Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic was specified for ceilings in communal and public spaces within the redevelopment of this iconic copper and glass building whose life began more than thirty years ago. Since then, the ARK in Hammersmith, West London, has undergone several transformations with the most recent reimagining seeing it beautifully align with the demands of today’s workforce who require spaces that are conducive to a healthy work life balance with access to outside space and places in which to relax within the structure.
The team and the task
Architects for the project were Gensler, whose practice was founded in 1965 and employs more than 6,000 professionals at 53 offices in the UK, Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the Americas. BW Workplace Experts were appointed as main contractor for the refurbishment of the 160,000ft2 project which had already been stripped back to the shell and core but with levels one and two part occupied for the duration of the works, presenting additional challenges.
The ARK has ten levels, the top five of which feature 4,000ft2 of landscaped terraces with meandering paths, stone seating and extensive planting. There are new reception areas, a café and lounge area with two atriums, full gym and workout studio facilities, cycle stores and car parking. Rockfon Specification Manager Alan Davies, “Being specified for a high-profile project with names such as Gensler and BW Workplace Experts associated with it is always an exciting prospect. The requirement was to enhance the sound within areas where high footfall and the associated noise generated had the potential to make these environments less than comfortable to be in. And that acoustic control had to come with no compromises to elegance or aesthetics – that’s where Mono can really shine.”
Seamless sound control
Panarc Interiors were responsible for the installation of around 336m2 of Mono Acoustic at the ARK. Business Development Manager at the specialist firm, George Fernberg, spoke about the work, “The installation in several areas throughout the building – some of which were at double and triple height – went very smoothly. The versatile system means complicated profiles, curves, abutments and architectural detailing can be accomplished, together with the seamless incorporation of lighting, audio and other mechanical systems, with the finished installation delivering a refined, contemporary monolithic surface – perfect for prestigeous, modern, multi-use developments such as the ARK.”
Rockfon Mono Acoustic combines a seamless ceiling with high performance characteristics. Modular ceiling tiles are installed into a grid and then an innovative acoustic render is applied to create a smooth, monolithic surface which offers superior sound absorption. The system provides Class A2 fire protection whilst delivering high light reflection and light diffusion, reducing the need for artificial light. It also offers dimensionally stability at up to 100% relative humidity and can be installed in temperatures ranging from 0˚C to 40˚C. Fully recyclable, all Rockfon ranges are made from a core of stone wool, derived from volcanic basalt, which is naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic and non-combustible. Their surfaces provide no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms and are impervious to most environmental pressures.
