A brand new, state-of-the-art warehouse has been successfully built for fresh food company, AM Fresh. The 310,000 sq ft temperature-controlled distribution centre has been designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’ and contains three stories of offices alongside a two-storey plant. It is a central facet of the new 1,425-acre Alconbury Weald site, a community and enterprise zone being developed in phases, with much more to follow including schools, shopping centres and further industrial developments.
CHALLENGE
Leading architects in food factory design, Arctica, alongside main contractors Bowmer and Kirkland, were looking for a suspended ceiling tile solution that would prove suitable for such a high value project. The ceiling solution needed to be high performing, and aesthetically pleasing whilst also help the project achieve its overall BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.
SOLUTION
Zentia was able to provide a bespoke package that catered for both the offices and the warehouse. Zentia’s Aruba tile (previously known as Dune eVo), Hydrabloc tile (previously known as Hydroboard) and Prestige tile (previously known as Ultima+) were used throughout the factory floor, offices and staff comfort areas to provide an aesthetic and robust ceiling solution.
The Aruba tile, used in AM Fresh’s office buildings, provide outstanding acoustic performance, combining Class C sound absorption with a sound attenuation level of 34dB. This combination means that background noise is controlled, but still able to travel, creating a work environment that allows for enhanced productivity and comfort.
Hydrabloc was used in the factory floor as well as areas with higher humidity, such as staff showers, due to its enhanced strength. Proven stable in permanent Relative Humidity (RH) conditions of 95% and temporary conditions of up to 100% RH, the Hydrabloc remains robust in damp conditions. The tile also offers excellent acoustics, even in the face of high humidity environments, and is rated Class A in sound absorption.
Prestige tiles were used in the office spaces, providing a smooth, finely textured finish for a clean and modern aesthetic that would help promote staff wellbeing. The Prestige tile also provides good sound absorption and sound attenuation for perfectly balance acoustical performance, making it a sound option for AM Fresh’s offices.
SCL Interiors were tasked with installing the ceilings, and were met with the challenge of working around other trades as well as a tight deadline. Zentia’s ceiling tiles along with its Grid offerings are quick and easy to install, which meant despite the obstacles the ceiling was successfully completed by the deadline of December 2022.
The successful completion of AM Fresh’s new facility highlights Zentia’s versatile and high-quality ceiling solutions, capable of catering to the diverse demands of modern industrial and commercial facilities while promoting occupant comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility.
