Size

1,000 sq ft

Location

Birmingham

Activity

Professional Services

Duration

3 weeks

We've transformed the meeting suite at Cundall's Birmingham office, creating a showcase space that demonstrates the engineering consultancy's expertise in acoustic design and sustainable solutions.

The refurbishment has delivered a suite of meeting rooms that not only serve as functional spaces for client engagement but also act as a living portfolio of Cundall's capabilities in acoustic engineering and sustainable design.

Cundall is a leading international multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy, offering specialist expertise in acoustics, sustainability, lighting design, building services and a host of other services. With a global presence, the firm provides innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges across various sectors.

When water damage affected the finishes in their meeting suite, Cundall saw an opportunity to create something special. Having previously collaborated with OP, they approached us to help transform their affected meeting rooms into a space that would showcase their expertise in acoustic engineering and sustainable design.

The brief was unique: to create a suite of meeting rooms that would not only serve their practical purpose but also demonstrate Cundall's products and capabilities to visiting clients. This would require careful integration of specific acoustic solutions and sustainable materials that Cundall regularly specifies for their own clients.

The project posed several challenges. Work needed to be carried out in a live building environment, requiring careful coordination to minimise disruption to ongoing operations. Additionally, we needed to ensure that the various acoustic products would work harmoniously together while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Many of these products were new to the UK, or had not been used in this way previously, so there was a learning exercise all around.

The transformed meeting suite now serves as both a functional workspace and a powerful demonstration of Cundall's expertise in action.

Working closely with Cundall's acoustic specialists, we've created a space that showcases various cutting-edge acoustic solutions. The rooms feature ARCHISONIC® Cotton absorbers, made from natural raw materials in a closed-loop system, alongside Rockfon Senses acoustic wall panels that incorporate organic materials with hand-finished surfaces.

The installation of VANK Ellipse acoustic panels and Re.Wrap recyclable fabric-wrapped panels demonstrate how aesthetic appeal can be achieved without compromising on acoustic performance or sustainability. These elements work together to create optimal sound conditions while serving as talking points during client visits.

Extensive use of recycled PET by Autex and DeVorm go alongside bio-based materials by Vank and Archisonic, together with zero-waste, robot-knitted panels by Nown and fully circular fabric panels by Woven Image.

This project exemplifies the power of collaboration between design and engineering expertise. By working closely with Cundall's specialists, we've created a space that not only functions beautifully but serves as a living showcase of their capabilities. The careful integration of acoustic and sustainable solutions demonstrates how technical excellence can be achieved while creating an inspiring workplace environment.

Tina Batham, Managing Director

Lighting plays a crucial role in the design, with the installation of Fagerhult Kvisten luminaires - innovative fixtures made from 77% recycled or renewable materials.

Their wooden bodies, crafted using traditional joinery techniques without screws or attachments, complement the overall sustainable ethos of the space.

Also used is the Superdupertube pendant by ateljeLyktan which is made from hemp.

Other lighting includes recycled and repurposed tracks by XAL which are on their third deployment, emphasising a truly circular approach to design and installation.

The colour palette has been deliberately refined from the previous bright scheme to a more neutral selection, supporting neurodiversity and creating a calmer environment.

This shift reflects current workplace design best practices while maintaining visual interest through texture and material variation.

We've also upgraded the technology infrastructure, including installing a new meeting room booking system to improve space utilisation and user experience.

Sustainability has been a key consideration throughout the project. All old office furniture was either recycled or repurposed for charitable causes, while new materials, including low-VOC paints and sustainable carpets, were selected for their environmental credentials.

The success of the project owes much to the collaborative approach between OP and Cundall.

Their expertise in acoustics and sustainability, combined with our workplace design and delivery capabilities, has resulted in a space that effectively demonstrates both companies' strengths.

The refurbished meeting suite now serves as a perfect demonstration space for our clients. It showcases our acoustic and sustainable solutions in a real-world setting while providing our team with an excellent environment for collaboration. OP's understanding of our needs and attention to detail has helped create a space that truly reflects our expertise and values. We have used many new and innovative products and systems; we prefer to be the guinea pigs for new ideas, rather than expecting our clients to make that leap.

Andrew Parkin, Global Head of Acoustics at Cundall

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