"barrier queue management systems"

Puddle Ducks is a thriving business welcoming over 20,000 babies and children at a number of locations across the UK every week. Staffed by a highly qualified team, the company prides itself on providing child-led instruction in a safe and nurturing environment.Classes at the swim school’s brand-new, dedicated pool in Barons Quay, Northwich, were flourishing but increased attendance had resulted in unwanted noise, making communication difficult. These conditions can result in a phenomenon known as The Lombard Effect or Lombard Reflex, which often occurs in spaces with poor sound control. It is an involuntary tendency of speakers to increase their vocal effort to enhance the audibility of their voice and can have a negative physiological and psychological influence on wellbeing. Staff members working in these conditions might also suffer vocal damage.Acoustic analysis and guidelinesPuddle Ducks wanted to remedy the situation in the best way possible, so an inspection and measurements of the acoustics in the teaching pool area were commissioned by Rockfon and conducted by Hepworth Acoustics of Manchester. In their report they advise that the most useful description of reverberation is Reverberation Time (RT), which is the amount of time it takes for the sound level to become inaudible after the sound has stopped. The report also mentions that, although there are no specific guidelines for privately operated pools, ‘Acoustic design of schools: performance standards’ Building bulletin 93 (February 2015) (BB93), does offer guidance for design targets for swimming pools in schools. The aim of these guidelines is to provide suitable reverberation times (RTs) to allow clear communication of speech between teacher and student. The RT is quoted in terms of the mid frequency reverberation time Tmf, which is the arithmetic average of the reverberation times in the 500 Hz, 1 kHz and 2 kHz octave bands. The maximum reverberation time for swimming pools with a floor area of less than 280 m2 is 1.5 Tmf, per second. Consultation process and proposalRockfon Area Manager, Natasha Checketts, “Following a referral, I visited the site with Gary Hymanson of Granmore Ceilings and discussed the issues being experienced at the pool with Puddle Ducks Business Development Manager, Jo Warner. In addition to unwanted noise, there were challenges with maintaining the appropriate environmental conditions in the pool hall, meaning a tailored solution would be needed. Following further consultation, I proposed our solution and plan of action to Puddle Ducks and was given the go-ahead.” Granmore’s Gary Hymanson, spoke about the process, “Regarding the installation, the trickiest part was finding a suitable solution to carry out the installation without draining the pool. We decided to board the pool area out so we could use access equipment above the water level. Also, due to the difficulty in reaching the pool through the building, an access point was specially built into the wall of the space, enabling us to get the materials and access equipment in place. Once this was done, the installation went very smoothly.”Specialist systems offer perfect solutionsHACCP certified Rockfon® CleanSpace™ Pro was considered the perfect choice for the project. The range embodies high sound absorption (Class A) and highest fire safety (Class A1), ISO Class 4 low particle emission, and does not contribute to the growth of microorganisms. CleanSpace Pro is highly durable and will withstand numerous cleaning and disinfection regimes. It is available in a full range of formats, in semi-concealed and visible grid options. It also demonstrates humidity and sag resistance up to 100% RH with no visible deflection in high humidity.The ceiling tiles were installed into a Rockfon, Chicago Metallic T24 Click D2890 ECR grid. The grid components and accessories of this specialist system all meet the highest-Class D corrosion resistance protection requirements of EN13964. “The work really has made an amazing difference” The maximum Tmf measured at the pool prior to the new ceiling being installed was 3.46. Once the Rockfon ceiling was in place, this reading was dramatically reduced to 0.93, well within the 1.5 target adopted as a maximum permissible level of reverberation for the Puddle Ducks teaching pool.James Shaw, Senior Consultant at Hepworth Acoustics, “It is clear from the results above that a significant improvement has been achieved. This is consistent with feedback from staff who use the pool.”Rachel Bateson is the Puddle Ducks Manager at Barons Quay, “The pool was opened in August 2021 and we are extremely proud of the facility. Customers loved it but, as numbers increased, we began struggling with an echo in the pool hall which was becoming disruptive. Since the work has been done, the difference has been incredible. Teachers love the change – they are no longer having to strain their voices and are finding it much easier to communicate with parents and children. Customers have also reacted positively, telling us that lessons are a much calmer and more enjoyable as a result. The work really has made an amazing difference.”

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

Rockfon was given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of a wide range of spaces while contributing to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental status of this stunning project.This new five storey medical school enables students to experience real life situations encountered by those in the medical profession. It includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms to simulate hospital wards or a GP surgery, a pro-section anatomy suite and bio-medical and health sciences library. Professor Mary Stuart was University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor at the time, “It represents more than just a building – it is a commitment to current and future communities in Lincolnshire to develop sustainable healthcare for the region.” HLM were the client architects, ‘The scheme has been modelled to create the optimal sustainable environment through informed decisions on site layout, massing, orientation, building fabric, elevational treatment and Integrated renewable energy systems. To further enhance student mental health and wellbeing, the scheme uses biophilic design principles including natural lighting and ventilation, visual links to natural landscape features and natural materials.’Meeting and exceeding client aspirationsShradha Mishra was Project Manager for the Estates Department at University of Lincoln. At its completion she said, “The Lincoln Medical School… has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout the design and construction process. With this in mind, the strategy for the building required exposed ceilings and therefore it was important to review and manage the acoustic requirements of the spaces to ensure a suitable working and teaching environment. Following extensive design and consultation with acoustic engineers, Rockfon were recommended for installation across the project which included a variety of both suspended ceiling grid tiles and acoustic baffles in open plan areas to support the absorption of sound.”BAM were main contractors for the project with BAM Design leading architectural design. Brebur Limited were responsible for the installation of ceiling and wall systems at Lincoln. Operations Director Vinny Lilley had this to say, “We have an excellent relationship with Rockfon. Their wide range of specialist products always ensures the architectural vision is achieved. They are always on-hand to offer technical advice and commercial acumen, with around 2,500sqm of tile and grid components being supplied by regional distributors.Acoustics reducing stress and enhancing healthAcoustic Rockfon Eclipse® islands are utilised within open plan areas where they are suspended on wires from the soffit, giving the illusion that they float. They can be specified in a variety of shapes with unlimited custom colour matching. Eclipse islands are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. At Lincoln they are also present as wall panels to further control sound.Improved acoustics can increase focus by 48% and reduce stress levels by 27%, which aids learning and wellbeing (independent research). The high light reflectance characteristics of Rockfon ceiling and wall systems also help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and enhancing health.Elsewhere within the school, Rockfon Blanka® is installed. Available in a wide range of sound control and durability performance characteristics, its non-directional, anti-static surface prolongs product life. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “All Rockfon ranges are made from inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which offers no sustenance to microorganisms and demonstrates outstanding reaction to fire. Most are available in a full range of formats including concealed, semi-concealed and visible grid options from our extensive Chicago Metallic grid systems.” Specialist ranges for every spaceHTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was the perfect fit at Lincoln where it offers outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 4) also mark it out as a first choice for healthcare specification, along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1). Also within the building, the superior moisture resistant properties and wipe clean surface of Rockfon® Koral™ were important considerations for its use. Affordable, Rockfon® Artic™ was also put to good use in several areas at the school. In common with other Rockfon ranges, both Koral and Artic offer excellent sound absorption and fire safety characteristics.Shradha Mishra continued, “Since completion of the building, we have had positive feedback from building users about both the aesthetic appearance of the Rockfon products along with the acoustic performance of them.” 

Iconic Manchester Central Convention Complex is an exhibition and conference centre which has undergone a £30m renovation with a seating capacity of 9,500. As a leading venue, sustainability is at the heart of everything Manchester Central do.The centre attracts 500,000 visitors annually, so the senior management team had a desire to engage visitors better and transform the user experience. By switching to 50 SAVORTEX adDryers, the following benefits were delivered. 88% energy saving per dry vs previous dryerOperational savings from smart washroom cleaning alerts and analytics dashboard0% service disruption from remote product health alertsEstimated ROI: 7 months & CSR reportingAdvertising revenue-share

Home Bargains, a leading UK retailer, sought to embrace sustainable infrastructure by introducing EV charging across their UK car park network. Partnering with Rolec EV, a pioneer in EV technology, they installed a mix of 25 AC fast and DC rapid chargepoints across 14 sites, with plans for further expansion. Tailored to meet the needs of both customers and fleet vehicles, the charging network offers bespoke branding and smart back-office management for seamless operation. This initiative not only optimizes fleet charging, reducing downtime, but also contributes to the advancement of the UK's public charging network, promoting the transition to electric vehicles.Click "view more" to read the full case study.

Project DetailProject: Starbucks CoffeeLocation: Ontario, CanadaProduct: TS.9206 and TS.9205 Heavy duty architectural door closersProject DescriptionStarbucks Coffee required 50 surface fix closers for a high-traffic location. The closers needed to be robust and work for both external and internal doors. Starbucks chose TS.9206 and TS.9205 closers because they:Are strong and highly efficient, making doors easy to open while withstanding high usageWork perfectly on both external and internal doorsAre adjustable, making them easy to fit on a variety of doors ‘The doors get abuse, but they stand up to it!’ – Laury Silk, Operations Property Manager