Armstrong Ceilings were a sound solution in more ways than one. The redevelopment, designed by regular Armstrong specifiers CPMG Architects, was realised with a sophisticated BIM model which brought together the design geometry of the consultants and the principal sub-contractors including CG Reynolds who installed the ceilings for main contractor Balfour Beatty.
The offices feature Ultima+ OP mineral tiles with MicroLook edge details and Ultima+ dB mineral tiles with Tegular edges, both in 600mm x 600mm grids, while three sizes of circular Optima L mineral canopies (800mm, 1200mm and 1600mm diameter) hang freely in the "nose" of the building overlooking the River Soar.
Optima L canopies, only this time in three sizes (rectangular 1800mm x 1200mm and 1200mm x 2400mm and square 1200mm x 1200mm), also feature in the studio spaces with a bespoke light fitting that was developed to match the size of the ceiling rafts.
All of these products confirm to Class A sound absorption standards as do the Optima 1200mm x 200mm baffles in the café and open-plan circulation routes, and bespoke-shaped rafts with the Ultima+ and Optima tiles, and Axiom perimeter trim, in the atrium.
Also rated to Class A level are the moisture-resistant Hydroboard 600mm x 600mm mineral tiles suspended from a 24mm anti-corrosion grid in the kitchen areas. Various lengths of 300mm wide perforated metal planks backed by acoustic fleece were also specified.
CPMG associate Dawn Briggs said: "Armstrong is a well-respected product within the market place and at the Vijay Patel Building they fundamentally help to achieve acoustic compliance to BB93 for both the refurb and new-build elements of the project. Free-hanging rafts in the studio spaces are set on a 3m grid, helping to visually divide up the large open spaces into smaller zones for working. The design incorporates exposed soffits to the majority of studio spaces which help with the thermal performance of the building. The bespoke lighting and acoustic hanging rafts draw the eye down and obscure the services zone above."
She added: "The large open spaces such as the atrium void required significant acoustic treatment to minimise reverberation but with very few perpendicular edges in the space a regular grid seemed inappropriate. The Axiom C profile allowed us to define bespoke shapes for each zone which could then be infilled with a 600mm x 600mm grid of Class A ceiling tiles."
The redevelopment of the complex presented the university with an unparalleled opportunity to transform a significant site within the city. The proposals form a critical phase in the university’s long-term masterplan which is built around an ambitious vision to reconnect the city centre with the River Soar by creating a series of linked public open spaces through the campus.
ARCHITECT
CPMG Architects
MAIN CONTRACTOR
Balfour Beatty
CEILING CONTRACTOR
CG Reynolds
PRODUCTS USED
– Ultima+ OP MicroLook mineral tiles
– Ultima+ dB Tegular mineral tiles
– Optima L canopies
– Optima baffles
– Axiom perimeter trim
– 300mm-wide perforated metal planks backed by acoustic fleece
– Hydroboard mineral tiles suspended from a 24mm anti-corrosion grid