Athens 2023 | Ceilings

VELUX® GBI Head Office

United KingdomCompany Name: ISG

Project description

Creating the perfect office environment

In a two-storey extension with large, horizontal and vertical spaces, optimised acoustic performance was crucial to ensuring comfort and optimal working conditions for the 160 staff.

Developing a two-storey, 37,673ft2 extension for 160 people presented a range of challenges in itself, but incorporating a curved ceiling into the design added an entirely different set of obstacles. Our expertise was required to develop a solution that would improve the acoustic performance of the VELUX® headquarters and facilitate the ideal office environment.

Working with Sinclair Watt Architects, ISG plc and PFP Ltd, we were able to deliver a solution that provides optimal acoustic performance, meaning 160 VELUX® employees can enjoy the ideal working atmosphere.

Main information

Building size

3 500 m²

Building purpose / type

Offices

Building owner name

Velux

Architect name

Sinclair Watt

Contractor

Company name: ISG

Main Representative: Mr. Sam Small

Number of collaborators: 3001

Specialties: Education, High-rise residential, Data centres, Fit-Out

Founded in: 1989

Biography: We are ISG. As a global construction specialist, we make places where people and businesses thrive.

Contractor: ISG

Main representative: Mr. Sam Small

Contractor: PFP Edinburgh

Main representative: Mr. Boyd Sinclair

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Key Challenges

Acoustics – Ensuring the system delivered performance given the height of the ceiling
Aesthetics – Making sure the system was visually appealing to the client and staff
Curved Design – Incorporating the system into the curved design
Air Quality – Delivering ambient air quality within a large open space
Blue Chip Client – Design a system that befits a high performing business such as Velux

Key Achievements

Good relationship/cooperation between Sinclair Watt, ISG and PFP, ensuring clarity, efficiency and effectiveness.
New specification for Velux – We analysed potential reverberation times across the extension, before working with the frame manufacturer to develop a custom-made solution for the curved ceiling. GypCeiling MF was recommended for the project due to its high level of design flexibility.
Air quality and acoustics – Our technical expertise, knowledge, know-how and care delivered acoustic excellence in a challenging open-plan space, combined with our ActivAir technology, improving indoor air quality for employees.