Acoustics:Layout 1 11/09/2009 16:35 Page 48
acoustics
Walls absorb the noise
H
IGH LEVELS of noise reverberation and quieter environment. To add interest,
had plagued the group study area some of the wall panels were printed with
at the Health Science Library at images of former medical dignitaries.
the University of Leeds. OWAcoustic mineral wool acoustic
Although it was designated as study ceiling and wall products contain more
space, it was a case of spot the student, than 50% of a special mineral wool made
says project architect Jenni Clay of from a mixture of glass and rock wool.
Leeds-based Work Architecture. “Noise The white mineral wool structure is made
was reverberating around, but we were from natural and recycled materials, and
restricted on what we could put in. The combines fire resistance with the
barrel roof prevented the installation of a strength and handling characteristics of
suspended ceiling or baffles, and the walls glass wool. It’s environmentally friendly,
have high-level windows and low-level glass- bio-soluble and non-hazardous. This
fronted displays of old medical equipment.” enables ceilings to provide good sound
The solution was to install acoustic wall absorption in a room as well as good
absorbers from OWA UK, a measure sound insulation between rooms.
which Jenni Clay estimates has reduced
Wall hung OWAcoustic Broadband absorbers on
reverberation by around half. Now the library
the lower level provide an efficient acoustic www.work-architects.co.uk
absorber hidden behind a work of art and, on the
functions as it should – packed with
upper level, as a colour co-ordinated absorber
students working in group discussion,
providing a more subtle aesthetic effect. individually and online in a more modern
www.owa-ceilings.co.uk
The right environment for AV
presentations
C
EILING RAFTS and acoustic wall Access consideration
panelling have played a major part “There has been a lot of design
in maximising the available space consideration of the acoustic values of the
and meeting acoustic targets for the room including the walls, ceiling and flooring
auditorium at The King’s Fund in Central in order to provide the best environment
London, which operates as a venue for for audio visual presentations,” conferencing
external meetings and conferences. manager Chris Simpson explains.
Completed earlier this year, the Ceiling tiles within the ceiling rafts
scheme involved bespoke architectural feature a lift and tilt access system
metalwork from SAS International, allowing easy access for service
working with architects Panter Hudspith. maintenance. In addition, a special circular
The ceiling rafts – incorporating acoustic collar to conceal the speaker casings was
absorption material – luminaires, incorporated in the design of the rafts.
diffusers and service troughs for Wall panelling was also specified in other
conference AV equipment helped areas of the building to meet acoustic
maximise the ceiling height, particularly requirements. The panelling, which is
above the stage area. made of metal, is also used as magnetic
Wall panelling, incorporating a ‘pinboards’, providing a useful surface to
specially made bulkhead profile surround, display large graphics or drawings.
was also specifed to provide additional
acoustic treatment in the auditorium and
www.sasint.co.uk
adjoining lobby area.
48 edbmagazine.co.uk
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