Students across the Welsh communities of Llantwit Fardre and Llantrisant are now able to enjoy the benefits of learning in brand-new, first-class educational facilities in the towns of Pontypridd and Pontyclun. The Rhondda Cynon Taf project comprises three educational facilities delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction under the Welsh Government’s "Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme", a long-term joint venture to develop education infrastructure across Wales.
Across all three educational facilities, school acoustics were optimised with a mix of four Rockfon acoustic wall and ceiling products.
School Design Centred Around Inclusion and Community
The architecture firm Sheppard Robson approached the schools' design with an inclusive education design approach that collaboratively balances affordability, performance, community, and social value while meeting net-zero carbon goals.
Each school facility features an entrance plaza and reception that form a centrally located arrival space for pupils, staff, and visitors alike. They are organised over one or two floors with the arrangement of teaching spaces following an age-based progression around the building. Classroom blocks are adjacent to a collaborative and inclusive breakout space on each floor, referred to as the "heart space". These form the focal point within the plan, providing a high quality and interactive learning area for smaller group teaching.
“The interior design strategies for the schools aim to ensure that inclusive design principles and environments have been prioritised from inception. This meant careful consideration regarding accessibility, the partially sighted, hearing impaired, gender, and neurodiversity – informing specifications for acoustics, lighting, colour, texture, and wayfinding", explains Imran Harji, architect at Sheppard Robson.
As part of the programme goals, the schools are all required to have low operational energy and embodied carbon targets. Sheppard Robson incorporated an optimised "fabric-first" approach with buildings envelopes that have high thermal performance and excellent airtightness.
“The complex and competing requirements for the schools meant that many different factors needed to be considered when specifying our internal finishes. For each space, we had to strike the right balance between acoustics, light reflectance, hygiene, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing integration plus much more, all whilst keeping any eye on the tight budgets available for state school projects", adds Imran Harji.
Optimising School Acoustics for Student Comfort
To ensure acoustic comfort school-wide, a variety of Rockfon specialist acoustic ranges were installed both across the classroom ceilings and school-wide, including Rockfon Blanka, Rockfon Boxer, Rockfon CleanSpace, and Rockfon Artic. Richard Kemble Contracts were responsible for the installation at two of the schools with the third being undertaken by M&P Group.
Rockfon acoustic solutions are Cradle to Cradle Certified® with high recycled content, all delivered with Environmental Product Declarations to support projects' sustainability goals.
The white acoustic ceiling tiles Rockfon Blanka are fitted widely throughout the schools, offering a wide choice of options for fixing and usage while delivering 87 percent light reflection, over 99 percent light diffusion, and optimal room-to room-sound insulation. Their easy-to-clean and anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation.
Guaranteed to retain their dimensional stability and shape in humid conditions, the non-hygroscopic Rockfon CleanSpace acoustic ceiling tiles were specified for use in several spaces throughout the project such as the toilet facilities. Rockfon Artic, acoustic ceiling tiles with an attractive surface, were additionally used to great effect.
With their highly impact-resistant white woven surface, Rockfon Boxer wall panels were the ideal choice for high-activity areas where there is a heightened chance of impact. They were installed across library-playroom spaces, working holistically with the ceiling solutions.
"Rockfon’s range of products allowed us to meet the varied technical performance criteria whilst providing a high level of finish and a quick installation process. The technical support and guidance provided by Rockfon made specifying the right products in the right places straightforward and hassle free”, concludes Imran Harji.
“The characteristics present across the Rockfon offering really deliver in multi-use spaces such as those found in modern education settings, where acoustic control plays a vital role in ensuring the best environment for successful learning. Research shows that improved acoustics can increase focus by 48 percent. All Rockfon ranges used have Class A sound absorption and the highest fire safety performance, Class A1", explains Rockfon Area Sales Manager Rowan Green.
“We’re privileged to have been involved in such a project. The work went very smoothly with great support from Rowan when needed”, says Andrew Pearce, Senior Quantity Surveyor at M&P.
