Acoustic insulation experts CMS Danskin Acoustics have worked with historic Standon Hall to specify and supply a range of acoustic products to reduce the impact of airborne and impact sound transmission in the Grade II* listed Staffordshire venue. During the course of redeveloping the early 20th Century country house into a high-quality wedding and business venue, Standon Hall made acoustics a key element for investment. CMS Danskin Acoustic’s in-house technical team conducted a site assessment in order to specify an insulation strategy to address structure borne noise and absorb sound.
The objective was to prevent noise transfer between ground floor functions rooms and nine bedrooms and suites above. Andrey Magiy, Standon Hall’s MD, said, “During this two-year project to transform the hall into an outstanding venue we had an opportunity to address acoustics as floors were lifted to install new services. It was as important to prevent sounds from above being heard in meetings and conferences below, as it was to prevent noise from ground floor functions filtering up into the bedrooms.”The resulting acoustics strategy from CMS Danskin Acoustics involved the installation of 600 square metres of Smartspan floor panels, Karma TNF70 high density stone-fibre batt and REGUPOL acoustic isolation strip. Challenges included the need to work from above to avoid disturbing fine, moulded lath and plaster ceilings below and the necessity to specify high performance acoustic materials of a thickness that would not increase bedroom and bathroom floor levels.
Andy Hayes, CMS Danskin Specification Manager and IAO Affiliate, said, “Smartspan panels span across bearing structures such as, in this case, joists. They provide high acoustic performance, are easy to install, come in different thicknesses, such as the 32mm and 18mm used at Standon Hall, and have a reaction to fire classification (EN 13501-1) A1. “Smartspan was also valuable for use in bathroom floors as it has excellent thermal conductivity making it ideal over UFH systems, has surface water absorption of only (EN20535) 300g/m2 is suitable for stone and ceramic finishes and, with a tongue and groove profile, it is straight forward to install.”
REGUPOL Acoustic Isolation Strip was also incorporated to reduce impact noise from first floor footfall. The strips are designed to sit beneath all types of partition walls and are a simple and effective way to reduce structure borne noise. Quick and easy to install, they provide long term performance without collapse or ‘bottoming’ out under high point loads are resistant to ageing and deformation, are manufactured using recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.
Karma TNF70 was also specified in places. It is typically used in refurbishment projects for improving existing structures where access is only available from above and where additional acoustic and fire performance is required, such as in flats, offices, shops and hotels. It is light weight, quick to install and is a dry system that will not damage sensitive lath and plaster ceilings or fine plaster mouldings. “The products have been absolutely brilliant and we have great acoustics results for the primary rooms,” said Standon Hall’s Andrey Magiy. Standon Hall opened for private hire for weddings and corporate events during 2021 and the bedrooms and suites were completed and launched in Spring 2022. Part of SIG plc, CMS Danskin Acoustics produces and sources insulation products advising on all matters relating to sound proofing materials and noise reduction strategies, including floors, ceilings and walls, to combat airborne and impact noise. Notable projects include the Bank of England, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and The Shard.