"plasterboard"

Completed Works:- Metal Ceiling- FLOOR and more- NORTEC- Plasterboard partition systems- Fire protection doors

When Ace Kind Ltd was asked to refurbish and retile the shower and changing facilities at the prestigious Shifnal Golf Club, they were expecting a fairly straightforward job. However, Adrian Holt, a director of the Staffordshire-based building contractors, had no idea that the original plasterboard had started to disintegrate behind the tiles. When the contractor highlighted the problem to golf club managers they were given the go-ahead to replace the plasterboard, but rather than repeat the mistakes of the past Ace Kind opted to use Hardie® Backer board.

A 1950’s office building has been transformed into a luxury apartment complex with a major refurbishment featuring insulated plasterboard and soffit insulation.

Completed WorksCeilings Heated and Chilled Hook-On Ceilings Plafotherm E 213 Cassette Ceilings LMD-K 420 Luminous ceilings Plasterboard ceiling systems

Norstone UK is the leading provider of natural stacked stone and stone veneers in the UK. When used for interior applications such as around enclosed fire places and feature walls, Norstone recommends Hardie® Backer cement backerboard for tile and stone. Jack Jago, Director of Norstone UK, explains how the relationship with Hardie® Backer board came about: ‘we were having problems with many projects that have existing plasterboard where people wanted to tile stone on the plasterboard. But this won’t work as it will pull away half of the time as Norstone is a natural stone; it weighs 65kg per square metre.’

In this case study we’ll see how Yorkshire Soundproofing helped this homeowner by soundproofing their walls against noisy neighbours using the iKoustic MuteClip double system.After living next to an inconsiderate neighbour for years this customer decided it was time to take on their noisy neighbour’s situation by soundproofing their bedroom and living room walls.In this case study we’re just going to focus on the bedroom wall. The noisy neighbour in question was playing loud music and TV late into the night. The estimated cost of this job is £600 for materials and £600 for professional installation.If you’re looking for a soundproofing specialist to install an iKoustic soundproof wall system for you visit our installers pageSoundproofing walls against noisy neighboursTotal Time: 2 daysInstall MuteClipsMuteClip isolation clips should be installed in the diamond formation ( You can find more detail in our MuteClip installation guide) You can then clip the MuteClip Channel into the clips to create an isolated frame. This channel can be cut to size using tin stips and reconnected with self-tapping screws.Install Acoustic Mineral WoolThis is 50mm RW3 mineral wool specifically designed for soundproofing. You can pressure-fit it between the channels but using a small amount of spray adhesive makes this step easier. Wear a mask, goggles, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when handling mineral wool.Install acoustic plasterboardWith a minimum of six fixings per 1.2 x 1.2 board secure the acoustic plasterboard to the MuteClip Channels. I like to place some masking tape on the opposing walls where the channels meet the wall. This makes it easier to snap a chalk line and install the next layer of plasterboard. Be sure to leave a couple of mm gap between the adjacent walls, floor and ceiling. Once all the plasterboard is up, fill all the joins and around the perimeter with acoustic sealant.Install Tecsound wall soundproofing membraneHere we have used Tecsound SY70 as a vibration-dampening layer. This is a self-adhesive viscoelastic membrane. It’s quite heavy to lift so I always get someone to help me at this point. Once the whole wall has been covered you can now fix the final layer of plasterboard.SealingLastly, seal in the perimeter with acoustic sealant and apply scrim tape (seen in pink) to the joints ready for plastering!Estimated Cost: 600 GBPTools:Hammer DrillImpact DriverTape MeasureLevelTin SnipsUtility KnifePPEMaterials: RW3 acoustic mineral wool, Tecsound SY70, Fixings, Acoustic Plasterboard, MuteClip Channel, MuteClip Isolation ClipsThis customer was very happy with the results and their noisy neighbours are a thing of the past!Customer Feedback“I suffered from noisy neighbours since buying the property 18mths ago, shouting, doors banging and loud music. Can now enjoy a peaceful and relaxing home. Anyone thinking of having this work done I can definitely recommend the benefits of doing so”

The proposed developments followed traditional timber kit design, consisting of an outer brick skin 50mm cavity, with an internal 140mm stud frame, and using mineral wool insulation minimum 20mm service void, finished with a plasterboard lining. The brief was to achieve air permeability less than 6m3/h/m².

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

When the 35th South West Cheshire Scouts moved into their brand new £285,000 state of the art Scout Centre, they immediately noticed that a problem with extreme echoes in the main hall.The hall is used by over 120 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts weekly, plus wider community use, so it was imperative that the acoustic issues were resolved as quickly as possible.The building itself was purpose built and is a conventional brick construction lined with Thermalite blocks. The main activity area measures 11 x 11 metres and around this are toilets, a kitchen, large equipment store and a small meeting room. The store area remains with the painted Thermalite blocks, but the remainder of the building has been rendered and skimmed with plasterboard. The decision was made by the Scout leaders that it was inappropriate to use plasterboard in the main activity hall fearing it would not stand up to the rigorous activities of the scouts and would soon get damaged, therefore opting for render and plaster. The ceiling was skimmed plasterboard.After immediate recognition of the acoustic problems within the building, the organisation approached Hush for advice and guidance. Our technical manager carried out tests, calculating the overall existing reverberation time to be 3.9 seconds with a peak at 500 Hz of 5.39 seconds. Subjectively the reverberation time seemed longer, around 6-8 seconds, which was surprising in a hall of these dimensions and construction.After carrying out the tests on the centre, Hush recommended a solution to treat the hall (aiming for a reverberation time of 1.5 seconds over the wider frequency spectrum) using 40x Hush Absorber 50 panels.The transformation was instantaneous, with immediate feedback that they could hear the room recovering. John Bennett, Group Scout Leader, said“The result has exceeded our hopes, it is now possible to have a quiet conversation whilst 20+ six to eight year olds are having fun! Not only that, it looks good as well.

This case study explores the construction process of a soundproof home theatre, designed to provide an immersive audio and visual experience while minimizing sound leakage. By implementing a combination of construction techniques and acoustic materials, the goal was to create an environment that offers optimal sound isolation and absorption, ensuring an exceptional cinematic experience for the homeowners.Building a Wooden Frame on a Concrete Base:To establish a sturdy foundation, a wooden frame was constructed on top of a concrete base. This frame served as the structural support for the subsequent soundproofing components.Installing Acoustic Mineral Wool:Acoustic mineral wool, known for its excellent sound absorption properties, was inserted into all the joists, floors, walls, and ceilings. This step helped to minimize sound transmission through these surfaces, preventing sound leakage and echoes, essential for a soundproof home theatre.Creating Soundproof Speaker Boxes:Soundproof speaker boxes were constructed using acoustic plasterboard and Tecsound viscoelastic membrane. These materials were chosen for their ability to reduce vibration and sound transmission, resulting in clearer and more accurate audio reproduction.Installing MuteClip and Channel Sound Isolation Clips:To further enhance sound isolation, MuteClip and channel sound isolation clips were installed on the walls and ceilings. These clips effectively decoupled the surfaces from the underlying structure, preventing sound vibrations from traveling through the building’s framework.Installing Double Layers of Acoustic Plasterboard:Double layers of acoustic plasterboard were installed, with a layer of viscoelastic membrane sandwiched in between. This construction technique helps to create an additional barrier against sound transmission, improving overall soundproofing performance.Installing Double Layers of Acoustic Plasterboard:After completing the soundproofing components, the necessary audiovisual equipment was installed. This included lights, speakers, a projector, and a screen, strategically positioned to optimize audio and visual immersion within the theatre space.Installing Acoustic Absorption Panels:To achieve optimal sound quality, acoustic absorption panels were installed on the walls. These panels were carefully placed to reduce sound reflections and enhance the soundproof home theatre’s acoustics. To maintain a cohesive aesthetic, the panels were wrapped in black fabric to blend seamlessly with the theatre’s decor.ConclusionThe construction of a soundproof home theatre involves a systematic approach, utilizing various soundproofing materials and techniques. By following the steps outlined in this case study, homeowners can create a dedicated space that delivers exceptional sound isolation, immersive audiovisual experiences, and optimal viewing pleasure, transforming their home into a soundproof home theatre haven.

We can make any size and shape access panel: Antibacterial Paint Special Antibacterial Paint available with the added benefit of an effective antibacterial agent which kills most species of bacteria, including the deadly MRSA, Salmonella, E coli and C difficile. Ceramic Tile Doors Plasterboard Faced Metal Faced Loft Hatches Fire Rated Acoustic Rated Airtight Rated Smoke Tested Special Paint Colours for your Project needs. Available Panel Sizes: 100x100mm to 3000x8000mm

Location: Aldgate, LondonX Construct chose Specwall for its Minories development in Aldgate, London as a replacement for the plasterboard/blockwork system it had previously planned to use. The project was not water tight and, consequently, was subject to water ingress during works. This required a new solution which Specwall was able to provide due to it being an inert, cementitious product which can be installed either dry or wet.Additionally, the ground floor of the Minories development was an unusually busy area during construction and could not fit any extensive scaffolding works. Specwall’s single-visit construction method utilising mobile access suited these conditions and made it the perfect choice.

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

Severn Trent Water’s new £60m operations centre in Coventry, which aims to set new industry standards with one of the lowest carbon footprints for any UK office building, incorporates equally eco-friendly Armourcoat polished plaster.Designed by Birmingham-based Webb Gray Architects, and built by BAM Construction, this highly-sophisticated energy efficient building featuring the latest eco-technology. Designed for low-energy and low-carbon consumption, the offices include thermal adaptive cooling, biomass boilers, photovoltaic panels, solar panels and rainwater harvesting; justifiably achieving a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.Armourcoat was used within the reception and main atrium space, to create a stunning and original design statement. Totaling nearly four hundred square metres of hand-applied decorative plaster, Webb Gray specified colourfade artwork for feature panels and curved walls using Armourcoat Spatulata. For the 30-metre high atrium panels, artisan plasterers blended over seventy colours of paste to achieve the seamless finish. Known as ‘stucco lustro veneziano’, Spatulata is a superfine stucco paste that is trowel applied in a series of fine layers to create a highly polished decorative surface. In keeping with the eco specification, the product contains 40% pre-consumer recycled marble.The project also included the use of ‘Anti-Crack’ - an innovative substrate preparation system from Armourcoat which ensures fast-track construction and a tough, unrivalled backing for Armourcoat polished plaster wall finishes. This cost effective, skim-coat plaster is designed for application in 3-4mm layers over plasterboard surfaces. Its use eliminates the need for taping, jointing and sealing the plasterboard surface and provides a first class substrate for Armourcoat finishes.

For many, living in a glorious rural location in a contemporary, minimalist home is the dream. The clean lines, open plan spaces and large expanses of glass to let the outside views and natural light flood in. Danny Reilly, his wife and their children were able to make that dream a reality.Easy on the eye but hard on the earHowever, polished concrete floors, stone kitchen surfaces, floor to ceiling glass and other hard materials, reverberate sound. Add lively children to the mix and the unwanted noise was spoiling the family’s enjoyment of contemporary living.Soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and carpets can help deaden sound to a limited extent but were not what the family wanted. Fortunately, Danny is the Manging Director of market leading Reilly Ceilings and knew exactly what do to get the acoustics in the family home under control.Luckily Danny knew what he had to doDanny Reilly, “As soon as we moved in, we discovered the noise was unbearable – not all of it made by my precious children – and immediately set about retro-fitting Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic.”Mono Acoustic is a discreet, seamless acoustic ceiling which suited the minimalist aesthetic of this family’s home. Its seamless surface looks like plasterboard but has built-in Class A sound absorption to prevent unwanted noise. The installation in this project was a straightforward two stage process: stone wall panels were directly fixed to the existing plasterboard ceiling followed by a smooth acoustic render sprayed onto the panel surface, ready for decoration. Industry recognition and accreditationsRockfon Specification Manager, Deirdre Mulvaney, “Happily for the Reilly family, Danny had the knowledge to solve poor acoustics in this open plan environment. Mono Acoustic is used in high end restaurants, offices and other spaces to provide amazing acoustic control and is a practical solution for the residential sector, too. It has Quiet Mark accreditation which consumers might recognise as attributed to low-noise electrical appliances including some brands of washing machine and kettle. It is also Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can contribute to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards.”A versatile seamless acoustic product Mono can be used on ceilings, walls or to create bespoke islands. It can be curved, easily transitioned into plasterboard or integrated into existing mouldings. The system achieves Class A sound absorption and Class A2 fire protection whilst delivering greater than 99% light diffusion.In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, which is virtually non-combustible and provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms. It also embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. Danny again, “Using Rockfon Mono, we were able to keep the minimalist features of the house and the results in terms of sound reverberation are unbelievable. We have another two children now and I honestly think that might not be the case if we hadn't sorted out the unwanted noise!”    

The Double Red Duke, situated in the Cotswolds village of Clanfield, is one of Oxfordshire’s most iconic inns, with a history dating back to the 1600s. This luxury boutique hotel, bar and restaurant, with its unique and carefully balanced approach, has modernised the property without compromising its much-loved character and aesthetic.The owners of this property specified The Rooflight Co's Conservation Rooflights - with a whole unit u-value of 1.4W/m2K and a design inspired by the cast-iron rooflights of the Victorian era. The Double Red Duke owners were able to ensure the building performed to modern standards, with rooflights that fit perfectly with the aesthetic of the heritage building.The frameless appearance of the interior finish on the rooflights is achieved by installing the plasterboard up to the underside of the timber linings provided. From the external view, the rooflights are designed to be installed flush with the roof tiles. The resulting impact is a seamless integration with the building inside and out.

THE PROJECT: Recticel supplied the high-performance thermal solution to transform a 100-year-old property in Moseley, Birmingham. Divided into nine apartments, in which two were refurbished to create one, two-storey home, the project caught the attention of the producers of Channel Four's Old House to New Home. Connecting a ground floor property to a flat above led to the creation of a modern and stylish home trimmed with decorative reminders of its structural origins.THE SOLUTION: Eurothane® GP, a high-performance rigid PIR foam board, was selected for the new home's pitched roof, framed wall and floor. Eurothane PL, Recticel's insulation and plasterboard solution was fitted to the property's existing, cavity-less, nine-inch exterior brick walls. The well-sized board ensures minimal thermal bridging during construction.Coupled with Eurothane® GP's 0.022W/mK low thermal conductivity, these products were crucial to attaining a good U-value rating. In total, 130m2 of Eurothane® GP and Eurothane® PL panels were installed.The homeowner, Paul explained:"As we were carrying-out most of the building work ourselves we wanted the best possible insulation for the project. Research revealed Recticel's solutions fitted the bill. Excellent thermal performance and simple to-fit, they were a far superior alternative to other insulants we considered. The panels have done so much to create a welcoming and comfortable interior environment."Used products:Eurothane® GP:Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installers.Eurothane® PL:Suitable for mechanical fixing or dot and dab fixing, this insulated board is consistently sized with extremely tight tolerances, ensuring thermal bridging is minimised. Factory bonded, the plasterboard provides optimum board dimensions and optimum adhesion between layers.

Travelodge have recently started a £100million nationwide modernisation programme as well as an increase of their Hotel brand sites. Travelodge Oxford is a New Build Development on Abingdon Road, built to help with the growing demand for affordable hotel accommodation in Oxford, mainly due to the increase in tourism as well as families visiting students in the city.The new Travelodge on Abingdon Road has 83 rooms, to supplement the demand in the area. The existing Travelodge in Oxford which was built in 1999, also has plans to be upgraded and refurbished with a new entrance, conservatory and a revamped restaurant.Soundis supplied the acoustic flooring at this Travelodge project for the Main Contractor Hinton Design & Build. The Travelodge specification for a high quality acoustic flooring system included 22mm T&G Chipboard and 19mm Plasterboard Plank, over a 30mm high density Rockfloor insulation floor slab with acoustic flanking edging band around the perimeter to separate and isolate all abutments. The whole project required over 1,200 sq metres of acoustic flooring.

Project DescriptionThe capital of Austria, Vienna, is home to one of the country's most powerful structures: The parliament building from the 19th century comprises the seat of the two chambers of parliament, the National Council as well as the Federal Council of the Republic of Austria.As part of the general renovation of the historic building complex on Vienna's Ringstrasse, Lindner GmbH was involved in the construction project with numerous products and services. In addition to the repair of damage to the building fabric, the main objective was the general modernization of the property within the framework of the preservation of historical monuments. The combination of Lindner's modern hollow floor system FLOOR and more® and the historic overlay therefore met all the requirements. In order to continue to preserve the classic look of the wall and ceiling surfaces, the entire building services were installed in the access floor - completely in line with the maxim of sustainability.Completed Works:Floors:Calcium sulphate panels                         - FLOOR and more® comfort                - FLOOR and more®Cement fibre panels:                               - HYDRO comfortCeilings:Heated and Chilled Plasterboard Ceilings-Plafotherm® GK HEKDA®Insulation Engineering

When the refurbishment programme for an office block close to London’s Euston station was hit by an unexpected snag, the main contractors found an effective solution to keep the project on track.Brick-effect interior walls give office new lease of lifeThe building at 24-32 Stephenson Way was built in 1993 from reinforced concrete and last renovated in 2016. Construction firm Bryen & Langley was appointed as main contractor for the project, refurbishing the building’s second, third and fourth floors and adding a 5th floor. With the client seeking an exposed brick finish, old plaster had been removed from the internal walls, exposing a rough, uneven surface underneath. This meant a layer of plasterboard had to be added before the chosen finish could be applied.The cost of traditional brick slips made them an unappealing option so the client team sought an alternative. The company was impressed by the realistic brick finish of weberwall brick, a brick slip alternative from Saint-Gobain Weber, and specified it for the internal walls on all three floors. To complement the existing colour scheme, they chose 830m2 of weberwall brick in Antique Red Multi with pointing mortar in Buff. It was combined with exposed pipework at ceiling level to create a contemporary industrial look.“Our client was very keen for the offices to have on-trend exposed brick walls so I was happy to learn that weberwall brick could be used successfully on internal walls to create the appearance of traditional bricks.”Kyle Wall of Bryen & Langley is pleased with the results: “Our client was very keen for the offices to have on-trend exposed brick walls so I was happy to learn that weberwall brick could be used successfully on internal walls to create the appearance of traditional bricks.”Experienced applicator Complete Rendering Systems (CRS) was tasked with applying the product. Whether for external or internal use, weberwall brick is more than three times faster to apply than traditional brick slips and remarkably lightweight. (One sheet of 20 bricks weighs the same as one house brick).All the walls were prepared by the main contractor to create a sound, even surface to ensure the application of the weberwall brick went without a hitch.Bradley Halls, director of CRS, said: “I’ve used weberwall brick on external walls many times before and customers have always been really pleased with the high-quality outcome. Once plasterboard had been applied to the substrate, the weberwall brick went on quickly and provided the client with the brick finish they wanted.”“I’ve used weberwall brick on external walls many times before and customers have always been really pleased with the high-quality outcome"

The O2 in London is the world’s most successful music and entertainment venue. Project Mint was the development within the O2 dome of 80 new retail outlets to form a 400,000 sq ft designer outlet “Icon Outlet” for the owner and operator AEG. Designed by architect Callison RTKL, and with ISG as main contractor Lindner Interiors contributed to the construction of the fit-out with a scope of works included: 4,500 m2 SFS, 8,500 m2 of dry lining, 2,000 m2 of ceilings – including: Render, Timber Baffles, Metal Copper GRG. In addition, 4,500 m2 of Façade finishes including: Metal Rain Screen Cladding. Render Cladding, Brick Slip Cladding, Copper Cladding, & Glass Smoke Screens. With multiple finishes, specialist trades and products this challenging project has created an attractive public space that is truly an Icon that Lindner Interiors are proud to have been a part of. The Icon Outlet is now home to world famous brands such as Kurt Geiger, Levi’s, Osprey, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger to name but a few.Completed WorksPartitions Wall and ceiling panels Plasterboard partition systems

Located in the heart of the vast new Wembley Park regeneration project, the two residential buildings that make up the Landsby East and Landsby West development (Danish for village) are contemporary in design, with apartment interiors that continue the Scandinavian theme. Externally there are roof terraces and first floor level podium gardens, along with 280 generous balconies that add a stylish and aesthetic feel to the exterior finish of the building.A key element of the balconies was the installation of Isokorb® T structural break units from Schöck. The Schöck Isokorb® T units are structural, but their other long-term purpose is to minimise the risk of thermal bridging. Ineffective insulation at the connection points means local heat loss, resulting in more energy being required to maintain the internal temperature of the building. This is a major consequence of thermal bridging, but there are other issues too. Low internal surface temperatures in the area of the thermal bridge can cause condensation, which leads not only to structural integrity problems with absorbent materials such as insulation products or plasterboard, but the potentially serious occurrence of mould growth. So for any project involving balcony connectivity the prevention of thermal bridging is a critical issue.

Project Wick is a film studio located within Chiswick Park, which comprises of 1.8 million sq ft of award-winning accommodation, arranged as a necklace of 12 office buildings. Located in London, Chiswick Park is home to some of the world’s leading companies including Starbucks, Qualcomm, Pepsico, Paramount, and Discovery.Discovery Networks Europe, the pan-European arm of leading factual entertainment group Discovery Inc., relocated its European headquarters to the Richard Rogers designed Chiswick Business Park. In the new building there is ample space for offices, screening rooms, and transmission facilities. We were called upon to design and install a box-in-box solution to acoustically isolate the recording studios from the other areas of the building, thereby preventing unwanted noise and vibrations from becoming a nuisance.A Stravifloor Channel floating floor using isolated steel battens in combination with medium stiffness natural rubber pads (Pad-M50) and plywood and soundbloc plasterboards guarantee an isolation frequency of less than 10 Hz.The floating floors in these box-in-box rooms are complimented with our resilient head detail (Stravilink RHD) and Stravilink PHS isolation hangers for the ceilings.

Material Store is part of The Old Vinyl Factory, a 17-acre site in Hayes.The four ‘warehouse’ blocks of Material Store rise above a podium and surround an oasis of private patios and a large common garden. The parking below the podium is concealed behind 3-bedroom town houses that animate the street with their steps and ‘front’ doors.The roofs of all fours blocks are landscaped as communal gardens. The extended articulated parapet to the tallest block creates an outdoor room and emphasises the building’s position as the tallest element of the masterplan.The 189 build-to-rent homes enjoy generous shared facilities that promote a sense of community in the context of private rented sector (PRS) tenure. These include play areas, a function room, picnic tables, allotments, a concierge service and an onsite maintenance crew. Commercial uses, which front onto the spine street, are intended for sharing with the wider community.The Arriva doorsets plays a key part in this development to create a seamless design. The Arriva system features a split-type EZYJamb®, specially designed to seamlessly integrate with finished wall constructions like stud and plasterboard. This innovative system is ideal for those seeking flush doors with an invisible door frame for a modern and integrated aesthetic.

Zentia worked with Ryder architects to help showcase products that can provide an in-depth insight and mechanics into behind the scenes of suspended ceilings. Featured areas was specified to use Zentia Axiom C Canopies with Aruba Max Board tiles, this enabled the students to see the suspension systems used and to showcase services behind the canopy.Through the project Aruba Max was used due to excellent acoustic performance for sound absorption and attenuation. Prelude 24mm XL2 grid was specified due to ease and speed of installation. Axiom Transition was used to provide a smooth connection where tiles meet plasterboard boarder margins throughout the project.Hydrabloc was used within the WC areas due to excellent moisture resistance capabilities and providing a Class A sound absorption. Zentia Prelude 24mm Corrosive resistance grid was specified alongside Hydrabloc due to the robust cleaning regime in keeping with being a technical college.Harton Academy can have peace of mind with Zentia 30-year system warranty for Axiom Canopies and Hydrabloc due to it be installed on Zentia Prelude 24mm XL2 grid, whereas Aruba Max comes with a lifetime warranty.These tiles have a high level of recycled content and are fully recyclable at their end-of-life.

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

The owner of this converted church in Leven, Fife consulted an architect who specialises in the restoration of churches, Des Cairns, about the ongoing maintenance and decoration of her property. Des Cairns recommended Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints to visit site to assess the existing wall paint, and suggest a plan for future painting.Des discussed with the owner that with old stone buildings, churches, palaces etc, KEIM is the paint of choice for restoration as it allows the building to breathe.During Tony’s visit, he explained how KEIM Paints are still made using a 140 year old recipe that consists of natural mineral pigments. It allows the walls to breathe, preventing flaking paint in the future. The colour is guaranteed not to fade or change over time, even up to 100 years.KEIM have their own Exclusiv colour range along with other standard colours and offer a colour match facility.KEIM Optil was chosen as it can be applied to previously painted surfaces such as painted plaster, plasterboard and sandstone window mullions without the need for primer.The owner said, “The painter was impressed with how well the paint covered”.“I am delighted with the result and finish of KEIM Paint. It is reassuring to have the architect’s recommendation and the knowledge that the paint will work with the building in the long term and last. It was a very big job to paint the inside of the church, in part it is 33 feet high and the whole job took several weeks. It is something I hope not to have to do again in my lifetime, so I wanted the best. I can strongly recommend KEIM Paint.”

Project OverviewIsolgomma products played a key role in the sophisticated renovation of Koningslaan 32, an elegant historic villa overlooking Amsterdam's beloved Vondelpark. The project aimed to restore the property's grandeur while creating four luxurious 400-500 sqm apartments spread across two levels. Isolgomma’s expertise ensured acoustic comfort remained a priority amidst the transformation.ChallengeThe renovation presented a unique acoustic challenge. The existing wooden floors, while maintaining their historic charm, posed limitations in sound insulation due to their variability in structure and lower mass. This could potentially disrupt the tranquillity desired in these luxury apartments.SolutionThrough collaboration with an acoustic project consultant, with the manufacturer they devised a bespoke solution to achieve optimal sound insulation. This combined approach incorporated:Plasterboard Ceilings with Fibrous Insulation: This installation effectively reduced airborne noise transmission within the apartments.Upgrei Underlayment: Installed beneath the screed flooring, Upgrei provided superior impact sound insulation, addressing the specific concerns related to the existing wooden floors.ResultThe combined solution successfully addressed both airborne and impact noise concerns. The adaptability of the chosen methods ensured compatibility with the historic structure's variability, preserving the building's heritage while achieving the desired level of acoustic comfort for the future residents.Balancing Modern Needs with Historic CharmThis project exemplifies our products ability to deliver innovative solutions for complex renovations. We understand the importance of preserving a building's character while ensuring modern comforts like superior soundproofing. Contact Buildtec Acoustics today to discuss your unique renovation project requirements.

The JACKOBOARD range from BEWI is “ideal” for use as a tile backerboard on projects where increasingly popular underfloor heating systems are being installed, the company says.Made from extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), the construction boards are said to be inherently waterproof because the structure of the board does not allow water to penetrate. They are designed to be easy to work with and cut, as well as truly lightweight.They are finished on both sides with a special coating and reinforced fibreglass mesh, ready to be tiled, rendered or plastered. The boards are said to possess excellent thermal insulation properties, which give them enormous advantages over plasterboard or cement board. They are especially suitable for interior construction, the company says, especially in rooms subject to high moisture levels.According to BEWI, JACKOBOARD goes “beyond bathrooms” and can be used in any room of the house and as a backerboard for virtually any tiling project.The boards are suitable for quickly and effectively levelling uneven walls and floors, for partition walls, compensating for cracks in substrates and for creating substrates for laying tiles on non-adhesive surfaces.JACKOBOARD is also said to provide the best waterproof, insulated, tiling substrate for underfloor heating projects. Whether electric mats or hot water systems are being installed, BEWI says, JACKOBOARD – laid underneath the heating elements or pipework – will help to decrease warm-up times of the system by pushing the heat directly up to the tile layer. In this way, the heat generated by the system is used in the most efficient way, not just during the initial heat-up stage, but in general usage with the continued thermostat-controlled use of the heating system.As builders are forced to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects, the materials they choose to build with can provide a key to unlocking the thermal performance of a building. The XPS foam used on JACKOBOARD products reportedly achieves excellent insulation properties. It’s designed to help maximise the energy efficiency of walls and floors, improving the overall thermal performance of any property.www.bewi.com

Wondertex prem fill & finish has been used to create 540 exceptional apartments at the iconic Tobacco Warehouse in Liverpool.BackgroundThe grade two-listed, 14 storey building was built in 1901 and was thought to be the largest warehouse the world had ever seen – a huge achievement for a thriving city at the heart of global trade.After falling into disrepair, the Tobacco Warehouse has been given a new lease of life and is now home to 540 exceptional waterfront apartments.The ChallengeThe team working at this exciting location includes main contractor Abercorn Construction and architect Darmody Architecture. The team at Abercorn Construction were responsible for installing and finishing the walls and ceilings across a 150,000sqm area. With time of the essence and a durable and smooth finish essential in preparation for decorating, Abercorn Construction chose to use Wondertex prem fill & finish.The SolutionWith over 50 years experience in supplying dryliners and decorators with expert solutions, Wondertex prem fill & finish was the perfect product to ready the walls and ceilings for decorating these beautiful and luxurious apartments.Wondertex prem fill & finish is a filler and smoother, designed for filling and finishing plasterboard joints, smoothing unwanted textured surfaces as well as repairing any accidental damage, snagging or channelling work.Available in two handy sizes, prem fill & finish boasts an extremely smooth texture which allows the product to glide easily into joints – making light work of even the largest of projects, such as this one.What’s more, prem fill & finish has a 60 minute working time, is effortless to sand – there’s no elbow grease required here – and has minimal shrinkage so you can be assured that once applied, prem fill & finish will stay put and will not crack and come out of the joints.Once applied and fully dried, the walls and ceilings were painted with Dulux paint.ResultsThe project was completed on time and residents are now able to move in and enjoy Titanic-sized warehouse homes at the heart of Merseyside’s historic docks.

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 XR Lab in the STEM Hangar at West Suffolk College is the most advanced augmented reality centre in the UK, predicted to lead the future of digital education.Windsor Patania Architects has created within an existing hangar a 700m2 structure that inspires and challenges from the moment students see it. Central to that impact has been the use of Arnourcoat’s SMG high gloss polished plaster on all exterior facades- including a dramatic three-dimensional geometric feature wall.The £2m design & build project, intended to re-shape vocational training in digital sciences as part of the College’s science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) specialist campus, was completed in just seven months. This was despite featuring numerous bespoke elements, and complex components- of which the feature wall was a significant part, with its combination of planes and angles.Architect Giovanni Patania originally intended the wall to be finished with metal- stainless steel, aluminium or zinc but it proved impossible to create to the standard required within the budget. Armourcoat’s superior luxurious SMG polished plaster delivered a practical, viable alternative, that met all Regulatory requirements for indoor air quality, zero VOC, low embodied carbon, fire resistance an thermal movement.SMG, with its rich, high gloss “lacquer” effect, could be accurately applied to create a seamless finish across the diverse facets of the entire XR Lab structure, building up the layers over the timber and plasterboard framework. In Armourcoat’s own dark grey colour palette, it reflects light to create a dark, reflective finish reminiscent of 2011: A Space Odyssey’s Monolith.The brief was to achieve something that was unprecedented and unique, that inspired future generations but made students feel it was a piece of alien architecture. I don’t think anyone expected the end result to be so impressive.“Armourcoat was superb in its level of support, from samples to being on site to give technical guidance on the plaster’s application. SMG is instrumental in achieving an opulent, reflective, futuristic exterior that inspires students to interact with and participate in the XR Lab experience."Giovanni Patania, Windsor Patania Architects

Covestro AG moved into its new headquarters in the "chemical capital" of Leverkusen at the end of 2020 (with a reduced team due to the pandemic situation). The new administration building of the world's leading supplier of polymer materials, with six floors and modern office space, offers a lot of space and optimal working opportunities for up to 750 employees.As the general contractor for the interior work, Lindner SE handled various trades from drywall construction to subcontractor services. The system walls, built-in furniture as well as counters, doors, ceiling and floor systems were produced in-house. In addition, Lindner Leuchtenfabrik (on behalf of the companies Kinzo and Signify) supplied design luminaires for work islands.Room-high, frameless full-glass walls allow natural light from the atrium into the inner areas. Lindner Life Freeze 137 glass partition wall systems create meeting rooms or "meeting boxes" as places of retreat in the otherwise open campus. Partly designed as curved glass wall elements, they underline the individual design claim and still meet the high static requirements.On an area of more than 12,000 m², you will find above all the Lindner raised access floor NORTEC with sufficient installation space in the floor structure, a high level of walking comfort and for acoustic regulation.For heavy-duty areas, the FLOOR and more® power access floor was chosen, mostly covered with textile flooring. Among other things, 5,400 m² of the Plafotherm® GK HEKDA® heating/ cooling ceiling system ensure optimised acoustics and a good indoor climate in the open spaces. In cooperation with the architects HENN, a modern, light-open work campus was created within 20 months, in which employees can meet and cooperate more easily and efficiently.Completed WorksPartitionsPartition Systems GlassLindner Life Freeze 137Lindner Life Pure 620FloorsCalcium sulphate panelsFLOOR and more powerNORTECCeilingsHeated and Chilled Plasterboard CeilingsPlafotherm GK HEKDA 

This project involved providing a soundproofing solution for a Grade ll listed period building located in the south west of Sheffield, close to the botanical gardens, where the former NHS building was undergoing conversion into residential wellings.Hush were involved in the very early design stages of this conversion/new build project and under direction of our client Jonathan Frith of Bamford Homes. We also worked alongside acoustic consultants HRS Services Ltd (now Stroma Specialist Access) and architect Richard Keighley from DKMY Architects.A variety of Hush Systems were specified to deliver excellent acoustic performance.HD1030: Hush System LP was applied to the ground and first floors. This is a floating floor system, compliant with Building Regulations Approved Document E, used in refurbishment of timber floors. It also holds 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.HD1032: Hush System LP/MF was used from the second to first floor and from the third to second floor. This economical sound insulation system for use between separating floors is made up of Hush Panel 28, Hush Seal 20 and Hush absorber slabs. It is used within refurbishment projects using timber joists and also provides 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.Along with using these systems, we also upgraded the existing walls using our HD1040: Wall System which provides high standards of airborne sound reduction and can be used to reduce both flanking and direct sound transmission. It again is compliant with UK Building Regulations and provides a minimum loss of space within rooms.Within the new build residential space, we recommended our HD1054: Double Timber Stud Wall System which is our extremely effective system comprising of Hush Slab absorber slabs and Acoustic Plasterboard.Although design stages through to completion of this project were around 3 years, the conversion and new build project itself, once begun took around 18 months. All acoustic testing carried out on site was passed.The flats are in a sought-after area, close to the University of Sheffield and Hallamshire Hospital, within easy access to facilities in Broomshill and Eccleshall road and have been finished to a high acoustic standard.

DYNAMIK’s acoustic wall panels are specially designed to absorb sound waves, reducing reverberations and minimising echo. Acoustic panels dramatically improve the auditory environment within a sports hall, enhancing the ability for players and staff to communicate more clearly, thus improving concentration, and the overall enjoyment for everyone involved. DYNAMIK’S sports wall panels are manufactured within the UK, creating benefits in production times, delivery times and in-house installation costs through our in-house DYNAMIK joinery teams, creating a one-stop-shop sports flooring and walling solution. DYNAMIK’s latest dual project was Cothill House which is globally recognised as one of the UK’s leading prep schools. They recently constructed a brand-new sports centre and chose DYNAMIK for both their sports flooring and walling requirements. Our acoustic panels contribute to a more comfortable atmosphere by diminishing harsh sound reflections. In a space where intense physical activity is common, such as a sports hall, excessive reverberations can create a distracting and fatiguing environment. By absorbing sound energy, these panels help create a more balanced and pleasant auditory experience, allowing athletes to focus on their performance without unnecessary distractions and help create a more noise-friendly space for others. DYNAMIK applies a human-centred design consideration when developing and installing systems In addition to the functional benefits, acoustic wall panels offer more aesthetic value and lower maintenance versus traditional painted blockwork or plasterboard, finishing the sports hall and making it a more welcoming space.  The panels are available in a variety of colours and wood effects with the option of a solid or perforated surface, depending on acoustic performance requirements. With their functional and aesthetic advantages, acoustic walling panels will prove to be a valuable investment for any sports facility aiming to elevate its performance and versatility with unlimited combinations to suit any budget and performance requirements. In conclusion, by combining DYNAMIK’s sports flooring and walling divisions plus now having a UK manufacturer provides savings in cost and time, therefore is seen as a successful one stop shop for sports and leisure facility refurbishments. The In-house Installation and Management team have already completed many successful projects, allowing DYNAMIK to not only be the Sports Flooring Specialist but the Acoustic Walling Specialists too. This allows us to provide a one-stop-shop when refurbishing or designing a new sports hall with a focus on system integration from project inception to completion.  

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