Royal Holloway, University of London
Product(s):
When Royal Holloway, University of London set out to refurbish four lecture theatres, architect and interior designer Stride Treglown Bristol set out to create contemporary learning environments that looked inspiring while supporting the needs of both students and lecturers.
In spaces designed for teaching, acoustics play an important role. Every student should be able to hear clearly, wherever they’re sitting, while lecturers need the confidence that their voice will carry naturally throughout the room. With this in mind, acoustic performance was considered from the very beginning, becoming an integral part of the overall design rather than an afterthought.
Working alongside the wider project team, AllSfär supplied a range of acoustic ceiling and wall solutions that helped bring each lecture theatre to life while creating comfortable spaces for learning.
Rather than repeating the same design throughout the building, each lecture theatre has its own identity. In one space, our Aurora acoustic ceiling rafts create a striking geometric feature overhead, adding visual interest while helping to control reverberation and improve speech clarity. Integrated seamlessly with the lighting, the rafts demonstrate how acoustic solutions can become part of the architecture itself.
In another lecture theatre, our Stratus ceiling system creates a completely different look. The bold black ceiling introduces rhythm and definition across the space while delivering effective acoustic absorption, proving that practical performance and contemporary design can go hand in hand.
The walls were equally considered. Our Öra Layered acoustic wall panels were specially adapted to follow the sloping geometry of the lecture theatres, creating a clean, continuous finish that feels completely at home within the architecture while providing consistent acoustic treatment where it’s needed most.
Adding another layer of texture and character, Öra Sculpted wall tiles were framed in timber to create eye-catching feature panels. The result transforms the acoustic treatment into a design feature in its own right, showing how acoustics can contribute to the overall look and feel of a space as much as its performance.
The completed lecture theatres feel modern, welcoming and purpose-built for learning. Every acoustic element has been thoughtfully integrated into the design, helping to create spaces that not only look impressive but also support clearer communication, better concentration and a more enjoyable learning experience.
This project is a great example of how acoustic design can do more than improve sound. When considered as part of the wider interior design vision, it can help create educational environments that are functional, inspiring and designed to support learning for years to come.
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