ROCKFON creates the perfect learning environment

St Joseph’s Secondary School, set in a picturesque village in County Clare is a new state-of-the art learning facility created as part of an ambitious multi-million Schools Bundle 4 PPP Programme. ROCKFON ceiling solutions were installed to help create the ideal conditions for learning and enhance the architect’s contemporary design.

Pat McManamon from BAM Building Ltd, Ireland, was involved in the selection of ROCKFON ceilings for this project “ We chose ROCKFON because their ceiling systems met (and exceeded in most cases) the acoustic requirements set out by the Department of Education. Fire safety is paramount in schools and ROCKFON ceiling systems conform to the safest fire classification, Class A1 fire resistance .”

Education buildings need to provide both functional and pleasant spaces. Major contributors to this are light and sound. ROCKFON® Artic™ satisfies these requirements which is why it was installed in classrooms, offices and circulation spaces. ROCKFON Artic tiles have a smooth, white surface, which offers optimum light reflection, contributing to a comfortable environment with low glare and reduced eye disturbance. ROCKFON Artic also provides enhanced sound absorption (0.8aw) to ensure teachers can communicate so that students can perform at their best.

ROCKFON® Tropic™ D concealed edge ceiling tiles were specifically chosen for the special needs unit. Acoustics are an integral part of the design for these areas. ROCKFON Tropic provides Class A sound absorption which helps create a learning environment that offers optimum speech intelligibility which is essential for all children, but particularly those with learning difficulties.

Pat McManamon expands on why ROCKFON Artic and ROCKFON Tropic were the preferred choice: “The tiles have a very white and attractive finish which fits with the school’s minimalist design. The availability of a concealed grid system in the same range and finish was also a deciding factor in selecting ROCKFON for these projects.”

The white, smooth surface of ROCKFON Tropic ceiling tiles offers 85% light reflectance and full light diffusion helping make effective use of available natural light. These excellent lighting conditions help improve the working environment and contribute to a reduction in energy costs.

ROCKFON® Koral™ was fitted in the shower and wet rooms at St Joseph’s as it has a wipeable, micro-textured surface that can cope with increased humidity and the need for regular cleaning with a damp cloth or sponge.

SIG Ireland supplied the ceiling tiles. A leading distributor, SIG can deliver a range of ROCKFON acoustic products from stock via its branches in Ireland and across the UK.

ROCKFON ceiling tiles remain dimensionally stable even at humidity levels of up to 100% relative humidity. This unique performance characteristic enabled the contractor to reduce the original specification of 7-8 different ceiling tiles to just three – saving on installation time and material costs.

Once the ROCKFON systems were selected by BAM, ROCKFON worked closely with each of the contractors and the Design Team to ensure everyone was happy with the outcome.

Hyland Contracting installed ROCKFON ceilings at St Joseph’s Secondary School. Director, Mark Hyland was impressed with the technical support he received from ROCKFON. “ Having a representative from ROCKFON here in Ireland made a big difference to the job. He was on site, and offered advice and assistance at every stage, which ensured the ceilings looked perfect. We plan to use ROCKFON for the next three school projects.”

ROCKFON has an unrivalled level of experience in the education sector. With an impressive track record backed by in-house technical support, ROCKFON area managers can provide advice on how to create a school building that satisfies regulations and is an inspiring place to learn. For more information, contact ROCKFON at www.rockfon.co.uk.