FOCUS ON… ECHOCHECK
ACOUSTIC BLOCK

INNOVATIVE ACOUSTIC MASONRY SOLUTIONS FROM COLINWELL HAS UPPED THE GREEN CREDENTIALS OF ST BRONAGH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ROSTREVOR

Since September 2017, the pupils and staff of St Bronagh’s primary school have enjoyed their learning and teaching in a new school building with associated amenities and facilities. With the backdrop of Slievemeen mountain and the proximity of Carlingford Lough as influential planning considerations, the architectural practice of d-on architects Ltd began its work in 2014 designing and creating a contemporary, fit for purpose school, at one with its landscape, yet conceived to overcome the challenges of a narrow-elongated site.

The pupils of St Bronagh’s have a long tradition of championing environmental improvement projects, including the monitoring of swifts nesting in the swift boxes that have now been integrated into the external walls of the school. The school enjoys both Ambassador Eco-School and Green Flag status. Its’ own ECO council works tirelessly to maintain an eco-friendly building.
It was no surprise then when d-on architects chose Colinwell’s EchoCheck Acoustic Block, which is manufactured from 65% recycled aggregates for the interior of the school’s multi-purpose hall. The selection further affirmed the primary school’s own green credentials, while satisfying the requirements of TGD-021-5 and most importantly creating a quieter and more pleasant space.

By choosing Colinwell’s EchoCheck Acoustic Block, the architectural practice d-on architects affirmed that “the acoustics in the multi-purpose hall were softened and incorporated into patterns on each wall and acoustic quilt above the suspended radiant heating panels. The acoustic blocks gave a robust wall finish with the additional benefit of built-in sound absorption.”

Paul McMahon, project architect with d-on architects, explained that he and his design team worked with a “nucleus of people with a single goal in mind; to create a wonderful new building for the pupils, staff and community in Rostrevor.” He added: “The building is inspired by the amazing landscape surrounding Rostrevor. The school form responds to the landscape and introduces a sedum roof which provides an additional green space for wildlife on a site that was once covered with tarmacadam. The teaching spaces are located to capture the views across Kilbroney Park and the mountains. Natural light is provided to all teaching spaces by large areas of glazing and roof lights. The exposed timber ceilings in the classrooms create spaces that are airy and welcome.”

HOW COLINWELL ECHOCHECK ACOUSTIC BLOCKS WORK…

The Colinwell EchoCheck Acoustic Block allows design teams to address sound control issues and to provide a low maintenance Fair-Face finish in one product. The rate of sound energy absorbed by any surface, known as the absorption coefficient, will have a factor between 1 and 0, with 1 being complete sound absorption and 0 being full reflection. The table shows the Absorption Coefficient of commonly used construction materials and finishes.

The Colinwell EchoCheck Acoustic Block, with a fair face/paint grade finish, eliminates the need for either visually obtrusive or imposed compromises such as panels, screens or curtains which are prone to damage and can potentially interfere with some games. The Colour Palette for EchoCheck Acoustic Blocks comprises 16 colours, all of which can be seen on the Colinwell Masonry site colinwell.com

Colinwell EchoCheck Blocks are:
• Fire resistant and load bearing
• Robust
• Maintenance free
• Able to withstand frequent impact

The Colinwell EchoCheck Acoustic Block is suitable for use in many construction applications including:

• Plant rooms
• Classrooms
• Lecture theatres
• Sound barriers [Road and Rail]
• Gymnasiums
• Swimming pools
• Arenas