The Stephenson Building, University of Newcastle

Project: The Stephenson Building, University of Newcastle

Segment: Education

Country/city: United Kingdom, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Architect: Norr

Installer: RSI

Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland

Photographer: Kristen McCluskie

Project size: 1,329 pieces of Ecophon Solo™ Rectangle

Production year: 2024

An award-winning, world-class hub for engineering excellence

Designed by NORR architects, The Stephenson Building at Newcastle University is a stunning example of sustainable thinking, combining renovation and remodelling with new. Utilising the existing 1950s building, the new engineering centre has been transformed into a collaborative Hub for Engineering, with research and learning spaces centred around a large, vibrant atrium.

When a building is demolished and a new one is put in its place, the emissions locked into the original building are wasted and the new building’s material manufacturing and construction processes create new emissions. Even energy efficient buildings can take decades to save more operational energy emissions than were created in the construction process. So, the solution to high emissions and waste seems simple – reuse existing structures and materials.

“Acoustics were always considered to be key to the project’s success. Both technical and teaching spaces demanded a good level of absorption for speech intelligibility and auditory comfort respectively. The conflicting demand was for a highly flexible building where spaces could adapt to changing demands in the ever-shifting environment of teaching and research, with access for maintenance also being high on the clients list of priorities.

The utilisation of Ecophon Solo™ rafts, together with a linear track lighting system, enabled this. With a combination of different rectangular raft sizes, we were also able to create a strong visual aesthetic that provides the equivalent absorption to a lay-in-grid ceiling, with reduced waste when compared to a full suspended ceiling solution. The Ecophon Solo™ rafts therefore contributed to the scheme’s overall sustainability credentials”, says Mal Lorimer, Senior Architect.

Every angle and elevation, both within the atrium and externally, shouts innovation, and quite simply, very clever design. This aesthetically inspiring building had to be matched by an equally clever acoustic design.

“The project presented unique acoustic challenges that required innovative design solutions”, explains Adam Cooke, Director at Apex acoustics.

“The building's complex layout included spaces likely to generate a lot of noise, such as engineering laboratories, situated adjacent to highly sensitive classrooms and meeting rooms. Additionally, the project included large-volume triple-height spaces, presenting significant challenges in controlling reverberant sound.

Leveraging our long-standing collaborative relationship with NORR Architects and Saint-Gobain Ecophon, Apex Acoustics developed a comprehensive acoustic design approach, utilising Ecophon Solo™ acoustic rafts, which have a high recycled content. Our team worked closely with the project stakeholders to ensure optimal acoustic performance throughout the building, creating an environment that supports both high-intensity research activities and critical learning spaces. The successful completion of the Stephenson Building project stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainable acoustic excellence and our ability to navigate complex acoustic design challenges”, concludes Adam Cooke.

Text: Shane Cryer, Concept Developer- Education, Ecophon UK & Ireland