Knauf AMF wins with quality and cost-effective acoustic solutions

Knauf AMF Ceilings exceeded expectations at a £3.2million multi sports leisure facility built for Rickmansworth School.

This first-class sports centre consists of a fitness suite, dance studio, four-court sports hall, dedicated cricket lane, football pitches, running track and classrooms.

Specialist contractor, Ashe Construction chose Knauf AMF Ceilings having visited their mineral fibre factory in Grafenau, Germany - the largest in Europe. The factory has highly-advanced technology producing sustainable acoustic ceiling and wall products with outstanding environmentally-friendly credentials.

Knauf AMF offers specifiers and contractors the opportunity to visit Grafenau and see for themselves the different production techniques, R&D facilities, acoustic labs and meet technical advisors. The factory houses the Knauf AMF Forum, a purpose-built centre where visitors view acoustic and wall and ceiling products showcased in modern interiors. Design and Build Manager, Daniel Armes was impressed by what he saw.

“I was inspired by my visit to the Knauf AMF factory. The technical advisors were fantastic in explaining how we can specify ceilings that comply with BB93 acoustics in schools and stay in budget. Knauf AMF Ceilings’ acoustic solutions actually exceed the Building Regulation at a cost effective rate so I decided to change the original specification for the sports centre in favour of Knauf AMF. We and the client are delighted with the results and I have no hesitation in specifying Knauf AMF for future projects.”

Thermatex Alpha ceilings were installed in four classrooms on the upper floor of the sports centre. Classrooms are often noisy places which can have a detrimental effect on children’s performance at school. By installing a ceiling with high sound absorption and sound attenuation it is possible to control the level of reverberation and provide the sound insulation required for a healthy learning environment. Thermatex Alpha ceilings have the highest class of sound absorption, Class A, and exceed the BB93 guidelines for sound absorption in schools. A Thermatex Alpha ceiling offered substantial cost savings in comparison to their nearest competitor.

Offering exemplary acoustic performance and Class A2 fire safety, Thermatex Fine Stratos ceilings were the ideal choice for the dance studio, changing rooms, corridors and staircases in the centre. The clean, crisp appearance of the Fine Stratos tiles was a perfect fit for the contemporary design of the school. The building has a bright airy feel thanks to the 90% light reflectance of the ceiling’s white surface which maximises the use of natural daylight and helps reduce the need for artificial light.

Circulation areas in schools are busy spaces where noise can travel through the ceiling void into adjacent teaching areas. A Thermatex Fine Stratos ceiling provides the necessary sound absorption and excellent sound attenuation to ensure lessons are not disturbed.

Thermatex Aquatec ceilings were chosen for the centre’s kitchen. Areas where food preparation takes place have strict hygiene requirements. Thermatex Aquatec ceilings meet these with ease. Produced from a special composition of mineral wool with an added hygiene coating, the panels resist humidity up to 100% RH and repel mould and bacteria. The panels are easy to keep clean, requiring only water.