous facilities including a gym, rooftop terrace, and a cinema… The complex is truly a diamond among student residences. The installed DucoMax sound attenuating window ventilator makes a major contribution to the healthy indoor climate of the building.About The GateIn the heart of the bustling student city of Sheffield, surrounded by a number of busy roads and right next to Sheffield Hallam University, is the brand-new student accommodation - The Gate.   Numerous facilities contribute to a pleasant living environment for the 455 students who live there, including a gym, a spacious rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, a cinema room, communal kitchens and study areas.A Healthy Indoor ClimateAt The Gate, attention is not only paid to different accommodation levels for the students, but also their long term wellbeing and as part of this a healthy indoor climate is also highly valued. On average we spend 90% of our time indoors. Good ventilation ensures a healthy home and prevents health problems such as dry eyes and throat, headaches while studying, loss of concentration and stress among the students. In addition, good ventilation has been shown to improve learning performance by up to 23%. The Gate opts for a natural ventilation system in which fresh air is supplied through the facade. The DucoMax acoustic window vent not only ensures a plentiful supply of fresh outside air, but also reduces any outside noise from the city below to a maximum (up to 53 dB).Reducing noise nuisanceThe ventilation system supplies fresh air via the DucoMax acoustic window vent in the living and sleeping areas, while in humid rooms polluted air is removed. The central location of The Gate provides easy access to the vibrant city of Sheffield, but unfortunately this can cause a lot of noise nuisance too due to the busy traffic. The DucoMax was developed specifically for buildings with high levels of noise disturbance, to keep the noise out. The integral self-regulating valve also keeps the air flow constant during differing wind pressures. As a result, students are hindered as little as possible by these external factors. The combination of the various facilities with a healthy indoor climate contributes to an optimal learning and living environment for the students.

ChallengeTargeted with achieving a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent and with only a short window of time to complete the project, Associated Architects, who designed the building, needed insulation products that would meet strict thermal and environmental requirements – as well as a manufacturer that could offer quick turnaround times and a high level of technical support.SolutionWith the help of Knauf Insulation specification manager, Marc Lawson, a through wall solution using 5,000m² of Knauf Insulation’s 100mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab – a rock mineral wool slab containing a water repellent additive, specifically designed for rainscreen cladding systems was used. It is quick and easy to install and is simple to cut and fit around brackets. The slabs knit together with no need to tape the joints – ensuring maximum acoustic and thermal performance, with no air gaps. Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also non-combustible and has the highest Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, as well as excellent sound absorption performance.To further enhance the thermal properties of the element, 10,500m² of Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Flexible Slab 100mm, was installed in two layers within the SFS system. Designed to friction fit between metal studs, rafters and joists, Rocksilk® Flexible Slab is a multi-purpose rock mineral wool insulation slab, which provides excellent thermal and acoustic performance.Chris Kinman, Senior Design Manager at Willmott Dixon commented; “Knauf Insulation’s products are easy to handle and cut which makes them very easy to use on site. The first phase of the project has gone well, and the architect has adopted a similar approach to Phase 2 - which is testament to the excellent performance so far. Overall, we have been very impressed by the help and support we have received from Knauf Insulation on the project, and we have since recommended them to other colleagues."Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and Rocksilk® Flexible Slab rock mineral wool products are made with ECOSE® Technology, a formaldehyde-free binder derived from rapidly renewable materials, instead of traditional petro-based chemicals used in other insulation. Additionally, ECOSE® Technology is up to 70% less energy intensive than traditional binders.

The Scottish climate provides school designers with a challenge: to provide good indoor air quality whilst maintaining thermal comfort and good acoustic design.As such, BB101 (Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools) needed to be applied. Concerned about the risk of draught, themechanical consultant Ramboll, undertook a computation fluid dynamics (CFD) study. The CFD found that a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery was theonly solution able to meet all criteria, whilst managing low external temperatures.Results of the CFD in hand, Ramboll, Glasgow selected 1 x AM 300, 3 x AM 500 and 38 x AM 800 units for the project. AirMasters can supply tempered fresh air from outside at external temperatures below minus 5°C, having been designed for Nordic climates, with supply temperatures of 17°C plus, without causing draughts. By supplying fresh air only to these classrooms, without recirculation of stale air, the goal of maintaining a CO2 level of less than 1,000 ppm can easily be met.

Gustafs Linear RibLSA supplied over 400m2 of bespoke Gustafs Linear Ribs for the walls and ceilings of the central atrium space at Torfaen Sixth Form College in Cwmbran South Wales.The £24m purpose-built campus houses a state-of-the-art performance theatre and music and media suites, numerous flexible working, study, and social spaces, modern classrooms including IT and science laboratories, dedicated quiet chill-out rooms and prayer rooms, access to on site student support services, free wifi and an on campus Costa coffee café.The architects specified Gustafs Linear System for its versatility to be installed to both walls and ceilings for a consistent appearance across the project. The team at Richard Kemble Ceilings Ltd worked with LSA to find the best product solution for the space; to benefit from the modular Base-W and Base-C grid and achieve class A acoustic absorption a 56mm wide rib was commissioned to work with standard 100mm centres and provide impressive 44% open area without compromising the visual ratio of ribs to open area.

In the summer of 2018 Universal Music Group joins the likes of Google and Louis Vuitton inside the commercial floors of Eric Parry Architects’ Pancras Square 9 building development in Kings Cross, London. UMG’s 1,000 strong workforce occupy the entirety of the buildings 10 floors and 174,570 sq ft of floorspace.LSA Projects Ltd supplied 1,532 Durlum Polylam baffles (roughly 1000m2) to the project in 4 different lengths and custom timber effect finishes: natural oak, light stained oak, medium stained oak, and light grey stained oak. The baffles are installed independently at varying pitches and offset linear spacings to encourage visual flow through the space and elegant incorporation of linear lighting.By using metal baffles rather than a solid or wrapped timber product the architect and client were able to achieve the effect of a linear timber ceiling on a more dramatic scale than would be possible with natural wood. The baffles are also finished with micro perforations to the vertical sides and are filled with mineral wool for additional acoustic control.

Irene House in Balham was a 1940s office block, formerly occupied by the DWP, converted to offer 77 1/2-bedroomed apartments, with a roof extension to create an additional 7 homes. Amenities including a residents’ club house with private dining and work space facilities were included.The project delivered a distinctive transformation, offering contemporary looks that also incorporated many art deco elements inspired by the building’s original interior.Dorplan supplied more than 400 factory-finished doors, delivered in 5 phases to support project schedules across the 6 floors of the building. The doors had a range of features in keeping with the ‘contemporary art deco’ look. Ladder-style feature grooves and square architraves were complemented by period-style ironmongery to give an incredibly stylish result.The majority of the doors were FD30 or FD60 fire and smoke doors. The fire-rated PAS24/SBD apartment entrance doors were additionally acoustic-rated. All Dorplan’s fire and security doors come with the peace of mind offered by 3rd-party certification.

The main building of the NHL Stenden University in the Netherlands has recently been extended. In addition to a focus on sustainability, the architect wanted to stimulate meetings and bring students and teachers together. In the middle of the central hall you can climb, sit, lie and build with the cube-shaped elements. The long wooden stairs and the walls are partly overgrown with plants and the floor features a beautiful green lawn digitally printed on Flotex Vision.Furthermore, BRTArchitecten has created various meeting places and has given the building it its own landscape. There is an area with a corn field, a tropical rainforest and a delta landscape. These landscapes are all also printed on Flotex Vision and thus form a beautiful focal point in the room. In addition to Flotex Vision,Forbo's Flotex Metro and Marmoleum Real were installed within the University Building.The renovation of the Stenden Hotel Management School was completed in December 2019. A beautiful new campus of 4,500 m2 where Flotex has been chosen thanks to its unique combination of design flexibility, acoustics and ease of cleaning.

Wealth management experts Evelyn Partners’ (formerly Tilney, Smith & Williamson’s) relocation of their Leeds office to the vibrant Wellington Place district in the city centre aims to provide a truly modern working environment for their 85-strong team.The interior design of the space by Michael Laird Architects aimed to closely match the aesthetic used at the client’s head office in London, with timber elements and curved glazing combining to create a highly appealing set of meeting rooms and offices.Working through our northern contracting office, our team provided Parallel 50 (Rw 45 dB) double glazed partitions and Linear 30 (Rw 41 dB) single glazed partitions for the client’s boardroom, meeting rooms and small focus rooms. These were finished with a custom Pearl Beige powder coated finish to frames.Partitions combined with veneered European Oak acoustic timber doors and timber pilasters, with the latter expertly finished with room numbers routed and painted into the timber. Finally, two double leaf Hogan pivoting glass doors provided access to the large breakout space.

Planet’s northern contracting team joined Wates and architects tp bennett to work on the Cat A fit out of 11 & 12 Wellington Place, manufacturing and installing 40 pairs of double leaf FireTec Ei60 fire rated doors with bronze handles across over 250,000 sq ft of grade A office space on Levels 1 to 10. These doors were installed to be ‘future proofed’ to facilitate any future automation requirements once sub-let to tenants.Manufactured using an ultra-slim precision engineered framework, the durability of the FireTec system suits high foot traffic areas while providing fire route protection and acoustic performance up to 39dB Rw.The multi-award-winning 11 & 12 Wellington Place achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability rating and is the first UK building outside of London to attain a NABERS Design for Performance rating of 5* or above.Wates handed over the completed shell and core works to clients MEPC in early 2023, with the building already securing several high-profile companies as tenants.

Working through our Midlands contracting office, Planet provided smoke sealed extended height PURE20XL glazing to floors 2 to 7 of the building’s internal atrium. 6.7m high Schueco Jansen Viss screens were placed on ground level, while PURE20XL was also utilised along with rebated 1.5 leaf IsoPro doors (Rw 36 dB).Extended 3.3m LOFT100 screens (Rw 47 dB) with back-painted glass above transom level were placed in the 300-capacity auditorium with double IsoPro doors. Finally, banded LOFT20 partitions and matching IsoTec acoustic doors (Rw 38 dB) and double glazed LOFT54 (Rw 45 dB) with IsoPro doors were installed for the client’s meeting rooms and phone booths respectively.The Unity Place development is a great example of a people-first workplace design that hopes to be a catalyst for the regular return to the office for many of Santander’s staff. The building is set to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainable performance, aided by Planet’s EPD documentation for our LOFT and IsoPro solutions.

Our southern contracting team worked closely with McLaughlin & Harvey to provide a glazed partition package for the state-of-the art critical care unit at King’s College Hospital — one of London’s busiest and largest teaching hospitals.With valuable design input from Dr Tom Best MBE, Clinical Director for Critical Care at King’s, it was important that any solutions were durable, offered privacy to patients and allowed natural light to flow through the space. The key was to create an environment that aided patient recovery while also aiding visitors and staff alike.PURE20 single glazed partitions were used for glazed fronts with double sliding EclipseTec doors providing access to patient treatment rooms.Double glazed PURE100 partitions with integrated bottom-up blinds were utilised between individual patient rooms, offering full visual privacy to complement acoustic performance up to Rw 54 dB.Finally, FireStop Ei60 and Ei30 fire rated glazed double doors offered exit route protection through the main corridor and lobby.

York Minster, an architectural masterpiece and one of the UK’s most iconic and historical landmark religious sites, stands as a testament to centuries of history, faith and artistry. Located in the heart of York, this magnificent cathedral attracts thousands of visitors and worshippers each year with its stunning Gothic spires and intricate stained glass windows, including the renowned Great East Window. York Minster Refectory, a brasserie-style restaurant housed in the grade 2 listed former York Minster School building dating back to the 1830s, now features a stunning living wall.Acoustic AmbianceMeasuring 100 m², Mobilane’s MobiPanel living wall creates a vibrant green backdrop to the outdoor seating area. This living wall is planted with a rich variety of pollinator-friendly plants, bringing plenty of color and biodiversity to the wall design. The team at York Minster recognized the benefits of living walls for improving acoustics and sustainability, making MobiPanel an intelligent choice to mitigate the sound of visitors enjoying al fresco dining. Additionally, the peace and solitude required in such a space is further supported by this installation, enhancing the overall atmosphere on the terrace.Transforming dining experienceAs part of an extensive £3.5m refurbishment focused on adding biodiversity and contemporary urban greening techniques, York Minster chose MobiPanel for its reliability and effectiveness. Green walls like MobiPanel not only beautify spaces but also offer significant benefits for human well-being, including reduced stress, improved air quality and increased urban biodiversity. In addition to these essential benefits, it also looks cozy and invites guests to stay longer to enjoy dining inspired by Yorkshire’s rich culinary heritage.Living Walls UK’s expertise shines throughThis fantastic project was expertly executed by Living Walls UK, a trusted partner of Mobilane, renowned for their expertise in installing green wall solutions. Ricky Talbot, director of Living Walls UK, proudly affirms: “We are passionate about the MobiPanel living wall system; it’s the sole outdoor solution we endorse.” Their decision to opt for MobiPanel for the York Minster installation was driven by their unwavering confidence in its quality and performance. “We completed the installation efficiently, encountering minimal issues, ensuring it was ready for the public to appreciate and enjoy.” This dedication underscores their commitment to delivering sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban green spaces."We are passionate about the MobiPanel living wall system; it's the sole outdoor solution we endorse."- Ricky Talbot, Director Living Walls UK

CHALLENGEWestfield, the world’s largest listed retail property company, is set to change the face of retail in the United Kingdom with the opening of its new flagship development – “Westfield London” – at White City, London.Beneath a spectacular, undulating glass roof, the £1.6 billion Westfield London destination combines over 150,000m2 of retail, restaurants, cafes, bars and leisure facilities to create the ultimate shopping and leisure destination.Westfield London will act as a catalyst for the redevelopment and regeneration of the wider White City area with a further £1billion investment expected in the immediate vicinity over the next 10 years.SOLUTIONKnauf Insulation supplied Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as part of the rainscreen cladding system to the external stone clad façades of the development and internal stone clad stairwell and elevator areas. The specification of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab provided both performance and installation benefits to both client and specialist installing contractor.Rock Mineral Wool has a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification to BS EN ISO 13501- 1, the highest classification available. With rainscreen cladding incorporated into building design fire performance is particularly important and, as such, a non-combustible component such as Rock Mineral Wool provides the ideal prevention against the spread of fire. The non-combustible nature of rock mineral wool ensures that it will not burn, will not give off toxic smoke and will not suddenly ignite in a fire due to ‘flashover’.Another key specification element related to the speed and ease of installation. The required thermal performance of the building was dependent on the correct installation of the specified insulation product. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slabs are easy to install down to their superior workability ensuring installation stayed within the tight time constraints. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is treated with a water repellent additive to ensure the building structure is protected against rain penetration and it can also be installed with either face adjacent to the sub structure.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab provides an additional benefit for the installing contractor as it is designed to adapt to minor imperfections in the building’s substructure. The rock mineral wool product ‘knits’ together, ensuring intimate contact between slabs ensuring all joints are closed and thermal efficiency is maximised.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent acoustic properties, which contributed towards the acoustic performance of the structure in order to comply with both sound insulation and sound absorption requirements.What’s more, individual packs of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slabs are compression packed together in Knauf Insulation’s innovative packaging method, Supakube. The advanced compression technology and strong packaging materials ensure the product is easy to transport and store, reducing environmental impact and causing minimal disruption on site and the surrounding area.

RESTORATION ENSURES SUSTAINABLE FUTUREThe historic Bath Abbey has undergone extensive repair and conservation work along with the addition of new facilities. With its Footprint project, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios sensitively restored the 1300-year-old place of worship and improved the accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability of the building. As part of reworking and improving the Abbey’s back of house facilities, FCBStudios designed the Song School, a new, timber-lined choir practice room where up to 60 singers can rehearse. The oak-panelled room features Junckers solid 20.5mm Oak Harmony plank flooring installed by Moran Floors. The solid oak further enhances the acoustics in the room, an important consideration to the Abbey. Said Huw Williams, Director of Music, Bath Abbey: ‘The floor of the new Song School is a beautiful feature, we are particularly appreciative of the acoustic properties of the floor. It really helps to create a suitable acoustic for rehearsing which has given our choirs a huge boost following a difficult year of lockdowns. The standard and finish of the floor is exceptional, it provides a warmth in contrast to the natural stone features and contributes enormously to the professional and high-quality character of these unique new spaces.’ The importance of high ethical standards was a key objective for materials sourcing on the project, and FCBStudios was able to rely on Junckers’ experience in procuring sustainably sourced and manufactured material in the specification process. Naturally low in carbon, Junckers solid hardwood flooring comes with sustainability credentials including EPDs, FSC®, PEFCTM and Indoor Climate certification as well as an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide, which played an important part in the architects’ specification. Said Alex Morris, Associate, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios: ‘FCBStudios selected Junckers wooden floors for the Bath Abbey offices and new choir rehearsal spaces because we needed to provide hard wearing and elegant floor finishes that would be sympathetic to the character and historic significance of the Grade 2 listed Georgian buildings.” In addition, Moran Floors fitted Junckers’ 15mm single stave blocks made in solid oak in a single herringbone pattern with a 129x15mm oak plank border in the ground floor reception area. The floor was sanded and finished with Junckers’ Rustic Oil on site. The reception spaces are made up a series of domestic-scale rooms original to the Georgian terrace, which contain many original features. The parquet floor was selected to complement and enhance the elegant grandeur of the building as a whole. A solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a crevice-free surface which cannot harbour dust or mites, easy to keep clean and contributes to a healthy indoor climate, one of the RIBA’s targets in its 2030 Climate Challenge for architects. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure no harmful gasses are released into the room. Installing timber in an interior helps minimise static from electrical appliances and helps maintain an even temperature. A very old, historic building which forms part of the UK’s architectural heritage has been updated and adapted to secure its sustainable future. Junckers flooring with its proven long lifespan was an integral part of the project - expected to last well over 60 years, the floor forms part of the design to future-proof the Abbey. The Bath Abbey Footprint Project by FCBStudios has been shortlisted for Renewable Energy Project of the Year in the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2022. The awards celebrate the best of the UK’s green economy and burgeoning net-zero transition. This category recognises projects that have demonstrated a wide range of environmental and economic benefits associated with clean energy deployment and development. The £19.3 million programme of restoration, building works and interpretation will help to secure the Abbey’s physical future. This included repair and restoration of 2,400 floor stones conserved and re-laid, and a revolutionary underfloor heating system harnessing water from Bath’s hot springs. 

Completion of 3 number MG100 Semi Electric Movable Acoustic Walls in the RIA Building London. Flexible space of 1 large room and with the use of 3 movable walls where 1 meets at a right angle now gives the client a 3 flexible rooms. Two access inset door panels in the larger run allows for access in-between the rooms once the panels are in their closed position. Standard white laminate panel finish chose to give a clean design and match other furniture within the room. An element of flexibility is suddenly added to your space. And the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs, whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. The top and bottom seal operation on the MG100 movable wall system can be upgraded to the semi-electric seal operation by a flick of a switch which reduces the room set up by upto 2 thirds of the time. At ModernGlide, we have sourced an excellent range of panel finishes, ranging from our standard melamine to veneers to personalised digital images, to give you complete design flexibility.

This newly renovated block is a new executive apartment scheme based on Duhamel Place, St Helier.With completion in Q4 2023, this selection of modern new build apartments come to the market offering spacious living, whilst allowing plenty of natural light throughout. The design of the apartments has been done by Page Architects and finished to a high specification by Park Homes.Build-up 1: 5mm laminate flooring (Carpet in bedrooms) – 25mm GenieBoard 302 – 5mm GenieMat RST05 – 18mm plywood – 185mm steel joists – 150mm acoustic insulation within joists – 2No 15mm FireLine board – Suspended metal frame ceiling incorporating GenieClip LB – 12.5mm wallboard – skim finish.Build-up 2: 5mm laminate flooring (Carpet in bedrooms) – 5mm GenieMat RST05, 175mm concrete slab, GenieClip RST ceiling - 12.5mm wallboard – skim finish.The post completion testing demonstrates that the environmentally friendly construction has exceeded residential requirements by 3dB in airborne (achieving DnT,w +Ctr 48dB in situ) and 7dB in impact (achieving L'nT,w 55dB in situ) while offering a quick and simple install. 

baseTherm® is produced and installed on-site by our local team using our Mobile Floor Insulation Factory - without waste or fuss.�baseTherm® KEY BENEFITS: � Seamless, void-free poured floor insulation� Factory-produced on-site, without waste - using our Mobile Floor Insulation Factory� Rapid pumped installation� Non-combustible� Ultra-lightweight with acoustic benefits� Highly insulating, from 0.041 W/mK� National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément certified � EPD Certified – available to download on Irish Green Building Council's platform EPD Ireland� Available for spec on NBS Source and as BIM Digital ObjectsContact your local team baseTherm® for amazing insulation results:�+353 (0) 87 333 0683�+353 (0) 87 223 2456� sales@basetherm.com�basetherm.comClick here to view more finished jobs on our GALLERY:https://lnkd.in/e9zh-nwx#EPD #basetherm #BEPS #pouredinsulation #insulation #koreinsulation #liquidfloorinsulation #floorinsulation #beadscreed Fast Floor Screed Ltd Eddie Hussey Smet Building Products Limited KORE Insulation NBS

This new 160,000 sq. ft, 18 storey office building evolves the successful Nova formula with a sustainability conscious design, a progressive approach to work and wellbeing, and a vibrant, connected community in the heart of Victoria, London.Throughout the commercial space, a range of off-site constructed washrooms & toilet pods were manufactured in Scotland by Modular Interiors. There was a requirement to increase the finished floor height to allow this space to work effectively.The Knauf GifaFloor system is the ideal partner to this project, particularly to help with efficient programming.FHB38 1200x600mm installed on a pedestal understructure was specified as it creates a solid monolithic floor which can be installed quickly and allows for follow on trades within hours of install. Compared to traditional wet screeds, there is no long drying time, no mess or complicated health & safety issues.GifaFloor is the ideal partner to ceramic finishes such as this project. The ceramic tiles can be adhered directly to the panel, without the need for de-coupling layersThe GifaFloor FHB system offers a high acoustic performance, A1 non-combustible fire rating, limits response to moisture or heat and is manufactured from low carbon gypsum fibre.

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.

Architect: Healy PartnersInstaller: John Paul ConstructionProduct: Gustafs Linear Ribs and Gustafs Panel SystemClose to 400m2 of Gustafs Linear Ribs and Gustafs Panel System in natural Walnut veneer were used to clad the walls and ceiling beams of the Padel Courts in the new leisure facilities at the Adare Manor in early 2020.The new Padel courts are a facility unique to the activity centre at Adare Manor. Padel is a hybrid sport between tennis and squash, traditionally played with 4 players and suitable for the whole family. Part of the larger expansion and restoration project the Padel Club also houses studio space for yoga as well as gym and swimming facilities, sauna and steam room.Gustafs Ribs were installed to the upper walls within the court area, 34mm deep ribs with 38mm gaps were used for 50% open area achieving class A for acoustic absorption, perfect for controlling sound levels in the sports hall.In addition to the ribs 171m2 of Gustafs Panel System was used to clad the steel ceiling beams in complimentary Walnut veneer. Specialist Gustafs capax profiles were used for their signature invisible fixing.

Installation of 3 number MG100 Semi Electric Movable Acoustic Walls for a large company in London. This design has allowed our client to have 4 separate rooms or 1 larger flexible working space. With a flick of a switch there is no need to manually lock each panel off with the automatic top and bottom seals locking off the system. One of the closed spaces did not have an internal access door so we included an inset door panel within one of the standard panels to allow for access in-between the rooms once the panels are in their closed position. Our client wanted as much clear workable room space as possible and using the double point stacking tracks the panels foldaway into a recessed pocket. Grey laminate panel finish chose to give a clean design and match other furniture within the room. An element of flexibility is suddenly added to your space. And the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs, whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. At ModernGlide, we have sourced an excellent range of panel finishes, ranging from our standard melamine to veneers to personalised digital images, to give you complete design flexibility.