Westmount School recently refurbished their Kaipara campus to include a new learning centre designed around forward-thinking learning styles. The modern learning centre includes a large open collaborative area, banquette seating and glazed brainstorm and project rooms. Although aesthetically pleasing; the hard surfaces and large open area had the potential to produce high levels of noise reverberation and create a disruptive learning environment.

Aware of the potential issue, interior design group Unispace sought out a high-performing custom acoustic solution that would be visually appealing and represent a fun and engaging learning environment.

Having previously worked with Autex, Unispace Associate Designer Rosie Taylor approached Account Manager Anton Agnew for a practical acoustic solution that would complement the school's vibrant culture. A bespoke acoustic feature was an ideal solution to reducing noise reverberation in the open space whilst complementing the room’s furnishings. Working in collaboration with Autex, Unispace designed a rippled water pattern to form a softened, fluid effect, creating a kinetic illusion that changes as you move around the learning centre.

As design and aesthetics were particularly important for this project, Autex Cube™ was chosen due to its impressive sound-absorbing properties as well as allowing for complete design flexibility. Having used Cube™ in a previous project, Unispace was confident that the lightweight and semi-rigid acoustic panel would be perfect to create the custom acoustic feature they sought.

Working to an extremely tight programme; 74 24mm thick Cube™ fins were water-cut in Autex colours: Senado, Flatiron and Savoye. Direct fixed to the ceiling using an aluminium channel the ‘rippled water pattern’ had lights suspended in between fins to create a vibrant glisten, highlighting the contemporary colours selected to further complement the space. The finished result was truly phenomenal.

Post-installation of the custom acoustic feature, the new learning centre promotes a calm yet collaborative environment, benefiting students and staff alike. Upon the success of this project, there are similar projects in the pipelines for Nelson and Hastings Westmount campuses.

Not only ideal for acoustic absorption; Cube™ presents many benefits that make it a staple in any educational environment. Cube™ is highly durable, impact-resistant, non-allergenic, non-irritant, and non-toxic. The complete design flexibility of Cube™ creates endless possibilities and solutions for functional environments.

Looking for a custom acoustic feature? Contact an Autex acoustic professional to discover your perfect acoustic solution today! 

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