Project Background and Purpose

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.

Solution — Product and Installation

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 for 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 were confident that the lightweight and semi-rigid acoustic panel would be perfect for creating 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.

Benefits and Feedback

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 the Nelson and Hastings Westmount campuses.

Not only ideal for acoustic absorption, Cube presents many benefits that make it ideal 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.