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Acoustic Pods for Schools
The team at AcousticPods were asked to help with acoustic pods for school use.
Modular acoustic pods for schools are rising in popularity due to their flexibility and ease of transforming single spaces into comfortable study and learning areas. St. John’s Catholic School in Gravesend, Kent required a flexible solution to provide additional quiet teaching space for Sixth Form classes.
The school has large open plan halls that could accommodate demountable acoustic pods so Associate Headteacher, Dan Walton researched the availability of suitable large acoustic pods within the UK. Since the size of the pods required was 5m x 4m it became clear that the choice of pods at this size was extremely limited and most providers were unable to provide a solution.
However, AcousticPods.co.uk were able to provide this size of acoustic pod for schools and to demonstrate the viability of the requirement. A visit to one of Acoustic Pods London showrooms was arranged the client was pleased with the finishes and options available.
School Acoustic Pods
In view of the scale of the pods and their use within a school environment, it was necessary to undertake various feasibility studies. Several proposals were made, and plans drawn to allow the school to visualise the finalised demountable classrooms and then a further showroom visit was organised so that engaged stakeholders could approve the quality of the acoustic pods and discuss intricate detailing such as:
- fire suppression
- power requirements
- audio-visual needs
- colour finishes and sample material swatches for sign-off
Also, the specification of the wall components was finalised to be largely half glazed and half solid melamine panels. This is important for school acoustic pods as it allows for durability, ease of cleaning as well as visual connection with the environment in which the school pods are deployed. Some aspects were to be fabric covered acoustic absorbers to help maintain an effective control of reverberation within the pods.
School Classroom Pod
Throughout the process AcousticPods visited the school site many times to survey, engage with relevant staff and discuss options. This allowed the creation of plan drawings of all the areas involved and help facilities staff to discuss the project. This was extremely helpful and provided reassurance of the viability of the entire process.
An order was placed for 2 school acoustic pods that would provide an additional private teaching space for 26 students. The acoustic pods were manufactured and delivered promptly and with the inclusion of bespoke table systems, provided aesthetic and acoustically controlled teaching environments.
“Our new, school acoustic pods, have exceeded all of our expectations. The pods have created a wonderful teaching environment for each of our Sixth Form classes and are revered by both students and staff alike. The students have been inspired by the conference style setup and professional appearance of the pods. We are incredibly grateful to AcousticPods for their excellent support throughout the project and their guidance and expertise on the most suitable setup of the pods. The installation team were extremely professional, courteous and giving of their knowledge and time. I would happily and thoroughly recommend the services of this company and their products; we will certainly be liaising with Richard regarding the purchase of additional acoustic pods for deployment in other areas of the school.”
Dan Walton, Associate Headteacher, St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School
Acoustic Pods hope to be installing further units at the school which we look forward to sharing with you upon completion.