Murchison
House, a building steeped in history since its construction in 1977, has
received a significant refurbishment, giving the University of Edinburgh a
stunning new purpose-designed venue on its King’s Buildings Campus.
Reconfigured
to provide light-filled, comfortable spaces for students and staff to work,
relax and study, architects Reiach & Hall turned to Knauf AMF Heradesign to
create a first-class acoustic solution that would also align with the
university’s contemporary design brief.
Reiach
& Hall specified Knauf AMF Heradesign to deliver a suspended raft system in
the café and breakout areas. Cut to create a series of triangular rafts, the
80m2 floating ceiling solution
offered the illusion of height above the system and provided excellent acoustic
performance.
Meanwhile in the study areas, 100m2 of Heradesign wall absorbers were installed throughout the
study zones continuing the geometric theme.
Speaking
about the complex design, Wynne McLeish of Reiach & Hall comments: “Working
within the constraints of an existing 1970s building with low ceilings and
limited wall space, we looked to design a suspended raft system. This not only
allowed us to achieve the required acoustic rating but also detract focus away
from the new exposed services.
“The
triangular forms were used to echo the unusual geometric plan of the building
and the colour white to reflect light into the space.
“The
versatility and texture of the Knauf AMF Heradesign allowed us to create a fun,
bespoke feature for the café, which was light enough to be quickly installed by
the contractor.”
For
Murchison House, the use of Heradesign Fine offers a unique design feature that
pushes the boundaries of design. Its versatility is becoming increasingly
recognised amongst specifiers.
