Lloyd Webber approves
14th November 2017

The primary goal for the new Royal Birmingham Conservatoire was to provide a building for the reproduction of music with ‘one of the highest levels of acoustic attenuation in the World’.

BENNETT ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM carried out acoustic testing to achieve the required sound reduction figures. The figures achieved were as high as Rw 68dB for the composite curtain wall system designs.

The building envelope used Kawneer AA100 curtain walling and AA720 window systems that provide thermal enhancement along with acoustic performance; these systems combined with engineered acoustic baffles within secondary glazing reveals helped to reduce sound transmission further.

Early engagement with the main Contractor Galliford Try helped the design alignment process and ensured any challenges were ironed out early on.

Lionel Grant, Managing Director at Bennett Architectural said: “The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire was certainly a different kind of project for our team, but we have helped to create an instantly recognisable building and something quite unique.”

“Birmingham Conservatoire is located on a busy city centre road; therefore, it was vital we got the acoustics right to keep that sound out.”

The £57m purpose built Royal Birmingham Conservatoire opened its doors to the public in September 2017 and is ready to host the world’s best musicians.

Professor Julian Lloyd Webber of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire added: “With our new name and suitably magnificent new home we intend to set the global benchmark for music and drama education and performance.”

www.baasl.co.uk/projects/