"acoustic"

Hush Acoustics provided an acoustic treatment for the floors within the visitor centre of the first sake brewery in the UK, Dojima Sake Brewery. The client was concerned the excessive impact noise from busy areas would transmit through the floors and affect other spaces. The solution was to develop a floating floor design involving Hush Panel 28.Hush Panel 28 was specified for use within the visitor centre to provide an acoustic overlay floor treatment for the café area, which is above the main visitor centre, to help control impact noise from the busy environment.The specification was developed in conjunction with Alinda Barua from SCABAL Architects (Studio Cullinan and Buck Architects Ltd), which represented an excellent collaboration to arrive at the required acoustic improvements.

Oscar Elite exceptionally smooth acoustic plaster used on Grand Design Series 7. Oscar Acoustics' experienced in-house operatives installed Oscar Elite acoustic plaster directly onto the original concrete soffit at a depth of only 25mm and up the vertical faces into the feature light lantern. The end result was a flat white acoustic plaster finish, smoother than most conventional plastered and painted finishes, which made this potential sonic battle ground a relaxing and comfortable place in which to spend time.

The developer of an apartment conversion scheme in the Pennine hills village of Diggle near Oldham wanted to achieve superior sound reduction standards in the walls and floors and go beyond the minimum requirements set out by the Building Regulations.The Old Mill House project involved transforming a Victorian industrial building into several residential dwellings. The project’s design needed to comply with the requirements of Approved Document E, which sets out minimum standards in England and Wales for airborne and impact sound transmission between dwellings where there is a Material Change of Use.However, to deliver the highest quality living accommodation to potential buyers, the developer insisted that the acoustic specification not only met the minimum standards but went beyond them.To achieve their goals for the floors and walls, they approached Hush Acoustics for assistance in developing the specifications and providing the required products.Given the unique nature of the properties being created, the acoustic design for the flooring had to be compatible with underfloor heating and more unusual floor finishes such as stone tiling.The specification developed by Hush Acoustics for the separating floors beneath the floorcoverings featured a plywood timber deck, below which was the underfloor heating system and 8mm Hush FFR resilient underlay.For the ceiling side, Hush recommended standard acoustic insulation for use within the timber joists, two layers of 15mm Fireline plasterboard attached to the underside of the joists, the Hush MF Ceiling System to allow Hush Slab 100 to be fitted in the void created, finished with a layer of 15mm Soundbloc plasterboard.For the separating walls, two specifications were developed according to the types of walls. In areas where there was an existing masonry wall, a wall lining consisting of independent stud work, Hush Slab insulation and Soundbloc plasterboard was developed. In other areas of the scheme, a twin timber stud wall is recommended, again featuring Hush Slab insulation and Soundbloc plasterboard.As part of the process, the Hush Acoustics team undertook many site visits and guided the design and build process to ensure the correct installation was followed, and pre-completion testing was also arranged.The solutions developed and provided by Hush Acoustics fully met the developer’s goals to go beyond Approved Document E’s compliance standards according to the pre-completion tests.

ACOUSTIC insulation experts CMS Danskin Acoustics has worked with historic Standon Hall to specify and supply a range of acoustic products to reduce the impact of airborne and impact sound transmission in the Grade II listed Staffordshire venue.During the course of redeveloping the early 20th century country house into a high-quality wedding and business venue, Standon Hall made acoustics a key element for investment. CMS Danskin Acoustic’s in-house technical team conducted a site assessment in order to specify an insulation strategy to address structure borne noise and absorb sound.The objective was to prevent noise transfer between ground floor functions rooms and nine bedrooms and suites above. Andrey Magiy, Standon Hall’s MD, said, ‘During this two-year project to transform the hall into an outstanding venue we had an opportunity to address acoustics as floors were lifted to install new services. It was as important to prevent sounds from above being heard in meetings and conferences below, as it was to prevent noise from ground floor functions filtering up into the bedrooms.’The resulting acoustics strategy from CMS Danskin Acoustics involved the installation of 600sq m of Smartspan floor panels, Karma TNF70 high density stone-fibre batt and REGUPOL acoustic isolation strip. Challenges included the need to work from above to avoid disturbing fine, moulded lath and plaster ceilings below and the necessity to specify high performance acoustic materials of a thickness that wouldn’t increase bedroom and bathroom floor levels.Andy Hayes, CMS Danskin specification manager and IAO Affiliate, said, ‘Smartspan panels span across bearing structures such as, in this case, joists. They provide high acoustic performance, are easy to install, come in different thicknesses, such as the 32mm and 18mm used at Standon Hall, and have a reaction to fire classification (EN 13501-1) A1.‘Smartspan was also valuable for use in bathroom floors as it has excellent thermal conductivity making it ideal over UFH systems, has surface water absorption of only (EN20535) <300g/sq m is suitable for stone and ceramic finishes and, with a tongue-and-groove profile, it’s straightforward to install.’REGUPOL Acoustic Isolation Strip was also incorporated to reduce impact noise from first floor footfall. The strips are designed to sit beneath all types of partition walls and are described by the company as a simple and effective way to reduce structure borne noise. ‘Quick and easy to install, they provide long term performance without collapse or ‘bottoming’ out under high point loads, are resistant to ageing and deformation, are manufactured using recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.’~Karma TNF70 was also specified in places. Says the company: ‘It’s typically used in refurbishment projects for improving existing structures where access is only available from above and where additional acoustic and fire performance is required, such as in flats, offices, shops, and hotels. It’s lightweight, quick to install and is a dry system that won’t damage sensitive lath and plaster ceilings or fine plaster mouldings.’‘The products have been absolutely brilliant and we have great acoustics results for the primary rooms,’ said Standon Hall’s Andrey Magiy. Standon Hall opened for private hire for weddings and corporate events during 2021 and the bedrooms and suites were completed and launched in spring 2022.

20000m2 Acoustic Cradles Supplied at Maiden Lane Camden

When Galaxy Insulation – Hush Acoustics’ parent company – moved into its new regional offices near Glasgow, the team wanted to ensure the spaces were pleasant to work in and acoustically comfortable.The offices at Blantyre to the south of the city are contained within a modern building in a business park. This is typically designed and optimised for versatility, energy efficiency and low maintenance with large windows to allow for plenty of natural light transmission.As is common with office buildings of this type, given the relatively low levels of soft materials and furnishings used in the fit-out and décor, once the team moved into their offices it quickly became apparent that the environment was echoey and acoustically uncomfortable as a result of reverberation.RESOLVING ACOUSTIC ISSUESBeing familiar with this issue, the team at Galaxy Insulation were keen to ensure that everyone in the new office could work without being disrupted by excessive background noise, which is often caused by soundwaves reflecting off hard surfaces like glass and wood.Galaxy Insulation turned to the team at Hush Acoustics for assistance with this issue, having seen how it had worked with clients across the UK to address similar reverberation problems. Hush started the process by conducting an acoustic survey to determine the extent of the problem and identify where sound absorber panels could be fitted to resolve the issue.Hush proposed fitting six Hush Absorber 50 panels in varying sizes, including 1800x1200mm, 1200×1200 and 1000x1000mm, which would be strategically mounted on the walls of the offices.This is a Class A absorber that comprises a specially formulated 50mm thick acoustic foam, hand-finished with an interior fabric, which is applied to the face, edges and back return.ADDING A CREATIVE DIMENSIONAs Hush Absorber panels are always manufactured to order in a fabric cover coloured to the requirements of the client, this presented an opportunity for Galaxy to use the new panels for decorative purposes too.Rather than apply a single colour or generic pattern, the local team leading the project wanted to celebrate their great city by printing large photographs of famous Glasgow landmarks onto the panels. A number of high-resolution photographs were sourced and supplied to Hush to arrange the fabric printing as part of the manufacturing process.Hush manufactured and supplied the absorber panels within three weeks from the date of order, and installed them all in a matter of hours to minimise disruption at the Galaxy Insulation offices. Feedback from the team gave the panels an immediate thumbs up, with the difference in acoustic comfort noticed instantly and the images giving the office a distinctive new look.CLIENT FEEDBACKJim Downie, Scotland’s Managing Director of Galaxy Insulation said: “What a transformation the absorber panels have made! Firstly, they look amazing with the vibrant colours of the photographs reproducing extremely well, reflecting our intention to celebrate Glasgow’s iconic buildings and skyline.“Acoustically, the offices are far more comfortable for everyone. We’re an extremely busy office here as we work with customers across Scotland, so we’re always speaking on the phone or talking to each other to deliver for clients. We wanted to ensure high levels of background noise did not result in reverberation and make the working environment potentially unbearable.“The team at Hush Acoustics were quick to understand our requirements which gave us complete confidence that their proposed solution would meet our needs. Now the panels are installed, it is clear that the Hush Absorber 50 panels have worked exactly as planned, working in the background to minimise the risk of nuisance reverberation.”

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.

In this project, Hush Acoustics were tasked with a project in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, to provide a solution for a beautiful mid terraced property recently converted into 4x spacious apartments over four floors.With the apartments located very close to a road, the issues became apparent after spending some time inside, with road traffic noise as well as public background noise clearly heard.Key to resolving the issues was to ensure appropriate acoustic measures were carried out when converting this existing property into apartments, and that the party walls and/or ceilings met the required standards for conversion under the Building Regulations, Approved Document E.Working with Andrew Bentley, the architect and Kevin Cretney of Kinrade Construction, a solution incorporating the following was provided:HD1044 ACOUSTIC BASEMENT SYSTEMThis system has been created with residential properties in mind and is made up of a combination of materials that offer excellent sound reduction within the specified area.The basement system is made up of Hush Slab 100 which is tightly packed within the joists, Hush Deep Resilient Bars, which are fixed horizontally to the underneath of the joists and Hush Multi Panel which is fixed to the underside of the bars. 15mm of Fireline Plasterboard is then used to over board the Multi Panel.HD1041 ACOUSTIC WALL LINING SYSTEMThis system has been thoroughly tested to exceed Building Regulations and our competitor’s wall lining products. It is made up of Hush Multi Panel, the 15mm Fireline which is then installed over, ensuring joints are staggered. The perimeters are sealed using Hush Isolation Tape, as well as our Acoustic Sealant. These boards are then fixed to the Deep Resilient Bars and Hush Slab 25 is fitted in between. The Bars are then fixed horizontally to the wall.The benefits of this system are its high standards of airborne sound reduction, can reduce both flanking and direct sound transmission and creates a minimum loss of space.HD1038 HUSH ACOUSTIC FLOOR SYSTEM MF28This floor system is a highly rated performer and has again been thoroughly tested within areas that require exceptional acoustic control. Made up of Hush Panel 28 which is laid over the chipboard deck and sealed using Hush Seal 20. The Hush MF Ceiling System is then installed to the underside of the joists, to the back of the plasterboard lining. Hush Slab 100 is then installed tightly within the ceiling void. Two layers of plasterboard is then installed to the underside of the MF system and all perimeters sealed with the Hush Acoustic Sealant.Outstanding resultsTests carried out on completion of the acoustic treatment showed immediate results, which completely exceeded the acoustic requirements for conversion within the Building Regulations and also surpassed New Build standards.Chartered Architect, Andrew Bentley, said, "Thank you for all your help and support. I will be happy to use your products again in future."

Hush Acoustics provided a range of acoustic products for the construction of Warren Court, a new development of 9x luxury two bedroom apartments. Working with Marlowe Building Contractors, we provided advice and materials for the apartments’ soundproofing to give acoustic performance better than New Build standard.The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) energy ratings had already been calculated and passed before Hush were involved with the acoustic design. The building’s structure consisted of lightweight masonry walls and a timber joist floor structure, which could not be changed due to SAP compliance. As a result, Hush was tasked with developing a comprehensive design to ensure compliance to Approved Document E of the Building Regulations with this form of construction detail. The biggest issue was the continuous lightweight block walls that may be thermally very efficient, but present major difficulties acoustically. To go over and above the new build standard, it was necessary for all blockwork and timber floor joists to be isolated on Hush Resilient Seating. Ceilings were also isolated by using Hush Suspended Ceilings in the main and an Enhanced Clip and Channel System was used where the floor/ceiling heights were at a premium. Hush Panel 28 was provided throughout as the floating acoustic flooring system.We carried out pre-completion sound tests which achieved results well in excess of the new build standard. Airborne sound test results ranged from 49 dB (DnTw+Ctr) to 61 dB (DnTw+Ctr) and impact achieved 46 dB (LnTw), 16 dB better than the required new build standard.

JCW Acoustic Supplies supplied & installed an acoustic enclosure to counteract the increase noise generated by the installation of a new more powerful generator required due to expansion.

After embarking on a project to create high quality new learning pods to enhance its facilities, the last thing teachers, staff and children at Carr Lodge Academy in Doncaster were expecting was for excessive background noise to be so much of an issue that it stood in the way of their ability to use and enjoy them.The school wanted to create learning pods for each of its 1-6 year groups to provide a facility that could be used for extra learning, small group teaching or a break-out space for teachers and children. The building contractor appointed to construct the pods worked to an agreed specification and design, but the acoustic conditions that would result from the proposed usage of the spaces, the positioning of the pods and choice of materials for their fit-out was not fully realised. It was only when teachers and staff started using the learning pods that problems with echo and excessive sound reverberation were fully realised. This is a common acoustic issue which results from interiors that feature lots of hard, harsh reflective surfaces with the ultimate impact at Carr Lodge being that the pods were unsuitable for their purpose.The school sought specialist assistance to resolve the issues which started with an acoustic assessment and detailed acoustic report. And following a competitive tendering process, Hush Acoustics was appointed to complete the acoustic upgrade using its sound absorber panels.How absorption resolved the issueThe solution involved manufacturing and installing a series of Hush Absorber 50 panels which were strategically mounted on the walls of the learning pods. The Class A absorber panels are formulated using a 50mm thick acoustic foam which is hand finished in a high quality fabric applied on the face, edges and back – at Carr Lodge, the panels feature a green fabric to match the school’s aesthetics and contribute to the welcoming environment.Various sizes of panels were installed to fit the differing sized spaces within the school. Their positioning was dependent on the size and the layout of the learning pod for the year group. Some year group pods, for example, feature desks, so absorber panels have been installed to be continuous along the desk line, helping the children hear what is being said by teachers. In other desk-free learning pods, the panels were positioned on the walls – symmetrically where possible – to deliver an aesthetically pleasing and acoustically -effective result. Hush Absorber 50 panels work by absorbing soundwaves generated by speech and other sources in a way that hard surfaces such as plastered walls, wood and laminates do not. As a result, less sound is reflected back into the room, so the level of ambient noise is dramatically reduced to deliver a more acoustically comfortable environment that is far more conducive to learning.‘Huge difference’ to the learning environmentSarah Crampton, Principal at Carr Lodge Academy said: “Sound reverberation was causing us real problems and it meant that the learning pods – although fantastic in principle – simply didn’t serve the purpose for which they were intended.“The sound absorber panels have made a huge difference to the useability of our learning pods and provided a solution that did not require major, disruptive work. The quality of the solution provided by the Hush Acoustics team, and their service overall, has impressed everyone involved in this project.”

Bespoke acoustic rafts and baffles for Virgin Media’s new 120,000 sq ft HQ in Reading.

Ten Trinity Square, now a Four Seasons hotel and residence, was formerly the headquarters of the Port of London Authority. It had fallen on hard times and needed a six-year, multi-million-pound renovation to bring it back to life as a destination hotel. However, when working on such a prestige project, aesthetics are always a top priority and any sound solutions would have to work around visual flourishes. That’s why Oscar Acoustics, an expert in architectural acoustic finishes with an appreciation for great design, was tasked with ensuring multiple public areas of Ten Trinity Square possessed the correct acoustic balance by installing its exceptionally smooth Oscar Elite acoustic plaster.

AstraZeneca Case StudyProject: AstraZeneca HQ, CambridgeProduct: Fade acoustic plasterQuantity: 4200m2Main Contractor: MaceSubcontractors: CMS DanskinArchitect: Herzog & de MeuronValue of Overall Project: £50 Million +Introduction: AstraZeneca Acoustic Plaster Case StudyAfter starting the project with Skanska as lead contractors, in 2019 AstraZeneca switched to their current partnership with Mace to complete their multi-million pound HQ. The building is designed with research facilities at the forefront, and is sound insulted using Fade Acoustic technology.About AstraZenecaSince its inception in 1998, AstraZeneca has been a trailblazer in the fields of medical and scientific research. The Swedish-British company has over 90 locations worldwide and is active across Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. Their headquarters in Cambridge will act as a hub for global innovation, and their patents improve the lives of millions each year. Most recently, their Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved in the UK, and has since been adopted worldwide. The company is also at the forefront of cancer research, partnering with Cancer Research UK to improve survival rates.About MaceMace Construction has been developing ideas for clients across five continents for the past 30 years. Their project list is extensive: they’ve worked on everything from airports to the world’s largest observation eye, and closer to home with a renovation of TV’s Coronation Street. Like many industries, the COVID-19 crisis has hit the construction industry in unexpected ways. Instead of seeing this as a setback, Mace have innovated their work-from-home technologies, introducing drones and remote technology to future-proof their business. The company is also future focused in their view towards the environment, implementing green ideas across all projects. Recently Mace were lead contractors on 70 St Mary Axe, the curved skyscraper currently under construction in central London. As well as boasting an attractive semi-elliptical design, by using double-glazed wall cladding and vertical shading fins, the skyscraper also boasts incredibly low carbon emissions.About the projectAstraZeneca’s UK based headquarters have been in the pipeline since 2013. Originally valued at £330 million, soaring material costs and increased investment in new technologies raised the cost to £500 million by 2019. The new headquarters is an immense glass-based structure at the center of Cambridge’s Chesterford Research Park. Herzog & de Meuron’s triangular design was chosen to encourage easy movement around the building, and glass panels are used liberally throughout to “promote ‘visible science’, according to AstraZeneca. The central piazza is a nod to the sprawling courtyards of Cambridge University, providing a communal space for socialising and the sharing of ideas. The headquarters will act as a central hub for both research and business, linking commerce and science under one glass roof.About Fade acousticsFade Acoustic plaster is a flexible alternative to traditional acoustic solutions. A fibreglass substrate provides a sound insulating layer which is then sprayed with 3mm of plaster. This extra layer gives a plastered-like finish, completely disguising the panels beneath. This invisible layer makes Fade Acoustics products ideal for preserving integrity of the building’s original design. The modernist Shenzhen Sea World Culture & Arts Center, for example, was completed using Fade Acoustics plus+ to provide seamless insulation that showed off the building’s angular modernist features. The product can me made to fit any type of structure, applied to concrete or timber substrate, or can even be attached direct to grid using Fade Special Washers. Fade Acoustic products have been proven to be durable and humidity resistant, receiving an A+ rating from French regulatory bodies for creating safe indoor environments.Why Was Fade Acoustics chosen?Mace had previously used Fade Acoustics Plus+ on Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium, chosen for their hassle-free installation and wide range of colour options which allowed for flawless blending with existing plaster. After this success, Fade Acoustics were an obvious choice for AstraZeneca’s HQ. The project’s complex geometric structure required a soundproofing technique that could adapt to the building’s unique shape without hindering design. The HQ required a bespoke thickness due to the installation of sprinklers. This meant the team had to create a custom sized acoustic board by altering fibreglass substrate to 30mm, instead of their regular 25mm or 40mm. Due to travel restrictions during the COVID-19 crisis, the chosen product also needed to be installed quickly without compromising on quality. CMS Danskin were able to acquire the material quickly, meaning WRR UK, long-time contractors with Mace and the project’s approved installer, could start installation within two weeks. Fade Acoustic’s flexible and easy to install product meant the team could install 4200m² of Fade Acoustic plaster in the final two months of the project. The project is due to be unveiled later this year.

When the owner of an office building on the Isle of Man took the decision to redevelop the property into four apartments, he partnered with chartered architect Andrew Bentley to arrive at a design. The building had previously been converted from a bar to offices in the 1990s, but the approach adopted to the soundproofing as part of this conversion project would need to be fully assessed and tested for compliance with today’s domestic dwelling standards. STEPPING UP TO HIGHER ACOUSTIC STANDARDSUnder the building regulations covering the Isle of Man, which are consistent with Approved Document E in England & Wales, the separating floors needed to achieve an airborne sound transmission level greater or equal to 43db and, for impact sound transmission, no higher than 64db. Following a comprehensive consultation period by Hush Acoustics soundproofing experts, it was apparent that the existing acoustic flooring design fitted during the original conversion was inadequate. This meant a complete redesign of the floors was required to bring them up to an acceptable residential standard.A SOLUTION THAT EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS The solution came with the Hush MF Ceiling System. This creates a suspended ceiling, separated from the existing structure using the Hush Acoustic Hangers, allowing for Hush-Slab 100 sound absorber slabs to be fitted into the void created. Two layers of 15mm Soundbloc plasterboard were then installed onto the suspended ceiling’s metal frame.Key to the success of the new acoustic system was the quality of the installation, which the Hush Acoustics team – as with all projects – offered guidance on to the installation contractor. This was important from a fire safety perspective too, with a fire specialist also engaged to ensure all gaps, junction details and products were installed and sealed correctly. ‘BEST EVER’ ACOUSTIC RESULTS As a result of this new acoustic flooring, the flats benefit from soundproofing levels not normally seen in conversion projects of this kind. The airborne sound insulation levels for the floors tested in various rooms ranged from 50db to 67db (minimum level to pass test is 43db) and for impact sound it was between 38db and 50db (must be below 64db).Project architect Andrew Bentley commented:“The test results were so good that the acoustician who carried out the testing of the completed installation said it was the best results he had ever seen. In the lounge of one of the flats, there was virtually no background noise detected despite sound of 107db being generated in the lounge of the flat directly above – that’s a noise level almost as loud as you would experience at a rock concert.”

Hush Acoustics provided an acoustic solution for the Aviation Academy in Norwich as part of its project to transform the building through the creation of an innovative learning environment. Based within a World War 2 aircraft hangar, home to a museum, cafe and now classrooms, catering for pupils and youth organisations as well as holding events and conferences, this academy accommodates a wide variety of uses and needs. Hanson Barron and Smith Architects worked on the design of the custom facility, with the aim to create a mezzanine floor within the atrium on which classrooms would be created.The atrium itself holds conferences that can accommodate over 300 people, so in order to ensure the acoustics within the building were fit for purpose, a site visit was conducted to assess how the required acoustic standards could be achieved.On visiting the site, an acoustic concern within the building was the footfall noise being created from the mezzanine floor.The solution proposed after calculating the requirements of the areas was 1500m2 of Hush Panel 17, which would be fitted over the structural plywood deck.Hush Panel 17 is a thin overlay board which minimises floor build-up without compromising performance. By reducing impact sound transmission through the separating floors, it achieves excellent results, with the upper layer of moisture resistant MDF providing a consistently smooth surface for application of floor finishes.Working with Robert Goss from Hanson Barron and Smith and RG Carter who were the main contractors on site, over 2000 sheets of Hush Panel 17 were supplied and fitted to the area.

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

Acoustic Products has launched a new semi-automatic electric movable wall system. Each panel within the system has a microprocessor based circuit board controlling automatic operation of the panel seals making the system extremely easy to use and re-locate. Available in sound reduction ratings up to Rw 57 dB, a wide range of panel finishes and with simple or more complex remote stacking arrangements. Please contact the techical sales department at Acoustic Products for more information. Tel +44 (0)1227 281140 Fax +44 (0)1227 281141 www.acoustic-products.co.uk enquiries@acoustic-products.co.uk.

JCW Supplies 6500m2 Acoustic Battens

BW Workplace Experts looks to Oscar Acoustics to create health-enhancing workplace of the future Making a sound choiceOffice fit-out professionals, BW Workplace Experts, who specialise in delivering welcoming office environments, enlisted the help of Oscar Acoustics as part of a major workplace fit-out to ensure optimal acoustic comfort for occupants and a calm ‘home from home’ experience for staff.Central to achieving their goal of creating a peaceful office ambience was the issue of noise reverberation. It was imperative that workers using the office space could communicate easily without needing to shout and that staff could work harmoniously without distractions.The challenge: unconventional working spaces Located at Herbal House in Farringdon, London, BW Workplace needed to allow for agile ways of working, providing flexible environments that offer focused work areas, co-working spaces and relaxed break out areas. A combination of both impromptu and formal meeting rooms was also required.  Working alongside architects TP Bennett, Oscar Acoustics were faced with the challenge of how to achieve the perfect acoustic balance within the two-floor Manhattan loft-style space. As office workers would be dealing with important sensitive circumstances, such as judicial matters, unwanted noise needed to be kept to a minimum, allowing staff to concentrate and focus on matters at hand.Leanne Baird, Head of Marketing at BW, said: “We needed an effective design solution to deal with reverberant noise so that staff remained free of distractions and their ability to concentrate was not impaired by excessive noise. “Having worked with Oscar Acoustics previously, we knew we were in safe hands as far as finding an effective noise-reduction solution was concerned. Their expertise in architectural acoustic finishes was crucial to the success of this project.”The solution: calm, inviting interiors that sound as good as they lookChosen for its ability to absorb sound energy instead of reflecting it, Oscar’s SonaSpray K-13 is a seamless acoustic spray with a deliberately industrial, coarsely textured finish that helps control stressful noise reverberation in buildings. Blending in seamlessly with the fluid, flexible workspace, the spray was completed in a single application, allowing BW to keep to important project deadlines, with minimal installation time.  Sustainable acoustic solutionsSonaSpray K-13 also contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. By choosing SonaSpray K-13, all parties could feel confident that the application met the highest health and welfare standards due its non-hazardous, GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality. As a seamless M1 certified Low Emitting acoustic spray, it also contains renewable natural resources such as wood, and cotton which effectively lowers the carbon footprint of the building project by sequestering rich stores of carbon for the lifecycle of the structure. In a world where environmental impact is paramount, SonaSpray K-13 boasts further green credentials, having been covered by the Environmental Product Declaration in accordance with ISO 14025 and meeting the Living Building Challenge and LEED requirements. In addition to these, Oscar Acoustics are ISO 14001 certified; completing the environmental jigsaw and making them Great Britain’s most sustainable acoustic solutions provider.Fire rated acoustic sprayIt was also imperative that employee safety was considered, especially in terms of fire safety. Knowing that SonaSpray K-13 not only met but significantly bettered the updated Approved Document B fire requirement (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1,d0 fire rating), gave both architects and designers complete peace of mind that should the eventuality occur, the acoustic spray would provide little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, assisting in the safe escape of its occupants.Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics says: “When we were first approached by BW, we knew just the solution for this type of acoustic problem in an office space. With years of experience providing acoustic solutions to commercial workspaces, our tried and tested SonaSpray range is our go-to choice for achieving superb acoustic results without design compromise. “Working with BW has been a fantastic experience. With the increased focus on wellbeing and the work-life balance becoming more prevalent, office space must reflect this change. It’s long been recognised that poor acoustics and excessive levels of noise can be bad for occupants’ health so it was great to see this issue being taken seriously, to improve the daily lives of employees using the building day-to-day.”Image credit to Tom Green Photography.

Taking sustainability to new heights, the London Borough of Surrey awarded the largest UK nonresidential Passivhaus scheme to Willmott Dixon.We supplied the Laudescher Linea 4.2.4 in a pine natural finish to Ash Drywall who superbly installed the acoustic product. The Laudescher system was specified due to its beautiful aesthetics but most importantly the acoustic properties. The common areas need to be acoustically treated ensure the students and teachers receive the optimal environment to communicate and learn.

Regupol studwork isolating strips helped prevent flanking sound between suites at the new Hard Days Night hotel in Liverpool.The ChallengeWhen a suitable site was finally found for Hard Days Night, the eagerly anticipated Beatles themed hotel in Liverpool, an ambitious two-year development plan was put in place to convert the historic listed building into a prestigious four star hotel.Extensive alterations to the internal area of the building created 110 guest bedrooms, which included two exclusive Lennon and McCartney suites, bars, restaurants and function rooms as well as a wedding chapel.Designed to create a unique environment with a high quality feel, it was essential that Hard Days Night lived up to the expectations of the many visitors it would welcome. Part of this meant ensuring that bedrooms were adequately soundproofed, to ensure guests were not disturbed.As with many refurbishment projects, the floor construction was timber, which left Hornport Construction, the main contractors on the project, tasked with finding a compatible acoustic treatment that would help prevent sound transfer between bedrooms.The SolutionAlthough internal wall isolation was the specified acoustic treatment, Hornport Construction was able to make the final purchasing decision as to which products would be used. After consultation with CMS Acoustic Solutions, Regupol studwork isolating strips were identified as the most cost effective solution to deliver the required acoustic performance.Manufactured from recycled polyurethane (PUR) foam, Regupol studwork isolating strips are supplied at a standard thickness of 6mm, and widths to suit specific development requirements. Sitting beneath all types of timber partitions, the studwork strips reduce structure borne noise by absorbing sound and de-coupling the connection between floor and wall constructions.Resistant to ageing and deformation, Regupol studwork isolating strips offer long-term performance and will not collapse under high point loads.Available exclusively in the UK through CMS Acoustic Solutions, Regupol studwork isolating strips are supplied with comprehensive installation guidelines, making it simple for contractors to install independently on site. Easily laid, the Regupol material is bonded straight to the subfloor, with the partition erected directly on top.The ResultAt the Hard Days Night Hotel, Regupol studwork isolating strips were used to isolate the party walls separating the corridors and bedrooms. Designed specifically for use with timber, Regupol studwork isolating strips offered the ideal solution to isolate a party wall sitting on an existing timber floor.Gerry Abraham, site manager, Hornport Construction, concludes: “The Hard Days Night is a four star hotel, so high acoustic standards were imperative. We initially looked at timber sole plates with pre-fitted isolating strips, but this was quite an expensive route. We consulted CMS Acoustics who were able to provide a cost effective and high performing alternative with the Regupol studwork isolating strip – which was just as quick and easy to use.”

“We have used products from CMS Danskin Acoustics on a variety of projects and always found them a good company to work with and very helpful to deal with,” said Gerry Winter, Allied Acoustics.The Council’s room was designed for holding meetings, training sessions and information days; but the acoustics in the room were distracting and the internal reverberation meant that hearing people speaking was difficult. CMS Danskin Acoustics engaged with the architect at East Renfrewshire Council to agree on the best solution without compromising on aesthetics, and ensuring they could offer the best value.The SolutionFollowing an on-site consultation at the Council with an external acoustician, CMS Danskin Acoustics was brought on-board to supply 25 SuperPhon® Acoustic Rafts; which are specially designed to reduce reverberation times and to improve listening environments. In addition, the tiles are available in a range of attractive colours meaning that the aesthetics of an internal building are not lost, which was of high importance to the Council. “The SuperPhon® Acoustic Rafts were chosen because they fitted with the style of the building, the need to retain the exposed roof structure and the fact that the fabric colour choice provided a less commercial ‘office feel’ to the final installation,” said Andrew Eaddy, East Renfrewshire Council.The ResultsFollowing the installation, CMS Danskin Acoustics carried out some calculations to evaluate how successful the Acoustic Rafts were performing. The team found that they had managed to bring the reverberation time down from 1.8 seconds to 0.8 seconds, ensuring a much-improved sound quality to the room for its multi-purpose activities.“The client was very happy with the end product at Rouken Glen and there was a substantial sound reduction after the panels were installed,” continued Gerry. “Overall we were very pleased with the results and the chosen product. The ease and speed of the installation, thanks to the bespoke fitting, meant that it wasn’t long before we were able to use the communal room again. We’re really pleased with the finish too, it’s exactly what we had in mind for the space,” concluded Andrew.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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