Knauf AMF provides a skilful finish for Bristol Academy

South Bristol is currently the focus of a major regeneration programme, centred on Hengrove Park. Part of this development includes a new £30m Skills Academy where Knauf AMF Ceilings have been installed extensively throughout this iconic building. City of Bristol College developed the Skills Academy to offer a range of Diplomas, NVQs and BTEC courses for 14-19 year olds alongside a selection of adult education programmes. The new centre includes a hair and beauty salon, a training kitchen, workshops for motor vehicle, motor cycle and construction courses. Throughout the centre, different areas required different levels of acoustic control, as Ian Hunt of AWW Architects explained: “Knauf AMF ceilings were recommended to us for their acoustic performance and products were selected to meet the individual acoustic requirements of each room throughout the building. Knauf AMF were able to provide a high performance solution, enabling us to source all ceilings from one manufacturer.” Over 3000m2 of Knauf AMF’s Thermatex Acoustic ceiling tiles were fitted to the standard classrooms. Thermatex Acoustic is a high performance perforated mineral board with an acoustic fleece facing. Thermatex Acoustic provides excellent sound absorption while the fleece offers a smooth, elegant surface finish. For most other areas within the centre, Knauf AMF’s Thermatex Fine Stratos Micro-Perforated ceiling tiles were used. Made from bio-soluble mineral wool, perlites, clay and starch, these tiles offer outstanding physical properties in both fire resistance and acoustic performance. The lightly textured, sanded finish creates a clean, crisp appearance while the micro-perforations enhance their acoustic performance. Within the management offices, a higher level of privacy was required, so Knauf AMF’s Thermatex Acoustic dB41 tiles were specified. Their enhanced sound attenuation properties help to ensure that meetings and conversations held in the offices remain private. In order to meet hygiene standards for the training kitchen, Knauf AMF’s Thermaclean tiles were chosen. Featuring a white vinyl foil laminated to a Thermatex mineral board, Thermaclean tiles provide a durable, washable finish for areas requiring high levels of hygiene. The Hengrove Park site will eventually feature a range of new homes and employment parks, with the first phase consisting of a new community hospital and leisure centre alongside the new Skills Academy.