Spec Finish

out – it could possibly fall like a pack of cards and there was not a clear method to calculate the structural strength and debility. We did not want to test his theories in practice, but on the other hand, the client was keen to remove the redundant stage, with a dubious reaction from our team and the structural engineer. We agreed the stage should be removed to suit the overall scheme and to future-proof the flexibility of the room. “The extra loading and hanging weight of the lighting grid, baffles, and the acoustic rafts was carefully calculated to have minimal impact on the frame, spreading the loading of the lighting grid across the whole ceiling rafters and columns side to side”. Pexhurst completed the strip-out of the main area of the hall, which comprised the large concrete stage, as previously mentioned. To ensure the structural integrity of the hall a structural steel support was installed to the retained section of the stage, which also included the creation of a new timber framework structure. Improving environmental impact Nick said: “As the construction sector looks to improve its environmental impact, Pexhurst is no exception. Conscious of the carbon footprint of the building, we worked with another contractor based on site who was on another project, to ensure that all material stripped out would be made available for reuse, reducing wastage. Once the area was stripped out, we refashioned the timber cladding as timber supports”. Conclusion Nick concluded by saying: “Our fit-out and refurbishment proficiency was very evident on this project. The University was highly satisfied with the Prince Edward Hall fit-out, providing them with a highly functional area with a sleek interior aesthetic, bringing it in line with other recently refurbished campus buildings”. www.vincent-gorbing.co.uk www.pexhurst.co.uk www.synergycreativ.com Feature 12 www.thefis.org Deep research into colour Donna Taylor , Principal Technical Colour Consultant at PPG and FIS member discuss the colour used in the Prince Edward Hall project. Blue is a colour of versatility, as highlighted in this design. It is beautifully complemented by the various surface components. This particular dark shaded Blue colour contains a heavy saturation of black that instills a sense of elegance and sophistication in the space. Sitting on the cooler side of the colour spectrum dark blue is passive in nature and has many Psychological associations. It conveys feelings of confidence, importance, authority, intelligence, stability & logical thinking. It is also less attention grabbing than warmer active colours that are found on the opposite side of the colour spectrum. In health and wellbeing dark blues are soothing, reassuring and comforting, with an ability to lower the heart rate and blood pressure; perfect for creating calm and relaxing environments. The surface finish of the wall is equally important as it allows the surface to perfectly absorb just enough surrounding light, which further complements its surroundings by creating crisp screen visuals without causing glare. The ceiling lighting design then draws the eye upwards and converts this moody ambience into a futuristic electric brilliance. The very clever downlight feature on the stage wall portrays a shadowed reflection of geometrical shapes that forms a subtle point of interest to that area. A perfectly fitting ambience for the purpose of this space. www.ppg.com Inspiring circuit board design is clear for all to see (Image provided by Synergy Creativ) The hall has now become a multi-use vibrant space (Image provided by Synergy Creativ) Creating the perfect ambience (Image provided by Synergy Creativ)