Quiet nights at hotel with Knauf Drywall

Drywall constructions deliver excellent acoustic performance and fire resistance at myhotel in Brighton

Behind the eye-catching decor of a spectacular new boutique hotel, drywall constructions deliver excellent acoustic performance and fire resistance - and give substance to the designer's signature curves.

The 80 guestroom myhotel Brighton's drywall specification includes Knauf Drywall systems that give guests the choice of a quiet night - or the opportunity to relax without disturbing their neighbours.

On-site acoustic tests have showed that the systems comfortably meet design criteria.

Specialist subcontractor Drytech took up the challenge to build the high-specification interior, which includes straight and curved walls and other intricate curve detailing - the trademark of New York designer Karim Rashid.

Drytech Site Manager Dave Haworth says: "This project really put drylining skills to the test, but the end result is something to be proud of." The new hotel realises the shared aesthetic ideals of Karim Rashid and myhotel founder Andy Thrasyvoulou, who describes it as a place "where Freddie Mercury meets the Maharishi".

He says: "Extensive use of drywall construction enables us to blend a contemporary lifestyle environment with a haven of calm - which is the hallmark of our philosophy".

The hotel rooms and corridors are separated by walls built with the Knauf Staggered Stud system, designed for 60dB (Rw) airborne sound reduction and BS476 fire resistance.

In addition to flat screen TVs, guestrooms have integrated MP3 compatible sound systems so that guests can relax with their own music - without upsetting other guests.

The acoustic rating is achieved in straight walls with two layers of 15mm Knauf Soundshield on each side of the staggered 60mm Knauf 'I' Studs at 600mm centres, and 50mm Knauf Crown Partition Roll in the void.

Curved walls have a similar specification, but with three layers of 12.5mm Knauf Soundshield, curved to a minimum radius of 1,500mm on Knauf 'I' Studs at 300mm centres.

On the ground floor, the restaurant, bar and two event spaces are separated by twin frames of 92mm Knauf 'I' Studs, with a layer of 19mm Knauf Plank and two layers of 15mm Knauf Soundshield on either side, and 100mm Knauf Crown Universal Roll in the cavity.

This construction is designed for 69dB (Rw) airborne sound reduction.

These areas also feature the Knauf MF Ceiling System, with the same combination of boards and acoustic insulation ensuring that sound is contained.

The drywall contract, which Drytech undertook for main contractor Willmott Dixon, also included other partitions and wall linings using Knauf Drywall systems, and the Knauf Shaftwall system for the lift shafts and stairwells.

Positioned in Jubilee Street, part of the city's famous North Laine retail and entertainment area, myhotel Brighton joins the company's two London hotels in offering a truly different experience.

Described as an exhilarating destination hotel, the new property combines cutting-edge design and technology with serene spirituality and the principles of feng shui.

In 1999, myhotel opened in Bloomsbury, London, and it was followed in 2002 by myhotel Chelsea.

This revolutionary hotel brand delivers unique hospitality, combining the style, culture and technological drive of the west with the observant, graceful and respectful service standards of the east.

Knauf Drywall manufactures a full range of plasters, plasterboards, insulating laminates, drywall accessories, metal sections and steel building systems, for domestic and commercial applications.

Recently Knauf Drywall introduced the UK industry's first carbon neutral plasterboard, Knauf Futurepanel.

Knauf Drywall also actively promotes recycling from building sites and has a zero waste policy in its energy efficient factories at Sittingbourne in Kent and Immingham on Humberside.

Back to top