Sound is not just the background of our lives, it affects our mood, concentration, well-being and health. Proper acoustics in interiors make conversations flow naturally and silence soothing. Modern suspended ceilings make it possible to achieve sound harmony. Not only do they reduce reverberation and eliminate echoes, but they also allow the interior to be designed according to the architect’s or builder’s vision. Such spaces improve productivity, minimise distracting noises and create a cosy atmosphere. We have selected six buildings with acoustic comfort in mind. These are both historic and modern buildings that exemplify thoughtful architectural solutions.
Mennica Legacy Tower, Warsaw
Poland’s capital has been developing intensively for several years. A forest of skyscrapers is growing in the city centre. One such ‘glass house’ is the Mennica Legacy Tower skyscraper, which is distinguished by its impressively sized lobby. This space is the first place that any visitor to the building will see, so it was important to maintain the representative character of the place while making it comfortable to use.
The Mennica Legacy Tower skyscraper was designed by architects from Chicago-based Goettsch Partners. The shape of the building determined the appearance of both the floor and ceiling. The lobby is decorated with an arched space, finished with a glass panel of panoramic windows on one side and a wall covered with smooth brown cladding on the other. The character of the interior is emphasised by the light-coloured stripes of stone floor running along the curve – an interesting treatment that visually calms the space. The motif of streamlined shapes is repeated on the ceiling. The architects wanted the space above the guests’ heads to be intriguing, so the acoustic ceilings were suspended in such a way as to create a network of gently curved strips. The supporting structure and metal ceiling panels were custom-made for the client. Metal panels from Knauf Ceiling Solutions were used – including METAL B-L 302, METAL R-Clip with perforation and acoustic inlay. The presence of the panels helps to ensure proper acoustics – the panels have a special perforation that diffuses sound and reduces reverberation.
Church de Petrus, Vught, the Netherlands
The adaptation of historic buildings to new functions is an increasingly popular trend in architecture. Such projects preserve cultural heritage while giving it new life and functionality. An example of this is the 1884 DePetrus church located in Vught, the Netherlands. The church had remained closed for decades, but managed to reopen it by changing its function. The architects transformed it into an unusual bookshop. They realised their project using modern architecture and technology. They designed a unique mezzanine floor that absorbs sound.
A bookshop, museum and café were opened in the historic building. In order not to disrupt the space, the architects proposed adding new levels hidden in the side aisles. The design for the reconstruction of the church was prepared by the team of Dutch architects Molenaar & Bol & vanDillen. The biggest changes are visible in the nave. The space has been filled with bookcases full of books, around which a special mezzanine has been built. This is a white platform that winds between the pillars of the former temple. This modern element blends in perfectly with the historic building. The construction of the mezzanine in this form allowed the altar to be exposed and gave the interior a unique atmosphere.
In a space as vast as a church, acoustics are crucial. Normally, the massive walls of churches reflect any sound. In the church converted into a bookshop, maximum soundproofing was therefore necessary. The architects had to find technical solutions to reduce reverberation and absorb reflected sound. The choice fell on Knauf Ceiling Solutions’ Eleganza ceiling. This ceiling model allowed them to realise a vision that had already been conceived at the design stage. The designers did not want to create a mezzanine floor with a traditional grid of modular ceiling panels as found in office buildings. The use of Eleganza enabled them to give the mezzanine the desired shape, while maintaining excellent acoustic properties. The result was a uniform, streamlined form. In addition, acoustic panels have been incorporated in the reading areas, where people can relax with a book in hand.
Varso Tower, Warsaw
Since its construction, it has been the tallest building in the countries of the European Union. Varso Tower has become a new landmark of developing Warsaw and one of the most prestigious addresses in the capital. The building was designed by Foster Partners architects and its height with the spire is 310 metres.
Varso Tower impresses with its size (it has 53 floors) and the technological solutions used inside. The building has been awarded the international WELL certificate with a Gold rating, which confirms the beneficial effects of the building on the physical and mental form of the occupants. Varso uses Knauf Ceiling Solutions to decorate more than 80,000 square metres of common areas and lobbies.
The high rating for Knauf Ceiling Solutions products is due to the extensive possibilities for acoustic and design friendliness, as well as the use of raw materials from renewable sources for their manufacture, as well as minimal emissions and design based on the idea of long-term use.Our ceiling systems are up to 82 per cent recycled and are perfectly in line with the trend towards sustainability, combining modernity with care for the environment, said Sebastian Staniewicz, specification manager for Knauf Ceiling Solutions.
The metal suspended ceilings used here became a tool with which the architects shaped the silhouette of the interior. Like a mosaic, their individual shapes enveloped the designed areas. The lobby and other common areas were given a timeless, elegant style that raises the profile of the building. In addition, the black ceilings made it possible to conceal the technical installations, positively influencing the visual perception of the entire space.
Dubai Airport
This famous mega-airport handles more than 80 million passengers annually. The huge number of travellers made it quite a challenge for architects to work on the airport’s expansion. Today, the most famous is the airport’s Terminal 3, which became operational in 2008. The introduction of the huge Airbus A380 aircraft was also a landmark moment. Dubai Airport operates the largest fleet of these aircraft in the world.
Dubai Airport is a symbol of modernity and luxury. The interior of Terminal 3 and Concourse 2 combines functionality with aesthetics. High ceilings and generous spaces create an open feel. The combination of modern materials such as steel and glass with elements of Arabian design contribute to a unique atmosphere. The huge duty-free areas with boutiques of luxury brands are also impressive.
The momentum of the terminal is evidenced by the amount of materials used. As much as 218,400 sq m of wall and ceiling surfaces are decorated with products from Knauf Ceiling Solutions. This is a number equivalent to 30 football pitches. The interior of the terminal resembles a cocoon. This impression is heightened by the acoustics. This effect was achieved using 120,000 customised tiles that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. It is the largest jigsaw puzzle in the world.
Golden pool, Uster, Switzerland
Architecture with a capital A is not just the domain of large cities. The city of Uster in northern Switzerland is a case in point. In this town of 35,000 inhabitants, there is a swimming pool that could easily be found in the aforementioned Dubai. The swimming pool was designed by architects K L. It is a popular place for locals to enjoy water activities, relaxation and recreation.
The Olympic-sized swimming pool is particularly impressive. It is not so much the size of the basin, but what is above the swimmers’ heads. The architects decided to make the room stand out by choosing Knauf Ceiling Solutions metal panels in gold. Reverberation and noise are neutralised thanks to acoustic inserts inside the metal panels. Does the humid environment harm them? The panels are made of corrosion-resistant aluminium. A similar solution is used in the shipbuilding industry, so the gold-coloured metal surface will last for many years even in the swimming pool.
Montownia, Gdansk
There are many great developments in Poland that turn industrial buildings into modern living spaces. One example is Montownia in Gdańsk. The historic building of a former shipyard has been given new life and is now operating as a modern hotel. The building is distinguished by its historical soul. The valuable old fabric has been carefully restored and exposed.
The history of the building dates back to the 1930s, when it was constructed as a place to assemble engines for submarines. Today, the building’s function is completely different. The building’s 114 lofts are now used as a hotel, restaurant, conference room and art space. The rooms have been given a unique look. Concrete walls support the industrial atmosphere, and this effect is enhanced by acoustic Heradesign wood wool panels from the Knauf Ceiling Solutions range.
Their grey colour scheme and non-uniform texture ensure that the modules do not spoil the factory atmosphere, while at the same time, by absorbing noise and reverberation, they help shape guest-friendly acoustics, says Romuald Wilk of Knauf Ceiling Solutions.
The texture of Heradesign ceiling tiles, reminiscent of wood shreds, harmonises with the art elements introduced into the Montownia interiors. Thanks to these tiles, it was possible to preserve the historic character of the interior and, at the same time, reduce the occurrence of reverberation, creating a human-friendly space.
These few examples are proof of how the right ceilings can change the way a space is used. Modern solutions make it possible to reduce reverberation, create acoustic comfort and at the same time have a positive impact on the appearance of a space. Importantly, the wide range of products on offer means that they can also be successfully used in historic buildings. With a broad portfolio and customisable solutions, architects and builders can realise bold visions and create spaces that not only fulfil a functional purpose, but also appeal to the senses and emotions.
source: Knauf Ceiling Solutions, editorial team
Also read: swimming pool | sacred architecture | office | interiors | whiteMAD on Instagram
