When architects Haworth Tompkins relocated after over a decade in Kentish Town – the move allowed the studio to combine their main office and nearby satellite office into one new larger space close to the Barbican. The move provided the perfect opportunity to make the new office a showcase of the latest materials and digital infrastructure. Keen to keep to their ethos of reuse, recycle and reduce, many of the original fixtures and fittings were repurposed to make them suitable for the new office. Facilities also include personal lockers, bike storage and shower rooms to encourage sustainable commuting.
The new studio accommodates 110 staff on site, coupled with digitally equipped meeting rooms, display areas showing architectural models and large open plan areas including hot desks, meeting spaces and break out areas. The practice also hosts many public outreach events, such as the London Festival of Architecture, Architects Declare Sustainability events and various exhibitions. As a result, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels were used to control the acoustics and help acoustical performance. Specified in a natural finish, they blend in well with the existing substrate of concrete, wood and tiled floors.
Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels excel at mitigating the problems stemming from long reverberation time and reflected sound. They are available in a variety of different structures and colours, combining superior sound absorption with an award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to fine. They can be supplied as unpainted natural wood or natural grey Futurecem®, alternatively they can be finished in our standard colours or almost any RAL or NCS upon request.
Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively. Cradle to Cradle Certified® at Gold level, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC™ and FSC®C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points.
Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from www.troldtekt.co.uk or see our product listings on NBS (https://bit.ly/3vxoTfq) or Material Bank (www.materialbank.eu).
Photos: Fred Howarth