St Helen's College New Build College Development
The Challenge
The new £45m St Helen’s College, Merseyside, saw the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a brand new state-of-the-art college scheme.
Representing a significant investment in the college’s future, the building was designed to create an inspirational learning environment. At the same time, the college needed to meet BB93 acoustic standards, to ensure the building was as practical as it was inspiring.
To realise this vision, EWA Architects conceptualised a ‘floating’ acoustic panel that would effectively control reverberation and deliver the necessary BB93 compliance. However, as standard suspended absorptive panels are supplied with opaque fixings, EWA Architects had to source an alternative that would achieve the required visual effect.
Taking the challenge to market, EWA Architects briefed the technical services team at CMS Acoustics with its requirements, which led to the design and manufacture of a bespoke SuperPhon Suspended Absorber system.
The Solution
CMS Acoustics used its in-house research and development team to design an innovative translucent hanging system that could horizontally suspend a 25mm thick SuperPhon Suspended Absorber. A number of prototypes were manufactured and tested on-site, resulting in the development of a final system that achieved the ‘floating’ illusion combined with the required load bearing and acoustic performance.
The SuperPhon range is designed to absorb high levels of reflected noise within a room to improve the listening environment. Panels are manufactured in standard 25mm and 50mm thicknesses, with bespoke thicknesses made to order. Dependent on panel thickness, level of coverage and installation method used, SuperPhon delivers absorption ranging from class D to A.
Available in 40 standard colours and as wall mounted and ceiling suspended systems, the SuperPhon range facilitates flexibility in design while delivering cost effective reverberation control. At St Helen’s, SuperPhon Suspended Absorbers and Wall Panels were used throughout the new education development. A total of 320 panels were installed, covered with standard SuperPhon open weave fabric and in a combination of Adriatic and White colour schemes.
Results
Managing the project through to completion, the CMS Acoustics technical team provided free on-site supervision, to ensure the contractors were effectively trained and competent in the approved installation procedure. This led to the efficient installation of the panels and ultimately secured compliance with BB93 standards for reverberation control.
Richard Alonso, project architect, EWA Architects, concludes: “We were extremely impressed with the responsiveness, technical knowledge and manufacturing capabilities of CMS Acoustics. We presented a challenging design vision that added a special touch to the teaching environment, and CMS Acoustics responded with a cost effective system that looked excellent and more importantly – delivered on BB93 performance.”
Product Case Study
