Although two different brand concepts, Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport and Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport share the same roof and twelve storeys designed by architects Sarc + Sigge. Together, they can welcome more than 1500 guests across 716 rooms and, at 38 000 gross square metres, make up Finland's largest hotel complex. Situated right opposite Helsinki Airport, an indoor walkway provides easy access to the terminal.
The Role of Acoustics in Airport Hotel Design
Acoustics were not overlooked at the two airport hotel properties. Rockfon acoustic solutions – primarily Rockfon Color-all ceiling tiles in nine different shades – cover nearly 15 000 square metres of ceiling surfaces, ensuring maximum noise control for guests and staff alike.
Acoustic strategies are essential in hotels' shared areas, especially in properties with such high capacities and frequent conferences. In noisy environments, guests and staff are likely to raise their voices, contributing to even higher noise levels – a phenomenon known as the Lombard Effect. The issue is especially prevalent during group check-ins, in breakfast areas, and in event ballrooms. Given the proximity to the airport and the associated flight activity, it becomes key to incorporate both sound absorption and sound insulation measures in airport hotel design.
"The project's acoustic designer initially defined room-specific requirements for each type of space. Based on these requirements, it was determined that the ceiling needed to be made from stone wool or some other sound-absorbing material. The interior designers then specified the colours to be used in the spaces and, consequently, the ceilings", explains Janne Lainea, project architect at Sarc + Sigge.
Airport Hotel Design with Colourful Ceiling Tiles
Developing acoustic comfort at Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport, Rockfon acoustic solutions are installed across the hotel room foyers and almost all public areas, including the hallways, lobbies, restaurants, smaller meeting rooms, and the 1050-person ballroom – all which feature colourful shades of Rockfon Color-all such as Iron, Space, Sandalwood, Mastic, and Concrete.
"More than half of the shades were selected directly from Rockfon's 34 exclusive colours, including calm, earthy, and darker tones", says Rockfon Sales Manager Jari Kivistö.
In addition to the colourful Rockfon Color-all ceiling tiles, other acoustic solutions were installed behind a faux-wood slatted metal ceiling, including the restaurant spaces, the spa, and the wellness area. Although these acoustic solutions are hidden, they still significantly contribute to improving the rooms' acoustics.
Rockfon CleanSpace Pro acoustic panels were installed across the numerous kitchens. Suitable for commercial and industrial room types with high cleanability requirements, the white acoustic tiles withstand numerous cleaning and disinfection methods. They are HACCP-verified and safe for use in the food and beverage industry.
In the second property, Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport, Rockfon ceiling solutions are installed across the hotel room foyers in special custom shades. Although the order of Rockfon acoustic solutions included special sizes and rare shades – which can have longer delivery times – product delivery was smooth thanks to the installer Inlook.
