Unusual Rigging, the bespoke rigging company specialising in providing services for theatres, film, TV and museums is flying high with its new HQ in Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire. Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, the building is a test-bed project for circular economy principles and low-carbon design and has exceeded all expectations. This approach moves away from traditional linear building concepts of take, make, use and dispose to a more circular methodology of using materials with low embodied carbon and which can be dismantled and reused at end of life.
The building was designed to Passivhaus principles and includes a glulam and timber frame envelope with the interior fit-out, also by Corstorphine & Wright, focusing on materials selected for high performance and durability, coupled with Cradle to Cradle certification where possible and their potential for reuse or recycling. For this reason, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels were specified across the entirety of the first floor.
The panels help to control the sound reverberation from the hard surfaces and double-height atrium, improving comfort and wellbeing for the building’s users and providing a visually appealing surface in an unpainted finish.
Troldtekt’s wood wool acoustic panels are Cradle to Cradle Certified® at Gold level and manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC/09-31-030 and FSC®C115450), positively contributing to a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points. Panels can also be manufactured with FUTURECEM® which achieves an approx. 30 per cent lower carbon footprint than that of Troldtekt based on white cement. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.
Available in a wide variety of different structures and colours, they combine optimal sound absorption with an award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. Panels can be supplied as natural wood, unpainted based on FUTURECEM™ offering a reduced carbon footprint or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour.
Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from www.troldtekt.co.uk or see our product listings on NBS (https://bit.ly/3vxoTfq) or Material Bank (www.materialbank.eu).
