BBC Wales, Cardiff
Architect: Capita
Client: BBC
Flooring contractors: Houston Cox
Type of works: installation of Junckers oak Harmony acoustic flooring.
Junckers, Europe’s leading specialist hardwood flooring experts, has installed 865m2 of the latest technology acoustic-performance flooring to BBC Wales' new, purpose-built auditorium in Cardiff.
With efficient acoustic performance featuring high on the list of requirements, BBC Wales and architects Capita specified Junckers 22mm solid oak Harmony, a high-quality, attractive floor that is both hardwearing and beautiful. The installation by Junckers includes two studios used for rehearsal, performance and recording – BBC Hoddinott Hall and the Grace Williams Studio; plus four rehearsal rooms. The architects worked closely with Junckers’ Technical Services Department to develop a floor to suit the exacting requirements of the orchestra.
The building forms the new home for BBC Wales National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales. Tim Green, the project architect at Capita said: “There were a number of acoustic performance criteria that had to be achieved. Firstly BBC Wales was adamant that the timber floor should not ‘squeak or creak’! Secondly, concerns were raised that the floor may vibrate at high frequencies during orchestral performances”.
The flooring contractors were Houston Cox of Cardiff.