Rockfon ceiling solutions for work, rest and play

Weaponness Park in Scarborough, a former brownfield site, has been transformed into a £15million development comprising an improved community leisure centre, a new stadium for Scarborough Athletic Football Club (bringing the club back to the town), a University Technical College and a satellite campus for Coventry University. Willmott Dixon were appointed by Scarborough Borough Council under Scape Group’s Major Works framework to deliver all three projects.

The new facilities have helped revitalise this area of Scarborough. And after a 10-year absence, the town are pleased to be able to welcome their football team back to where it belongs, in the heart of Scarborough. The ground is next to the new UTC and Coventry University Scarborough Campus, a purpose-built campus with library, IT suites, café, mock law court, engineering and science labs. Rockfon worked successfully with Willmott Dixon and FaulknerBrowns Architects to establish a fully compliant range of acoustic ceiling solutions that meet or exceed performance specifications in all three buildings.

Rockfon are renowned for providing bespoke ceiling solutions which actively address the challenges faced by modern building design. That is one reason why Rockfon are the mandated materials supplier for suspended ceilings to Willmott Dixon. Anna Jackson, Supply Chain Coordinator of project lead Willmott Dixon Construction explained: “Rockfon worked closely with us and the architect from the outset to ensure we had the right ceilings for each area. Their knowledge and experience of working on large, multi-site projects was invaluable.”

Neil Hardy, Technical Manager at FaulknerBrowns Architects, was impressed with the range of ceiling solutions available to them. “Rockfon have a ceiling range suitable for each of the teaching areas, dining halls, offices, kitchens and shower rooms that satisfies the performance requirements including acoustics, fire safety and aesthetics – all within budget. The end result is an aesthetically-pleasing, comfortable educational environment.”

Over 6,000m² of Rockfon ceilings were installed in the University Technical College and Coventry University satellite campus. Acoustic control was an integral part of the design for both education buildings. Background noise can interfere with concentration levels and performance. For that reason, and to reduce the level of noise generated internally by rainfall on the roof, Rockfon® Tropic™ dB35 has been installed in the upper floors. The range combines high sound absorption and superior sound insulation which decreases the ambient sound level in the classrooms and limits noise transference to the spaces around and below.

Rockfon ^® Artic™ ceilings were installed throughout the teaching, dining, communal and circulation areas in the College and Campus. Rockfon Artic was chosen because it is a cost-effective, smooth, white ceiling tile providing 85% light reflection to optimise the available natural light, creating a pleasant environment – and helping to minimise energy consumption. The range offers good sound control and Class A1 fire safety which is essential for circulation areas.

Scarborough Leisure Village features an eight lane 25m Olympic legacy swimming pool, fitness centre, all-weather football pitch and spectator stand. 2,000m² of Rockfon ceilings are fitted throughout.

Rockfon ^® Koral™ was fitted with Chicago Metallic ^® T24 ECR grid to combat areas of high humidity. Built for challenging indoor environments, Chicago Metallic T24 ECR grid has enhanced corrosion resistance to withstand exposure to moisture vapours and temperature changes which could otherwise affect the stability of the ceiling. Rockfon Koral provides 100% humidity resistance which ensures the ceiling is dimensional stability even in extremely humid conditions.

Tudorharp Ltd. carried out the ceiling installations at Scarborough Leisure Village and both university buildings. Contracts Director Rob O’Dell is enthusiastic, “Tudorharp often work with Rockfon products. The performance characteristics, quick installation and variety of their ranges make life easier, and the Rockfon team is always on hand to ensure things run smoothly. We are currently installing Rockfon at a 7000m² BMW showroom in Sheffield, which will be the largest in the country.”

The design for the Directors’ offices called for a bright white ceiling. Rockfon ^® Blanka™ – with its smooth, matt, super-white surface – fitted the brief perfectly. Its high light reflection and light diffusion results in a uniform spread of natural light, minimising the need for artificial light. Rockfon Blanka also offers the highest Class A sound absorption which helps control unwanted background noise.

Rockfon® MediCare Standard is installed in the shower rooms, changing areas and kitchens. The MediCare range is designed to withstand up to 100% relative humidity without deteriorating. For hygienic environments Rockfon ^® MediCare Standard is compliant with all standard cleaning and hygienic requirements and offers Class A sound absorption, helping to create healthy, safe spaces.

Made from non-combustible stone wool, most Rockfon products have the highest reaction to fire classification, Class A1 and do not contribute to the development or spread of fire, which is paramount for protecting occupants in public buildings.

If you’re working on a multi-site, multi-use development and require technical advice on the requirements for education or leisure buildings, the team at Rockfon has many years of expertise and is happy to help. Visit www.rockfon.co.uk or email info@rockfon.co.uk.