As part of its ongoing research and development programme, Accordial Wall Systems has just opened the first in-house acoustic laboratory at its Nusing factory in Loughborough. This gives the company the opportunity to test the performance of its movable walls.

Accordial Wall Systems is the only UK manufacturer with its own laboratory built to British Standards. Tests are carried out under the guidance of its Laboratory Manager, Alan Turvey who is an Associate Member of The Institute of Acoustics.

Acoustics play a vital part of the new building regulations, the work being conducted by the team at Loughborough is helping to answer many questions at the crucial planning stage.

On-site testing has become an integral part of the operation with Alan Turvey and his team independently checking installations. This has been an enormous help to architects and contractors alike to aid in the best specification of movable wall needed and the construction of the work around the environment of the movable wall.

All the testing equipment is totally portable and makes ease of access simple wherever the project is.

A full report is supplied following the visit.

Martin Sarsfield, Nusing Operation Director said: “Clearly we can ensure that whatever changes we make to the design of our walls, we can also ensure back-up results. I am not sure other manufacturers have this unique facility.”