Improving acoustic clarity in a specialist healthcare environment
Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences is home to a world-leading collaboration of research scientists, engineers, medical doctors and teaching professionals. As a faculty at the forefront of the translational medicine revolution, its primary aim is to turn scientific advances into direct benefits for patients being treated in our partner NHS Trusts. Newcastle University was […]
Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences is home to a world-leading collaboration of research scientists, engineers, medical doctors and teaching professionals.
As a faculty at the forefront of the translational medicine revolution, its primary aim is to turn scientific advances into direct benefits for patients being treated in our partner NHS Trusts.
Newcastle University was looking for a solution to divide a teaching laboratory that enabled two busy classes to run side by side. Working with architect Mr Ross Henderson in Newcastle University’s Estates department and main contractor Vest Construction, Style recommended the Classic 60 Skyfold moveable wall as the perfect solution.
Skyfold is the ingenious, vertically rising, fully automatic, acoustic moveable wall housed discreetly in the ceiling cavity, and descending gracefully at the push of a button. Offering exceptional acoustic integrity of 59dB Rw lectures can run concurrently and undisturbed.
By opting for a silver metallic finish, this moveable wall also complemented the modern interior design of the room.
“We needed a solution to divide a teaching laboratory that minimised sound transfer (over 100 students on each side!) and was quick and easy to operate,” said Dr. Alison Gregory, technical manager, School of Biomedical Sciences, Newcastle University.
“We chose a Skyfold mobile partition, which was expertly installed by Style, and have been delighted with the result.
“The wall has exceeded our expectations acoustically, visually and practically. We can run independent activities in adjoining labs with large numbers of students with virtually no sound transfer between rooms.
“When the wall needs to be raised or lowered, its electric mechanisms and safety features enable it to be used with ease by staff. The finish is both modern and practical (can be wiped down if required), which fits in perfectly with our newly refurbished laboratory.”
Talk to us about your acoustic goals — we’ll help you design a solution that sounds as good as it looks.
2026 © Style Group
HBN 00-09 sets out these surface characteristics because unsealed joints are a recognised place for moisture and micro-organisms to collect. A genuinely joint-free edge is designed to address that specific detail.
This is a surface and edge specification, not a clinical claim. Zero-joint technology has not been evaluated or certified by NHS England, and does not claim to reduce infection rates.
Food-service and guest-facing areas are typically inspected under hygiene and housekeeping standards that look closely at surfaces and joints. A seamless, moisture-resistant edge is designed with exactly that kind of scrutiny in mind.
Every one of these sectors shares the same underlying surface problem: a bonded-strip edge is a seam, and a seam is a place where dirt, moisture or wear can concentrate in a way a continuous surface can't. Zero-joint technology addresses that one structural detail across offices, schools, healthcare and hospitality settings alike — one construction detail, one shared weak point removed, four sectors that each care about it for their own reasons.
Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you within one working day.
Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you within one working day.
Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.
