Located in Smales Farm in Auckland’s Takapuna, AIA House has been recently refurbished to upgrade the base-building and repurpose the interior. The lower two floors (Levels 1-2) have been transformed into a new B:Hive+ co-working space, while Levels 3-5 house AIA’s refreshed New Zealand’s head office. Designed by Jasmax, the refurbishment includes new glazing to increase levels of natural light and a refresh of the central atrium. A bespoke Comfortech acoustic panel installation plays a key role in creating a comfortable working environment in the open atrium and office levels, while adding visual flair to the space. 

“For the atrium, the clients wanted a social, collaborative space where tenants from different businesses could come together — whether to network across businesses or connect with their own teams,” explains Alistair Scott, Associate Principal, Jasmax. “Given the atrium’s open connection to all floors, acoustic privacy and comfort was a key design consideration.”

Jasmax also incorporated biophilic design elements throughout the space. “The design drew inspiration from natural patterns and movements as well as the layered structure of a forest, with the atrium representing the canopy, and the upper levels symbolising emergent layers,” says Alistair. “Our goal was to create an inspiring, energising workspace that fosters a connection to nature.”

To reduce reverberation in the atrium, the Jasmax team designed a custom feature wall using acoustic panels to create a wave form which could be hung from an existing steel mesh screen. They turned to Comfortech to bring the bespoke design to life using an adapted version of their dbFin Acoustic Baffles. 

dbFin Acoustic Baffles are high performance acoustic baffles with a Group 1-S fire rating from Comfortech’s dbSorb Acoustic Systems range. Made of up to 60% recycled materials, the baffles are designed to effectively control reverberated noise in busy and open spaces.

“We frequently work with Comfortech on commercial projects. The dbFin acoustic baffles are attractive, acoustically effective and lightweight, and the clipping system was particularly beneficial for this project,” says Alistair. “They also have a strong environmental profile as they’re made from recycled plastic bottles. Sustainability was key for this project — we aimed to reuse wherever possible while still creating a fresh, dynamic space for the tenants.“

The Comfortech team collaborated with Jasmax, showing them different mounting options and helping them to refine the bespoke design for the feature wall which measures 9m high and 15m wide. The final design features dbFin baffles which have been quartered lengthways, while retaining the curve, to create long, wavy strands.

The Jasmax team used 3D modelling to take advantage of each full dbFin baffle with zero waste. “We modelled the 3D design and were able to work out panel shapes with zero wastage, providing the cut-files to Comfortech with a numbering system,” explains Alistair. “They then cut the panels to pattern and numbered each so that when they arrived, they could be put up on the wall in order. Pretty much every panel was different, but with that numbering, the installation was straightforward with the panels mounted over a couple of days.”

While just two colours were specified for the acoustic installation, the subtle varied curves of the long quarter-cut panels come together to create a dynamic feature, which stands out not only from within the atrium, but also from the open floors above. 

“We’re really pleased with the result,” says Alistair. “The installation has a dynamic quality — its appearance changes depending on the angle from which it is viewed. It is both glimpsed in various portions through the other elements in the space, and as a whole.”

Ultimately, the bespoke acoustic installation has achieved the goal of controlling reverberation — and is a visually appealing addition to the newly refurbished office. “It has met the acoustic requirements and is attracting a lot of positive feedback.”