Natural acoustic panels provide perfect interior for preservation

Troldtekt’s natural acoustic panels have been specified for the recently completed Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, as part of a 3,350 square metre scheme by the Herefordshire Council.

The Centre comprises of a concrete repository over three floors and two-storey timber framed building housing offices, public search rooms and education facilities.

Designed by Architype, the building incorporates level architectural design and construction technology with high performing materials.

The facility includes Troldtekt acoustic panels, manufactured with 100 percent natural wood fibres, previously specified by the architects for environmentally friendly schools.

The panels were chosen for their high sound absorption, durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability.

Sustainable energy solutions

The brief for the centre required smart energy solutions and reduced running costs, which the preservation and safeguarding of historic documents requires.

After much research, it was determined that a Passivhaus building would provide the essential airtightness the building needed, together with high levels of thermal insulation to keep the interior isolted from the various external temperatures and weather conditions.

The project also recognises many of the recommendations highlighted throughout the newly published BS guidance document (PD5454:2012) for the storage and exhibition of archival material.

Manufactured in Denmark, the acoustic tiles can be specified as either FSC or PEFC certified panels.

They are used to improve acoustics in many applications, such as schools, leisure centres, pools, commercial and public buildings. 

Available in various sizes and in three grades from ultrafine to coarse, they can be left unpainted or painted in virtually any RAL colour.  

Troldtekt sustainability has also been recognised with certification at Silver level within the Cradle to Cradle concept and earns gold on 4 out of 5 criteria in the Cradle to Cradle certification version 3.1.  

This international certification has been achieved because the panels do not contain hazardous substances and can be recycled.