Knauf AMF specified for equipment testing centre

Heradesign and Thermatex ceilings from Knauf AMF have been fitted in a new R&A purpose-built equipment testing centre.

The R&A worldwide golf governing body’s new testing centre accommodates the R&A’s Equipment Standards Department and offers world class testing and research facilities. The ceilings provide the new building with essential sound attenuation, add aesthetic appeal and meet environmental requirements. 

The Equipment Standards department tests thousands of golf balls and clubs every year to ensure they conform to the Equipment Rules. Some of the machinery deployed here has the potential to create an acoustically uncomfortable working environment. 

Neil Simpson, Lead Partner at Wellwood Leslie Architects, explained: “Acoustic control was a key requirement when it came to choosing a suitable ceiling for the testing labs because it has to counterbalance the hard reverberant surfaces fitted in these areas.”

Therefore, Neil specified Heradesign to reduce the noise level with Class A sound absorption and sound attenuation. 

Heradesign was suitable for the open plan office areas and conference rooms as it maintains a comfortable level of ambient sound to aid concentration in the open spaces and improve privacy in the meeting rooms.

Installed along the sloped roof with strip lighting alongside each plank, Heradesign fitted closely against the roof while ensuring a sufficient gap for services whilst minimising the loss of ceiling height.

Heradesign is a sustainable product which has received the ‘building biology harmless’ certificate, meaning its raw materials are safe for the building and its occupants. In addition, it is fully recyclable at the end of use.

Neil explains why Thermatex Alpha ceilings were specified for the circulation areas: “The ceilings in these areas have plasterboard on the outer edges with Thermatex running alongside the centre. The bright white, smooth surface of Thermatex is a good match with the plaster and adds visual interest to the ceiling. Thermatex allows easy access to services above the ceiling. It also provides the essential sound insulation to prevent the impact of footsteps and doors closing from transferring to adjacent rooms.”

Thermatex Alpha ceiling tiles can be removed and reinstated without losing their shape or colour, making them very easy to handle.