the vision
Standing on a former cement works site in Medway Valley, Kent, the Oscar Innovation Centre spans over 16,000 sq ft and comprises 2 buildings. The first is a warehouse, office and show home for all its products, while the second is made up of six, individual two-story warehouses.
The goal of the facility was not only to support Oscar Acoustics’ substantial business growth through additional warehousing space, but also to showcase the company’s SonaSpray range in action. These decorative acoustic sprays absorb sound energy, creating productive, distraction-free spaces where employees can thrive.
creating serene office spaces
Designed to support employees no matter their working needs, the primary building of the Oscar Innovation Centre features a Manhattan loft-style office, quiet breakout spaces, meeting rooms and a welcoming lounge.
To enhance the acoustic environment, Oscar Acoustics applied SonaSpray® K-13 Special in light grey throughout the main office and reception areas. SonaSpray fc in white was used for the private office space. This treatment effectively reduced noise levels and seamlessly integrated with the modern, Art Deco aesthetic of the building’s interior.
The main meeting room showcases our patented knife-edge ceiling trim Oscar Evo-Blade, for an elegant, infinity-edge illusion. To create a quiet space for focused and collaborative work, the Evo-Blade is paired with SonaSpray K-13 Special in white and SonaSpray fc in black.
In the bathrooms, a combination of Oscar Elite acoustic plaster and Oscar Evo-Blade plasterboard trim was used to create dramatic shifts in height, sharp recessed lighting channels and a smooth, slimline ceiling with optimal reverberation control.
Ultimately, functionality and visual appeal went hand-in-hand across all the office spaces, aligning with the contemporary designs of Urban & Rural, the architectural firm behind the project.
enhancing industrial acoustics
The second building within the Oscar Innovation Centre is dedicated to the company’s innovation facility and additional warehousing.
As we explore in our recent E-book, industrial workplaces are rife with excessive noise, from the clanging of machinery to the hustle and bustle of busy shifts. A versatile acoustic solution that would keep noise to a minimum was key for enhancing productivity and protecting workers’ ears.
To combat this challenge, Oscar Acoustics’ SonaSpray® K-13 in mid and light grey was applied to the ceilings throughout the warehouse spaces. While the neutral shades of these finishes complemented the bold yellow timbering, allowing the space to really ‘pop’, their superior acoustic qualities contributed to a safer, more productive work environment for warehouse employees.
achieving net zero emissions
The Oscar Innovation Centre has been awarded the Green Plaque with an A+ EPC rating, defined by assessors as having achieved ‘net zero CO2 emissions’.
Electricity usage within the building is offset by 164m2 of large roof-mounted PV panels, which enable us to power our operations and charge electric cars on-site, all while sending huge amounts of energy back into the grid.
We had some great feedback from the Green Plaque assessors:
“This is an innovative development that sets high specification standards. It effectively and efficiently considers the new building’s environmental performance, and reflects how best to practically implement the project’s sustainability elements in its design and construction process.
“Sometimes a project comes along that just ticks all the boxes. Though the Green Plaque assessment is not simply about describing exemplary developments, this one is really quite exciting, and just shows what can be achieved when the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise is there.”
designed with people and planet in mind
As a company with a steadfast commitment to sustainability, SonaSpray® stood out as the obvious choice of acoustic treatment for our new HQ space – a means of showcasing our mission to the public.
Commonly used within green-build projects, SonaSpray contributes towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA and Living Building Challenge. SonaSpray also boasts GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality to ensure that it meets the highest welfare standards.
For fire safety assurance, the SonaSpray range has credentials that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating). In the event of fire, it creates little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, assisting in the safe evacuation of occupants.
