Main Focus
The main focus of the project was to provide an eye-catching yet
functional ceiling for the large central core area that linked the
centre's distinctive geodesic Biomes.
Challenge
The challenge was to provide a high performance acoustic ceiling
that would help to create a tranquil environment in the
multi-functional core area, which combines restaurant facilities
with a study area. With the Project expected to attract more than a
million UK and foreign visitors each year, it was important that
the area showcased the best of British design yet provided
durability and low maintenance.
Solution
The solution was a high performance ceiling of British Gypsum
Arteco Gyptone LINE 6
boards fixed to a curved Gypframe metal framework and jointed
to create a monolithic finish. The perforated line
pattern of the acoustic tissue-backed boards created an
eye-catching ceiling, which combined aesthetics with excellent
acoustics to create just the right atmosphere for the core
area.
The design was simple, yet effective, and met all of the
architect's demanding performance criteria. The plasterboard-based
ceiling boards provide all of the durability benefits of a gypsum
board ceiling, and can be redecorated in the future, if desired, to
maintain an as-new appearance.
The Project was re-visited four years after opening,
when the centre had recorded more than 5 million
visitors, and the ceiling appearance was as good as when first
installed.
Main Contractor: McAlpine Joint Venture
Subcontractor:
Architect: Cole Nicholas Grimshaw
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