Knauf AMF Thermatex Acoustic ceiling planks create a luxurious feel for a new exclusive apartment development in a prosperous area of Newcastle.

‘ONE Jesmond Three Sixty’ has been transformed from a 1960s office block into a landmark building with striking architecture and contemporary interior design. Briefed to design a warm and chic interior for 80 apartments, GT3 architects were attracted to Thermatex acoustic ceiling planks for the reception and circulation areas which set the tone for the rest of the building.

“We wanted an alternative to the standard square ceiling tile and liked the white unperforated surface which gives the planks its unique appearance. We also liked the repeat pattern the planks form on the ceiling.”
The smooth, white elegant appearance of Thermatex Acoustic planks help give the interior a welcoming ambience for residents and visitors. The building’s public spaces have a light, airy, open feel, thanks to the ceiling’s high light reflection (85%) and low air permeability. Thermatex Acoustic planks do not need regular cleaning; the surface can resist dust which helps retain its bright appearance. This bright appearance combined with the ceiling’s high light reflectance reduces the level of artificial lighting required.
Thermatex Acoustic ceilings offers excellent acoustic control and are ideal for busy areas. The planks improve privacy for residents by ensuring unwanted noise does not travel from the external hallways to the apartments.
At ONE Jesmond Three Sixty, the ceiling planks were fitted using Knauf AMF’s Bandraster grid system. The Bandraster system allowed the architect full creative expression in ceiling design creating a linear look to the ceiling planks as an alternative to standard 600 x 600mm tiles. The parallel suspension sections of the Bandraster grid system can be adapted to the architecture of any building.

The ceiling’s versatility allowed the architect to realise their vision for the finished interior. “We wanted plank sizes of 300mm on a suspension system with semi-concealed grid, with a shadowline to the perimeter and a plasterboard upstand edge which we were able to achieve. We also wanted light fittings to be centred to the width of the plank which we were also able to achieve. We would specify Knauf AMF products again.”

Fire protection is a key requirement for all public areas. The materials installed in ONE Jesmond Three Sixty had to meet high standards. Thermatex Acoustic planks are classified A2 fire performance (non- combustible) to prevent flame spread with no contribution to the development of a fire.