DESIGN FOR HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT 61
In multi-storey school buildings, this can be especially noticeable during transition periods between classes, such as where movement in corridors and classrooms above can disrupt quieter activities below, such as study sessions or exams. While walls and ceilings are often the primary focus for acoustic design, fl ooring can also contribute to managing impact sound and reducing noise transfer between levels. Flooring solutions that offer impact sound reduction, often measured in decibels (dB), can support this by softening footfall noise and improving overall acoustic comfort, helping to limit the transfer of sound between classrooms, corridors and shared spaces.
There is rarely a one-size-fi ts-all approach
to fl ooring in education. Together, these factors highlight the complexity of specifi cation. Safety, acoustics, durability and design are often addressed as separate requirements, but in practice they must work in balance. This can present challenges where different performance needs are met through multiple product types or systems, increasing complexity in both specifi cation and installation. Materials such as LVT offer one
approach to addressing this balance. With the ability to combine durability, acoustic performance and design fl exibility within a single fl ooring collection (such as Amtico Signature or Amtico Spacia), LVT can support a more streamlined specifi cation process while responding to the varied demands of education environments. Its versatility also allows for consistency across different areas of a building, without compromising on performance requirements. Ultimately, fl ooring plays a fundamental role in how educational spaces perform over time. Beyond initial appearance or compliance, it supports the everyday movement, safety and comfort of the people using those environments, from students navigating busy corridors to teachers taking a moment of calm between lessons. By considering how materials will behave in real-world conditions, and over the full lifecycle of a building, architects can help ensure that fl ooring continues to meet the needs of both students and staff, long after installation.
Melissa Heath is regional commercial team leader at Amtico
Safeguarding starts at the door: Compliant locking for nursery environments
In nursery and early years settings, door hardware plays a critical role in safeguarding. Beyond basic security, doors must prevent children from leaving unnoticed, restrict unauthorised access from outside and maintain fully compliant emergency escape at all times. FUHR’s autosafe 833 and 835 KiGa multipoint locking systems have been developed specifi cally for these sensitive environments, providing a certifi ed, application-led solution that removes the need for adapted or improvised hardware. The multipoint locking system incorporates two interconnected lock cases linked via a drive rod, enabling independent operation of two lever handles positioned at different heights. The lower handle, set at 850 mm, is accessible to children, while the upper lever at 1,570 mm allows staff to retain controlled access at all times. In an emergency, the secured lower lever – or integrated GfS e-Bar®
– can be activated, triggering an alarm and
alerting supervisory personnel immediately. This confi guration ensures compliant escape while supporting safeguarding protocols during day-to-day operation.
pbalfe@fuhr.co.uk www.fuhr.de/en/solutions/areas-of-application/kindergarten-doors Integrated movable walls create fl exible learning spaces at London Academy
As part of a signifi cant refurbishment project, Style Group collaborated with 3BM and ACS Construction to create fl exible learning spaces at Kensington Aldridge Academy, London. A market leader in movable wall systems, Style installed two Dorma Varifl ex 100 manual partitions enabling large teaching areas to be quickly reconfi gured into smaller, fully functional classrooms. Finished in a durable laminate melamine panel, the movable walls provide a robust, low-maintenance surface – ideal for high-traffi c education settings. The system not only improves space functionality but also complements the academy’s modern interior design scheme. The completed installation provides Kensington Aldridge Academy with a versatile, future-ready learning environment. The Dorma Varifl ex 100 system features a concealed powder coated aluminium track, ensuring a streamlined and unobtrusive appearance. This project demonstrates how expertly specifi ed movable wall systems can transform education environments, delivering adaptability, sound control and design excellence without compromise.
www.style-group.co.uk
ADF APRIL/MAY 2026
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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