AB Dynamics is a leading UK high-tech engineering company that supplies advanced testing systems for the global motor industry. Its new £9 million manufacturing space and headquarters are a testament to the organisation’s success and growth. The Wiltshire-based award-winning facility was officially opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Heradesign acoustic ceiling baffles from Knauf AMF play a fundamental role in helping the architect achieve a high-quality build that reflects the image of the company – progressive, innovative and technologically advanced.
The brief for the office areas is to create light, flexible interiors which help team wellbeing. The interior design features visible primary steel and precast concrete planks and, to maximise the use of natural light, the ground floor areas are fitted with full height glazing. These hard building materials can create poor acoustic environments, which research has shown can harm productivity and staff morale.
Andrew Brooks, Associate Architect at SRA Architects, specified Heradesign ceiling baffles too, “achieve the desired aesthetic and reduce reverberation from the hard surfaces of concrete soffits and glazing, while still exposing the structure of the building. The baffles are coordinated with the lights to create a perceived finished ceiling height. They are set out on an angle to accentuate the slanted axis of the fins which run along the external wall.”
The Heradesign ceiling baffles installed in the conference areas and café provide the necessary Class A sound absorption that ensures conversations are heard comfortably and prevents noise from disturbing adjacent areas, creating a pleasant place to work without compromising on functionality. Heradesign baffles are a versatile solution for controlling sound. By varying the distance between the rows of baffles, or changing the size of each baffle, the correct acoustic performance is achieved.
Andrew Brooks explains, “We selected Heradesign ceiling baffles rather than a flat ceiling or fabric baffles as they bring a softness and tactility to the otherwise hard space. Our design intent was to create an interior that has these qualities without sacrificing the engineered and considered aspirations of the client. Heradesign helps us achieve that. We are very pleased with the finished result and are installing them in our own office.”
Manufactured from sustainable, superior-quality wood-wool, Heradesign has an organic textured, woven surface that helps create a warm, welcoming work environment for staff and visitors. It is durable and offers high impact resistance making it ideal for busy areas. SRA Architects specified Heradesign in white, but it can be matched to any colour including those from popular colour systems RAL, NCS and StoColor. Heradesign is available in a wide selection of shapes, face patterns, edge details and sizes, and can be fixed to walls, suspended as ceilings or rafts.
For inspirational ideas on how to create a working environment that offers functionality, wellbeing and reflects the company’s ethos and aspirations, visit www.knaufamf.co.uk or email info@knaufamf.co.uk
