"silencers and acoustic treatment"

Isolating Hotel Rooms from RestaurantsPreventing noise transmission between the noisy areas of a building to the quiet areas is an ongoing challenge. When the quiet areas are people sleeping and the noisy area is a busy hotel dining room, the problem is particularly acute, but can be resolved by using the appropriate products which are cost effective and easy to install correctly.The ProjectPremier Inn Scarborough North is a new build 105 room, 5-storey hotel with a 68-cover restaurant, which was completed in March 2021. The new hotel was granted planning permission in 2018 and construction was slightly delayed over the Covid lockdown period.Owner of the Premier Inn brand, Whitbread, continues to see strong growth with their UK business continuing to outperform in the midscale and economy market and now has over 800 hotels in the UK. Key to the brand’s message is that wherever you stay in a Premier Inn, you will always get great levels of comfort.The ChallengeSources of noise which affect hotel guests include:External sources of noise and vibrationTransmission between rooms and between rooms and corridorsTransmission from engineering systems (ventilation and air conditioning, heating systems, lifts and so on)Transmission from public areas – reception, conference facilities and in particular restaurants.Noise transmission from restaurants, bars and reception areas becomes a significant challenge where the design of the hotel incorporates these areas on the ground floor of a block, with hotel rooms directly above.Reducing the transmission of noise from a large common area to individual hotel rooms rests principally on isolating the plasterboard or suspended ceiling. To overcome this challenge, a frequent recommendation is to design a ceiling incorporating neoprene isolation hangers.Neoprene Isolation Hangers for HotelsNeoprene isolation hangers are primarily used to isolate suspended sources of audible frequency vibration, such as piping and ductwork systems. They also provide very effective vibration isolation for hanging acoustic ceilings by preventing transmission of noise to the building structure.The isolation hangers supplied for use in the ceiling at Premier Inn Scarborough North were Isogrid Quick-Connect Ceiling Hangers, supplied by CMS Danskin Acoustics.The IsoGrid Quick Connect Ceiling Hanger has a specially designed dual deflection neoprene isolator which allows internal bulging. This enables the neoprene element to achieve greater deflections whilst maintaining lateral stability. Greater deflection translates to greater performance for noise control ceilings.IsoGrid Quick-Connect Ceiling Hangers have several other benefits:They are more cost effective than similar products;The simple design makes them quick and easy to install, providing significant labour savings over conventional sound control ceiling hangers;The known deflection rates ensure acoustical performance under design loads;Tested for airborne, impact and frequency performance to BS EN ISO 10140 requirements;Various attachment methods allow for installation on a variety of ceiling structures, including concrete, metal deck or structural framing;A bronze core serves to prevent poor acoustic performance due to over compression or due to accidental short circuiting of the transmission pathway.InstallationThe ceiling was installed by specialist contractor B W Shrimpton Limited. This was the first time that Shrimpton’s had used IsoGrid hangers, but they were well received.Supervisor Kirk Talbot, who has worked closely with the CMS Danskin Acoustics Team on several projects, explained his preference for the hangers is very much about the ease of installation:“We used Hilti pan head HUS fixings into the soffit for fixing them up, and the lads on site had no issues with them at all.“The IsoGrid hangers are definitely robust enough and easy to fix angle or wires to. On that basis and the cheapness compared to other hangers out there, I’d definitely use them again and will recommend that others do too.”Kirk Talbot, BW Shrimpton LtdTechnical Advice on Acoustics in HotelsCMS Danskin Acoustics are specialists in soundproofing materials and acoustic insulation. Our expert technical team can advise on the specification of a wide range of specialist acoustic and vibration control systems – balancing performance, aesthetics and budget. We provide solutions to treat floors, walls and ceilings, as required, delivering a holistic design approach to sound control for the complete gym or sports hall environment.We don’t just design, manufacture and deliver market leading products. We work with the entire supply chain and project teams to ensure a smooth path from conception to completion.

Caring Wood is an exceptional private house design, set in a rural location. The interior acoustics were seen as key to user comfort and lifestyle within this family home. The project won the coveted RIBA and Grand Designs House of the Year 2017. This remarkable residential project made excellent use of BASWA, which contributes to a calmer lifestyle within the property without compromising the design. As the house is occupied by three generations of the same family, acoustics play a huge part in wellbeing.

This high-profile London office needed a stunning re-design and high-quality finish to reflect the client’s values and surroundings. Vtec was specified to provide visually stunning acoustic ceilings. The contemporary design encompassed a modern reception area leading to a large open office floor with a staircase to breakout spaces and an attractive roof terrace. Finished to an extremely high standard throughout, the design featured Vtec MaxiBeam ceilings in white Supalami and Supacoustic panels in Oak Supalami. In the kitchen area, Supacoustic panels were specified in an oak Supalami finish and circular perforated design (SP4 with 10mm perforations) echos the circular supporting pillars and helps soften the acoustics.Explore how we ensure pinpoint accuracy in the design and production to ensure seamless integration.

This wonderful education project utilised our design and acoustic properties to create a fantastic feel and look.to the auditorium.

This Edge Grove School had our Laudescher system that will not only work as an absorbing surface but also diffusing the sound waves to insure better room acoustics. This will create lower sound reverberation and lower sound pressure levels which will aid speech intelligibility.

Forth Valley College; included teaching spaces, lecture theatres, and catering facilities. Specified was two Acoustic Products systems being Laudescher Linea 2.6.8 and Linea 2.9.28. To combat sound reverberation, increase speech clarity and to lower the sound pressure levels.

Sound-absorbing ‘trees’ installed at Teesside University LibraryTeesside University’s Middlesbrough campus has benefited from over £270 million of investment in recent years, including a £6 million refurbishment programme for the university library. The library’s first floor was the second phase of the refurbishment, opened on 7 October 2016, and includes a unique and visually striking installation of CMS Danskin’s SuperPhon panels, designed to represent two trees.The ChallengeThe original building was constructed in 1997 and incorporated some sound absorbent materials; the refurbishment had to inject new life into the interior whilst also enhancing the library’s acoustic performance. The open-plan layout, which can have up to 450 students using it at any one time, presented a particular challenge for controlling the build-up and spread of sound.Class A absorbent rafts and baffles were recommended by Apex Acoustics to act as noise barriers as well as provide sound absorption, and control the spread of sound throughout the space. The space was zoned for noisier and quieter activities and acoustic consultants Apex Acoustics undertook full modelling to determine the optimum arrangement of rafts and baffles.The SolutionCPMG Architects, who were tasked with the refurbishment, worked to integrate the recommended Class A absorbent rafts into the library’s interior scheme, which used a contemporary palette of materials and a focused colour strategy. Two identical ‘trees’ were created at either side of the library’s first floor, using CMS Danskin’s SuperPhon Acoustic panels to represent the foliage.Circular panels of varying sizes and different shades of green were suspended from the ceiling and arranged around two structural concrete columns, to look like abstract trees. The panels were bespoke and CPMG Architects was able to specify the material used to cover them, and the colours. Some of the panels had to be made and supplied in two halves, and constructed on-site, due to their size. The ‘trees’ also had contemporary lights suspended from the panels, to represent hanging fruit.The ResultThe two sound-absorbing ‘trees’ represent a visually striking and unique use of CMS Danskin’s SuperPhon panels.Richard Thorpe of CPMG Architects said: “We went for the SuperPhon panels because of what we could do with them – the bespoke service gave us scope to play around with the design and come up with something quirky and interesting. We were able to create an attractive design feature which had a very practical purpose – to reduce reverberation in the refurbished library.”The project was completed at the end of September 2016 and the refurbished floor is now open to students.

London’s so-called Loom building is full of stories that unravel and offer glimpses into its rich history. It is not often that architects, in this case Duggan Morris, have the opportunity to design a perfect link between both modern and ancient. One of the architects’ solutions was to use Troldtekt 2000 x 600mm natural wood wool acoustic ceiling panels. These provide an attractive link between the different spaces in this together with reusing many original old materials to restore attractive life into this previously neglected space.

Acoustic Flooring and Tight DeadlinesNot only was footfall noise to be reduced, but airborne noise needed to be tackled as well. The design had to be as discreet as possible, retaining the original character of the building, and allowing for future amendments to the building. Finally, all of this work had to be completed to the unyielding deadlines of term times.Working closely with Main Contractor, Bowmer & Kirkland, Soundis and our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems recommended the Soundis ChipPanel 28 system as the ideal solution for the 1,575m2 area. Contracted by our client, we supplied and installed this ChipPanel 28 system due to its high impact and airborne noise reduction, conforming to Robust Detail standards FFT5.Furthermore, at only 28mm thick, this shallow floating floor also minimises construction height allowing that extra space for any additional features the college may wish to add in the near future.

Paradise Street student village, Coventry, provides 893 quality homes and 1,400sqm of social space including common rooms, café/bar, cinema and gym.Our HERADESIGN® ceilings have been fitted in the acoustically-demanding areas to help create an environment that’s conducive for both study and relaxation.HERADESIGN® was the first choice for FBM Architects as they had used it in another recent student accommodation project in Coventry and valued its aesthetic properties, acoustic credentials and durability. “We chose HERADESIGN® because of its textured effect that would provide a tactile quality and soften the space, both acoustically and visually.”

For what is one of the world’s most spectacular and busiest entertainment venues, the £125 million SSE Hydro in Glasgow required an acoustic solution that could deliver consistent high-quality sound for music and sport events within the arena bowl. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products SIDERISE met the challenge.

Harrods' new Hair & Beauty Salon in London offers guests a serene, tranquil beauty space with next level interior acoustics.

We are extremely proud to have been apart of the new Colchester Sports Hub. The complex will be home to a number of new sporting opportunities being the home now to BMX, Equestrian trails, and American football whilst retaining the rugby and football pitches. It was a pleasure working with GT3 Architects on the new indoor sports centre which boasts our Topperfo M 16/16/8. RG Carter superbly installed the Topperfo system to the walls ensuring the build-up met the acoustic and impact resistant test certificates.

the-benefits-of-modular-acoustic-ceiling-in-the-operating-room

Garratt Lane in Tooting is located in the South East of London, close to the Northern Line on the London Underground, making it a residential building perfect for commuters.Works started on Garratt Lane towards the end of June 2014, where we supplied approximately 2,350 m2 of Soundis cradle & batten acoustic flooring to provide a deep service void and a level floor on the un-even concrete structural deck. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. The extremely un-even sub-floor throughout the premises combined with project specific requirements of a deep service void for Under Floor Heating soon meant the Soundis Cradle System was the only solution in maintaining a 125mm finish floor height throughout the project.The quality of installation by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems was made clear upon the release of the acoustic flooring testing results as noted below. The average reduction and improvement of Impact noise was 22dB, with Airborne performance averaging 56dB, which is significantly higher than ADE and RD regulations.

When undertaking a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance and upgrade contract on a North Sea offshore platform, RBG Limited identified that critical noise levels were apparent in a range of working areas.Investigating the issue, RBG Ltd commissioned environmental sound testing, which revealed that ambient noise exceeded a specified minimum of 55dB (A) throughout the electrical workshop, store room, hydraulic workshop, subsea office and mechanical workshop, reaching its highest levels of 88-96dB (A) in the mud pit room. Additional noise generated by operating pumps, cranes and machinery would further increase the noise levels in these areas.As such, RBG Ltd needed to source a high performance industrial acoustic solution that would sufficiently reduce the noise contamination and make the working environment acceptable.Seeking expert industrial acoustics advice, RBG Ltd briefed CMS Acoustics on the project parameters, who responded with a bespoke ISO Acoustic Enclosure Panel system design.The SolutionThe ISO Enclosure Panel is a prefabricated sound reduction system, designed to create noise-protected structures in industrial environments. A self-supporting and robust construction, it offers the additional benefit of a short assembly time, facilitated by the panels being lightweight and easy to handle.The industrial acoustics technical team at CMS Acoustics calculated that a combination of 50mm and 100mm thick ISO Enclosure Panels would be required to achieve the specified noise reduction in the different areas. Depending on panel thickness, fire resistance ranging from 30 minutes to two hours can be achieved.For RBG Ltd, CMS Acoustics manufactured the panels in white and supplied them in ready to assemble kits clearly labelled according to area for installation. Some panels were manufactured to allow removal for maintenance while others were designed to be stud welded to external walls.To increase system robustness, CMS Acoustics integrated acoustic doors and vision panels into the ISO Enclosure design.

Bedales School is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire. Its new Art and Design building designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has a strong sense of countryside drawing references from traditional agricultural buildings by creating a series of connected barn forms. Their dramatic pitched ceilings comprise Troldtekt acoustic panels on one side to absorb sound and improve acoustics.In what is otherwise a lightweight building, the thermal mass of exposed concrete surfaces contributes to a stable internal temperature.

The aquatic centre of Val-d’Europe in Bailly-Romainvilliers is environnment friendly with the HQE label. Designed by the french architect Marc Mimram, special attention has been given to the ceilings. The natural light comes through huge bay windows, decorated by curvy structures made of 3300 m² of Barrisol® Blanc Mat stretch ceilings, along with acoustic solution Acoustics® A30 in it.

The brief was to transform the existing dated and disjointed space into a modern, inspiring and functional interior for students to work both individually and as groups. The space had to be flexible so it could be used for focussed work, group study as well as for meetings and events. With such a wide remit, managing the acoustics in the space was paramount and we were thrilled that our ceiling baffles were chosen to deliver acoustic comfort to this historic space.

This high profile project in The Shard was a complete office fit-out, designed to future-proof and meet the end client’s operational needs. The modern design featured Vtec’s MaxiBeam system and Supacoustic panels. These systems allow for excellent visual appeal and acoustic performance combined with being easy to install and flexible to incorporate the specific access requirements.

This greatly presented Council Chamber situated in Welwyn Garden City was designed by the architects at RPS. Installed for the aesthetic and acoustic properties this fantastic Laudescher LINEA 4.2.1 (aw-0.50, Absorption Class D, NRC-0.7) system was specified to combat a potentially hostile room where noise would normally become a problem. The one hundred person capacity chamber was fitted with high quality audio visual technology which meant the LINEA 4.2.1 needed to be able to not only absorb but diffuse varying noises, frequencies and sound pressure levels around the curvaceous perimeter wall.

Soundis were contracted to supply and install Absorb-R GypLine aw Acoustic Spray Plaster to the ceilings on the Ground Floor at the Lavazza coffee shop’s flagship store in Marlborough, London.  Absorb-R GypLine aw Acoustic Spray Plaster was chosen due to itsseamless finish providing amazing reductions in reverberation times whilst blendinginto the look of the whole ceiling which gave a sophisticated but modern lookcomplementing the style of the coffee shop. Installation was carried out by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems

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

Hoebridge Golf Centre is a busy commercial and leisure facility that has three golf courses, a function facility and a health club. Given the busy nature of the centre, it had become apparent to many golfers and patrons that the acoustic conditions within the bar and restaurant area needed improvement.Hush Acoustics was tasked by the golf centre’s owners to develop a solution to this major acoustic issue as it possible that revenue was being affected in the bar and restaurant because of poor acoustics. Some paying guests did not want to spend their time in these problematic and noisy areas so addressing the issue was crucial to the centre’s long term success. Hush carried out its extensive survey and to fulfil the client’s requirements to make the bar and restaurant areas a far more comfortable place to be. The acoustic problem at Hoebridge Golf Centre was caused by a high level of ambient, reverberation and echo noise within the bar and restaurant areas.The solution proposed by Hush was to install Hush Absorber 50 Sound Absorbing Panels within the bar and restaurant areas. Through a series of calculations based on the site survey data, the amount of absorption needed to treat the issues effectively could be established.Mike O’Connell, General Manager of Hoebridge Golf Centre was delighted with the panels. He mentioned how well they blended in and complemented the look and aesthetics of the room, and appreciated the minimalistic design with bold colours to give the room a sense of vibrancy. The client was particular happy with the quick and efficient installation by the Hush installation team. They arrived on site at 6:05am, discussed the installation with Mike and had completed the installation by 8am, meaning no disruption to customers during busy times.

Hush Acoustics was tasked with providing an acoustic separating floor solution in an extensive material change of use project in Southall. Phoenix House was being converted by Vascroft Construction from an office building to residential flats, in a project which involved building into the basement, adding two floors and expanding at the rear.The development of 149 flats, each of which comprises 2 bedrooms, 1 ensuite, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen/living area, required an effective design for the separating floors to ensure they would be effectively soundproofed throughout across multiple different floor finishes.After assessing a number of floor construction materials, Hush Panel 28 floating floor panels were selected to meet the acoustic performance targets. Using this panel meant that throughout the bedrooms and living areas a simple underlay could be laid before the finished carpets or engineered timber floor were installed. Hush Panel 28 was also suitable for the floors in the wet rooms and entrance hallways by applying Detromat on top of the panel to form an anti cracking surface.A team of more than 100 operatives worked on site, with every 1000 sq. m of floor completed per week, which Hush Acoustics supported to ensure Vascroft could meet the project’s strict delivery schedule.

Armourcoat surface finishes have played a central role in the comprehensive refurbishment of the iconic Minster Building in the heart of London’s business district, applying over 600m2 of it's seamless Acoustic Plaster System to the ceilings.The interior design by architects BuckleyGrayYeoman for Ivanhoé Cambridge and its development/asset manager Greycoat Real Estate LLP, has created a major repositioning of the building built around the central eight storey atrium. The ground floor reception is approached by a 30 metre long boulevard from the new entrance on the corner of Mincing Lane and Great Tower Street. The original entrance has also been retained to Minster Court piazza.Designed to optimize the acoustics of interior spaces, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system offers a clean and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. Comprising of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer, the system offers an elegant marble based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The zero VOC system, which consists of over 70% recycled material, achieves class '0' fire rating and a class 'A' Noise Reduction Coefficient rating.Photography: Jonathan Banks

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

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

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.

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

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

The 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. 

Armourcoat’s Acoustic Plaster System has been specified by UK architects Softroom for the new $12billion Istanbul Airport in Turkey. The facility will eventually fly 200 million passengers a year when complete in 2028, making it the world’s biggest airport.The stunning interior design for the Turkish Airlines lounges is the result of an international competition won by Softroom. The brief called for 19,000m2 of lounges that embody the national carrier’s new brand philosophy of ‘flow’ within the airport environment. The lounge design forms a passenger journey that effortlessly weaves the spaces of the lounges together. To aid the sound quality within the lounges, the Armourcoat Acoustic plaster system creates a seamless ceiling finish with a class ‘A’ Noise Reduction Coefficient rating. Its clean and smooth mineral surface adding to the overall design.In addition, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system was installed as large island panels within the 55,000m2 duty free area operated by Unifree duty free in partnership with Gebr Heinemann. The area takes inspiration from the Bosphorus strait in Turkey, with seven sections each selling brands related to its theme including Emporio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Bulgari. Designed to optimize the acoustics of interior spaces, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system comprises of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer. It offers an elegant marble based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The system consists of 80% recycled material, has zero VOCs and achieves class '0' fire rating. The system has also been granted the Quiet Mark Award - the international mark of approval from the Noise Abatement Society Charitable Foundation. Photography: © Büşra Yeltekin

Walsall College is the largest provider of qualifications for 14-to 19-year-olds in the West Midlands Borough of Walsall. In addition, it also provides education and training for adults, which is delivered both at the college campuses and on-site at workplaces and community centres. In total, more than 11,000 people study vocational technical qualifications, apprenticeships and higher education programmes with the college each year.Its main Wisemore Campus was built in 2009 following a multi-million-pound investment programme designed to provide a vibrant, lively environment that inspires and motivates students. The state-of-the-art facility includes bespoke areas for studying business, creative arts, computing, health, public services and automotive.As is the nature of modern building design, the Wisemore Campus features many hard interior surfaces such as plastered walls, glazed partitions, large windows and carpet-tiled floors. Despite being integral to creating a visually appealing, energy-efficient, safe, secure and comfortable learning environment.Hush Acoustics were invited to carry out a site survey in these relatively poor acoustic environments by Lee Bate, Head of Operational Services. He sought to find an effective response to a large number of complaints from college users in relation to noise in these areas of the building, chiefly as a result of sound reverberation, echo and ambient noise. These issues are known to affect the concentration, focus and engagement of students and staff in schools, colleges and universities, so Walsall College were keen to take the necessary action.The learning pods are used for online training, enabling students to participate and collaborate in Zoom and Teams calls or simply access a quiet area to work. Due to the construction of these rooms, there was a significant acoustic issue that could only be addressed by the introduction of a Class A sound absorber. These would prevent noise reflecting back into the room, which was the cause of the issue.The boardroom presented similar issues. It also features many hard reflective surfaces which were causing it to be very echoey, especially during conference calls and training sessions. To reduce the issue here, a number of Class A absorbers would also need to be installed.Step one was for Hush Acoustics to conduct a site survey. This allowed information to be gathered in order to carry out a series of reverberation calculations with a view to determining how sound absorbers could be used in the affected spaces to control and reduce reverberation and echo.The solution came with Hush Absorber 50 panels installed to the ceilings and walls. These Class A absorber panels utilise a specially formulated 50mm thick acoustic foam, hand finished with interior fabric that is applied to the face, edges and back return. They are designed to fit on any alignment and angle including slopes and ceiling in both portrait and landscape, with a choice of stylish and visually pleasing designs available in sizes, colours and finishes to suit any internal environment.Hush Absorber 50 panels have been highly effective in controlling the problem noise within the areas, dampening the sound issue with a level of absorption material that complies with the design guidance of BB93.The transformation of the learning pods and boardroom has been a great success according to Walsall College’s Head of Operations for the campus, Lee Bate. He said:“We are delighted with the difference the Hush Absorber 50 panels make and the service from Hush. We are extremely happy with how the areas are instantly more comfortable to work from and the panels look good in the spaces they have been installed.”

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

The metal roof to this large distribution centre was affected by cut edge corrosion and all of the metal valley and eaves gutters were affected and leaking & corrosion. The gutters were first cleaned and dried, then treated with Liquasil’s corrosion primer. All gutter joints were coated with non-Sag Sealer, a highly elastic silicone polymer, before the whole gutter was coated with Liquasil One to provide a seamless gutter lining to prevent further leaks. Liquasil systems are covered by a unique Latent Defects Guarantee.