The Challenge:
Designed by Woodhams Meikle Zhan architects, the new Pukekohe Toyota showroom and service centre leveraged the acoustic power of Ultratone perforated plasterboard ceilings in their showroom and client spaces to control unwanted noise and help set a calm and inviting feel for their customers.
Featuring a large volume space with mono pitch roof/ ceiling, functional tiled flooring and expansive glazing for natural light and roadside visibility, the project created several design challenges. The first of which was acoustics. Marshall Day Acoustics Engineers advised that the showroom without acoustic treatment was going to suffer from excessive reverberation times which would make it difficult for sales consultants and customers to converse, build trust, and make a deal.
Their acoustic report proposed perforated plasterboard with a minimum Sound Absorption Rating (NRC) of 0.7 for the showroom ceiling to effectively manage sound. The other challenge was to achieve a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
- Address excessive reverberation.
- NRC of 0.7+ required.
- Create an uncluttered aesthetic.
- Choose a sustainable option to meet the architect's vision.
The Solution:
To meet these demands the design team selected Asona’s Ultratone™ 12/25 perforated GIB plasterboard in a W2L1 pattern. The W2L1 pattern also helped achieve the design aesthetic with linear clusters of perforations running the length of the sheet that followed the mono pitched roof line.
Continuous LED lighting battens were fixed in the nonperforated areas to further enhance the linear look. To control unwanted noise the sheets were perforated with 12mm holes at 25mm centres and backed with acoustic insulation to deliver an impressive NRC 0.80 performance.
Manufactured in Auckland by Asona from locally made GIB brand plasterboard and Global GreenTag Certified Level A, the Ultratone product aligned perfectly with the architect's vision to incorporate ‘green’ elements into the building. Installation went smoothly, with joins stopped and painted to a high standard to create an attractive monolithic acoustic ceiling that will last the test of time, as well as help sell some cars.
The true test of the acoustic design became evident on the showroom’s opening night with 100 people present, no acoustic issues only positive feedback highlighting the calming environment that enabled the sales teams to engage customers effectively.
- NRC of 0.8 achieved.
- Stylish & contemporary finish.
- Tailored Installation.
- Global GreenTag Certified Level A.
