Almost a thousand children and young people will start their schooling in the fall of 2022 in the new North Tapiola school building. It is a modern school building in terms of architecture, where the current goals of diverse learning are realized. Pohjois-Tapiola Unified School is a large school with a lot of spacious and adaptable space. The large windows give the space a lot of natural light and make the space feel airy.
We know how to prepare well for the acoustic challenges of modern school architecture
However, large open spaces and windows can be a challenge for acoustics. Tiina Paasonen, the construction designer responsible for the project from Sweco Architects, states that the situation was expected in advance at the North Tapiola Unified School:
- The current trend of school buildings has already been adapted over the years, and in the case of North Tapiolan too, the design was fairly standardized. All parties knew in advance the demands set by the facilities, so nothing in itself came as a surprise. If a space is perceived as more challenging, then that is not a challenge in itself, but just more work. Large windows on the facade, several doorways in the classroom, glass walls in the corridors and the equipment required for teaching can cause additional work for the acoustics design.
Paasonen also mentions that one of the challenges of acoustics today is the lack of closed wall surfaces, when instead of traditional solid interior walls, there are glass walls and several doorways. In this case, there is no free wall surface for the necessary acoustic wall coverings. This is often solved in such a way that, in addition to suspended ceiling coverings, acoustic wall coverings and traditional fixing surfaces on the walls are implemented with one product, which meets both requirements.
The project's acoustics designer, Antti Mikkilä from A-inseniore, says that in addition to ceiling and wall coverings, textile carpets are also often preferred in current teaching spaces. However, he adds that carpets are not very important for room acoustics, but can increase the comfort of the room.
- The basic solution in this type of objects is to have an absorbing surface on the ceiling. If it is a room with a normal height, a damping surface can also be installed on the walls, depending on the purpose of the space, says Mikkilä.
The gym needs different acoustic ceiling panels than the kitchen
According to Mikkilä, the most important thing in planning school acoustics is to visualize the whole. It is important to identify special spaces and think about the purposes of use of different spaces.
At the North Tapiola unified school, you can find a total of four different types of acoustic products made of Rockfoni stone wool in a total of 7,500 m2. Rockfon Sonar board, which is durable and stylishly suitable for a wide range of spaces, was mostly installed in the lower ceiling.
Rockfon Sonar is also a very safe solution in terms of its fire resistance. It, like other Rockfon products used in the site, has the highest possible fire safety classification, A1.
The site's more special acoustic solutions are represented by Rockfon Boxer, which was selected for the school's gymnasium. As the name suggests, the Boxer can withstand even harder impacts if, for example, a ball hits the ceiling during exercise class.
Rockfon Hygienic acoustic panels were installed in the school's kitchen, which are hygienic and easy to keep clean. Hygienic products are currently matched by the Rockfon CleanSpace product series, which is suitable for spaces with very high cleanliness and hygiene requirements.
The acoustics of North Tapiola Unified School meet expectations and goals
Antti Mikkilä says that in June 2022 acoustic measurements had already been taken at the school, and e.g. sound insulation levels had been measured. The results were good in terms of room acoustics, and the target values had been reached according to the measurements.
Paasonen also confirms the fulfillment of the goals:
- Everything at the site seems exactly as planned.
