Challenge: The 1st Hedgerley Scouts Hut posed a distinctive acoustic challenge with its wooden floors and reflective ceiling, resulting in a high reverberation time. This acoustic issue significantly affected the teaching and learning environment, especially for scouts, cubs and beavers with special needs. The organisation sought an effective solution that could not only address the reverberation problem but also adhere to specific design constraints inherent in the hut’s structure.

Design Constraints:

1. Weak Ceiling Structure: The hut’s ceiling was constructed from fiberboard, limiting the load-bearing capacity for the installation of acoustic panels.
2. Warped Roof Nature: The design of the roof featured a noticeable warp, necessitating the selection of panels flexible enough to adapt to the irregular ceiling shape.
3. Impact Resistance Requirement: Given the multi use nature of the space, the selected acoustic panels needed to withstand impacts, such as those caused by balls thrown during activities.

Solution: Signature Acoustic Panels

The chosen solution to this intricate acoustic challenge was the implementation of Signature Acoustic Panels. These panels boast a Melaflex core, known for its exceptional acoustic absorption properties, encased in a Class O fabric renowned for high abrasion resistance, ensuring durability and impact resistance.

Key Features of Signature Acoustic Panels:

1. Melaflex Core: The panels’ core material, Melaflex, was specifically chosen for its superior acoustic absorption properties, effectively mitigating the reverberation issues plaguing the Scouts Hut.
2. Class O Fabric: The use of Class O fabric not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the panels but also ensures they meet stringent fire safety standards.
3. High Abrasion Resistance: The fabric’s exceptional abrasion resistance is a critical feature, making the panels resilient to impacts and suitable for spaces with active and dynamic use.
4. Exteme light weight : Melaflex panels are extremely light allowing the project team the flexibility to mount the required number of panels using suitable cartridge adhesive. 

Installation Process: Due to the ceiling’s weak structure, the installation of Signature Acoustic Panels was meticulously planned to avoid overloading. The flexibility of the panels allowed for a seamless integration, conforming to the warped nature of the ceiling and ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and effective installation.

Results:

1. Reverberation Time Reduction: The implementation of Signature Acoustic Panels successfully reduced the reverberation time from 2.42 to 0.96, creating a significantly improved acoustic environment within the Scouts Hut.
2. Enhanced Learning Environment: The improved acoustics had a positive impact on teachers and students, particularly those with special needs, by providing a more conducive and focused learning environment.
3. Durability and Impact Resistance: The high abrasion resistance of the panels proved essential in maintaining the effectiveness of the acoustic treatment, even in a space with high levels of activity and potential impact.

Conclusion: The acoustic treatment of the 1st Hedgerley Scouts Hut with Signature Acoustic Panels exemplifies a successful integration of innovative solutions to address specific design constraints. The organization can now enjoy a more acoustically balanced space that caters to the diverse needs of its users while maintaining the structural integrity of the building. This case study underscores the importance of tailored solutions in overcoming complex challenges related to acoustics in educational and community spaces.

Client Background:

Our client, The Dispute Service, approached us with a unique challenge: to enhance the acoustics in their bustling office environment without compromising the Japanese-inspired decor and open-plan warehouse-style ambiance. The office space faced issues such as excessive noise and reverberation, hindering effective communication among staff members especially on days when members of staff were working from the office.

Client Challenge:

The primary challenge was to address the high reverberation times, exceeding 3.6 seconds in the vocal frequency range, leading to elevated noise levels during conversations and phone calls. The goal was to find a solution that significantly improved acoustics while seamlessly blending with the existing decor, adorned with chain screens, and maintaining the warehouse-style, open-plan office atmosphere. Traditional solutions, such as hanging acoustic screens, baffles, ceiling-suspended acoustic rafts, and reintroducing a dropped ceiling, were not feasible options.

Solution Approach:

Our innovation team embraced the challenge, utilizing advanced acoustic modeling techniques to identify the optimal acoustic treatment solution. The objective was to strategically place treatments that would be virtually invisible to staff members while achieving a significant reduction in reverberation time and overall noise levels.

Implementation:

• Acoustic Analysis: Conducted a thorough analysis to identify key frequencies and areas with the highest reverberation times.
• Innovative Modelling Techniques: Employed advanced modelling techniques to design a solution that seamlessly blended with the office
• Advanced Acoustic Materials: Installed our Melaflex Acoustic panels in the ceiling space between the concrete beams where there were they set about absorbing excess echoes and reverberations whilst remaining out of sight.
• Strategic Placement: Placed acoustic treatments strategically to achieve optimal results without compromising the aesthetic of the office space.

Results:

Our team successfully reduced the Reverberation Time across vocal frequencies from 2.24 seconds to an impressive 0.68 seconds. This transformation significantly improved the overall acoustics in the workspace, creating a more conducive environment with markedly reduced noise levels.

Client Feedback:

Adrian Delaporte, the client representative, was highly impressed with the acoustic transformation achieved. He provided the following feedback:

“We were amazed at how the team managed to enhance our office acoustics without compromising our unique decor. The reduction in noise levels has had a tangible impact on communication and productivity. The installation team worked efficiently and were able to carry out the transformation without affecting our work schedule. Yet again, the project was completed on time and to a high standard.  I would highly recommend their services for anyone facing similar challenges.”

Conclusion:

This case study highlights our ability to innovate and overcome unique challenges in acoustic design. By combining advanced modelling techniques with strategic placement of treatments, we successfully transformed the office environment, providing a quiet and aesthetically pleasing workspace that aligns with our client’s vision.

This project stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence in acoustic solutions and our ability to achieve remarkable results in even the most challenging environments.

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