The University of Canterbury’s former Commerce building was transformed last year into a new purpose-built space designed by Athfield Architects for contemporary teaching and learning.
The building’s leading-edge facilities provide large flexible learning spaces and feature the latest in technology. Formal teaching spaces compliment informal and social spaces to create a vibrant student-focussed learning environment.
The multi-level building is the New Education Building (NEB), an extensive EQ repair and re-purpose, in which Heradesign acoustic panels from AMF were chosen as part of the vision for their strong aesthetic with a bold mix of materials, colours and textures.
Heradesign is versatile and can easily be installed in a number of ways: as a suspended ceiling within a grid system, screw mounted to the ceiling, hung as clouds, rafts or baffles, and direct fixed as wall panels – many of which applications were utilised throughout the multi-level University of Canterbury project. One highlight of the project, being the communal hub area ceiling with varying mixed angles installed with care and precision by Alpha Interiors. Heradesign offers differing textures in a standard natural colour and can also be specified in any colour, either ex factory (as per UOC project) or painted locally – enabling true design freedom.
Heradesign’s sound absorption also plays a key role as it controls the acoustic levels within a space and environment. Heradesign also offers a standard Group 1S fire rating, essential for public buildings.
Heradesign is a popular choice for specifier and designers who want to produce an environmentally friendly aesthetic. Research shows that connection to the natural environment can improve overall wellbeing. Heradesign ticks the green boxes being manufactured from sustainable wood-wool sourced from PEFC and FSC certified forests.
If your project has a mix of acoustic and aesthetic challenges, Potter Interior Systems can provide a solution that will work for your project.
Architect : Athfield Architects
Main Contractor : Hawkins
Ceiling contractor : Alpha Interiors
Aluminium contractor : Sure
Photography : Mark Scowen
Potter Interior Systems Products Supplied
Heradesign Acoustic Panels
Aluminium partitions – E Series
AMF Thermatex SF Acoustic ceiling tiles
Rondo Donn Grid
Rondo Keylock
Autex wall coverings
Vision whiteboards
Hard edge hatch