Photo: Killian O’Sullivan
In 2022, award-winning architectural practice dMFK, in collaboration with architect Sher + White, embarked on the refurbishment of dMFK’s headquarters in Fitzrovia, central London, seeking to create a visually-appealing, comfortable and collaborative space for its employees.
Julian de Metz, Director at dMFK, said: “Our goal was to create not only a beautiful and functional space, but also a home-from-home sanctuary that would encourage staff to spend time in over remote working. Our experience in developing commercial office space has taught us that one of the foundations of this concept is noise control. Without the right acoustic solutions, our 45-strong office would remain overly noisy, understandably keeping our workforce at home in quieter surroundings – a far stretch from the ‘home away from home’ environment that we wanted to create. Seeking a solution to this issue, dMFK enlisted the help of acoustics experts, Oscar Acoustics.
Photo: Killian O’Sullivan
SonaSpray – the sound solution
Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics, said: “dMFK’s brief was clear – they wanted a solution that would create an acoustically-balanced environment, while also working with the aesthetics of the interior space. With more than 45 years’ experience in providing acoustic solutions for busy commercial office spaces, we knew that SonaSpray K-13, from our SonaSpray acoustic spray range, was the ideal solution for this project. It is a premium acoustic spray that significantly reduces noise reverberation by absorbing sound instead of reflecting it. We applied the product in a stunning pale grey colourway, to the ceilings of the areas with the greatest potential for excess noise – the communal spaces, large meeting rooms, and co-working spaces – and I’m pleased to say that it blends seamlessly with the warm interior décor.”
Photo: Killian O’Sullivan
Safe and sustainable
As an ISO 14001 accredited company, sustainability and the use of healthy materials in the project were key components for dMFK. Hancock commented: “SonaSpray is ideally suited to sustainable, low-carbon projects as it is made from recycled materials and is M1 Classified as a Low Emitting Building Material. The range also contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems, including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge, and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. Further accreditations, such as its GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality, mean that the range has met some of the most demanding and comprehensive standards for minimal VOC emissions into indoor air.”
Fire-rated acoustic spray
Staff safety was also a key concern on this project. Hancock commented: “We’re extremely proud of SonaSpray’s fire safety credentials. It is one of the few acoustic sprays on the market to offer fire credentials that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating). It produces little to no smoke and virtually no droplets, which can help assist in the safe escape of occupants should an event occur.”
Photo: Killian O’Sullivan
A home away from home
On the finished project, De Metz commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled with how the office looks and performs, and Oscar Acoustic’s SonaSpray solution is integral to this. It is the single most noticeable and effective material in our office and directly contributes to day-to-day comfort and the ability to work without bothering others. We constantly notice high reverberation in other offices where other solutions have been adopted. The reduction of reverberation in busy spaces is a hugely overlooked area and one that, when done correctly, is integral to the design of modern offices.”
Hancock said: “The design brief at dMFK is one we’re seeing more and more – businesses are struggling to attract workers back to the office due to excessive noise. Acoustic health is now a major talking point, and more businesses are coming round to the idea that spaces need to sound as good as they look.”
T: 01474 854902,
mail@oscar-acoustics.co.uk
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