Top architecture university utilises Heradesign

Northumbria University’s Grade II Listed Sutherland Building, home to its Architecture and Built Environment Department, now boasts a sympathetically designed, state-of-the-art studio extension (part of a £250m development programme).

The new architecture studios, complete with a high performance Knauf AMF ceiling system, are set to ensure the very best student experience.

The new intelligent design studios which feature over 1400m2 of creative studio space, student hub and academic staff offices, were designed by award winning architects Page\Park.

Ensuring innovative flexible work space, optimal light and flawless acoustics were critical success factors in a project designed to put Northumbria University at the forefront of architectural education in the UK.

Page\Park worked closely with leading construction company ESH Group to deliver the new-build for which functionality and design were key.

Heradesign, a high-performance product which effortlessly retains ambient sound whilst reducing disturbing background noise, provided Page\Park with the acoustic and aesthetic solution required for the project. Heradesign Superfine tiles are a versatile material and Page\Park were able to work with the tiles to deliver a distinctive, geometric herringbone design on the ceilings for maximum design impact.

Commenting on the use of Knauf AMF Heradesign Superfine tiles throughout the project, Page\Park architect Marianne Partyka said: “We were looking for a product that would not only provide excellent acoustic properties but one that would fit in with the overall building aesthetic of raw, natural materials. Heradesign, made from bonded wood wool, in a natural colour finish, sat very comfortably against the building’s paired back palette of brick and birch plywood.

"The flexibility of the system allowed us to play with pattern, by using rectangular panels on a 45-degree axis we were able to create a herringbone pattern that echoed the original herringbone floors of the existing Grade II Sutherland Building. The simplicity of the pattern against the tartan grid of the dark grey steel beams, is very effective and both the client and users are very happy with the end-result.

Pennine Contracts installed the Heradesign Superfine tiles. Contractor Glen Pascoe explains: “This was the first time we had used Knauf AMF Heradesign and it was a really interesting project to work on. We tend to do more dry lining but were pleasantly surprised about how easy it was to use Heradesign and were really impressed with the finished result. Supply and delivery couldn’t be faulted and everything arrived exactly on time.”

Heradesign is a brilliantly innovative and versatile product, valued by specifiers including architects and interior designers for its high performance and aesthetic wood wool properties and environmental credentials. It can be matched to any interior colour scheme and is available in a wide selection of shapes, face patterns, edge details and sizes.

It can be fixed to walls or suspended as ceilings, baffles and rafts. Manufactured from robust sustainable materials, Heradesign offers high impact resistance and superior fire resistance, which is paramount for any building.