WHAT’S NEW?
STOSILENT DIRECT SYSTEM BRINGS OXFORD COLLEGE
ACOUSTICS UP TO DATE An Oxford University College has seen its acoustic performance significantly upgraded thanks to the use of the StoSilent Direct acoustic ceiling system. It has been installed at Somerville College as part of a major project to upgrade both the acoustics and the lighting of the Grade II listed dining hall.
James Gosling, Sto’s Acoustics Project Manager, explained: “This was a complex project where the aim was to create a much-improved acoustic environment in the hall. The hall is used both for dining and for formal events, so outstanding acoustic performance was a key requirement. The aim was to increase the amount of acoustic attenuation material within the moulded panels of the existing vaulted ceiling, but the chosen acoustic system also had to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the new lighting system which was being installed.”
“We knew that Sto had worked on similar, historically-sensitive projects in the past, and that experience was a key requirement for us,” explained Thomas
Cotton of Associated Architects. “Refurbishing buildings of this age comes with particular challenges, so it was important that we worked with a proven acoustic ceiling supplier and installer, who understood our requirement for high performance absorption with minimal visual impact.”
The chosen system also had to offer a high degree of flexibility in terms of design and installation. Associated Architects were looking for a system that could be applied directly onto the existing structure, but which would have minimal physical and visual impact. This project involved a very significant heritage building and the acoustic boards had to integrate as closely as possible with the existing ceiling beams and surfaces.
Harry Austin of Alpine Finishing, the company that installed the acoustic products, said: “The Sto system is extremely adaptable and so it was able to satisfy all these requirements. Working together with Sto and Associated Architects was also very beneficial, as we were able to pool our expertise and create a really successful solution.”
The StoSilent Direct system offers a particularly economical method of minimising reverberation times
and reducing noise levels, as it can be applied directly to walls and ceilings without the need for a sub-construction – a feature which also makes it quick and easy to install. The acoustically porous nature of the materials and finish textures mean that the system is highly sound absorbent and in addition, has a reaction to fire classification of A2-s1, d0 in accordance with EN 13501-1.
The Sto system was completed with a StoSilent Top Finish to blend with the existing refurbished ceiling features. This organic, porous finishing coat is trowel- applied, and has an ultra-fine grain size which allows the creation of smooth surfaces across ceiling areas. It is environmentally friendly and is available in a large range of colours, making it compatible with a wide range of architectural and design styles.
The wood-panelled Somerville College hall features raised stage areas at either end, and these required a slightly different treatment. Bespoke acoustic modules constructed from Sto’s StoSilent Distance system were created and then installed above the raised platform areas to add extra acoustic attenuation.
www.sto.co.uk
www.tomorrowsfm.com
TOMORROW’S FM | 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70
