Bradford College, one of the biggest education and training providers in the region, has recently restored a five-storey mill. The £5.8m renovation transformed the building into a state-of-the-art higher education centre, enhancing Bradford College’s existing STEM science and digital facilities. The new building includes dentistry training facilities, a prep-room, six higher education digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite and clinical suite.
CHALLENGE
At Bradford College, architectural team Bond Bryan Ltd and main contractors Tilbury Douglas faced the task of finding an interior ceiling solution that accommodated the building’s soffits, necessitating reduced suspension points.
They also needed a complete ceiling system that not only met the mandated acoustic standards for education environments but also offered aesthetic qualities conducive to productivity and comfort.
SOLUTION
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, collaborated with Bond Bryan Ltd to develop a solution that exceeded all project requirements.
A range of Zentia’s tiles, including Prestige, Sonify Baffles, Aruba, Oplia hA dB, and Arena, were specified. These tiles are installed on a DecoFrame SL2 grid to create a floated suspended ceiling, addressing both acoustic needs and reduced suspension points.
In the reception area, white rectangular Sonify Baffles were installed to create a feature ceiling that enhances the space’s acoustics. These hanging acoustic baffles provide creative freedom with the largest range of standard colours available in the UK market and deliver exceptional acoustic performance.
The Oplia hA dB tile features a smooth laminated finish with superior sound absorption and attenuation, ideal for workplaces and educational settings. With a Class A sound absorption rating and 40 dB attenuation, these tiles effectively reduce impact noise from metal cladding above the ceilings.
Prestige tiles offer balanced acoustical performance for larger open-plan spaces and a smooth, finely textured surface. Aruba, known for its versatility, and Arena, an affordable and reliable option with a finely-sanded surface for balanced acoustics, are also being installed in the new interior.
Leigh Bennett, Senior Project Manager at Tilbury Douglas Limited, commented on the successful project: “The Zentia ceilings and acoustic products used at Garden Mills provided the right aesthetic contrast for the period features while still performing acoustically. Bradford College is really happy with the look and feel of the building.”
The ceilings were successfully installed in the summer period of 2024 by subcontractors John Atkinson Interiors, a member of Zentia’s award-winning Pinnacle Partnership Scheme. As a Pinnacle Partner, John Atkinson Interiors benefit from an exclusive off-cut recycling scheme, enhanced specification support, and advance access to new product updates, among other advantages.
Gareth Caddick, Contract Consultant at John Atkinson Interiors & Acoustics commented on the intricacies of the project: “The renovation of older structures always offers up challenges not seen on new build contracts. Garden Mills was no exception to this rule. Simply distributing materials through narrow access routes and staircases took careful planning with all other trades. Works to the ceilings were carried out in pre-agreed phases and with the assistance of Zentia and their distribution network we were able to plan deliveries to meet the individual deadlines. Zentia’s off-cut recycling scheme together with our off site waste segregation ensured we were able to nearly eradicate any waste to skips. The completed ceilings now offer class leading acoustics giving each space a fresh and inviting environment conducive to learning.”
By integrating advanced ceiling solutions that cater to both aesthetic and functional requirements, this project not only enhances the architectural integrity of Bradford College and its campus, but also ensures an optimal environment for learning and productivity. It marks a significant milestone in creating spaces that are both beautiful and conducive to education.