All in all you're just another brick in the wall - Another Brick in the Wall - Pink Floyd
The selection of internal walls and coverings products can shape a classroom and its learning environment. It’s imperative that an architect equips themselves with the best the market can offer.
Walls are used to divide spaces in all spaces. In classrooms, these walls foster the educational growth of students in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings and therefore must be safe, sustainable and non-flammable.
The beauty of modern manufacturing means that these panels come in an abundance of different textures, finishes and shapes, allowing for them to reflect either the aesthetic or branding of a school or institution. Durable materials that can withstand high traffic environments seen in educational spaces should always be adopted by architects, particularly in places of specialised learning or communal areas like halls and gyms.
Bildspec
Bildspec’s Operable Walls range nurture the creative output of students through assisting in the creation of flexible learning spaces. The walls can divide or open out spaces when required and contain large format windows to provide maximum light transfer to allow maximum natural light.
The high acoustic ratings met by Bildspec Operable Walls allow students to complete tasks without distraction from outside noise. This also gives architects the chance to implement them within areas of high activity, including halls and music rooms.
Given that Bildspec is the first operable wall manufacturer in Australia, their expertise is seldom matched. The company sources its products from sustainable sources intent on responsibly harming timber, ensuring designers have peace of mind when utilising the company’s products.
Bondor
Bondor’s Equitilt holds the gift of versatility. The composite panel possesses the ability to be installed as an interior lining panel or an exterior facade panel, coming in a suite of colorbond colours and finishes. The range comes in two options, with Equitilt offering high thermal performing Expanded Polystyrene with fire-retardant or Equitilt FlameGuard, which has a non-combustible Mineral Wool core.
Lightweight and efficient in comparison to its pre-cast concrete counterparts, Equitilt offers acoustic and fire safety qualities that make it suitable for educational settings, as seen within the Bunbury High School Cafeteria. The panels can be installed horizontally or vertically as either an internal panel or external façade panel.
Cemintel
Cemintel’s Barestone panels are resilient to the challenges that arise from educational settings as well as being of low maintenance. The panels are durable and contain a minimalist aesthetic that allow it to blend in suitably amongst school paraphernalia. The panels feature Ceminseal water-blocking technology and are factory sanded, ready for installation with the trusted Cemintel Expresswall system.
Barestone panels can be adapted towards any project. As well as this, the products can be used with any other CSR products due to the company being part of the CSR Building Group. The company’s Surround and Territory products are other prefinished cladding options made suitable for educational spaces. Cemintel is an Australian manufacturer which makes for short lead times, with the simple setup ensuring a seamless process from beginning to end.
The selection of internal walls and coverings here provide architects with a wide range of products, finishes and colours. Modern pedagogy requires modern solutions for educational spaces, to provide students with spaces to learn, study and retain information.
Deco
DecoPanel's aluminium flat sheet panels bring an air of contemporary to Australian learning spaces. The panels can be applied as a wall lining option or used as ceiling panels and are finished in a sublimated powder coated finish. Available in a range of timber, concrete or rust-look aesthetics, the smooth, contemporary wall panelling creates a low maintenance yet effective internal wall lining for use in an education setting.
Deco’s panels require little-to-no maintenance thanks to their durable finishes and can be personalised or branded towards the liking of a designer with over 30 DecoWood timber finishes and 12 DecoVogue concrete, rust, and stone finishes. They can be laser cut to any shape and can also be used with an acoustic lining. Non-combustible and easy to install, the flat sheet panels also come with a 12-year warranty, underlining their durability.
Elton Group
According to Elton Group, its WoodWall product as a game changer. The timber veneer is available as a recut or natural species and pre-polished with a factory applied durable polyurethane coat, making it readymade for the challenges of learning environments head-on.
WoodWall is uniquely applied like a wallpaper to maximise space within classrooms. Its flexibility makes it suitable for curved walls, detailing, columns, and ceilings. Additionally, WoodWall holds a Group 1 fire rated surface product, making it suitable for classroom settings. WoodWall is claimed to be sustainable due to its timber qualities and is prefinished with a factory applied polyurethane polish.
Gyprock
The Rigitone range manufactured by Gyprock features acoustically outstanding perforated plasterboard. The panels are ideal for ceiling coverings and can be utilised in both small and large spaces, from classrooms to halls and libraries. Rigitone’s seamless bonds ensure a coherent covering that can be covered in a multitude of finishes.
The Rigitone ceiling panels contain ‘Active Air’ technology developed by Gyprock, which converts formaldehyde in the air to a non-harmful inert compound that is locked into the board – improving the air quality in the indoor environment for everyone using that space. Integrated lighting, ventilation and sound systems can easily be incorporated into the ceiling alongside Rigitone.
Siniat
Siniat’s Trurock is a plasterboard internal wall solution that offers impact, water, and fire resistance without sacrificing on acoustic qualities. Trurock is a sensational choice for all education environments, but especially for more challenging situations such as special assistance schools. It has a high-density gypsum core, glass fibre reinforcement and recycled heavy duty purple liner paper.
Trurock is seen as a lighter alternative to fibre cement boards, with the Trurock HD range additionally mould resistant. Both products are available under the Siniat Carbon Neutral Opt-in program, certified by Climate Active and are GreenTag GreenRate certified.
The plasterboard panels were recently utilised at Robina’s Arcadia College, with the school becoming the beneficiary of its impact resistance and sound insulating properties in learning spaces away from mainstream schooling.
Image: Kuringai High School / Courtesy Buildspec
Suppliers:
Bildspec: www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/bildspec
Bondor: www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/bondor
Cemintel: www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/cemintel
Deco: www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/deco-australia
Elton Group: www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/elton-group
Gyprock: www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/gyprock
Siniat: www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/siniat
