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INTERIORS
The natural and technological unite at the NQCC
T
he new £33m National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, is a landmark laboratory created to drive quantum technologies for the future. Not only is the facility state-of-the-art in terms of technology but also in design.
Rated BREEAM Excellent, architects
Hawkins\Brown has conceived a dynamic and versatile work environment designed to deliver transformative results. At the building’s heart are non-laboratory spaces full of open-plan areas for collaborative working, interaction and innovation. These are centred around a high linear atrium and link off to adjacent laboratories and the 12 quantum computers.
At every stage of the design and
specifi cation, careful thought and diligence was given to the choice of materials, ensuring that the building uses products which
minimise its carbon footprint, harness natural energy and provide a calm
and inviting space for its users. To control sound reverberation from the open areas and hard surfaces, Troldtekt’s wood wool acoustic panels were specifi ed as fl oating clouds above the open break-out spaces and within the meeting rooms. These effectively maintain acoustic levels, leading to a more productive environment and promoting a healthy indoor climate. Troldtekt’s wood wool acoustic panels are Cradle to Cradle Certifi ed®
at Gold
level and manufactured using wood from certifi ed forests (PEFC/09-31-030 and FSC®
C115450), positively contributing to
a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points. Panels can also be manufactured with FUTURECEM®
which achieves an approx.
30 per cent lower carbon footprint than that of Troldtekt based on white cement. Depending on the panel specifi ed, reaction to fi re is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively. Available in a wide variety of different
A new angle on ceiling design M
aterial Source Studio in Manchester serves as a hub of innovation and inspiration for built environment
professionals. Featuring installations from over 50 leading brands, the space offers a dynamic mix of product showcases, seminars, workshops, CPDs, and networking facilities. The studio is designed to foster creativity while providing a comfortable, collaborative environment for designers and architects. When Material
Source Studio sought
to enhance its meeting room with a ceiling solution that would push the boundaries of traditional ceiling tiles and encourage collaboration across its partners, Zentia in collaboration with MSS partner, Light Forms, stepped in to deliver a tailored solution. To meet the unique needs of Material Source Studio, Zentia was tasked with incorporating a ceiling solution that would tie in with the room’s soft furnishing and create a cohesive visual appeal. A ceiling solution that could integrate lighting and remain acoustically sound was also required to ensure the installation provided practical benefi ts, including a comfortable co-working
and networking atmosphere.
Material Source Studio wanted to highlight how successful collaboration between different manufacturers could result in a high-quality, bespoke product solution. For Zentia, a grid solution had to be devised that could include bespoke lighting from Light Forms as well as the installation of triangle ceiling tiles. Zentia proposed and delivered a bespoke solution featuring the DecoFrame Kit Classic Canopy, Gridline, and triangle tiles in a mixture of white and grey. Zentia’s Solutions
Key features of the solution included bespoke lighting, designed in collaboration with Light Forms, which complemented the
overall aesthetic and functionality of
the raft system. The raft was tailored to align perfectly with the size and space of the table beneath it, ensuring a balanced and cohesive look.
The meeting room containing the Zentia ceiling solution is positioned next to the
© Jack Hobhouse
structures and colours, they combine optimal sound absorption with an award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. Panels can be supplied as natural wood, unpainted based on FUTURECEM™
offering a reduced carbon
footprint or fi nished in almost any RAL or NCS colour. Samples,
guidance are
case studies and technical available from Troldtekt’s
website or see product listings on NBS (
https://bit.ly/3vxoTfq) or Material Bank (
www.materialbank.eu).
sales@troldtekt.co.uk www.troldtekt.co.uk
Design Manager, Nick Harper, created the design alongside providing the expertise and partnership working that Zentia is known for.
kitchen and at the bottom of the main staircase meaning people were often walking past. The room is also primarily used to host presentations and board meetings, so an acoustically sound solution was essential. The DecoFrame Kit Classic Canopy, Gridline, and triangle tiles enhance the ambience, inspiring designers and architects while providing a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for collaboration.
0191 497 1000
www.zentia.com/en-gb
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF SEPTEMBER 2025
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