Designing three Welsh schools around inclusion, starting with the acoustics
How Sheppard Robson used acoustics to design for partially sighted, hearing-impaired, and neurodiverse pupils.
The central heart space of the school, with bookcases and reading nooks under a high angled ceiling in Rockfon Artic.
Three new schools for two Welsh communities
Three new schools have opened for the communities of Llantwit Fardre and Llantrisant in south Wales, built by Morgan Sindall Construction under the Welsh Government's Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. Sheppard Robson designed all three.
Each school is arranged around a central entrance plaza and reception, with classrooms organised by age group around the building. On every floor, the classrooms open onto a shared breakout space, called the "heart space", for smaller-group and interactive teaching.
Designing for every kind of pupil
Sheppard Robson approached the design around inclusion, and that shaped the acoustics directly.
"This meant careful consideration regarding accessibility, the partially sighted, hearing impaired, gender, and neurodiversity, informing specifications for acoustics, lighting, colour, texture, and wayfinding," said Imran Harji, architect at Sheppard Robson.
Project info
Project name
Rhondda Cynon Taf Schools
Location
Wales, United Kingdom
Installation
Richard Kemble Contracts and M&P Group
Photography
Phil Boorman
Download images
A closer look at the angled Rockfon Artic ceiling and the wall panels set high on the walls, absorbing sound across the double-height space.
Another view of the reading area, where the ceiling and wall panels keep a busy shared space calm.
The hall, where Rockfon Artic across the high angled ceiling controls reverberation for assemblies and performances.
Four products, matched to each space
Rockfon Blanka was fitted widely across the schools. It reflects 87% of light and diffuses over 99% of it, keeping classrooms bright, and adds room-to-room sound insulation to keep noise from carrying between teaching spaces. Its anti-static, easy-clean surface lasts well, and because it's non-directional, it goes up quickly.
Rockfon Artic was used across many of the ceilings for its clean surface and Class A sound absorption. In the toilets and other humidity-prone spaces, Rockfon CleanSpace was specified, as it holds its shape and stays stable in damp conditions. And in the library-playrooms, where impacts are likely, Rockfon Boxer wall panels were installed for their tough, impact-resistant woven surface, working alongside the ceilings to control sound.
Every range used has Class A sound absorption and the highest fire classification, A1.
"Rockfon's range of products allowed us to meet the varied technical performance criteria whilst providing a high level of finish and a quick installation process. The technical support and guidance made specifying the right products in the right places straightforward and hassle free," said Harji.
A classroom finished with Rockfon Blanka, keeping the room bright and quiet for teaching.
Rockfon CleanSpace in the changing rooms, holding up in the damp conditions while absorbing sound.
One of the three new schools built for the communities of Llantwit Fardre and Llantrisant in south Wales.
Schools that work for everyone in them
The three schools give their communities bright, calm, welcoming spaces designed so every pupil can learn well in them, whatever their needs.
Also designing a school where acoustics are part of an inclusive, accessible environment? Get in touch, and we'll help you match the right product to each space.
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