OWA solve acoustic challenge at rifle range

OWAcoustic Janus tiles have been installed at the Chichester Rifle and Pistol Club, the newest .22 rifle range in Sussex and Hampshire.

The remarkable performance of acoustic ceiling systems from OWA is vividly demonstrated at a state-of-the art shooting range on the south coast.

OWAcoustic Janus tiles have been installed at the Chichester Rifle and Pistol Club, the newest .22 rifle range in Sussex and Hampshire.

It has been one of the most challenging jobs for OWA since it set up its new expanded operation in the UK as the range is close to a residential area.

The project is further confirmation of what clients across Europe already know: that OWA is the expert in acoustic ceiling systems.

David Scott, of Bosham-based architects Harrington Design Associates, specified OWA.

He says: "Rifle ranges can sometimes gain a reputation of being noisy environments, so we were obliged to show we would minimise the acoustic impact internally and externally".

"I wanted an acoustic ceiling and in my product search, OWA met all the performance criteria as well as offering a clean white aesthetic finish".

Good acoustics are increasingly important, particularly in the interior refurbishment and fit-out sector, in offices and schools but also in health care, retail and other interior environments.

But there is far more to good acoustics than just 'NRC' values.

Good sound insulation is often just as crucial, as are design, versatility and reliability.

OWA products have been tried and tested across the Continent and in dozens of countries worldwide.

Its mainstay system, OWAcoustic, is one of the most popular interior finishes in Europe.

"The Chichester project demonstrates why OWA has such a sound reputation," says Andrew Smith, OWA UK's Joint Managing Director.

"Our acoustic ceilings range enables specifiers to satisfy simultaneously the requirements of acoustic performance and contemporary design trends".

Former members of the Chichester Home Guard established the rifle club after the Second World War.

It moved to its new location, an area of sporting amenities on Wellington Road, late last year.

The new shooting range was funded by local builders merchant David Cover and Sons in exchange for the Club's previous site which the merchant acquired to expand its business.

According to the Club's Honorary Treasurer, John Peart, Covers were very supportive throughout this process and their Chairman, Patrick Green, subsequently become the Club's joint patron.

The new range is large with 8 firing points.

Its design is state-of-the-art and it has an acoustics system to match.

OWAcoustic represents the new generation of mineral wool acoustic ceiling products.

The tiles contain more than 50% mineral wool; others can have as little as 15%, and the difference is audible.

Unlike conventional mineral wool tiles, OWA products will not sag or warp.

The unique white mineral wool structure is made from natural and recycled materials, and combines fire resistance with the strength and handling characteristics of glass fibre.

It is environmentally friendly, bio-soluble and non-hazardous.

For the shooting range, architect David Scott specified OWAcoustic Janus.

This is a double thickness tile laminated with an acoustic layer and has an absorbent facing into the ceiling void.

With a 49dB noise reduction, Janus is ideal for special applications - such as interview rooms, and in this case, a rifle range.

Says David Scott: "We wanted to improve the acoustic ambience of the range and to avoid noise becoming a problem for local residents".

"There have been no complaints." The club's double-layer roofing includes a suspended ceiling system of OWAcoustic Janus tiles, with a lining of insulated plasterboard between the ceiling and A-frame roof.

The ceiling and walls behind the targets are lined with 6mm steel, and the walls of the range are reinforced concrete.

Another feature is an air movement system that blows air down the range and it is then extracted above the targets.

One footnote to the story - the Chichester club actually helped bring in new regulations for indoor small-bore firing ranges.

The range was designed under the guidance of Major (Retired) Frank Haxton.

He wrote the original Code of Practice for Range Safety for the Ministry of Defence, and is an acknowledged expert.

However, initially Sussex Police could not permit shooting on the range because the MoD no longer approved firing ranges.

The Home Office had been working on new regulations with the National Rifle Association and the National Small-Bore Rifle Association.

The Chichester Rifle and Pistol Club approached the Home Office, which pushed the new regulations through, so that it could secure police approval.

The project was co-ordinated by Richard Meinertzhagen of Horsham-based Sherwood Developments.

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