INTRODUCTION
Project: University of Sheffield – Heartspace Project
Client and collaborators: Faculty of Engineering, University of Sheffield and Interserve Construction Limited
Project cost: £150,000 – £155,000
Architect: Bond Bryan Architects
Products: Soundex L150G acoustic louvres with enclosure flashings, L90G dummy acoustic louvres plus AQ100 louvres and sundries
TASK
Working alongside Interserve Construction Limited, Bond Bryan Architects and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield; Solinear was awarded the contract to design, manufacture, deliver and install Soundex L150G acoustic louvres, L90G dummy louvre and Aquarius AQ100 louvre.
ACTION
A dramatic undulating glass-roofed quadruple height atrium links the Grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the 1885 Central Wing of the University of Sheffield resulting in ‘Engineering Heartspace’ below; housing new laboratories, offices and social space, it is designed to aid communication and create a dynamic social and research collaboration space between the two oldest buildings in the University estate. Above the glass roof are loud plantrooms that required muting. Solinear designed, manufactured, delivered and installed Soundex L150G acoustic louvre system, finished in Basalt Grey, enveloping the north and south roof plantrooms above the atrium.
A small circular Solinear L90G dummy louvre was fitted to the facade of one of the historic buildings, into an existing ornate brick surround that may have once framed a window/vent but had previously been bricked-up and was, therefore, blending into the rest of the brick façade.
Solinear Aquarius AQ100 louvres are to be fitted in the basement of Heartspace, replacing the existing outdated, damaged and unsightly louvres.
RESULT
Finished in Basalt Grey, Solinear’s striking crown of Soundex L150G acoustic louvre system – topping the stunning glass atrium roof – envelope the north and south roof plantrooms thus reducing noise pollution and disturbance to inhabitants of the atrium and adjoining buildings.Finished in white, the Solinear L90G dummy acoustic louvre enhanced the aesthetics of the building, complementing the beautiful frame and drawing the eye to it making it a focal point at the heart of Heartspace, whilst remaining sympathetic to the style of the original building and its existing white window frames.
Solinear will be fitting Aquarius AQ100 louvres in the basement, replacing the existing outdated, damaged and unsightly louvres. The new louvres will help to maintain adequate airflow circulation around the basement, whilst maintaining a barrier against the elements such as strong winds and heavy rain as well as dirt and debris, minimising the risk of damp, mould, stale odour and moisture build-up.
Solinear is delighted to have been part of this outstanding project and the overall appearance of the renovation is truly breath-taking. The range of louvres that Solinear has designed, manufactured and installed at the very highest points of Heartspace, as well as in its depths, will help to ensure that this new space for working, promoting innovation, collaboration and social interaction is pleasant, comfortable and relaxing for its occupants.
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