Mason UK has formed part of the team to deliver a £40 million development at the Royal College of Music. Situated between the vibrant Imperial College of London and the illustrious Royal Albert Hall, the Royal College of Music can be considered the pinnacle of past, present and future music within the capital.

The £40 million ‘More Music: Reimagining the Royal College of Music’ Campaign aims to increase access to music and strengthen facilities. The building development will enhance student and visitor experience. Floating floors were required in the new performance hall to create separate box-in-box structures providing areas for undisturbed musical performances. With high ceilings, varying levels and heavy floor finishing zones, the floating floor and bearing designs had to be carefully coordinated with the design team and in particular the structural engineers.

The heavy perimeter walls and ceiling were constructed on 12Hz natural rubber bearings which surround the main floating floor. This helped to spread the mass across the structural floor rather than having large point loads. At the head of these walls were bespoke design acoustic snubbers which would engage in the unlikely scenario of the walls moving laterally ±3mm. This satisfied both the acoustic and structural requirements.

Mason UK’s involvement in the Royal College of Music’s More Music building development brought together many different elements of design. Being directly involved within the design process enabled the best possible solution to be put forward; this is especially important in scenarios where a typical construction solution is not suitable.