The Queensmill School in London is an award-winning education provider for children with autistic spectrum disorders from nursery age to 19 years. The school has a new purpose-built building which can now cater for 130 pupils on one site. Specialist facilities include a wet room, an interactive sensory room, more spacious classrooms and respite care for families. The concept design was by 3BM and LSI Architects developed the detail design from planning stage through to completion on site, with Bouygues UK as the main contractor. ROCKFON Sonar X edge ceiling tiles were chosen to satisfy the school’s specific acoustic and aesthetic requirements.
Charlie Graham at StilSound ceiling installers fitted the Sonar ceilings using Chicago Metallic T24 Click 2890 grid system and explains why:
“The interior is designed to create a ‘low arousal’ environment for the children who have complex autism, so they can learn in a calm state. To meet this requirement, the Sonar X tiles were installed using a concealed suspension grid to avoid any discernible grid patterns which could become a distraction for the pupils.”
ROCKFON Sonar X edge tiles create a near-monolithic ceiling design thanks to the reduced seam between the tiles. Unlike other concealed grid systems which require special consideration and measuring for the placement and cutting of tiles, the Sonar X edge tile has a symmetrical design which are quick and easy to install in any order and still create the continuous, elegant look the school wanted.
‘A seamless ceiling was required throughout this significant new build special educational needs project, to minimise pupil distraction and provide a clean monolithic looking ceiling, while meeting stringent acoustic requirements and maintaining services access. We believe that Sonar X met these objectives and provided a suitable robust and cost effective accessible ceiling solution’ commented Peter Courtney, Associate Partner at award winning architectural practice LSI.
Sonar X edge ceilings offer architects freedom to design inspirational interiors. Tiles are available in a bright white micro-textured surface with a high reflectance value of 85%. Custom sizes and special colours can be ordered on demand.
Schools can be noisy places and acoustic control is important to ensure children understand what is being said in the classroom. ROCKFON Sonar ceilings are installed in all of Queenmill’s learning areas because they offer the highest level of sound absorption, Class A αw value of 1.0, helping to create the optimum acoustic environment for effective learning.
ROCKFON Sonar ceilings meet the demands of a busy school environment. The visible side of the tiles has a reinforced fleece which is coated with an enhanced lacquer to provide resistance to scratches and marking. The edges are strong and flexible so they remain intact even when removed and reinstalled regularly for access to services.
The durable Chicago Metallic T24 Click 2890 grid system helps to create a hard-wearing ceiling. The grid is manufactured from galvanised steel making it very strong and stable. It is quick and easy to install thanks to a helpful audible ‘click’ which sounds when the components connect into position.
The school’s wet room is fitted with ROCKFON Sonar tiles because they offer moisture resistance of up to 100% RH. Like all ROCKFON stone-wool products, Sonar X edge ceiling tiles can withstand humid surroundings whilst remaining in pristine condition.
All ROCKFON products come with a 15 year guarantee and are fully recyclable at end of use.
The team at ROCKFON are happy to use their expertise and technical knowledge to help you create robust and beautiful ceilings. For information on samples, specifications, advice on your project or to find your nearest area sales manager, visit www.rockfon.co.uk or call the hotline number 0800 389 0314
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