Beautiful acoustics enhance student learning and wellbeing

Whilst libraries are traditionally seen as quiet spaces, modern school libraries host a much wider range of activities, some of them noisy. Autex Acoustics® wall and ceiling products have transformed this college library into a practical and highly desirable space for individuals and groups.

At the newly refurbished library in the Cecile Ryan Centre at St Andrews Lutheran College, Queensland, acoustic wall and ceiling panels from Autex Acoustics bring quiet and comfort to a large, multi-use learning space.

St Andrews Lutheran College Head of Library Services, Barbara Kristo, explains: “The library is the heart of the school. Our goal was to transform it into an innovative learning environment that fosters creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Students were instrumental in shaping the redesign vision. They saw the need for various zones that accommodate both interactive, social activities and quiet, focused study.”

A warm welcome with natural timber

After student and staff interviews and feedback, the school’s brief entailed a reconfiguration of the existing spaces along with a complete refurbishment of the floors, walls, ceiling and furniture.

“A few needs didn’t change,” says Simon Brook from Burling Brown Architects. “Staff still needed to supervise all areas of the library, which meant maintaining visually open space, while introducing new quiet study areas and settings for student hobby clubs.”

The school also asked that the design be warm and inviting, with a neutral, earthy background. “The brief called for natural products and patterns, so this project was perfect for the Autex Acoustics Acoustic Timber™ panelling and beams,” notes Simon.

“We have used the Autex timber beams on other projects, but this was the first time we used Acoustic Timber printed panels en masse.” Burling Brown specified ceiling panels in Eucalyptus, custom Acoustic Timber beams in Queensland Walnut, and Composition® wall covering in Empire, Petronas and Koala.

Lightweight panels are simple to install

The high faceted ceiling, whilst providing a grand and inviting space, came with its acoustic challenges.

“We considered re-perforating the existing plasterboard ceiling,” says Simon, “but this wouldn’t have given us a high enough NRC rating. We also didn’t want to add load to the structure – and all the cost and time implications of that – which made perforated timber-veneer panels out of the question.”

The lightweight Acoustic Timber enabled the designers and builders to retain the ceiling’s sloping polygon shapes and light fixings without complex installation.

Acoustic Timber

“The panels were easy to cut and fit on site, installed using adhesive, with no screw fixing required. They added no undue weight or stress, and also satisfied the stringent fire-rating requirements.”

Collaborating for innovative acoustic solutions

With a long history of collaboration with Autex Acoustics, Burling Brown incorporated acoustics into every nook and cranny to maximise sound absorption. The result is a study and collaboration space where students and staff can perform at their best.

“For example,” explains Simon, “we co-developed a batten screen wall with Vaughan Penny [Autex Acoustics Queensland Specification Manager]. I sent Vaughan a sketch for the screen between a reading lounge and staff work area, which needed both separation and visual connection. Autex worked through the details to maintain the integrity of the design whilst providing something that was easy to construct.”

Composition® wall covering

For further colour, comfort and sound absorption, Composition wall covering is used around the edges of the space. “Triangle-shaped niches with booth seating are lined with Composition to create quiet study corners. It’s pinnable and Velcro receptive, so staff can hang artworks and resources. Composition is used elsewhere in black – behind TV screens and bookshelf areas, for instance.”

Creating spaces where students can flourish

“Thanks to the creativity and expertise of Burling Brown and Autex Acoustics, we have effectively addressed noise control, previously a major issue in our library,” notes Barbara Kristo, Head of Library Services. “The feedback from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. The transformation has reinvented the library as a dynamic hub of student learning and wellbeing.”

Project details

Project: Library at Cecile Ryan Centre, St Andrews Lutheran College

Architect: Burling Brown Architects

Builder: Altran

Category: Education

Account Manager: Vaughan Penny

Featured products:

Composition® Wall Covering
Acoustic Timber™ Panelling and Beams

Photographer: Murray Rix

Architecture & Design Team

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Autex Acoustics

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