"acoustic"

The University of Central Lancashire development of a new UCLAN Student Centre 7,304 sqm and University Squares 8,440 sqm.Soundis was approached by BAM Construction to supply the Absorb-R WoodTec Walls Slats and the Absorb-R SofTone Fabric Baffles. These where installed by our installation partner UK Acoustic SystemsThe WoodTec Wall Slats are based on a fibre gypsum board which has excellent properties regarding both fire safety and acoustics. The slats are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which results in 100% straight aligned slats over their full lifetime.

This grand Edwardian property began life as commercial premises, but has recently been given a new lease of life by urban regeneration experts Stockwool Design. The site near the City of London, known as Sterling Mansions, has been transformed into 59 quality apartments for Berkeley Homes. We designed, manufactured and installed 216 traditional timber flush casement windows with feature moldings. Fitted with high acoustic double glazing on the Leman Street elevation, the windows achieved an impressive 45 dB Rw acoustic performance rating (55.4 ACf / 12 / 44.1 Low-E glass).

London Zoo is one of the UK’s best-known tourist attractions and the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Opened in 1838, it now houses nearly 20,000 animals. The new Terrace Restaurant by SHH architects has tripled the dining space to 700 covers. Troldtekt ceilings play a major part in helping to create an acoustically pleasant environment for the high visitor numbers. With an abundance of hard surfaces, coupled with echoes and ambient noise, it was important to find a solution which would complement the design. This has been achieved by installing Troldtekt ultrafine acoustic panels on the ceilings below the mezzanine floor.

Associated Architects chose SAS International to provide the high acoustic and finishing touches to the UoB academic interior fit-out. Anodised gold cladding and bulkheads were selected to encase the atrium lift-shafts, the main staircase and highlighting the university crest on the 4th floor. Three additional acoustic treatments for open soffit areas were specified over computer clusters and lounge spaces. SAS500 baffles and bespoke ring shaped and circular rafts were designed and manufactured by SAS to fulfil this requirement. The architects have effectively linked elements of the build to the next tying the theme of regency with modern amenities.

Working with a design concept from FKM architects, SAS International developed a hybrid ceiling based on their existing SAS500 offering. This tailor-made system was formed to incorporate the intricate design pattern while maintaining the systems stability. The perforated baffles installed in LogMeIn incorporate an acoustic backing pad and are finished in a Calm White shade. Chosen for its superb acoustic properties, this bespoke baffle solution offers an eye-catching and unique ceiling. The bespoke linear system is a unique feature of the office and lends itself to SAS’ design and manufacturing capability to take on complex and challenging designs.

Thermal and acoustic insulation secondary glazing was installed by Selectaglaze for the National Trust as part of a full-scale refurbishment at the Grade I Listed Belton House stable block in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which has been converted into restaurant and office space. Selectaglaze Series 10 horizontal sliders were specified for 24 of the original leaded windows in the offices, and meeting rooms. Custom made timber grounds were affixed to all the openings which were splayed or out of shape. As a result of the installation, thermal efficiency has improved considerably, with the added benefit of increased acoustic insulation.

Style has installed one of the UK’s largest Skyfold vertical-rising partitioning walls, delivering an exceptional acoustic divide to the new Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall, Oxford Brookes University. Just under 19m wide and with a clear opening height of 7m, the fully automatic moveable wall is housed in the ceiling cavity and descends gracefully at the push of a button to be fully opened in just 2½ minutes. Skyfold takes up zero floor space when not in use whilst the acoustic performance is second to none, ensuring concurrent events can take place either side of the divide, completely undisturbed.

Sound absorption experts, Sound Reduction Systems (SRS), have recently completed a successful acoustic project at Socketts Heath Baptist Church in Grays, Essex.

The Grade II Listed Aberdeen Wharf had thermal and acoustic secondary glazing installed by Selectaglaze to help reconfigure, redesign and renovate the 2-floor apartment.

The heritage property was first built in 1931 as an office building, so the acoustics had to be upgraded during the renovation process without spoiling the character of the original design.

The Maidenhead-based Thames Hospice service has proudly served its community for more than 30 years, offering world-class palliative and end-of-life care and support to people across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.Thames Hospice, “We provide the highest quality nursing, medical and therapeutic care supporting the physical, social and emotional needs of our patients and their loved ones. Our services are free of charge to all who need us, thanks to the generosity of our amazing community and organisations, as well as our 700 incredible volunteers who give their time to support the best possible end-of-life care for local people.” KKE Architects were responsible for the project. They said, “Set in more than eight acres, with stunning views across landscaped gardens and Bray Lake, the new hospice has 28 inpatient beds in individual en-suite rooms. The new Day Centre (the Paul Bevan Centre) offers a wider range of daily therapeutic and social activities for day patients and inpatients and has allowed the hospice to double its day service provision.”Bespoke seamless acoustic islands created on siteIn one part of the building, KKE Architects designed a central double height rotunda from which 11 concrete ‘spokes’ splayed from the structure underneath a circular glass dome. Islands were the best option for acoustic control within these unusual spaces, which the installers – Aspect Ceilings and Partitions – were able to create on site with Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic system components. This approach eliminated any lead time in ordering bespoke, pre-manufactured islands.Rockfon Mono Acoustic is a system comprising grid, panel and acoustic render, which can be used to create ceilings, wall coverings and bespoke islands and rafts.Within the rotunda 1200 x 1200mm panels were initially cut to size and adhered directly to the concrete soffit. They were then taped, jointed, filled and rendered to create seamless, elegant islands which help create a calm atmosphere by providing Class A sound absorption.Aspect Ceilings and Partitions carried out the installation of Rockfon acoustic systems at the Hospice. Company Director Grant Stevens “This was a great project to be involved with. We know the Rockfon team are always available to offer advice. Given the bespoke nature of the design, the installation relied heavily on the creativity of the installation team. The process needed to be precise and the completed work looks great.”Optimum acoustics can improve sleep and reduce anxietyThanks 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. Rockfon Eclipse® are also used at the hospice, arranged groups of refined frameless panels suspended on wires directly from the soffit, giving the illusion they float in mid-air. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shapes with custom colour matching and are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Director Phil Kavanagh of KKE architects, “Acoustics were a key consideration in our choice of both Rockfon ranges, where each fitted the brief and offered the best solution. In particular, Mono Acoustic suited the installation requirements within the rotunda where specifically shaped elements needed to fit within the radiused space and deliver a monolithic appearance.” The right solution when it matters mostIn common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono and Eclipse are made with a core of naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stone wool, which is non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. In addition, their high light reflectance characteristics help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and further enhancing wellbeing. Rockfon Business Development Manager, Simon Slade, “The invaluable work done at this hospice made it an important project to be specified for. The whole purpose was to create a calm, quiet environment for those receiving care and for their families. I’m humbled that our products can make a difference to their experience at such a difficult time.”

Komfort worked in partnership with GHI to design and support with supply and install for all Polar frame works, door frames and glass doors. Komfort’s Polar collection was used throughout the project. Double glazed Polar’s simplistic method of installation, relocatability and powerful acoustic properties made it an intelligent option for this fit-out. Whilst, Polar single glazed minimalist form facilitated speed of erection without compromising structural stability and rigidity. Deflection heads +/- 25mm were used for both systems. Additionally, the Sonik collection provided enhanced acoustic performance whilst also creating an open-plan modern feel.

Polar double-glazed partitions provided the ideal solution for dividing space in a clever and minimalistic way. The double glazed Polar partitions have impressive acoustic thresholds of up to 49dB (Rw), which is becoming more and more essential in today’s working environment. Providing opportunity for both communicative and inspired work, Polar double glazed’s simplistic method of installation, demountability and powerful acoustic properties makes it an intelligent option for modern offices. Due to Robinson Structures engineering expertise, steel girders were built above and around the Polar single glazed track work to create smaller offices and meeting rooms.

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

To meet the client’s requirements of wanting sliding doorsets rather than pivoting doors on the meeting rooms, Komfort’s Sonik Slide doors were installed. This project gave us the opportunity to use Sonik Slide as our new acoustic pocket double glazed sliding door, which can be specified as a single or double door set within its own unique frameless glass. On this project, Sonik Slide double door sets were specified and installed. Sonik Slide has been designed to focus on ease of installation and to allow light to flood through the workplace whilst ensuring high acoustic performance is maintained.

New York City’s newest boutique hotel makes a bold statement in upper midtown Manhattan, thanks in no small part to the extensive use of Crittall steel windows, doors and internal screens and partitions. The Whitby is the second in New York opened by Firmdale Hotels, whose owners have already made a big impression in central London use fenestration from Crittall. Opened in late February, The Whitby’s position called for higher acoustic attenuation, so Crittall MW40 fenestration was selected. These windows can accept up to 30mm thick glazing providing excellent acoustic as well as thermal performance while maximising daylight.

Location: Dubai, UAEThe Opus by Omniyat is an iconic residential, hotel and office building in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa District designed by Zaha Hadid which utilises an unusual volumetric design to stand out from its peers. The developer needed a replacement for drywall which produced less construction debris and achieved a 67dB acoustic rating with walls no thicker than 200mm.This was an extremely complex project which required bespoke elements from Specwall in order to succeed. As well as considering the curved walls, high acoustic requirements and luxury finishes, there was a specific requirement for unique, 2.7m cut panels to suit the building’s elevator space.

It is interesting how design trends are quickly mirrored across the world. A few years’ ago, for example, lifestyle and interior design magazines were all about plain white walls, hard surfaces and minimal furniture. Today, heavier materials are being revitalised and darker colours are being used in more and more projects. Troldtekt has seen a steep rise in the specification of its wood wool acoustic panels in dark greys and black. From residential houses, hotels and music venues to London’s iconic Design Museum, black acoustic ceilings have been used to add to the ambience and enhance atmospheric design.

Troldtekt 100% wood wool acoustic panels have been used to dramatic effect at London’s famous Open Air Theatre in Regents Park. A newly-constructed rehearsal building, designed by architects Reed Watt, comprises a stunning double-height dance and rehearsal studio in its centre encircled by offices, kitchen and green room. Troldtekt wood wall panelling in natural grey also complement the natural setting while helping to dampen and keep reverberated sound to a minimum. The rehearsal studio has been acoustically rated so that the maximum noise level that can happen in the studio before being audible outside is 100dB.

Delivered at a cost of £46.5 Million the scheme comprises four 6-17 storey accommodation blocks housing 864 student units. Acoustic performance was key for the glazing in noisy roadside areas and lower levels. The solution was Senior’s energy efficient SPW600e windows fitted with acoustic energy efficient insulated glass units to achieve a sound reduction index (RW) rating of 43.   A light and welcoming space, was created in communal spaces using Senior’s thermally enhanced SF52 fully capped two-storey aluminium curtain walling, whilst perimeter capped silicone glazed SF52 was chosen for the link bridge between accommodation blocks. 

XPS Insulation and Dry Screed Board Acoustic FlooringKing’s College London is one of the Top 20 Universities in the world, according to the international world 2013-14 ranking. They are the fourth oldest university in England, holding over 25,000 students. As well as this, the college includes more than 10,600 postgraduates and over 7,000 employees. The College also has research earnings of nearly £587million overall annually.The Architect specified a combination of Soundis Dry Screed Board and XPS Insulation, both of which are recyclable and amongst the most effective insulation materials available for acoustic performance and thermal performance in this student development.

The congregation at Grade II Listed St Patricks Church in Bolton, can worship without interruptions from the neighbouring bus interchange, with the installation of acoustic secondary glazing. 4 large gothic arched stained glass clerestory windows were treated with internal glazed units, stopping the ingress of the sound of stationary busses which can create 70-80dB. However the tricky window was the large chancery window overlooking the altar as 4.3m (h) x 3m (w). When now inside the church, the congregation would never know there is a bus interchange just outside; the acoustic secondary glazing treatment has worked miracles.

ROCKFON has successfully worked together with Global Contract Interiors, Kier Construction and Architects Seymour Harris, to establish a fully compliant range of acoustic solutions that meet the required performance specifications at the new Phoenix Academy in Telford; built as part of the council’s Building Schools for the Future programme. Around 2,000m² of ROCKFON products: Rockfon Scholar and Samson wall panels; Rockfon Contour suspended baffles; and Rockfon Alaska suspended raft islands, were installed throughout the school to improve acoustic sound absorption – particularly in areas where the school design meant that traditional suspended ceilings were unable to be installed.

Delivering privacy between the design office and meeting room of leading toy and games specialist, John Adams, Style has installed a chic moveable wall system that combines three glass panels with a single solid panel and solid inset pass door. The DORMA semi-automatic sliding partition allows natural light into the divided space whilst still offering 47dB Rw acoustic rating, for excellent privacy when required. Staff at John Adams can quickly and easily slide the panels into place, whereupon substantial rubber seals automatically expand to form the optimum acoustic barrier, every time.

Rockfon acoustic ceilings are installed in a new state-of-the-art health assessment clinic, Preventicum, in Central London. This specialist healthcare provider offers bespoke, in-depth health evaluation and diagnostics which includes full-body scanning. High-tech luxury Sonnemann Toon Architects designed the clinic’s interior with a high-tech spec that has the feel of a luxury hotel. Architect Galina Borovikova explains how Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic helps create a sense of opulence, “It combines the elegance of a seamless ceiling with outstanding sound absorbing qualities which enhances the sleek interior and creates client privacy.”

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specified for a primarily residential building at the heart of the redevelopment of London’s Greenwich Square for their aesthetic, acoustic, thermal, fire-resistant and sustainability credentials.

ChallengeFor the air traffic controllers at Birmingham Airport, concentration is critical to ensuring the safety of the hundreds of passenger jets that take off and land every day. Studies show office workers lose concentration when noise levels hit 55dB; however, the sound of just one medium-sized aircraft descending at 1,000ft is 70dB.SolutionWith this in mind, noise reduction was an essential factor in the specification of the insulation for the 105ft air traffic control tower. The airport’s developers consulted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team for advice. The Technical Support Team recommended Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, a non-combustible Rock Mineral Wool insulation designed for use in high-rise rainscreen façade systems.Mineral Wool insulation has superior acoustic performance because of its open structure, which traps sound between the individual strands and turns it into heat energy.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is quick and easy to install and adapts to minor imperfections in the substrate. Slabs are flexible and knit together eliminating air gaps for maximum acoustic and thermal performance, making it perfect for use on the curved walls of the funnel shaped control tower. The same level of acoustic performance could not have been achieved with rigid foam boards, which have closed cell structures that offer virtually no sound absorption. Rigid foam boards are also more prone to air gaps, reducing acoustic performance further.As well as excellent acoustic and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is non-combustible with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the spread or development of fire should it occur.Another factor in the specification of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was sustainability. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally friendly. Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Thanks to Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab the air traffic controllers at Birmingham Airport can enjoy a quieter, warmer, safer and more sustainable workplace."Acoustic protection, energy performance, fire safety and sustainability were all crucial factors taken into account during the design of the air traffic control tower and so all materials specified with the project needed to meet these multiple requirements. We are extremely pleased with the building."Will Heynes, Birmingham Airport’s Development Director

A state-of-the-art sports and learning centre in Cambridge features a dramatic space-defining acoustic based on the use of MEDITE PREMIER FR fire rated panels from MEDITE SMARTPLY.

Controlling noise and acoustics is a key element in design and particularly when designing for the elderly. The need for more assisted-living and retirement accommodation continues to rise to match the ever-growing ageing population whether it’s to combat the cost of living independently, downsizing, increased care needs or just a sense of community and freedom.Care Homes and Day Centres play an important role in our society and can improve the quality of life for its users through an increased sense of security and to combat isolation. New accommodation is frequently designed to replicate the comforts of a home and to minimise transitional stress but all too frequently ambient levels of noise add to the challenges faced by the elderly. The impact of noise pollution on the elderly is far worse than in younger years. Presbycusis, (hearing loss that occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older) along with cumulative lifetime noise exposure, decline in physiological resilience and dementia all have an impact. The McManus and McClenaghan (2010) study recommended that “having a good acoustic environment can support inclusion and reduce confusion in people with dementia”. Today’s trends of designing with hard surfaces means that all too often the problem is exacerbated with residents, staff and visitors suffering from noise pollution adding to increased levels of stress and anxiety.Danish acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt is a world leader in designing and developing acoustic panels to create calm, healthy, comfortable environments with their long-lasting solutions for effective sound control combined with colour to create characterful design. Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different structures and colours combining superior sound absorption with award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to coarse. They can be supplied as natural wood or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.

Several disciplines are going to be joining forces under one roof in the future university centre for dentistry (UZB) in Basel. A centre of dentistry competence ranging from basic care to research and teaching is being built. Every year, dentists, dental and preventive care assistants and dental hygienists will be administering more than 80,000 treatments in the 5-storey building.The staircases were a key area of focus on this project, both for architectural reasons and in light of the strict sound insulation requirements. All staircases and landings have a bare architectural concrete finish. Compliance with the requirement of an impact sound level delta ΔLn,w* of 28 dB was mandatory in order to protect the quiet areas (e.g. treatment rooms, lecture halls, library, etc.) from distracting noise.Products from the Schöck Tronsole® range have been implemented for acoustic insulation. These impact sound insulation products enable a structural connection of the staircases and landings with no acoustic bridges whatsoever. Correct planning and installation of Schöck Tronsole® in a system results in a blue line visible at the treated areas. It is the mark of quality for reliable impact sound insulation and acoustic bridge-free installation.

Design & Build construction of a purpose build student accommodation development to provide 1,025 bedrooms and once completed it will provide a dramatic new addition to the Birmingham skyline.The buildings comprise of two bold, angular towers with sharply defined ‘razor’ edges and a smooth, highly detailed, gloss black finish, rising 13 and 24 storeys respectively. The towers are anchored by a middle section rising to 10 storeys and finished with a traditional, matt brick with defined window reveals and texture.The building is designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and the student beds arranged principally in cluster units.Noise absorbing window ventsDucoMax SR is a self-regulating, acoustic vent (sound attenuating ventilator), specifically engineered for situations exposed to high levels of noise disturbance. The various types are attractively designed and offer excellent acoustic and airflow performance. Suited to high-rise applications, the SkyMax variant was also placed in this project. The SkyMax SR is an upgraded version of the DucoMax SR making it applicable to heights up to 70 meter. The acoustic vents ensure that the students have a carefree night's sleep in a bustling city. 

Murchison House, received a significant refurbishment, giving the University of Edinburgh a new purpose-designed venue.Reconfigured to provide light-filled, comfortable spaces for students and staff, architects Reiach & Hall specified Knauf Ceiling Solutions' HERADESIGN® for a first-class acoustic solution aligning with the university’s contemporary design brief.A suspended raft system in the café and breakout area was created using HERADESIGN®.Cut to create triangular canopies, the floating ceiling solution offered the illusion of height and provides excellent acoustic performance. In the study areas, 100sqm of HERADESIGN® wall absorbers were installed throughout the study zones continuing the geometric theme.

West Cliff Hotel is a two six story Premier Inn which hosts 105 guest rooms and a third block with 88 residential units. The project included the demolition of a previous building then the construction of the hotel, with underground car parking. The hotel is only a 15-minute walk away (0.5 miles) from Bournemouth Pier and the Oceanarium.Cellecta ScreedBoard 28 was specified by HGP Architects in this luxury refurbishment to improve upon its existing acoustic properties. It's high density, and unique resilient layer provides unrivalled acoustic performance, typically 5dB better than legislative requirements.Inland Homes was awarded this 3,000m² contract to construct this development in Bournemouth.

Over the last 12 months, partitioning experts Style, sole UK distributor for Dorma Hüppe, has seen a noticeable increase in demand for glass partitions from within the education sector. Combining transparency with exceptional acoustic privacy, glass systems create bright, open spaces which can be quickly reconfigured to meet the teaching requirements. Another trend in the education sector Style has witnessed is a shift towards fully automatic moveable walls, allowing teachers to change the space available at the push of a button. Automatic movable walls avoid any manual handling and ensure the most effective acoustic seal is formed every time.

The school has 69 pupils who have special educational needs, of which around 28 would board on the first floor of the new school.Soundis were contracted to supply an acoustic fabric wall mounted panelling system to the newly constructed teaching areas within the school. The requirement for sound absorption on this project was elevated due to the sensitivity of sensory processing within the children. The panels help to control & reduce reverberation times (echos) providing a calmer environment for the children to work in.The system chosen on this project were the Soundis 40mm Absorb-R SofTone Panels, due to the panels being 40mm thick, they provide Class A acoustic performance.

The £41m Health Innovation Campus will act as a focal point, allowing researchers, healthcare professionals, businesses, local authorities and policy-makers, to focus on a systems approach to improving health, in line with the aims of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the NHS long-term plan. Soundis was approached by BAM Construction to supply the Absorb-R WoodTec Walls Slats. These where installed by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems The WoodTec Wall Slats are based on a fibre gypsum board which has excellent properties regarding both fire safety and acoustics. The slats are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which results in 100% straight aligned slats over their full lifetime.