8 August 2009
CMS Acoustics and EWA Realise Architectural Vision for £45m Merseyside College
CMS Acoustics, the UK’s largest provider of acoustic solutions, has designed and manufactured a bespoke SuperPhon Suspended Absorber system for the new £45m St Helen’s College, Merseyside, after EWA Architects conceptualised a ‘floating’ acoustic panel for reverberation control and BB93 compliance.
Responding to the brief from EWA Architects, 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.
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.
Richard Alonso, project architect, EWA Architects, comments: “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.”
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, a combination of 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.
David Holder, technical sales director, CMS Acoustics, concludes: “The advantage of having our own research and development team and in-house manufacturing facilities is that we can accommodate some of the most unusual and demanding requests, from specifiers through to contractors. It was an excellent project to work on with EWA, and we are all extremely pleased with the acoustic performance and aesthetic finish that has been achieved.”
The St Helen’s College scheme involves the construction of a new college and the demolition of existing buildings. The total area to be constructed is over 17,500m2, and will provide new facilities including a theatre, art rooms, fitness suites and administration areas.
