CMS Acoustics offers school lesson in silence

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Nov 29, 2007

By installing CMS SuperPhon Acoustic Wall Panels the school has stayed true to the architectural vision while controlling high reverberation levels.

Education building design might sometimes be compromised by the need to deliver practical learning environments, but this has not been the case at the new GBP33m Redland Green School in Bristol.

By installing CMS SuperPhon Acoustic Wall Panels in 'The Street' - an innovative area designed to inspire learning - the school has stayed true to the architectural vision while controlling high reverberation levels.

Manufactured by CMS Acoustic Solutions, SuperPhon panels combine impressive acoustic absorbency capabilities with an aesthetically appealing woven textile fabric finish.

At Redland Green, more than 200 fully bespoke SuperPhon panels were installed to precision onto the upper half walls throughout the 100m x 5m Street.

To complement the colour scheme within the roof-lit internal thoroughfare, a combination of red and white panels were selected to enhance the exterior ambience that was required.

Described as the OEschool under hill', the main teaching spine is situated under the existing hillside beneath a green sloping roof.

In line with the sustainability agenda, the natural contours of the hill are carried over the spine to create an inspiring open air learning environment which overlooks the city of Bristol and its surrounding countryside.

Project sub-contractor, Louise Golesworthy from Golesworthy Floors, Walls and Acoustics, comments: There are countless acoustic treatments on the market that can provide satisfactory levels of reverberation control.

However, our challenge was to source an aesthetically appealing, retrospectively applied acoustic wall covering that would not only deliver on performance, but also complement the overall look and feel of The Street.

Having worked with CMS Acoustics on previous projects, we could rely on them to recommend a treatment that would accurately match our requirements.

The SuperPhon panels were quick and simple to install, and have provided The Street with a highly decorative wall finish.

SuperPhon Acoustic Wall Panels reduce noise by impeding sound transmission through an element of the structure and by absorbing sound at the surface.

Complementing most interior design concepts, the panels incorporate an aesthetic fabric covering which is simple to clean and maintain.

CMS Acoustics director, David Holder, concludes: SuperPhon Acoustic Wall Panels deliver superb acoustic and thermal insulation performance.

The panels are easy to install, and offer a very cost effective method of controlling high reverberation levels without compromising design concepts.

Providing an effective means of controlling reverberation time and reflected sound in rooms, SuperPhon is ideal for application in schools, studios, conference centres, cinemas and other areas where acoustic absorption combined with an aesthetically pleasing appearance is required.

With a choice of 12, 25 and 50mm thicknesses, Golesworthy selected the 25mm specification in order to achieve the level of reverberation control required within The Street.

SuperPhon is a fully bespoke product and is made to order on a site-by-site basis.

With a range of 40 standard colours, alternative colours, finishes and fabrics are available upon application.