A comfortable studying environment at Sct. Ibs Skole

The new and state-of-the-art school wanted a new interior design to foster learning and well-being, so they opted for acoustic ceiling from Rockfon to create a new teaching environment.

School Ceilings Turn Noise into Well-Being

"Shh" and "Can we have some peace", and similar comments are often heard in the country's classrooms, where it is not always easy to hear the teacher. Even though many Danish schools are noisy and unpleasant, as Realdania's campaign Schools' Indoor Climate proved, this is not the case at St. Ibs School's new building. GINNERUPARKITEKTER collaborated closely with LINJEN to create it.

When the old private school in Horsens burned down in 2018, it gave the school a reason to be ambitious with new facilities, said school principal Dan Jensen:

“It was critical for us that, now that the damage had been done, we had to think ahead and design a new and cutting-edge school facility with the best possible learning framework. We were aware of the problems with the previous facility's indoor acoustics, making it more essential than ever before to improve it. Fortunately, we are completely satisfied with the result, which is especially welcome for students' well-being.”

Acoustical Demands in Common Areas

It has been necessary to go the extra mile to eliminate annoying noise and reverberation in large common areas, high ceilings, and open floor plans. In order to provide a pleasant learning environment for both pupils and instructors, acoustic optimisation has been given an important role.

“The school is designed with large common areas, open floors, and to accommodate many kinds of activities. Therefore, the acoustics were in focus during the design process.” Jens Erik Rasmussen emphasised, partner and architect at GINNERUPARKITEKTER.

Simon Christophersen, director and building designer at LINJEN Arkitekter, added:

“Acoustic Rockfon ceilings were incorporated in both classrooms and common areas to fulfil the desire to maximise acoustics as much as possible. To form a focal point, we have taken advantage of the expression and utilised acoustic ceilings in a greater size that are well suited to the proportions of the structure and appear stylish.”

From Details to Well-Thought-Out

However, it is not only the sound-absorbing ceilings, which were supplied by Rockfon, that assist in keeping noise in class and recess at bay. Simon Christophersen clarified:

“We've had an acoustic calculation firm on site to guarantee a conducive learning environment, and we've taken various sound-optimising steps into account. For example, noise-reducing notice boards, covered floor separations, and the furniture being carefully chosen to minimise reverberation time are just a few examples.”

The architecture also considered natural light sources as well as the use of artificial light. In addition, the school building features 11 designer lamps that were damaged by the fire but have now been given new life and express both soul and history.

"Skylights in the middle of the common areas allow daylight into the massive building complex. They also preserved and restored some of the school's original PH lights, which now function as light sculptures in the huge atrium," Jens Erik Rasmussen added.

The Rockfon Blanka's white ceilings also contribute to the brightness of the space and take advantage of natural light. Steffen Meldgård, project consultant at Rockfon, shared:

“Rockfon Blanka is an obvious and safe choice for teaching environments where one takes the indoor climate seriously. Especially when it is not just the acoustics that are in the spotlight, but also the expression. The ceilings are matte white on the surface and play well with contemporary architecture, which St. Ibs School is an excellent example of.”

Sct. Ib's School was able to welcome students from 7th to 9th grade after the summer holidays, when the new school building was put into use.