Rockfon acoustic control at stunning Net Zero Durham School
The scheme sees the construction of a new 9,500sqm, three storey St Leonard's Catholic School on the site of the, now demolished, original school building, following Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) failure. It will cater for 1,520 pupils, ranging from 11 to 18 years of age and houses a mix of spaces including classrooms, science labs, DT workshops, activity studios, assembly hall, drama studio and sports hall.
The £71m project is believed to be the first major rebuild of its type due to RAAC issues and is intended to be Net Zero Carbon in operation, in line with the Department for Education (DfE) framework.
Exceeding project criteria
Rockfon continues its long association working on many projects with BAM Construction. The leading design, construction, infrastructure and facilities management company fulfilled the role of main contractor for the scheme, with technical advisors, Atkins Realis, managing the project on behalf of the DfE.
Ryder Architecture was responsible for the architectural design of the school. They said, “Regarding feedback on the project, both the client team for the DfE and the school themselves have been very complimentary. The DfE made particular comment that the quality of the workmanship was exemplary.”
Rockfon Specification Manager, Jim Lundy, “Rockfon was proud to be involved in delivering this prestigious facility at the heart of the Durham community. The solutions we supplied not only met but exceeded acoustic, performance, and aesthetic criteria, fully aligning with the client’s brief and the latest regulations for new-build education environments. We are particularly pleased with the high-quality finish and excellent installation delivered by Bill Mordue Interiors, a trusted partner we have successfully collaborated with on numerous projects for many years.
Jon Day of Bill Mordue Interiors, “We were very pleased to undertake installation of up to 6,000sqm of Rockfon Acoustic Systems in varied spaces throughout this great project. Acoustic control was a key requirement and one of the performance criteria Rockfon excels in. The process went smoothly and we are always grateful for the guidance Jim Lundy and the Rockfon team are able to provide when required.”
Specialist ranges for any space
High impact Rockfon® Samson™ wall panels, in white, were used in the sports hall and activity studio to provide a highly resilient, impact resistant surface offering Class A sound absorption – vital where unwanted noise could impact on communication.
Rockfon Color-all® is available in a standard range of 34 exclusive surface colours and can be supplied in almost any bespoke colour. Color-all® Gravel was used with robust Rockfon Blanka® Activity wall panels in spaces throughout the building where durability and superior sound control were key.
For food preparation spaces, science labs, the photography studio, and to the underside of bulkheads, Rockfon Sonar dB41 was chosen. Available in a variety of sizes and edge details, the Sonar range features a durable, micro-textured surface, and delivers excellent acoustic control.
Guaranteed to retain its dimensional stability in demanding conditions, non-hygroscopic Rockfon® CleanSpace™ has been specified for use in several areas at the school, including changing rooms, WC suites and catering spaces, where it ensures low particle emission (ISO Class 4) and up to 100% humidity resistance.
Easy clean Rockfon® Tropic has been widely used at the school. The dining hall, control room, chapel, drama studio, assembly hall, and SEN rooms all benefit from its high light reflectance, superior sound control and dimensional stability.
Rockfon® Artic is installed in circulation, offices and admin spaces, music rooms, staff social spaces and science preparation rooms. The affordable, versatile range offers similar performance characteristics to those found across the Rockfon offering and features an attractive, easy clean surface which is available in several formats and edge details.
High performance with circular sustainability
Rockfon’s non-combustible characteristics derive from its core of volcanic stone wool, embodying it with Class A1 reaction to fire. The tiles are made with a high percentage of recycled material and can also be fully recycled, aiding circularity.
Rockfon is available for use with a variety of grid options, visible and semi concealed options among them, as well as for applications where Enhanced Corrosion Resistance (ECR) grid is required.
Jim Lundy, “This project highlights the value of strong supply chain partnerships with BAM, SIG, and CCF, demonstrating how effective collaboration can deliver positive, long-lasting outcomes for the community.”
