Mineral ceiling tiles and canopies from Armstrong were specified for a school’s first new-build for almost 20 years for their aesthetics, acoustics and cost. Some 22 Optima L white circle canopies and a total of 500m2 of Dune dB Tegular tiles on a Prelude 24mm grid, that was angled 45˚ in one area, were selected by Diocesan Architects for a new £1.2million sixth form centre at Hartsdown Academy in Margate, Kent.

The Armstrong systems have been used throughout the 500m2, the circular Optima L canopies in the social space and the diagonal grid layout with Dune dB tiles in the student space specifically, with the Dune tiles in all other areas.

The Optima L canopies were developed to provide a cost-effective designer solution for open areas, providing excellent sound absorption through their ability to absorb sound on both the front and the back of the system and so aid intelligibility and concentration. They are quick and easy to install under plasterboard ceilings, existing grid systems or exposed concrete soffits. The Dune dB tiles aid confidentiality due to their higher density which enables them to perform to 39dB.