Henley College, Oxfordshire

Henley College required an acoustic flooring solution capable of reducing both impact and airborne sound transmission while preserving the character of the existing building. The work also needed to be completed within a demanding programme governed by fixed college term dates.

Project Overview:

Working closely with main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, an acoustic flooring solution was required across approximately 1,500 m² of the college.

The selected system needed to improve acoustic separation without creating excessive floor height or significantly altering the appearance and layout of the building. Flexibility was also important, allowing the college to make future changes to the internal spaces if required.

The Challenge:

Footfall noise was a key concern, but the floor construction also needed to help reduce airborne sound transmission between adjoining spaces.

Any acoustic treatment had to remain discreet and retain the original character of the building. The available construction height was limited, and the completed floor needed to accommodate potential future alterations.

The installation programme presented an additional challenge, with the work required to meet strict deadlines between active college term periods.

The Solution:

MCW Impact Board 28 was selected as a practical, low-profile floating-floor solution for the 1,500 m² area.

The system provides effective impact and airborne sound reduction while supporting floor constructions designed in line with Robust Details FFT5 requirements. Its interlocking construction creates a stable and continuous acoustic floor across the treated areas.

At only 28 mm thick, MCW Impact Board 28 minimised the increase in finished floor height while providing the required acoustic improvement. The shallow construction also retained greater flexibility for future changes or additional building services.