"acoustic panels"

When it comes to fitting a new loft hatch, whether it is a direct replacement or if you are looking to change the size of your current structural opening (hole in the ceiling), Trade Access Panels can provide bespoke insulated Loft Hatches for suit almost any requirement, including both Fire or Non-Fire Rated hatches and those with Youngman ladders or Zip-Ladders attached.

Trade Access Panels are proud suppliers of both the FAKRO LSF Fire Rated Metal and FAKRO LWK Komfort 3 Loft Ladders. FAKRO is a name that you can trust being one of the World’s principal manufacturers of Loft Ladders which allow convenient access to non-inhabited loft spaces negating the need to install expensive and in most cases unnecessary, staircases.

Crossrail’s new station at Abbey Wood has been built over the railway tracks where the Elizabeth line terminates. From above, the building is shaped like a manta ray, its ‘wings’ extending into canopies sheltering staircases either side which swoop down to platform level below.Stretto-22 Soffit PanelsThe soffit panels for the staircases and elevated walkways were made from Stretto-22 pressure-locked grating, customised to a bespoke 66x22mm aperture to provide an enhanced level of visual screening. Each panel was exactly contoured to match the demanding serpentine shape of the footbridge canopies.Torino-22 Barrier FencingBarrier fencing was made for the platforms from Torino fence panels which were customised and engineered with a heavy intermediate framing bar at the loading point to comply with Network Rail’s specified requirement.DeltaBox-70 Louvred ScreeningStorage areas beneath the stairs were secured with DeltaBox-70 louvred screening panels.Torino-11 and Stretto-11 Protective Screens Lang+Fulton also supplied a Torino-11 screen to protect the overhead lines and track from the threat of thrown objects.An alternative access to the station was enclosed with a Stretto-11 anti-projectile screen.

See how our innovative, printed acoustic ceiling baffles for this new 109,000 sq ft flagship office in Loughborough would help draw people back into the office - encouraging collaboration, community and a sense of camaraderie.

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

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

Spanning 5,195 sq ft over two floors, the newly opened Kiwa Sushi & Grill offers a taste of the western-eastern fusion within modern East Asian dining setting in the heart of London’s Chinatown.The Living Concrete team were tasked with manufacture and installation of 120m2 of Fairfaced concrete wall panels which were seamlessly cladded over large internal walls. The panels were manufactured using GRC concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete and finished in Mist Grey to enhance natural weathered look.The finished effect is a modern, industrial look that complements client’s design style and creates a truly unique and trendy space.

The ProjectFollowing Opus Energy’s momentous growth over its 15-year history, their move to the John Dryden House will consolidate their four current sites and house all employees working in Northampton under one roof.With the new premises, Opus Energy expects to have an almost 800 strong Northampton workforce, highlighting its prominence as a key local employer. The refurbishment of the property has seen state of the art facilities, and with investment into sustainability opportunities, will enable the business to be carbon neutral.The ChallengeWork within tight lead times to supply deliver and install the project.Offer a cost-effective system suitable for the environment intended.Propose a selection of classic High Pressure Laminae finishes that will deliver a timeless décor.  The SolutionExcelsior Select Range of Cubicle’s in 20mm High Pressure Laminate fell within budget and met with the Architects Specification. A combination of Polyrey finishes created the classical, timeless façade desired by the client. SpecificationProduct Range: SelectDoors: 18mm MR Core HPL Polyrey B101 Banian NoirciPilaster: Polyrey B101 Banian NoirciPartition: Partition: Polyrey B015 Blanc MenuiresIronmongery: Excelsior SBAASpecificationProduct Range: SelectVanity Top: 12mm Laminated CDF Polyrey B101 Banian NoirciVanity Panels: HPL 18mm MR Polyrey B015 Blanc MenuiresFrame: Polyrey B015 Blanc Menuires

New Era was specified to provide a high level of acoustic isolation for this 3000m2 residential project in Fitzrovia, London

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

The SiteExCel London opened in November 2000 and was the integral component of a huge regeneration project in the area of the Royal Victoria Docks next to the River Thames. The Phase 2 project had the primary objective of increasing the existing flat floor space by 32,500m² resulting in an incredible one million square feet of flexible floor space. This projected the already highly regarded Excel  London into the position of a world class exhibition and conference venue.  Close to London City Airport and with it’s own dedicated station on the Dockland Light Railway the centre manages to attract millions of visitors per year and is a major employer within the local community.The ProjectHaving worked with Sir Robert McAlpine on numerous projects, Bolton Gate Company were extremely pleased to be chosen to again work alongside this Main Contractor particularly on this prestigious project.   The contract initially involved the supply and installation of a range of 30 and 60 minute fire rated shutters to satisfy the requirement for fire compartmentation between different exhibition spaces and to communal walkways throughout the Exhibition Centre. As the fire strategy developed it became evident that, for particular areas including some of the largest openings (7m x 10m), the fire shutters were required to provide fire integrity but this also had to be combined with an acoustic rating of up to 17dB RW. At the time, acoustic rated fire shutters did not exist on the market as a single product solution and consequently it was typical to supply two separate shutters with one to satisfy each requirement but, given space limitations, this was not a viable option. The SolutionDrawing on years of experience, Bolton Gate Company were committed to developing a workable solution in order to fully satisfy the project requirements.  Moving away from the standard ‘single skin’ type fire rated rolling shutter, efforts were concentrated upon manufacturing a new insulated type shutter that would be capable of providing the acoustic rating. The new shutter design was subjected to a series of rigorous testing, include both fire and acoustic tests all of which were in keeping with the very latest standards. The testing proved to be highly successful and we were pleased to complete our contractual obligations using the very first Fireroll Acoustic shutters which had achieved an E120 fire rating and 22dB RW acoustic rating. The Fire Shutter - Fireroll Acoustic provided a compact, hard wearing, yet aesthetically pleasing single shutter solution which was entirely suitable for incorporation into such a highly regarded exhibition and conference centre.   

Islwyn High in Caerphilly is an ambitious project to amalgamate two former schools in a new purpose-built development. Part of the 21st Century School Programme across Wales, the impressive three storey building comprises a range of modern teaching spaces, an amphitheatre, technology workshops and science labs. A variety of Rockfon® acoustic ceiling tiles are installed throughout the school to control noise and harmonise with the contemporary interior.

ModernGlide your Interior Space with our MG100 Top Hung Movable Acoustic WallsOur ModernGlide movable acoustic walls are not only practical and versatile but they can also offer a modern and stylish addition to your interior space.With multiple flexibilities, not only acoustically, but also when it comes to the look and feel of the product:- Multiple stacking options- Laminate, veneer, metallic finishes- Powder coated and concealed edges for a seamless appearance- Integral glazingWe can advise on a range of options and finishes to meet your design brief. Visit our website for more information or call our office directly.

The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. Metalline’s glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels have provided the finishing touch to the external façade of the recently refurbished council offices in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. The exterior façade featured a range of horizontal, corner and vertical Ultima panels glazed in on all four sides to a Kawneer structural glazed system. Each of the 50 vertical panels were manufactured by Metalline in aluminium in 3150 mm lengths and joined together to form an impressive 6300mm long aspect. The Ultima flat panels were finished in a grey Syntha Pulvin, whereas the Ultima feature panels complete with a 76mm projection were finished in both green and white Syntha Pulvin, these added a stylish and modern appearance to the building envelope. Metalline’s Ultima aluminium insulated panels are extremely versatile and possess excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance ratings. They are typically produced using class A1 non-combustible insulation core and can be adapted to fit a variety of facade details, which include the ability to be glazed into a standard curtain walling, or as in the Eastleigh project, a structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Unity aluminium insulated panels can now be fabricated in an impressive 6000mm in one length.

Low environmental impact... CHALLENGE All over the world architects and building owners are trying to create buildings with a low environmental impact. For this private house, the architect wanted to combine an aesthetical finish of a metal roof in combination with PV and hot water panels. The biggest issue for the architect was the fixing of these panels without having leak problems in the future. SOLUTION The roof was waterproofed using a RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membrane that is mechanically fastened onto the supporting roof structure. Two kinds of PVC profiles were heat welded onto the waterproofing membrane: on the one hand RENOLIT ALKORDESIGN profiles (for aesthetical value only), on the other hand there are RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR profiles, which function as the base to attach the hot water and the PV panels. The gable was also finished with the RENOLIT ALKORDESIGN system.

The Leicester FC state-of-the-art £100m elite sports training facility occupies a 185-acre site in Seagrave, Leicestershire. Designed by KSS Architects, a world-leading specialist in the design of major sports venues and training centres, the project was a core aspiration of the club’s Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha who tragically died in 2018.The training centre is regarded as one of the most advanced in Europe in terms of its quality, scale and sustainability ambitions. KSS specified Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic – a seamless acoustic ceiling – for key areas throughout the site. Son of Khun Vichai and current Leicester City Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, “A new training ground has been a dream many years in the making, so it is with great pride that we have been able to deliver this. Seagrave will be a pivotal part of the club’s operation for generations to come.”Rockfon Mono Acoustic – the perfect matchAround 430m2 of Rockfon Mono Acoustic ceilings are installed to ensure optimum sound control while delivering a seamless, smooth, aesthetic. Among others, these spaces include the hydrotherapy pool area, the 1st Team changing room and the Owners Suite.KSS Associate Director Lorenzo Pierini, commented, “Rockfon Mono Acoustic was the clear choice for use throughout these spaces as it gave us the contemporary, minimalist look we wanted, while meeting the demanding acoustic control required.”The ultimate alternative There are several acoustic ceiling options available but for the ultimate in looks and sound control, an acoustic render provides the perfect solution. With Rockfon Mono Acoustic, the ceiling tile substrate is installed and then finished with a specialist acoustic render to create a seamless surface. Mono can be used for ceilings, walls, or to create bespoke islands. Its versatility means it can be used to form curves, easily transitioned into plasterboard or integrated into existing mouldings. Outstanding performance Mono achieves Class A sound absorption and Class A2 fire protection whilst delivering 87% light reflection and greater than 99% light diffusion. Thanks to its core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, it provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. It is Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can also contribute valuably to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards.Installation courtesy of Pacy & Wheatley. Pacy & Wheatley Director Craig Wheatley, “The scale and ambition of this project is truly epic. As with the majority of modern developments, large windows, stone, structural steel and other resonant architectural elements can generate unwanted sound. That’s where Mono Acoustic really scores as it does not necessitate a compromise between style and sound control – a win win – if you will. Its flexibility meant we could seamlessly integrate linear and spot lighting at Leicester and neatly incorporate hatches for easy access to the services above. In the pool area the system also enabled us to elegantly transition into plasterboard perimeter upstand abutments.”The wider masterplan The training ground masterplan includes the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Building, which houses the primary training, medical and administrative hub. There are twelve full-size pitches, a show pitch with a 499-seat stand to allow academy teams to play in a match environment, The King Power Centre – the site’s central point, housing a full size indoor pitch and media centre that moulds into the landscape, an integrated training centre for first-team and academy squads including fitness and hydrotherapy suites, tactics, media, dining facilities and a nine-hole recreational golf course. McLaren were appointed Main Contractor at Seagrave and were responsible for leading the project. Senior Project Manager at the firm, Simon Ruddick, “The unrelenting progress of this project from day one was a testament to our continued ethos of partnering with key customers, and working to overcome delivery challenges... We have overcome some of the most challenging weather in recorded history too, and of course restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”McLaren Managing Director, South, Jay Newman, “It has been an honour to partner with Leicester City to deliver their new training facility, set to shape the players of today and tomorrow. Building on our considerable experience in sports and leisure, Seagrave has become one of the most modern training facilities in Europe. 

The StoSilent Distance acoustic ceiling and wall system from Sto was specified for the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance and it now creates the perfect acoustic environment for a high-profile display of Renaissance art treasures. The V&A in London recently completed a landmark refurbishment of its Raphael Court where the StoSilent Distance system is now installed.

The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Staffordshire is winner of the Large Visitor Attraction category in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2018. Designed by Glenn Howells Architects (GHA), this stunning building is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance - a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice and fosters pride in the UK. The building engages materially with its environment and harnesses a soft material concept of larch timber and natural stone. Internally this is complemented by the installation of 1000sqm of Troldtekt wood wool acoustic ceiling panels.

James Hardie recently featured on a stunning leisure facility in the heart of Clarach Bay, Aberystwyth. In collaboration with Nick Carroll Architects, we were able to provide a unique Hardie® Panel solution to this project. Originally a competitor product was specified at nearly three times the cost of Hardie® Panel, the client chose to switch to James Hardie thanks to our cost effectiveness, A2 fire rating and providing a robust cladding solution.

Acoustics are a particular issue in swimming pools due to the large areas of tiling, and because water itself is also highly reflective of sound. Hawkins\Brown architects needed a material that would provide high performance sound absorption whilst being compatible with the specialist environmental conditions of a pool. As this is within a school, speech intelligibility is of particular importance for learning – and the BASWA discretely provides this crucial function. BASWA was chosen for its high acoustic performance and system quality including the marble surface coating, which may be used in high humidity environments as standard.

In this case study, taken from Episode 29 of The Quiet Mark Podcast - LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACOUSTICS! - we discuss Film Studios with Barry Jobling, Partner with Hoare Lea, who, in addition to working on numerous studios including Dagenham, Elstree and Manchester, recently contributed to a new report from JLL: Reel Estate – Film and TV Studios as an Investment. It reveals that an increased appetite for film and TV content across a growing number of platforms is creating demand for further significant studio capacity in the UK. The report includes contributions from in-house experts at Hoare Lea, along with the British Film Commission and Scott Brownrigg. It highlights that the demand for new studio capacity, services and facilities has never been greater, with up to 4.5m sq ft of new development under consideration in order to meet it. This is more than double the current amount of permanent stage space in the UK.

The project at 83 East Street involved converting an existing office facility into 16 new flats.Soundis was tasked by the main contractor, Innovate Space, to supply an acoustic flooring system in order to provide a comfortable atmosphere for residents to live in and to comply with Approved Document E of Building Regulations.After examining the project, we recommended two different flooring options. The main contractor opted for the option that resulted in a faster installation time.Soundis supplied and our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems installed a Soundis dry screed acoustic flooring which was a high quality, interlocking flooring system using gypsum fibreboard technology, in order to provide a solution for soundproofing difficulties, effectively and efficiently.

This office redesign for a client in the healthy living space incorporated a variety of natural finishes and details for the right look and feel. Vtec’s texture range met the natural requirement with ease and STONE WALL PANELS in STRATA WHITE were used as a design statement in the reception area, reflecting the client’s wellbeing brand and setting the tone for visitors. The panels were an ideal backdrop for company signage to be added. Throughout the design, the execution is impeccable with high quality fixtures and colourful details bringing the office to life.

Two shades of blue, light and dark, formally in glass panels, needed to be replicated when the glass was removed and replaced within areas of the rainscreen façade and spandrel panels across all levels of a student accommodation tower block in Kings Cross, London.Powdertech was sent shards of blue glass from the old windows, to match with a powder coating both in shade and gloss level. Working in close contact with the client Powdertech directed one of its powder manufacturers to make two unique shades of blue to match the old glass in both colour and gloss. Powdertech coated 4500 sq m of aluminium spandrel panels of sizes ranging from 350mm by 2500 mm to a larger size of 900mm by 4500mm.The non-combustible cladding panels are designed to help prevent fire damage quickly and easily spreading as part of the system. They perform to technical criteria, sound insulation and thermal performance and reduce environmental issues. Powdertech’s powder coatings and application techniques all conform to reaction to fire rating A2-s1,d0, thus contributing to the fire safety of the panels

Our lightweight MaxiBeam System in a warm oak finish adorns the ceiling in a newly renovated 76,000 sq ft, multi tenanted commercial office building in Bristol. The design brief was to create a modern and welcoming reception space as well as an upgrade to lift core areas with the purposes of attracting new tenants to this centrally located office building. The ceiling design featured 40mm x 150mm MaxiBeams finished in a Warm Oak Supalami, FR Class 0, also incorporating a 12mm Black Acoustic Backing Board to provide further acoustic benefits. VIEW TECHNICAL DETAILS AND FULL PHOTO GALLERY...

Here at Trade Access Panels, we believe that school building designs should be much more than just designs of practical learning spaces; they should also inspire, encourage and motivate the students and teachers to help promote the best possible learning experience. However, unfortunately, costs are very tight for the Government who are searching for ways to renovate old dilapidated schools and to also build new educational facilities. We have a desperate need for more school places for the ever-growing younger population.

About Everyman CinemasEveryman Cinemas aim to put luxury back into the cinema experience, with sofas, in house cocktail shakers and meals eaten screenside. Their interiors draw heavily on 1960s design with classic G-plan furniture and mad men-esque mood lighting. They have a history of taking often neglected buildings and turning them into beautiful spaces to watch films. Their flagship cinema opened in 2000 in the Hampstead Theatre, which was previously threatened with closure. Today it is a vibrant space that pays homage to the notable performers Noel Coward and Jacinto Benavente who both performed there in the 1920s. They also recently took over the UKs longest running cinema in Islington, which has been in operation since 1913.About Simons GroupEveryman’s director stated ‘First and foremost, we are about doing cinema really, really well, and about getting people to fall in love with our venues’ – and their Liverpool venue is a building to fall in love with. It sits in the iconic Metquarter, which was recently revamped by the Simons Group. Originally built as the headquarters of Liverpool’s general post office, the building is reminiscent of a French 18th century design. Simons has done much to retain the charm of this iconic building, keeping the hand-carved façade and pillars. These have been in place since 1899 and were one of the only parts of the building to survive heavy bombing during the blitz. They were the work of Liverpudlian and Scottish sculptors Edward Griffiths and Willaim Bernie Rhind whose sculptures can still be seen today at war memorials across Scotland.The Everyman Cinema covers 18,000 square feet, with a further 20,000 square feet for luxury shopping and restaurants. Simons has modernised this previously neglected space, creating streets in the sky by opening up two terraces overlooking Liverpool’s town center.About CMS DanskinCMS Danskin are experts in acoustics and vibration isolation solutions. The company is best known for working on well known buildings such as the Shard and the Natural History Museum. They also have strong links to Liverpool, as they created the flooring for ‘A Hard Days Night’ – the official Beatles themed hotel. This involved the extra challenge of insulating the sound of conference rooms from the sound of raucous tribute acts and guests.The ProblemEveryman Cinemas pride themselves on providing a luxury cinema experience for their viewers. With ticket prices increasing to around £16 a time, it’s a priority that their sound is of as high quality as their cocktails and sofas. On the whole, films are getting louder which means increased vibration from screen room to screen room. The popularity of loud superhero and action movies is bad news for those wanting to enjoy a romcom or a period drama in peace. The floor specification was designed to attenuate the airborne sound created in each cinema along with isolating vibration caused from low base frequencies.The SolutionIt was important that CMS Danskin found a technique that would stop sound and vibration within the screen rooms, to avoid transmission to other cinema rooms. To do this, CMS Danskin worked with Gillieron Scott Acoustic Design. This group are experts in theatre sound insulation who have worked on the Apollo Theatre and the Theatre Royal in London.The floor system was designed with a target of 14Hz or better (lower) for the discreet floating floor pads. This system also required a 75mm airspace below the floating floor element of the cinema. The system comprised 50mm pads with 25mm timber battens to achieve the required void height and this supported three layers of cement particle board. The thickness and mass of the cement particle board and pads were designed to isolate the airborne and vibration caused by low frequency bass sound.The ResultWorking with the Dead Load and Live Load provided to CMS Danskin Acoustics, they exceeded the 14Hz goal set by the Everyman Cinema. The specific pad and spacing of pads determined by CMS Danskin Acoustic achieved 12Hz, when

Precast concrete Groundwall panels, designed and manufactured by Whites Concrete with a special rock face finish to blend in with existing surroundings, have replaced an integral part of a cemetery wall structure in Wigan. The 2.35m high (1m wide) concrete panels, which were formed with a bespoke liner, were installed on time and within budget by Parklands Services, a leading construction provider in the North West. Shaun Edwards, Managing Director of Parklands Services, commented: “We were very impressed with the turnaround, quality and detail of the precast panels from Whites Concrete".

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

Efficient Approach Dramatically Reduces Turbine Noise at CCGT Power StationsTen years after it was first used at Uskmouth, this innovative approach to soundproofing that reduces insulation depth by up to 76%, is once again commissioned in France.Dangerous Levels of NoiseModern dry cooling systems offer many benefits over traditional systems in CCGT power stations, but they have the disadvantage of being a complex source of noise transmission. The turbine noise recorded coming from the dry cooling system at the Severn Power CCGT Power Station at Uskmouth was between 130dB(A) and 135dB(A). Exposure to these levels of noise, a full 50dB above The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 “upper action level”, will cause both immediate and permanent damage.When acoustics and soundproofing specialist, CMS Danskin Acoustics, were brought in by SPX Cooling Technologies, designers of Uskmouth’s dry cooling system, they discovered not only high levels of noise but also that the noise generated had a very low-frequency bias, the most difficult noise spectrum to treat.Solutions for low-frequency noise issues typically involve wrapping the problem in significant quantities of acoustic insulation, with many standard solutions being as deep as 500mm to 700mm. The sheer volume of lagging required for an insulation-based approach to a project like Uskmouth, with 8,000m2 of ducting to be covered, would be expensive, time-consuming to install and prohibitively disruptive.The New Approach proven at UskmouthThe challenge of producing a soundproofing system that would be cost effective and efficient to install was taken up by CMS Danskin Acoustic’s Technical Direct Paul Absolon. CMS Danskin has a reputation for effective, high quality acoustic solutions tailored to the specific challenge, and this solution was no different.Exploring the wide range of acoustic materials from the company’s industrial acoustics range, Paul opted for a combination of materials working in concert: the unique CMS HTIB elastomeric isolation pads, constructed from a polyurethane-bound rubber granulate with excellent dampening and isolation characteristics; QuietSlab SVX3, a high-performance, mineral- fibre acoustic lagging; and WBKT Acoustic Barriers, a high-density, barium-sulphate-loaded thermoplastic polymer, which is thin, flexible and easy to work with.By using a bespoke combination of materials which each tackled specific aspects of the problem, CMS Danskin Acoustics were able to create a soundproofing solution with a construction depth of just 170mm, between 66% and 76% thinner than the 500-700mm standard solution. Disruption was minimised and material costs reduced.Once complete, the system was rigorously tested by SPX Cooling Technologies and Uskmouth’s main contractor, Siemen’s Energy. CMS Danskin Acoustics’ solution had reduced the noise generated by 39%, to just 82-83dB(A), under the 85dB “upper action level” listed in The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.Peter Ullrich, project director, Siemens Energy, commented at the time:“Effectively controlling noise and reducing sound emissions was a top priority for us in the Uskmouth project. Not only was it essential that the dry cooling system satisfied all the legal acoustic obligations and regulations but just as important was that neighbouring properties were not disturbed by additional noise levels.”Repeat Success at LandivisiauTen years on, the same successful approach has been applied to the dry cooling system at the new CCGT Power Station at Landivisiau in Brittany, north-western France. Also built by Siemens, the dry cooling system was supplied by SPG Dry Cooling. In the case of Landivisiau, even greater sound reduction was required, from approximately 140dB(A) to below The Control of Noise at Work Regulations limit of 85dB(A).To meet this challenge, SPG and CMS Danskin collaborated on extensive testing at the acoustic testing laboratory of SRL Technical Services. The reductions achieved during testing as part of the specification process were some of the largest reductions in sound ever measured at SRL.Once the specification was confirmed, CMS Danskin worked with SPG to ensure that materials for the multi-layer acoustic solution were prepared and delivered efficiently so that SPG’s installers always had the correct materials on site. The installation of the acoustic soundproofing was completed in October 2021 and the power station entered commission as planned in April 2022.“CMS Danskin Acoustics Limited successfully supplied the acoustic material package for the project which was tested at SRL to give an overall lab test reduction of 68dB Rw.”Robert Hill, Project Manager, SPG Dry Cooling

With modern design, the building is at the forefront of technology ... These offices focused on writing newspaper and various journals under a single roof. The aim of this ambitious project is to maximise company resources, and be in agreement with the innovations of the new millennia... Barrisol contributed to this project with the provision of 1,100sqm of Barrisol acoustic light (BSA301010B) materials. 149 ceilings with 142 identical hexagons

At Trade Access Panels we are often asked questions regarding the measurement and installation a Loft Hatch within a domestic property. Thankfully, the new TAP12 Loft Hatch is even easier to fit than previously! Please see our guide below where we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Delivered under the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, the new Caldicot School building in Monmouthshire offer the innovative and flexible learning facilities demanded by a contemporary secondary school. There are spacious classrooms, a multi-use hall, theatre-style learning areas and studio spaces for students to study informally. The building is designed to be energy efficient and natural light has been optimised throughout. Monmouth Comprehensive is equipped with state of the art facilities. Rockfon acoustic products play a pivotal role in both schools by creating stimulating learning environments that are at the heart of the architect’s vision.

SubFloor acoustic flooring was used to renovate, raise and acoustically dampen a 828 m² floor into 12 luxury apartments near Nottingham city centre.This simple and elegant solution raised an uneven floor up to 300 mm to allow for installations and insulation. The joist and screw system allows for quick and easy assembly so that the floor can reach the desired height. Acoustic feet were mounted onto the SubFloor screws for acoustic damping between apartments.Products:Wooden Joist 45x45x3600 mmSubFloor Screw 300 mmScrew Foot AcousticHeight Variation: 73 - 323 mmSystem Weight - c/c 600 mm: 2.86 kg/m²Materials:Pine T0-C24Fibre-reinforced VitamidePolyamidePoint Load 50 x 50 mm: 5.3 kN12.84 kN/m² - Between screws12.73 kN/m² - Next to screw over joist[According to SS-EN 1195:1998] Acoustic Damping: Up to 28 dB[rating according to ISO 717-2]

With floor space at a premium, partitioning expert Style strives to deliver solutions that minimise space needed to create an effective room divide. For example, the fully-automatic Skyfold Zenith is stored out of sight in the ceiling cavity. At the touch of a button it slides down as almost entirely flat panels, allowing a room to be quickly divided without even moving furniture. There are four Zenith models capable of delivering laboratory tested acoustic performance ranging from Rw48dB right through to an incredible Rw59dB. There is also the sound absorption Zenith with a 0.65 NRC rating.

For Bloomberg HQ, Foster + Partners originally approached SAS in 2012. Knowing SAS well, they were seeking a manufacturing and design partner to realise true innovation in product design and engineering. There are many architectural features of note both inside and outside of the building. That said, you immediately notice the ceiling once inside, it is unlike anything seen previously. The Integrated Ceiling Panels combine acoustics, lighting and temperature control. This is a first for the UK and likely globally. Achieving a 98.5% ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating, the project is the most sustainable commercial office building in Europe.