Learning Curve

Noisy schools are a thing of the past, thanks to new technology that ensures products have high acoustic ratings. But noise insulation isn't just about reducing student noise. For Te Whanau o Tupuranga, it was essential to limit the noise from the air conditioning units installed above the library ceiling.

Parmephon Advance acoustic tiles from National Building Supplies were specified as a cost-effective alternative to boxing the air conditioning units. Company director Igor Ivanov says the tiles, which incorporate white fibreglass tissue, were used with plasterboard panels and high-density insulation.

"This method ensures the air conditioning units can be easily accessed," he says. "It also allows the ceiling to be repaired without great expense in the event of any water damage. But most importantly, the Parmephon acoustic tiles ensure the library and classrooms have a high acoustic performance."

The tiles were installed by National Construction, a sister company to National Building Supplies.

Ivanov says building the suspended acoustic ceiling in an existing building with exposed roof trusses was a challenge as there was limited space to fit the system. The solution was to secure the acoustic tiles to new plasterboard fixed directly to the existing ceiling.

National Building Supplies also supplied Parmephon Higyn ceiling tiles for the food technology rooms at the school. These tiles provide a washable surface that makes it easier to keep dust at bay, which makes them well suited to food preparation areas, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and electronics manufacturing. They are also resistant to high humidity.

Ivanov says Parmephon acoustic tiles have high light reflectance and are made from 70% recycled materials, which fits with the school's sustainable design philosophy.

For more details, contact National Building Supplies, PO Box 25-973, St Heliers, Auckland 1740, phone 021 217 7382, fax (09) 528 1913. Email: igor@ivanov.co.nz. Website: www.aktav.com.

Story by: Trendsideas