Leeds Arts University has just completed an ambitious 5-year £22m building expansion. Designed by DLA Design Group the impressive new five story 63,500sq ft development includes a 230-seat performance auditorium and industry standard film and photography studios. Approximately 1200m² Knauf AMF Heradesign rafts and baffles (1200 x 600 x 125), which have Class A sound absorption, were specified throughout the main entrance, library and the new group spaces to minimise noise disturbance.
Knauf AMF
Paul King of DLA Design Group said, “We chose Heradesign because, aside of the acoustic performance which was a project imperative, we liked the natural, raw wood wool texture which is refined without being clinical or flat. It’s a striking and versatile material and we were really impressed with how the individual panels could be matched to the chosen colour scheme. As the project develops there will be interior design changes so it was important to use materials that could evolve easily and Heradesign also provides us with that flexibility.”
Mike Griffin, ISG Contractors commented, “The design for the project meant all the mechanical services had to be exposed and the lighting integrated into the hanging rafts. This presented particular challenges but the Knauf AMF team were really helpful. This is the first time we have worked with Heradesign but we were really impressed with how flexible it is to update and maintain. We have received really positive feedback about the completed ceiling installation from everyone.”
