Hope Academy - Wilmott Dixon

Hope Academy in Newton-Le-Willows was a BSF design and build project by Willmott Dixon. Outside acoustic consultation lead to Oscar Acoustics’ SonaSpray FCX being specified for the impressive giant feature, yellow pods in the main dining space, SonaSpray K-13 Special in light and dark grey for the auditorium walls and SonaPanel acoustic panels for the main sports hall upper walls.

The pods were constructed using ply over a ribbed shape. Oscar Acoustics then applied SonaSpray FCX at 20mm and trowelled smooth. The SonaSpray range is able to follow the existing lines of nearly any shape making it possible to add school acoustic absorption without compromising on design; designers and architects can now let their minds run wild.

In the auditorium, it was not possible to spray the ceiling as is common in most schools due to feature timber cladding. Interesting shapes were designed for the walls; Oscar Acoustics’ in-house trained operatives installed a stop bead to mark out these shapes and in filled with light and dark grey K-13 Special to great effect.

For the sports hall acoustics, Oscar Acoustics’ SonaPanel acoustic panels were chosen in blue/grey and positioned at high level. See the Oscar Evo-Panel page for a new and innovative way in which to solve the age old school acoustic problem of standing sound waves at low level.

The end result for Hope Academy and Willmott Dixon were superb school acoustics without restricting design possibilities and a relaxing and truly inspiring school building.