Having acquired Fade™ Acoustic Plaster back in 2021, Saint-Gobain Ecophon is proud to be bringing this revolutionary product to the market and introducing it to spaces that ordinarily may not have been able to achieve a superior acoustic environment with the traditional wall-to-wall systems.
Our real-world case studies below include St Saviour’s, in which Fade™ Acoustic Plaster has transformed challenging spaces into acoustic havens:
St Saviour’s Church, Dollingstown
Built in 2005, St Saviour’s Church in Dollingstown, Lurgan, was in need of modification and renovation.
Nicola Waddington ARB RIBA, from Waddington McClure Architects, explained the brief and how it was achieved, using Ecophon Fade™ Acoustic Plaster Albus, along with other solutions to improve the lighting and acoustics.
“One of the main issues was that the existing suspended ceiling – a grid system – had become uneven and discoloured with water damage. The recessed ceiling lights were inefficient, inflexible and difficult to access. They also caused significant glare as they were angled towards the congregation within the slope of the ceiling. Once it was determined that the existing ceiling was at the end of its expected life span, we saw the opportunity to create something beautiful in its place. The new ceiling needed to have a high acoustic quality and be able to incorporate a flexible lighting system. Importantly, it had to harmonise with the existing contemporary interior and raise the quality of the worship space.
“Ecophon Fade™ Acoustic Plaster Albus system was selected for the new ceiling, giving a smooth contemporary appearance in keeping with the design of the existing church. The product has been used to create a dramatic design of ‘floating’ panels stepping down towards the front of the church. This meant that low energy lighting could be seamlessly incorporated in tracks along each step in the ceiling, concealing the fittings removing glare and distraction. Bluetooth control means a variety of lighting scenes can be used at different times of day or create different moods within the space. Evening services that have a small congregation can now be lit to create a special intimacy in the large worship space.
“Ecophon Akusto™ wall panels in the colour shade ‘Garlic’ were also selected to encase the new audio-visual screens at the front of the church, providing additional sound absorption.
“The result is an upgraded church building with a contemporary ceiling that avoids visual clutter and distraction whilst enhancing the existing interior. But most importantly, acoustics and quality of sound have improved worship within the space.”
Antrim Forum
Saint-Gobain Ecophon was first introduced to Antrim Forum back in 2005, when the room was refurbished and treated with an acoustic system to allow the space to be a comfortable environment for all to use.
Fast forward to 2023, Ecophon was delighted to be asked back to work on the space as part of a major refurbishment, with £2.4m invested by the local council at the new state-of-the-art Fitness Suite at Antrim Forum.
Working alongside Michael Herron Architects, as well as contractors and installers to maintain the tradition of having not only great-looking ceilings in the state-of-the-art gym, but also achieving optimal acoustics in the space.
Installing Ecophon Focus™ Lp, Ecophon Solo™ Baffles and Ecophon Solo™ Hexagon in the main gym areas, complements the latest innovative sports equipment, achieving a high spec finish all round. Ecophon Hygiene Performance™ A was also installed in washrooms, toilets and changing rooms, bringing the space up to date, while making it an enjoyable space for all to be in.
Ecophon develops, manufactures and markets acoustic panels, baffles and ceiling systems that contribute to a good working environment by enhancing people’s wellbeing and performance. It is part of the Saint-Gobain Group, a world leader in sustainable habitat solutions, and all Ecophon ceiling tiles are fully recyclable.
Ecophon has business units in 20 countries, delegations in another 30 countries worldwide and approximately 800 employees. The head office is located in Hyllinge, just outside Helsingborg, Sweden.
