Autex Acoustics Ltd

A custom approach to multipurpose learning environmentsThe projectCollaboration and innovation were core tenets underpinning the design direction of Farnborough College of Technology’s new Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC). The state-of-the-art facility, which was refurbished from two redundant teaching blocks, was developed to house the college’s technology resources and serve as a dedicated student zone. To make the most of the footprint, the team from design practice, Bond Bryan was tasked with bringing the building to life.The challenge “The ETC was designed as a multifunctional teaching area with a large, flexible open-plan space at its centre,” described former Bond Bryan Associate Edward Leone. The goal was to create an inspiring and versatile environment suitable for student-led learning, lectures, enrolments, and graduation ceremonies. “The key challenge though of a multi-functional space such as the ETC is the control of acoustic reverberation,” explained Edward, highlighting the necessity of acoustically treating areas with multiple end users to ensure speech intelligibility. However, the Bond Bryan team also had to account for the building’s challenging physical composition. “The space was made up of mostly hard surfaces, with just the carpet on the floor offering any form of acoustic absorption; the existing soffit was concrete, and the services were all exposed.”The solutionTo accommodate the ETC’s broad demands and enhance its acoustic performance, the designers selected several treatments to reduce noise reverberation and echo. Autex Acoustics® Groove, which boasts superior reverberated noise absorption, effortlessly suited the area’s requirements. “Groove served to reduce reverberation to the rear of the space where the ETC is used for lectures and graduation ceremonies,” said Edward. Made from Cube™ panels in Autex Acoustics’ manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire, the precise, angular patterns of Groove add creativity and nuance to walls and ceilings whilst also improving the acoustic comfort of occupants.The resultIn keeping with the project’s broader design brief, the team designed a custom pattern to adorn the walls, something that was easily achieved using Groove with the help of Autex Acoustics’ in-house design consultant. “Groove allowed us to match the abstracted drone propeller and aeroplane shapes, which were a theme throughout the interior finishes, as this linked to key aspects of Emerging Technologies the client wanted to capture,” detailed Edward. The result is a visually appealing, dynamic workspace for the leaders of tomorrow.

Premium finishes and designs with broad appealThe projectCatherine Birch of Birch Freeman Design and Nikki Rees of Nikki Rees Interior Design were engaged to design two turn-key offices on King William Street. The sixth-floor commercial spaces, situated prominently along the Monument Station walkway, were earmarked as an ideal central London location suitable for any business.The challenge Understanding that there were no specific incoming tenants to design for was crucial to Catherine and Nikki’s approach to the brief. “It was important to create an interior that would appeal to a wide range of future clients without appearing bland and overly neutral,” explained Catherine.The solutionHaving known each other for 25 years, Catherine and Nikki combined their shared love of texture and colour to collaborate and develop a design befitting the building’s premier location. Across both spaces’ flowing, open-plan layout, they combined a light, modern colour palette with rich, premium finishes to create thoughtful points of interest. In the reception areas, Catherine and Nikki selected a lacquered joinery framework and complementary Autex Acoustics® Groove panels. Available in over 20 colours with a selection of suggested and bespoke design options, the team opted for a fluted Groove style in Parthenon, a natural earthy fawn tone.The resultAs well as improving the zone’s acoustic comfort, the Groove panels, when combined with the joinery, created a soft, feature wall effect. “The moulding helped to give the Groove panels an art installation quality, “shared Catherine. “Groove’s depth and softness created a warm and inviting first impression of the spaces whilst maintaining a subtlety.” Leveraging their design expertise, Catherine and Nikki effortlessly shaped two blank canvases into welcoming spaces equipped to host a variety of occupants. “The spaces were snapped up quickly by incoming tenants, which made for a very satisfied client,” said Catherine on the project’s success.

An engineered solution without compromising aestheticsThe projectWhen designing their London headquarters, leading risk management firm Sedgwick approached XAB Architects to guide them through the process. The new breakout area was specifically designed to serve as a collaborative focal point, embracing Sedgwick’s new ways of working. To ensure this was an effective and acoustically balanced space, XAB recruited the help of Autex Acoustics®.The challenge Sedgwick HQ required an acoustic solution that allowed for open flow from the office area while containing disruptive noises. On top of this, the selected solution needed to effectively incorporate a sprinkler system within the feature ceiling. It was essential that the design aimed to strike a delicate balance between a functional workspace and a softer, hospitality-style ambience, the challenge being to seamlessly merge these contrasting elements into one solution.The solutionWe worked closely with XAB and fire engineers to develop a bespoke ceiling solution that aligned with the project’s design intent and pushed the boundaries of existing products. The chosen option, a bespoke coffered ceiling grid made from 12 mm Cube™, was developed to ensure adequate sprinkler coverage whilst effectively diverting attention away from the array of sprinkler heads. The design, in combination with the superior acoustic performance of Cube, provides targeted sound absorption while introducing softer textures into the overall design.The resultWorking collaboratively with fire engineers to design a solution to integrate a sprinkler system was essential to the project’s success. On top of this, we liaised closely with the installers to ensure a smooth installation process, contributing to the project’s efficiency and timely completion. The collaborative approach resulted in a unique and functional ceiling design that met the client’s aesthetic and acoustic requirements.

Leveraging innovative acoustics for timeless solutionsThe projectHaving been engaged to refurbish their client’s London office, tp bennett was tasked with designing a new town hall zone within the existing space. The aim was to introduce an impactful new breakout area that maintained the high-quality, timeless aesthetic of the office without compromising acoustic comfort.The challenge Being accustomed to what was previously a high-quality office, the scope of the refurbishment was to preserve the design intent of the original fit-out whilst incorporating interventions designed to improve and future-proof the space for an agile working environment. It was imperative that the new elements were seamlessly translated from the old design into the new space as if they had always been there. However, being a live office environment, there was difficulty in accurately determining the available room for acoustic treatment. Given the changing design requirements and the building’s standard Category A accessible ceiling tiles, adaptability was essential.The solutionThe Frontier™ Axis grid system was the logical choice for the project. Aside from reducing sound reverberation and being a striking visual feature, the flexible nature of the system meant it withstood updates and changes without affecting the aesthetic or necessitating more difficult, expensive, or less effective options. During site work, the grid could be manufactured and adjusted to maximise plank height without requiring local cut-outs for structural elements or services. This allowed for a seamless grid installation even with complex MEP and structural components. The ability to adapt the grid’s measurements also facilitated even distribution of pendant lighting and air diffusers. The possibility of adding accessible sections to the grid made it much easier for the MEP consultant to locate additional fan coil units just above the grid – a more accessible alternative to the consultant having to follow the cell size and locations or adjust the grid to the unit positions. In keeping with the client’s desire for a warm, deep, natural colour palette, the Frontier system was locally manufactured in Cube™ Sargazo to complement the existing earthy brass shades within the otherwise minimalistic design.The resultBeyond the inherent acoustic benefits of the installation, the collaboration between tp bennett and the Autex Acoustics team was a resounding success, exemplifying adaptability, flexibility, and thoughtful design. Our capacity to provide comprehensive tools and information about the product application and our design support on-site, assisting with grid reconfigurations required during the design process, proved invaluable. Likewise, the flat-pack, lightweight nature of the product facilitated easy delivery and storage until installation, streamlining the construction process. The innovative and cost-effective nature of the Frontier system ensured that tp bennett could maintain the client’s initial choice despite ongoing modifications.

A partnership in design@SohoPlace, located at 2 & 4 Soho Place W1, London, is a multifaceted project that combines elements of Theatre, Hospitality, and Retail across seven levels designed by AHMM. Detailed design, fabrication and installation by Quest Joinery. As part of this project, we were tasked with creating bespoke acoustic treatments to give this space a truly unique and memorable feel. This case study provides an insight into the collaborative approach taken to ensure this remarkable complex was a success.Project overviewWith so many varied spaces, @SohoPlace presented a challenging environment to design for. To ensure optimal sound quality, comfort for visitors, and an engaging aesthetic were all achieved, bespoke acoustics were needed. The project involved lining walls and ceilings with our, Cube™ acoustic panels in both 12 mm and 24 mm thickness. Pinnacle was the colour selected for its deep blue tones, giving this solution both aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance.  Wall lining – precision and durabilityThe areas that our acoustic solutions would be used in have a high level of foot traffic and so require long-term durability and performance features. To ensure our solution could meet these demands, we employed reverse incision cuts onsite, allowing the Cube 12 mm and 24 mm in Pinnacle to curve seamlessly around 90-degree corners. This approach eliminated messy chamfer 45-degree joins, resulting in a cleaner and more polished finish.  Ceiling treatments – innovative triangle formationAll ceilings, including those in the bar, corridor, social, and retail areas, were formed using a unique tiled formation cut of Cube. This approach involved the full design and fabrication of a fully demountable bespoke ceiling solution that was designed, trailed, and then fabricated by Quest Joinery. Autex Acoustics panels have adhered to a suspension grid utilising magnets, backed up with safety chains for safety. Tiles were formed with shadow gaps cut into the Cube panels as well as intermediate shadow gaps between the tiles. The designed solution was developed and tested to meet both the aesthetic and operational requirements that this unique project required. The end solution not only added aesthetic appeal but also effectively encouraged volume-based specifications for large areas, providing consistent acoustic performance throughout the space while providing full accessibility for maintenance and renewal operations.  Collaborative approachSuccess in these projects is often only achieved when multiple parties collaborate together. That is exactly what we did in this project, working closely with Architects, Interior Designers, Quest Joinery, and other stakeholders to fully understand the project’s acoustic requirements. Having all of these parties working from planning to implementation ensured that the acoustic treatments were seamlessly integrated into the overall design concept while meeting the client’s expectations. A partnership in design.Client testimonialsThe complexity of this project speaks to the work and partnerships involved in ensuring that it was a success. In this setting, the bespoke Cube panels really shine, displaying their versatility in both acoustic performance and design potential. On top of this, you can hear the difference these bespoke acoustics make. The overall ambience and sound quality within the space have been noted by Nimax management. A great compliment from those who truly know this space.Conclusion@SohoPlace is a testament to the power of working as partners in design. The result of this partnership is acoustic solutions that elevate the auditory experience in a complex and multifunctional space. Combining precision craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and a collaborative approach, we successfully delivered an acoustic environment that enhances visitors’ overall experience.

A bold workplace alive in both sight and soundThe challengeWhen Work Life approached tWO Ltd to renovate their Old Street in London, they had a very distinct idea of what they wanted to achieve. Looking to capture their ethos and design intent and reflect the surrounding area’s artistic heritage, they also knew they had to ensure their new space was a functional yet bold co-working environment. This space needed to reflect the new way of working in a post-pandemic world. Having these plans is often easier said than done, with the building posing its own challenges.The solution The decision was made to work with the building’s beautiful industrial features that are a nod towards their surrounding area’s history. tWO Ltd looked to create a range of spaces varying in size and function. Some of these spaces include private offices, hot desking options, bookable meeting rooms with virtual video conferencing capabilities, dedicated Zoom rooms, and even one-person call booths. To reflect the abundance of graffiti art in the area, bright colours were used throughout the project. From deep blues to bright pinks, they wanted this space to be a truly engaging and vibrant place to work.The resultWhen designing an office, there are often a variety of spaces, each with their own requirements. This is no different here, with open office spaces, dining areas, and private meeting rooms. To continue the colourful aesthetic, Cube was chosen as the best-suited solution. Cube is a versatile semi-ridged acoustic panel providing endless design flexibility. Available in a variety of colours, Cube allows you to bring your designs to life while knowing whatever you create will promote an acoustically comfortable environment.

Designing a creative hubThe projectCreating a creative community for 1700 people under one roof is no small feat, but one that Havas Media wanted to bring to life for their staff. As one of the world’s largest global advertising and communications groups, they wanted their work environment to bring the best collaboration that a shared space can create. We were involved in the design and renovation of these UK award-winning headquarters at London’s Pancras Square House. With such a large space and a variety of rooms, acoustic solutions were needed to ensure the space was comfortable for all inhabitants.To design a functioning creative community in one building, there are a range of challenges to overcome. Ensuring that the right acoustics were met across a variety of areas within this project was our largest to overcome. Ranging from 200-person auditoriums to open-plan offices, there was no one-fit solution to meet the widespread demands.The solutionThe solution that was selected to help make these spaces comfortable and efficient for all inhabitants was Cube™. This versatile acoustic panel allowed our team to design tailored solutions for each space, boosting collaboration amongst employees while encouraging informal collaboration spaces in sophisticated settings. Having these acoustic features also play a pivotal role in the overall aesthetics helped to meet the desired concept of creating a Havas vertical village. An integrated space providing a truly comfortable experience for all inhabitants.

Luxurious in design and soundThe projectCreating an imaginative and unique workplace can be a tough task often limited by the space you are working with. That was no different for the renovations undertaken at Argyll’s, previously known as LEO, ever expanding precinct. With their company expanding rapidly, they secured the top two floors of Park House—a modern mixed-use building off Oxford Street, London. Specialising in luxury executive serviced offices, they needed their new space to appeal to a high-end audience expecting elegant, sophisticated furnishings and facilities. Working with Area Design & Build, we were brought in to help bring their plans to life. With our experience of working on previous projects with Argyll, we were prepared for the client’s keen desire to think outside the box. The open, spacious layout takes full advantage of the dramatic double-height curved walls and roof, with expanses of glazing that flood the space with light. Having such a unique space to work with, Argyll wanted to create a ‘fantastic journey’ for the inhabitants, requiring acoustic solutions throughout.The solutionThe selected acoustic products used were: Horizon™ panels – Manufactured in an organic shape to work with the designer’s concept based on biophilic design. Frontier™ 24 mm baffles – Cut in a wave formation to provide acoustic absorption to a corridor space while creating a dynamic walkway to further meeting rooms. Through the use of these acoustic solutions we helped them to create an innovative design with the options best fit to not just the design brief, but also their specific work environment. These designs combine character, style and elegance with a welcoming ambience provided by modern but comfortable furniture and generous biophilic touches. Park House is a worthy addition to Argyll’s growing portfolio of attractive, high-quality service offices.

Custom Frontier™ System for Headingley Stadium’s Emerald SuiteEstablished in 1890, Headingley Stadium has been a Leeds landmark for 130 years. Unlike traditional oval stadiums, Headingley has two adjacent grounds—the Headingley Cricket Ground and the Headingley Rugby Stadium. Dividing the two is a new corporate hospitality space, with panoramic views of each field. Completed in 2019, the hospitality space boasts eight event suites, 12 meeting rooms, and 36 hotel rooms, designed to be a world-class venue and corporate destination.“Raft was chosen for the space because of its sleek aesthetic and effectiveness in open-plan environments.”Interior designers SpaceInvader worked alongside Caddick Construction, tackling the project with a blend of functionality, flexibility, and aspiration. Finding the balance between timeless corporate design and practical event space meant incorporating design elements that perform a dual purpose. A feature of the building, the Emerald Suite functions as a versatile event space; easily configured to be a theater one night and a dinner and dance hall the next. Due to the 500-person capacity and spatial flexibility, the acoustics had to be perfect. Originally SpaceInvader were investigating an off-the-shelf product, however, when unimpressed with the offering, Autex were brought on to create a bespoke solution.While the acoustics were a priority, SpaceInvader wanted a treatment that could double as a design feature. A custom Frontier™ Acoustic Raft system was designed and installed as 40 mm slats; equal parts Flatiron and Savoye used to create a banded salt-and-pepper ceiling feature. Raft was chosen for the space because of its sleek aesthetic and effectiveness in open-plan environments. The compressed polyester outer shell absorbs high frequencies, while the calculated air gap in the centre absorbs lower frequencies. Spread across the expanse of the space, the Raft system controls the reverb and echo that would otherwise be exacerbated by the parallel glass walls. Completed on time and within budget, the finished space tastes of subtle elegance with rich, warm accents. The soft furnishings and tasteful luxury are matched with acoustic comfort, successfully creating space for people to eat, drink, and celebrate in the company of others.

Acoustics for learning environmentsWolfreton School and Sixth Form College is a large, successful secondary school serving the Haltemprice area in Yorkshire, UK. Under the Priority Schools Building Programme, a new school was constructed to accommodate the entire school population—over 1,500 students and 200 staff—on one site. Interior acoustics were a hugely important aspect of the project design.The project “The clients’ brief was to provide good-quality, Class A wall panels, which not only met the acoustic requirements but would also be aesthetically pleasing”, explains Jonathan Hope, the Commercial Director of John Atkinson Interiors. The classrooms, atrium, and sports hall needed to be furnished with top-quality acoustic wall panels that complemented the school’s minimalist, modern aesthetic. As John Atkinson Interiors already had a good relationship with Autex, they recommended Quietspace® Panel to the building company, BAM Construct UK.The solution“Quietspace Panel with Vertiface wrap was the obvious choice for various reasons,” said Hope, “These include the range of colours available, the ability to have bespoke sizes made to suit the spaces, the professional and proactive attitude of the Autex team and the finish and quality of the product.” Quietspace Panel is a lightweight, durable, premium interior acoustic panel. Celebrated for excellent sound absorption, It balances a range of problem frequencies, which is perfect for busy school environments where noise is often a distraction for both teachers and students. To tie in the school’s unique aesthetic, each Quietspace Panel was wrapped with Vertiface®. As the school’s colours are varying shades of vibrant blues, similar colours from the Vertiface range were employed to ensure that the school’s spirit and individuality were represented throughout each of the spaces.

Adding to the Vibrancy and Culture of London’s Newest Broadcasting SchoolThis September, hundreds of students will be flooding the floors of Loughborough University’s newly renovated campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Formerly the Broadcasting Centre for the Olympic Games, this large scale building is now home to the highly acclaimed tertiary institute, as well as a wide range of others, from large international companies to small local businesses.The project With the direction to reinvent the space and make it particular to Loughborough University’s culture and vibrant personality, Paragon Interior Groups Senior Designer Julie Hattersley set out to ensure the client could call the space their own. By employing a unique and aesthetically pleasing design; a practical new hub for students to learn and interact was developed. Autex was engaged in the project early on, at the specification stage, to ensure a level of acoustic performance conducive to a tertiary learning environment. Inspired by industrial design, Loughborough University boasts exposed features, including the building’s services and concrete walls. Hattersley required an acoustic solution that blended in with the overall feel of the space but provided accents of style and flare. Through collaboration with Autex, Hattersley used a variety of standard and custom products to create unique ceiling and wall features that gave each area its own style. “We just loved the versatility of Autex products and how we could create a solution that fits with every space. Having one company that could achieve all the design requirements needed was fantastic”.The solutionAs soon as you enter the hard surfaced atrium, complete with polished floors, high ceilings and surrounded by windows, the potential for both high and low frequencies to reverberate around the space become instantly clear. Cube™By vertically suspending fifty 1200mm x 800mm 24mm thick Autex Cube™ in rows above the atrium, the carefully considered spacing is attributed to an all-round frequency absorption. By keeping the distance of the vertical hanging fins at about 300mm and the bottom of the fin around 800mm from the ceiling, the surface area absorption gets multiplied as sound waves bounce between the fins and ceiling. Vertiface®Combined with the neutral colour of Cube Savoye; Autex have laminated their 100 percent polyester fabric Vertiface® to the face of selected fins. These added highlights of (colour) Phantom, create a standout feature that matches the industrial design whilst providing hints of personality and excitement. As you lead through from the atrium the next piece of eye catching acoustic design that hits you are the floating Cube rafts that keep the themed colour Savoye. Custom cut into a variety of shapes these suspended 24mm thick panels provide an aesthetic display that also combines localised acoustic absorption with the continued seamless design that Julie Hattersley implements with precision. 3D TilesFrom the Trapezium Lattice baffles, to the multiple 3D Tiles applications, the attention to geometric shapes, colours and textures throughout this design have been carefully chosen to provide consistency in this modern and exciting place to learn. These suspended features continue throughout the building, providing break-out spaces with multiple levels of acoustic absorption, pertinent to task at hand in each area. This achieves a highly effective acoustic treatment; controlling reverberation while not taking away from the openness and collaborative design of the areas.The resultImplementing a range of different suspended features including the aforementioned Trapezium Lattice, suspended Cube and the 3D Tiles fixed to floating rafts, Hattersley has created the impression of zones. This practice of creating different areas specific to different activities without creating barriers is a technique that is being introduced to commercial buildings and schools worldwide with high levels of success. This helps the occupants define, collaboration, concentration and high social activities within the space, and uses the suspended acoustics panels as an unobtrusive guide to their work zone. Another stand-out for Julie Hattersley was having “the flexibility to shape the [Autex] products without compromising the quality”; Autex were able to draw on previous product developments to create a new 3D Tile for the space. Using a heat moulding process, Autex were able to develop the 3D Tile S-5.46 a Triangle shaped tile that simply adhered to the wall using the 3D Tile Clips. Again using neutrals and pops of colour, the tiles turn empty wall space into creative works of art, giving the modern aesthetic of depth and texture that beautifully compliments the furnishings and geometric lines in the carpeting. With the University ready to open its doors, Julie Hattersley and the client are extremely pleased with the acoustics. “The space feels very comfortable and peaceful”, says Julie, “even though there are three sides of double glazing, there is no echo. The students and staff can trust that collaborations and conversation had in one area will stay there.” The innovative and forward-thinking of Julie Hattersley and her vision to combine Autex Interior Acoustics into this space will match the forward-thinking and creative minds that Loughborough University shapes for the future.

Acoustics for learning environmentsFor West London Free School, music is at the heart of school life. Located in the busy district of Hammersmith, West London Free School needed to be transformed into an acoustically sound teaching and learning environment catering for students from Year Seven to Year 12. Existing buildings ‘The Music Lodge’ and ‘Palingswick House’ both needed to be fully refurbished. This included labs, art rooms, a canteen, a library, and a two-storey music centre.The project In order to provide better learning environments, Rodney Maggot, Senior Design Co-ordinator for Willmott Dixon Construction, planned the acoustic requirements for each new space. The classrooms were originally built for other purposes, making the spaces challenging to work with. The refurbished buildings were full of hard reflective surfaces, so Rodney requested that Autex break up the spaces by adding sound absorbent materials. Quietspace® Panel was employed to achieve high acoustic absorption for each of the spaces being renovated. Great care was taken to strategically place each individual panel where they would best absorb problem frequencies, ensuring the rooms were balanced. By altering the height of the suspension, the surface area of the panels were increased ­– drastically improving the targeted sound absorption and reducing the number of panels needed to achieve the same result. Autex was able to cater to the different acoustic needs of each classroom by custom cutting each of the 50mm panels to the size they would be most acoustically effective.During the project there was a lack of storage and delivery space on site which meant nothing could be delivered prior to the installation date. Autex Acoustics coordinated with Willmott Dixon and delivered the panels on the exact date they were required for installation – making the process more efficient. To guarantee none of the panels were damaged in transit, Autex made several alterations to the packing of the panels which allowed for a quick and efficient installation once the panels had arrived safely. Choosing the safest acoustic products for the updated learning environments was an important aspect in the product selection process. Autex Acoustics were deliberately specified as they are lightweight; the panels are suspended above the classroom, so it would be considered a hazard to have them overhanging if the panels were too heavy. For peace of mind all Autex suspended acoustic systems have been vigorously tested and have been proven not to fall or collapse in the event of an earthquake. All Autex interior acoustic products are made from 100% polyester, making them non-toxic, safe, and a healthy alternative to other fibreglass systems available on the market. The installation of Autex Acoustics products dramatically altered the acoustic performance of the buildings, particularly in the Music Centre, which was a fantastic result.

The projectLocated in the heart of the bustling Singapore Business District, Tanglin Trust School is a British International School catering for students from nursery right through to sixth form (3-18 years). Entering its 90th year educating students from all around the globe, Tanglin Trust School was looking to improve their facilities to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment.The classrooms As the classrooms were refurbished, Head of Infant Education Paula Cragie wanted to make sure that the acoustic issues of the classrooms were remedied. Based off the Ministry of Education’s recommendations, Autex set to specify a solution that would bring each classroom’s reverberation time down to 0.6 seconds – allowing a high level of speech intelligibility, and reducing the need for teachers to raise their voices. Prior to the installation, occupants experienced difficulty at the high end of the frequency spectrum with word intelligibility, making it difficult to decipher what was being said. Sounds not heard on the high end of the frequency spectrum are usually the soft sounding consonants that shape and determine words. This is important when teaching small children, as their ability to understand and learn words is less than that of teenagers or adults. To bring the reverberation down to the desired level, Autex Composition® was installed on the walls of the classroom, providing overall sound absorption whilst doubling as a display area. For targeted low frequency absorption, 25mm Quietspace® Panel was used on the back wall opposite where the teacher stands, allowing low frequency reverberation to be absorbed before bouncing back in towards the teaching space.The installationThe colours Calypso and Lime were chosen for the classroom because of the moods evoked. Said to inspire feelings of self-reflection and dignity, the deep purple of Calypso is perfect for the learning environment as it encourages students to reflect on their lessons and apply them to real life situations. The calming green of Lime Composition encourages feelings of balance, judgement, and comprehension, as well as calmness and stillness in movement. This is ideal for the learning space as it boosts engagement through evoking a calm, balanced environment, and helps children to feel content and rested when sitting for long periods of time. The extremely durable nature of Autex Interior Acoustics products means Tanglin Trust School won’t need to worry about damage caused by impact, eliminating the need for continued painting or plastering maintenance. As Composition is a pinnable and ‘hook-n-loop’ receptacle surface, artwork and vital pieces of information can be displayed on the walls without leaving marks or visible holes.The resultBy using Autex products, the school has implemented an innovative acoustic solution that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and made from 60% recycled material. Teacher Rosy He states, “speech clarity has been improved during lessons, particularly when those reserved children who are in the front row speak with soft voices, the back row children are now able to hear their answers. Besides this, the sound quality is enhanced; echoes are reduced while singing songs.” It is proven that acoustically treated classrooms result in less sick days for both students and teachers; teachers have less voice strain, and the students experience an increase in academic performance.

Minimalistic treatments for flexible spacesThe projectWhen redesigning their London office meeting rooms, Grimshaw Architects knew acoustic treatment would be necessary to ensure their team could comfortably collaborate. We spoke with James Blundall, architect at Grimshaw Architects, to understand their specification process and why they chose Autex Acoustics® Frontier™ for the space.The subtle yet impactful nature of Frontier was a key factor for the team when selecting Frontier as the appropriate acoustic treatment for the meeting rooms. “We thought that the design of the [Frontier] system provided a clean, minimalistic aesthetic,” described James, “but also visual interest and a softness to the space.”