The Stour Centre, in Ashford, which first opened
its doors in 1975, has recently completed a major two-year
refurbishment programme utilising over 1600 m2 of Rockfon’s Sonar
‘E’ (Tegular) ceiling system. The remodelled facility offers the
community a complete package of up-to-date services with particular
emphasis on an entirely new water area and the Contours Health Club.
The centre has a wide range of facilities including a 25m main pool,
circular teaching pool, leisure pool with flumes and raging river, a
spa with steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. Rockfon ceilings were
specified throughout because they are aesthetically pleasing, create
a good acoustic environment, offer high fire safety as well as being
totally moisture resistant and non-hygroscopic. Importantly Rockfon
is one of the main ceiling systems suppliers to provide enhanced
corrosion resistant RockLink grids which ensure enhanced longevity
in the harsh chemically laden environment of swimming and leisure
pools.
Trevor Culmer, Integrated Interior Systems said, “There were a
number of design and performance issues in the early stages of this
contract which were all met using Rockfon Sonar tiles and RockLink
grids. The lighting centres were not modular with the ceiling
layout, this required the ceiling tiles and grid to be cut down to
suit using specialist tools supplied by Rockfon. Purpose made trims
were also required at junctions between the ceilings and the curved
perimeter bulkheads. This contract was successfully completed with
the continual assistance of Rockfon”.
Sonar tiles are produced using a patented technology, ensuring
razor-sharp looking edges that are not only elegant but strong and
flexible for superior durability. The top lacquer used on the
surface provides enhanced cleaning properties and resistance to
scratches and marks. Its sound absorption properties also help to
reduce noise build up, ensuring good speech intelligibility, which
is particular important in swimming pools and gyms. In addition
Rockfon ceilings are 100% dimensionally stable even when exposed to
extremes of moisture, heat and cold and can withstand up to 100%
relative humidity at 40ºC.
Email:
mindy@m-spring.com