"suspended ceilings"

Initial Assessment:The meeting room at BlueVoyant in Leeds was plagued with excessive echo and reverberation due to the abundance of hard surfaces. This acoustical problem made it difficult for employees to communicate effectively during meetings, particularly during conference calls.Requirement and Solution:To address these issues, it was necessary to install effective acoustic treatment to absorb excess sound and reduce reverberation. The solution involved installing Still Note panels, which are designed specifically to improve room acoustics by absorbing sound reflections and minimizing echo. The 40mm panels were suspended from the ceiling at a height of 20 to 30 cm.Positive Results:Reverberation Reduction: The reverberation in the meeting room was significantly reduced, creating a more acoustically pleasant environment.Improved Communication: Speech became much clearer, enhancing overall communication during meetings.Enhanced Conference Calls: Echo from glass and other hard surfaces was minimized, making speakerphone conversations more intelligible.Before and After Comparison:A before-and-after comparison was conducted using a clap test, demonstrating the substantial improvement in reverberation levels:Before Installation: High reverberation, poor speech clarity.After Installation: Low reverberation, improved speech clarity.Conclusion:The installation of Still Note panels at BlueVoyant in Leeds significantly improved the acoustic environment of the meeting room. By reducing reverberation, the panels enhanced speech intelligibility, communication, and productivity, making meetings more efficient and effective.Testimonial:“I love these videos for illustrating the difference acoustic panels can make in your life!”Recommendation:If your office or meeting room suffers from similar acoustic issues, consider installing Still Note panels to achieve a quieter, more productive work environment.💡 Interested? See the range here ---> Still Note Panels👓 Read more ---> Acoustic Solutions

Achieving a Building Regulations compliant level of soundproofing in residential conversion projects demands the use of superior quality soundproofing materials and systems, which are deployed in the right way. It is an approach that a recent development in the south Manchester suburb of Levenshulme perfectly encapsulates, with outstanding results for the developer and future residents.Hush Acoustics was tasked to provide a solution for a conversion project at 31 Albert Road, Levenshulme by Meridian Construction & Refurbishments. It was converting the five-bedroom Victorian dwelling into two residential flats, which meant the separating floors had to be constructed in a way that would meet the acoustic standards set out in Approved Document E of the Building Regulations for England and Wales.Under Approved Document E, ‘material change of use’ projects like this must incorporate soundproofing in the floors between individual dwellings to reduce the risk of nuisance sound transmission. Evidence that the floor construction complies with the standards is normally provided to building control through post-installation acoustic testing, which on this project was undertaken by C80 Solutions.Hush Acoustics was invited to attend the site by Meridian when the building was at its early rip out stage. This provided an opportunity to get a clear understanding of the situation and discuss the options for the separating floors to ensure they would meet the requirements of Approved Document E.The floor structure was a traditional timber floor with floorboards. There was only a very limited specification in the design, so Hush was able to help by providing specialist technical consultation to develop the most cost effective and easy to install solution for the Meridian site team.Following the site visit and inspection of the building, Hush Acoustics’ soundproofing specialists developed an acoustic product specification for the separating floors that would not only meet the minimum standards of the Building Regulations, but exceed them with ease.Hush-Panel 17, a thin MDF overlay board which incorporates a 10mm Hush-Felt resilient layer, was installed over the structural deck. This was glued using Hush-Bond Panel Adhesive and isolated at the perimeters using Hush-Seal 20.The structural deck consisted of the original floorboards that had been overboarded with a thin plywood. This provided a solid flat surface to install the acoustic flooring. The existing ceiling was left in place where possible to avoid the need for ripping out where it was not required, which allowed for a new acoustic ceiling to be installed. This consisted of two layers of 15mm Fireline plasterboard on a suspended frame with Hush-Slab 100 sound absorber slabs placed within the ceiling void.As part of the service, Hush Acoustics arranged for the acoustic testing to be carried out by testing partner C80 Solutions. They recorded the following results:Airborne – 53 dB DnTw+Ctr and 52 dB DnTw+Ctr (the higher, the better)Impact – 48 dB LnTw and 43 dB LnTw (the lower, the better)These are very good acoustic figures for a separating floor in a residential conversion project of this kind, demonstrating what can be achieved with a combination of high quality soundproofing materials are combined and installation correctly.Ultimately, this outstanding acoustic performance for the separating floors will help to ensure a high level of satisfaction for the future residents of these modern apartments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Lantern is the result of a wholesale redevelopment and reimagining of a large eight story building in Euston, Central London. Developer owners Lazari Investments have worked with Marks Barfield Architects to create a stunning scheme which successfully meets the current desire for built inner city environments to offer contemporary and elegant work space alongside areas designed for leisure, relaxation and retail therapy.Rockfon were very pleased to be specified for the project which offers 23,000m2 of mixed-use space including offices, café’s, shops and apartments. In addition there are large terraces and gardens on almost every level.The elegant solution to unwanted noiseAround 850m2 of unique Rockfon Mono Acoustic has been installed throughout communal areas, lobbies, thoroughfares and café’s throughout the building to deliver elegant sound control where the use of reverberant materials such as glass, stone, concrete and steel, added to high foot-fall would result in unwanted noise.8build were principle contractors for the scheme with Pacy & Wheatley Acoustics being responsible for the installation of Mono Acoustic systems. David Booth of the specialist firm spoke about the project, “We are proud of the work we’ve carried out at The Lantern, which presented a number of challenges associated with the myriad of services and fittings which go to make-up sophisticated contemporary mixed-use architecture. “The grid work and Mono Acoustic were installed to a wide variety of abutments in spaces throughout the building including within the large atrium, working around the many finishes and fire curtains to the front face of the lobby and glazed screens to either end. Fitting the ceiling to accommodate a stunning feature Italian light fitting suspended from 130 rods fixed to the structural slab called for exacting tolerances and really demonstrated the system’s versatility.”Seamless performanceMono is a ground-breaking product which combines a seamless ceiling with high performance characteristics. Ceiling tiles are installed and completed with acoustic render creating a smooth, monolithic surface which not only offers high sound absorption but also provides high light reflection and light diffusion, reducing the need for artificial light.The system allows for incorporation of lighting, audio and other mechanical systems whilst delivering Class A2 fire protection. It also offers dimensionally stability at up to 100% relative humidity and can be installed in temperatures ranging from 0˚C to 40˚C.Fully recyclable, all Rockfon ranges are made from a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic and non-combustible stone wool. Their surfaces provide no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embody high humidity resistance and are impervious to most environmental pressures. With blue chip corporates including Fujitsu, Siemens and Bauer Media occupying space within the development, attention to detail was vital in helping create the perfect setting, which is known to aid productivity while contributing to employee wellbeing and retention. Acoustic control is also vital within places where people dine, with research showing customers are less likely to return to noisy restaurants. Commitment to wellbeingRockfon Specification Manager Alan Davies talks about the brand’s commitment to the sound control and wellbeing, “We are proud to be among a growing number of manufacturers to have its products assessed by Quiet Mark – the independent global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation. Its international award programme recognises excellence in low-noise products, technology and solutions to unwanted noise - visit www.quietmark.com

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.

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

Project: Jodrell BankMain Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine LtdSubcontractor/installer: Sound Interiors LtdArchitect: HassellProduct: SuperPhonOverall Project Value: £16 millionQuantity: 56 triangular and 26 circular acoustic raftsHassel Architects and Robert McAlpine contractors collaborate on The First Light Pavillion, nestled in the Cheshire countryside at Jodrell Bank. The educational centre with a focus on not only the future of our planet, but of our universe.Jodrell Bank and the First Light PavilionJodrell Bank is the northern heart of British space research thanks to the Lovell telescope, which at 3200 tonnes is one of the world’s largest radio telescopes. The site hosts the yearly science and music festival ‘BlueDot,’ named after one astronomer’s description of planet earth from space as a ‘pale blue dot.’ As the name suggests, the event aims to change the way we think about our planet, with huge mechanical sculptures made of recycled items created each year. It attracts scientists and speakers from around the world, including Brian Cox and Richard Dawkins, award-winning author of ‘The Selfish Gene.’Drawing on the history of Jodrell bank, Manchester University are now embarking on a long term project to introduce a younger generation to science. The team believe ‘A passion for science, sparked in childhood, can be the catalyst that leads to bold new discoveries and a better understanding of the world around us.’ In order to spark this passion, The First Light Pavilion will use immersive installations to tell the history of Jodrell bank and it’s place in science history. The space will accommodate speakers, school trips and conferences, and will bring visitors from all over the UK.Robert McAlpineLead contractor on this project, Robert McAlpine have an equally future facing outlook. They are best known for the internationally recognised Eden Project, an indoor tropical paradise made of a series of interlocking biomes designed to emulate rainforest conditions. Unseen on this scale anywhere else in the world, Robert McAlpine constructed the world largest scaffolding, using 230 miles of poles. As well as looking the part, the offices are also built from entirely recycled materials, and the centre aims to promote caring for our environment. In a similar vein to The First Light Pavilion, the site was specially built to accommodate learning, as well as large scale festivals and events.Hassell ArchitectsHassell Architect’s ethos is focused on science education, winning them two AIA awards for their work with James Cook’s University’s science department. They were highly praised for “making science visible, accessible and attractive,” to both students and the general public. The firm is also known for recognising the changing needs of educational spaces in the digital age. Many of their projects focus on multi-use spaces that can be used for socialising, group learning and conferences. They are based both the UK and Australia, and have led projects everywhere from Brighton to Brisbane, bringing an international flair to the idyllic Jodrell Bank site.CMS Danskin AcousticsCMS Danskin Acoustics describe themselves as experts in soundproofing solutions, and have a huge amount of well known projects to back this up. Many of their most inventive projects have been in partnership with SuperPhon, and showcase CMS Danskin Acoustics ability to create distraction-proof educational environments. Most recently they were involved in a reinvention of Teesside University Library. Tasked with breathing new life into the study space, CMS Danskin Accoustics suspended foam plates from the ceiling to emulate a rainforest retreat. The foam plates were specially designed with study in mind and dispersed sound, keeping interference at a minimum for the students below.The ProblemReverberation is consistently a problem in large educational spaces, affecting sound quality and causing distractions. With 20,000 schoolchildren expected through it’s doors each year, and countless speeches and workshops happening year round, reducing reverberation is of high priority for The First Light Pavilion. A useful measure for the effectiveness of any sound absorption solution is BB93: acoustic design of schools – performance standards. This details the level of sound absorption acceptable for a classroom environment. BB93 recommends reverberation time to be as little as 0.4 seconds, which should be used as the benchmark for this project.The SolutionIn a similar technique used at Teesside University, SuperPhon’s sound absorption rafts will be suspended from the ceiling of the pavilion. They will integrate into the design of the pavilion, as they can be cut to bespoke sizes, mirroring the night sky above. The panels are sound absorbent, made of a composite construction and covered in acoustically transparent woven textile fabric..The ResultReverberation should decrease to 60 decibels in less than half a second, as recommended by the BB93, making The First Light Pavilion the calming educational space it was designed to be. The building will be able to comfortably accommodate thousands of visitors each year with minimal noise disturbances, allowing guests to focus on the majesty of space and the world around us.

Unity Place, the new six floor state-of-the-art Swindon offices of Zurich Insurance, represents a £36m investment by the Swiss-owned global brand. Rockfon is delighted to have played its part in this innovative project where a core design remit of the 9300m2 project was to aim for BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Award winning Alec French Architects were design principals for the scheme. Architect Mercedes Mortalla Cebrian of the practice, “Rockfon were able to supply product in the required dimensions and within budget. Acoustics were very important – calculations were made, with their products providing the solutions which complied to the relevant regulations The Rockfon team were incredibly helpful, providing great technical support and very quick to answer any queries.”The innovative interiors at Unity Place utilise a limited colour palette to great effect in creating a chic paired back, industrial aesthetic which also manages to offer visual warmth and a sense of quality and light with full height window walls featured throughout.Zurich Project Manager Ian White, “When we were looking for a contractor to deliver this new building for us, it was important that they understood our environmental policy and how sustainability is at the heart of this new building. …we are delighted with our new building.”Skanska was appointed as main contractor. They stated, ‘Skanska used a low carbon site set-up approach to realise Zurich’s aim of providing a sustainable environment for employees, through a climate-smart building. It’s targeting BREEAM Excellent – which will put it in the top ten per cent of non-residential buildings in the UK in terms of sustainability.’Skanska Operations Director Charlie Norris added, “We’re proud that this development has delivered the first new office space in the heart of Swindon in a generation and it’s in a state-of-the-art, sustainable building. “Ultimately, the aim was building a sustainable workplace that enhances peoples’ wellbeing.”The varied work of installing the acoustic solutions throughout the building was the responsibility of Bristol-based Topfix Interiors, which delivers specialised interior solutions to all sectors of the construction industry. Topfix Site Manager Scott Dunn spoke about the work, “This was an interesting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding project. We had to research a new system using parallel suspension rails on the north side of the development and the crane necessary to carry out high level installations within the multi-storey atrium also tested the team’s skill and fortitude.”A specialist range for every spaceRockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “This stunning development offered us the great opportunity to feature around 3800m2 of our specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of the spaces which make up this great project. They include: Eclipse Islands in square, rectangular and circular formats; Universal Baffles; Medicare, Color-all and two variants of our Blanka range.Rockfon Blanka® offers a wide choice of options for installation and usage and is in evidence in two variants at Unity Place. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Its easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money. The high light reflectance of the ceiling systems at the Swindon offices optimise natural light, helping provide healthy interiors whilst minimising energy costs. Superior acoustic performance is demonstrated across all Rockfon ranges. It’s a key reason why it is preferred by so many specifiers. Independent research shows improved acoustics can reduce stress levels by 27% and increase focus by 48%, aiding wellbeing while optimising productivity. Rockfon Eclipse® – elegance and performanceAcoustic Eclipse islands are installed in various formats and dimensions throughout the building. These frameless, lightweight ceiling islands can be specified in an almost unlimited range of shapes and can also be custom colour matched. They are often used to subtly and elegantly camouflage necessary services and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Quick and easy to install, Eclipse islands are also perfect for thermal mass installations with their rear surface providing excellent heat and light reflection. All Rockfon ranges are made from non-combustible stone wool, which is impervious to most environmental pressures, embodies very high humidity resistance and guards against the incidence of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.Rockfon Color-all® is available in a standard range of 34 exclusive colours and can be supplied in almost any colour. It was installed in the Charcoal option using secret fixings, under stairways where visual impact and sound control were important considerations. Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. Encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, they feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. They are available in white and in a selection of colours.Rockfon Medicare® for when bacterial control is key HTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was also installed to offer outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1), simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 5) mark it out as a first choice for areas where increased cleanliness is required.Contemporary company headquarters and offices are increasingly required to offer a wide spectrum of spaces under one roof. From lobbies and atria, to offices, break-out areas, auditoria and cafes – each with its own specific needs in terms of acoustics and other characteristics. Rockfon has the products, expertise and experience to deliver solutions to offer outstanding performance that also looks beautiful.

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.

Hunter Douglas launches new HeartFelt Multi-panel system

When American architect, Louis Sullivan, in 1896, said, “Form ever follows function” he probably hadn’t foreseen the creation of the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest that would have its origins in the devastation left in the wake of the Second World War.The ChallengeThe preservation of old buildings is challenging enough but additional issues arise when it comes to refurbishments and renovations, particularly if there is a material change of use. Suddenly, a building that was created for one purpose is given another, sometimes radically different, purpose. The form can’t follow the function if the function is allocated post-construction. Significant modifications can help align an old building with its new function but, in the case of Grade II listed buildings, for example, the interior can’t be fundamentally changed and function is forced to compromise.Even when there is no significant change of use, modern building regulations demand performance standards that didn’t even exist at the time that buildings currently being renovated were originally envisioned and created. The requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations, governing soundproofing between floors of a building, are relatively easy to shoehorn into a renovation project as these tend to be concealed beneath floor finishes and screeds. Problems with reverberation are far more difficult to tackle and even though there is very little regulation surrounding this issue, BB93 of the Building Regulations, governing reverberation levels in schools, tends to be employed as an effective benchmark.When reverberation levels reach a certain point, they can become more than just an irritation, with the overlap between what is currently being said and what was said a couple of seconds ago becoming genuinely disruptive. In schools, this can make it extremely difficult for children to follow what their teacher is saying. For this reason, BB93 demands a reverberation time of 0.8 seconds or less, with 0.4 seconds being seen as ideal. Reverberation time is described as the time taken for the sound pressure to fall by 60 decibels after the original sound has ceased abruptly. So, in the case of BB93, 0.8 seconds or less after a sound has been made, that sound should have decreased by 60dB. 60dB is a significant drop, the difference between a construction site with pneumatics drills and a busy department store.It is in situations like this, when form and function appear determined to have nothing to do with one another, that architects and the designers of construction materials are driven towards increasingly innovative and paradigm-shifting solutions. The stereotype of the architect who is concerned only with form and is completely disinterested in function is, thankfully, a thing of the past (if these individuals ever really existed at all). Modern architects don’t create buildings so much as living and working spaces, where physical aesthetics are neatly balanced with a host of other concerns, such as the quality of an environment’s acoustics.Although regulation sets crucial, legally-enforceable parameters, few architects need to be incentivised to aim high when it comes to a building’s acoustics.This drive towards innovation has resulted in widely differing solutions. Reflector panels and diffusers redirect sound waves or disburse them more evenly through the listening environment, reducing nuisance noise. These solutions tend to be employed in lecture halls or auditoria, where a certain amount of volume is desirable, but the quality of the sound is crucial. The most commonly employed anti-reverberation product is the sound absorption panel. These fabric covered panels are mounted on the walls of a room or suspended from the ceiling. When the sound wave enters the open cell structure or fibrous composition of the panel, it bounces around like a pinball. The friction resulting from each instance of impact is converted into low-level heat which is absorbed into the material. When the sound wave re-emerges, its energy, and consequently its ‘loudness’, is significantly diminished. This tends to be the solution of choice for classrooms and is generally considered to be the quickest and most cost-effective route to BB93 compliance.Some acoustic challenges are more demanding than others. The renovation of the Picton Reading Room, part of the £50 million redevelopment of Liverpool Central Library, being a case in point. Not only is the reading room contained within a Grade II listed building, it also boasts an elaborate coffered saucer dome. Domes are something of an acoustician’s nightmare, as they focus rather than distribute sound, exacerbating reverberation problems. All of which means a dropped pencil in the Picton Reading Room sounds like a Keith Moon drum solo. Why Cornelius Sherlock, the reading room’s architect, decided to incorporate a dome – one 100 feet in diameter and 56 feet high – into his design for a space that was intended for quiet study is a little bewildering, even if his work does predate Sullivan’s remarks by a couple of decades.Thousands of hours of work have gone into restoring the ceiling of the Picton Reading Room, with plaster, paint and gold leaf being matched as closely as possible to the original 1875 design. Given the need to be true to the form of the original, certain anti-reverberation solutions were unworkable. Reflectors, diffusers and baffles couldn’t be suspended from the ceiling, as all those thousands of hours of work would be hidden from view and the Nineteenth Century aesthetics undermined. Wall-mounted sound absorption panels were not a viable option, as there was very little wall to speak of, with three levels of solid wood bookshelves encircling the room, almost up to the beginning of the dome.Recent innovations in the area of acoustic plaster held the solution. Sound absorbent plaster has been around for some years, offering a smooth appearance which conceals a porous, granular structure similar to that found in sound absorption panels. However, until recently, the amount of sound absorption offered has always been limited to Class ‘B’ and Class ‘C’. Now, however, Class ‘A’ acoustic plaster systems are available. It was just such an acoustic plaster that CMS Danskin used for the Liverpool Central Library project.Because of the limited surface area in the Picton Reading Room, Ellie Morris, CMS Danskin’s Technical Support Coordinator, hit upon the idea of applying the acoustic plaster into the soffits beneath the balconies of the upper shelving areas. The results were a resounding (or un-resounding) success. A relatively small amount of an innovative product, cleverly applied brought a 138-year old listed building’s acoustics in line with contemporary standards and not a hint of compromise in sight.

Eikon Design has successfully undertaken a major renovation of the Spirit AeroSystems main reception area, creating a stylish, energised space that integrates perfectly with the new corporate branding on its recently completed, world-class £28m Aerospace Innovation Centre.Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defence platforms, and business and regional jets. Eikon Design won the contract to design and project manage the reception area renovation.From the start, the designer felt that the refurbished reception area needed to reflect the dynamism and vitality projected by the Innovation Centre. The designers first thoughts were that they had to explore ways of using quality lighting and natural daylight on surfaces to create an impressive, engaging experience for visitors.The colour scheme - The designer Susan Anderson chose a neutral colour scheme that would reflect that used on the exterior of the Aerospace Innovation Centre, which was predominantly silver and grey. Surfaces – HARMONY pre-fixed slatted acoustic felt . Susan wanted to bring the reception area to life with surfaces that had different textures, depending on the light available and where the visitor stood in the room. After researching the market, Susan chose the Harmony ribbed-felt wall acoustic panels which Saxen sourced from the manufacturers, Soundtect. They were the perfect solution – grey fibre slats on a black acoustic sheet, as they had the structure, texture and colour she was looking for. Plus they were hypoallergenic and non-toxic, with up to 1.0 NRC (noise reduction co-efficient) – and a totally sustainable addition to the project, having been manufactured third-generation from recycled PET.The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are first recycled into exhibition carpets and then, at the end of their short second life, converted again into highly efficient acoustic felt by carefully re-layering the fibres to use as the core for this impressive, elegant, ribbed acoustic treatment.The Harmony panels are manufactured with fireproofing built-in, because the original carpet fibres were already fireproof so this critical safety component is integral to the product and not simply sprayed on. The Cause was responsible for fitting all the ribbed Harmony wall panels.The wooden wall panels behind the reception desk were dated, so the designer decided to repurpose them.- they were prepped, base coat applied and sprayed with two beautiful tones of metallic silver by Scottish Architectural Spray painters. Visual contrast was provided by prepped and coated matt white wall areas. LightingHaving found the perfect panelling, the designer had to consider the lighting and the role it would play. She worked with Seren Lighting, using a combination of existing products and bespoke lighting in ways which were both innovative and functional – using light to define spaces and surfaces. Depending on the way they were lit – whether artificial light, natural light or a mixture of both – the texture on the Harmony panels created subtly different moods. Also, as there is a fair amount of daylight flooding into the reception, the atmosphere of the whole space changed with the passing of time and the amount of daylight with both the ribbed and silver metallic panels creating different atmospheres depending on where you stood. All the lights installed in the project follow ‘circular economy’ principles and can be cost-effectively maintained and serviced – parts can be replaced with no need to throw the whole light away and buy a new one. The reception deskFor most of the day in summer and for short periods in winter, the reception area is flooded with natural light from two sides, so lighting the reception desk workstation needed a careful response.The workstation was located behind the reception desk, so using standard lighting methods would have detracted from the overall impression and been unnecessary for long periods. In developing the solution, the designer followed the basic principle, ‘put light where you want it, when you need it’. So an LED ultra-effect strip in diffuse profile was used under the top surface of the reception desk which threw a subtle light onto where the receptionist was working on the computer. The receptionist can switch this strip on or off as appropriate.The Cause remodelled and reformatted the reception desk to the design, which involved removing the angled elements and large posts, and replacing them with a concealed door. They also fitted the reception desk surface with a stylish, matt, dark-grey laminate, installing the lighting, graphic panel and ribbed panelling to the front. The panelling’s flexibility ensured a perfect fit around the curve in the reception desk.The reception desk skirting was painted the same colour as the staircase handrail.The Wing LightsThese were designed to develop the Wing Lights from first principle. The Wing Lights deliver light upwards, so it bounces off the various surfaces to enhance the textures and reflective differences. They also project a visual link to the ‘star’ element of the Spirit AeroSystems logo and took several attempts to create the final geometric shape. However, the Wing Lights now act as dramatic focal point within the space, capturing the essence of Spirit AeroSystems’ business and the designers overall design vision.CeilingThe existing suspended ceiling was off-white in colour, and looked rather tired so it was spray-painted with a dark metallic silver, which transformed the appearance of the ceiling and changed the whole look of the reception area. Lighting the upper-level walkwayThere were issues with uneven wall surfaces on the upper-level walkway. The solution was to apply architecturally inspired Harmony, lit by dramatic custom-made LEDs, to create the total effect – an utterly stunning, modern wall. The lights used were twin gimbal heads – round lights that can swivel in two directions. These were specially adapted from standard lights in the Seren range. The twin gimbal heads were installed in false pockets, clad with ribbed-felt. They provide functional lighting to the walkway, while adding a dramatic effect on the wall panelling.Finally, a pelmet was constructed to conceal a new LED Cob profile, allowing it to wash diffused light between the ribbed features of the Harmony panelling.The panels above the pelmet were spray-painted silver – the same colour as the ceiling – to give a much more dramatic effect.Other features…The wooden bannister handrail was stripped back and layered with different metallic colours to give a changing surface effect with different shadows and highlights. It was then coated in a high-gloss lacquer. This introduced an accent of colour, which also reflected the company’s corporate colours.StructuresDominating the reception area are two high columns, one of which contains a lift. Given the solidity and simplicity of the shapes, the designer decided on a lighting solution that would create an architectural feel, so she used beam-controlled light bars at the top of the structures to project a subtle wash down the full length of the columns.Carpets and furnitureThe existing carpet tiles were removed and upgraded. They were colour coordinated with the new, striking Italian Quadrifoglio furniture, sourced through Saxen. This furniture was the cornerstone of the designers vision vision, and its style, shape, colours and textures tie the space together.ConclusionThe success of the project was very much down to careful planning, creative thought and good people working together. Products used: Freestyle. Harmony

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.

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.

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.”

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

The new London headquarters of the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of England celebrates its historic origins and looks forward to its future as a place of learning for 21st century physicians and dentists

The Rockfon Training Centre in Northamptonshire showcases a bespoke island measuring over 10m and featuring linear lighting.

Manchester Airport is an international airport at Ringway, Manchester, England, 7.5 nautical miles south-west of Manchester city centre. In 2019, it was the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger numbers and the busiest of those not serving London. Working alongside architects Pascall+Watson and subcontractor The Invicta Group, Promat has played a key role in the £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), which will see the airport significantly grow and modernise throughout the early 2020s.

Jubilee Bridge was constructed in 1977 - chloride contamination was causing corrosion of the suspended and cantilever reinforced concrete support beams, half-joint elements and the soffits of the beamsICCP was used to protect cantilever beams, half-joints and suspended slab elements. Over 8,500 anodes were drilled in and are controlled in 20 zones with separate control of the beams and the half-joints.

Impressive transformations for enhanced airport hospitality

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

Sonata Vario Class A suspended acoustic absorption panels installed within the dining room at Burlington House School to control reverberation and noise during use.

Eurosafe Solutions completed a major project to deliver and install a suspended cradle access system for the new Formula One Grand Prix stadium, which is built in India.

Waterproofing of the retaining wall for the youth hostel, the lifts pits, the basement slab and walls that would be the shop and the suspended roof slabs that are stepped over three levels across the entire building.

A client in Essex wanted to adorn their luxury residence with digitally printed blinds throughout. From nature to citiscape, over 30 panels were printed and suspended from the Silent Gliss panel glide system.

Rockfon is very happy to have played its part in ensuring the team at premium British lifestyle brand Joules’ new Market Harborough HQ can work in an interior environment where beauty and acoustic control create the perfect space for collaboration.Founded by Tom Joule over 30 years ago, the Group had ambitious aspirations to create a new home that would support its continued growth over the coming years.  Edge vision melds contemporary with heritageEdge Architecture + Design were appointed to lead the project and chose to specify Rockfon acoustic systems. The result is a contemporary, eye-catching 60,000 sq. ft. new HQ, which brings the brand’s UK-based office teams under one roof for the first time. Amplifying the brand’s heritage and reflecting the site’s semi-rural setting, the campus resembles a series of interconnecting barn structures that appear to have evolved over time. The complex is surrounded by landscaping including wildflower meadows and a kitchen garden which enhances the natural feel of the space. Michael Fern, Principle at Edge, said, “This new space will enable a workplace strategy of nimbleness, agile working and wellness… We also wanted to create a strong sense of place that respects the natural surroundings of the site and have designed the scheme as a human scale experience with the building and the landscape interacting in a symbiotic way. We took the local farmstead vernacular as a starting point for the visual aesthetic and used sustainable materials.”Tom Joule, Chief Brand Officer and founder of Joules, said, “This has been a hugely exciting project for our company and our future. We are delighted with the new HQ which will support agile working and new efficiencies in an environment that will enable our growing business to continue to attract and retain world-class talent. Edge’s design embodies our brand and will help us preserve and support our heritage and culture as we expand.”Agricultural cues inform an 21st Century aestheticThe exterior of the campus looks sharp against the skyline whilst taking visual cues and inspiration from agricultural architecture. The interiors are a mix of single and two storey spaces encapsulating open plan and more defined rooms with levels reached by broad stairways. Structural steel and timber add visual heft to the predominantly white pallete which sees certain elements picked out in oxide red, deep teal and warm grey. It certainly delivers the wow factor and promises to nurture creative thought.Bailey Construction were the main contractor for the project, with Elmsmere Interior Systems responsible for the installation of the Rockfon acoustic systems. Gary Sturgess of Elmsmere spoke about the project, “This was an interesting project with Rockfon Mono® Acoustic used in a variety of roles and settings to help control sound while fitting in with the clean, pared down style of the interiors. Everyone concerned is very happy with the completed work which showcases Mono’s versatility.”Pandemic pause affects design choicesAppointed in 2019, Joules’ CEO Nick Jones joined the Group during the design and construction of the new HQ. However, when the pandemic struck and people shifted to working from home, construction was halted which allowed the company to revise its plans to best suit new methods of working and office culture. In response the company has expanded the central atrium and created more space between desks to promote spontaneous interaction. Meeting rooms are equipped with tech enabling remote workers to easily participate, while floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor features, including a bug hotel, help to connect the space to the company’s countryside heritage.Nick Jones commented, “With the opening of our new office, we have introduced a new fully flexible approach to how and where our colleagues work, and the space that we have is critical to that. Not only does our new office allow teams to better connect with one and other—whether in the office or working from home—but also brings the countryside in, to help inspire colleagues from across the business.”Rockfon Mono Acoustic – versatility and styleRockfon’s Matt Barratt, “The completed Joules HQ looks fabulous. Throughout its open plan offices Rockfon Mono Acoustic has been installed to great effect, bringing together the seamless, clean lines associated with traditional plastered surfaces and acoustic performance thought only possible with modular systems. Large windows, structural steel and other hard architectural elements can generate unwanted sound within a space. Mono provides Class A sound absorption (0.95αw) which significantly decreases echo and reverberation levels.”The current utility aesthetic is in evidence at ‘the Barn’. Air conditioning, heating, ventilation and other services are on show in several areas, with Mono installed directly above. It offers Class A2 fire protection and remains dimensionally stable at up to 100% relative humidity. It offers 87% light reflection and greater than 99% light diffusion. In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stonewall, is non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. It can be installed using a suspended grid system or be directly mounted on to the ceiling soffit or and wall.