Gyproc's new office a showcase for acoustics
Demonstrating the exceptional levels of performance that can be achieved using lightweight acoustic partitions and linings in a typical open-plan office environment, Saint-Gobain’s new commercial centre on Tiffany Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers has been designed to double as a showroom for the Group’s products.
Providing essential additional space and modern facilities to accommodate Gyproc Middle East’s growing commercial operations in the region, the new centre will also be home to a number of Saint-Gobain sister companies, bringing together a wealth of construction expertise under a single roof.
As is typical with new UAE commercial buildings, the centre was acquired as shell and core, giving Gyproc the opportunity to complete the interior fit out to its own specification. To ensure the open-plan space met their own demanding requirements, and reflected the very latest in acoustic design, the technical and marketing teams spec’d out all of the open areas and meeting rooms using high performance acoustic products and systems from ranges supplied by themselves and sister company Ecophon.
For internal walls, a basic specification of double-boarded GypWall CLASSIC metal stud partitions, with an outer layer of Gyproc DuraLine for additional impact resistance, ensures a demanding 52dB sound insulation and 60 minutes fire resistance between offices. This has been combined with a range of different ceiling options, including Gyproc MF monolithic suspended ceilings with high performance perforated Rigitone acoustic boards in different patterns; suspended lay-in grid ceilings with new Gyptone acoustic tiles; and various Ecophon acoustic ceiling and wall systems including Solo free hanging units and baffles, AKUSTO wall panels and Focus, Gedina and Sombra modular ceiling systems.
“We have been working closely with architects and clients throughout the Middle East to reinforce the acoustic benefits of our lining and partition systems”, said Gyproc’s Senior Technical Manager, Jason Hird, “so we had to practice what we preach. As a result, clients and architects visiting the centre have a unique opportunity to view virtually our full range of acoustic systems in situ and see at first hand the wide variety of exciting aesthetic effects that can be achieved using the different systems alone or in combination.”
The move to the new office suite was completed over the weekend of 10/11 April, with staff already feeling the benefit of the additional space and facilities and, of course, almost unparalleled levels of acoustic privacy and comfort.
