South Bristol Skills Academy has been commissioned by City of Bristol College to drive up educational standards and provide employment opportunities in South Bristol.

Lafarge Plasterboard, has worked with main contractors Cowlin Construction and drylining subcontractors GHT plastering to deliver the project on target for its launch in September.

The four-storey building's design was inspired by an aircraft hangar and reflects the two halves of the brain. The two areas of the building are separated by a large, light atrium, and are linked by bridges at each level. At the hub of the Skills Academy is a winter garden and terrace, where students and staff can meet and socialise.

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The expansive internal spaces and numerous curves of the Skills Academy combine to create an impressive visual experience, requiring special acoustic consideration.

Chris Norris, Senior Technical Manager for Lafarge Plasterboard worked closely with Cowlin and GHT to ensure that both acoustics and aesthetics were satisfied. Chris said: "With large open internal areas there is a danger that resonant sound can quickly get out of hand unless proper precautions are taken. GTEC Pregybel was specified to act as a 'sound-soak', to limit reverberation times in the atriums, open stairwells and corridors of the building. Pregybel is a perforated gypsum-based board from Lafarge's GTEC specialist range of boards. The board fully complies with the recommendations of Building Bulletin 93 (BB93), a report document that provides guidance on acoustic treatments for schools and educational buildings."

(CD/KMcA)