The labs provide modern facilities in the university’s science department where students can hone their practical analysis skills to further their studies. An Ecophon ceiling system was utilised to deliver a striking, modular design while providing excellent acoustic qualities conducive for a learning environment. This was achieved through bespoke dimensions of Ecophon Solo™ ceiling tiles for a minimalist effect, partnered with Ecophon Focus™ DS in a concealed grid system in a volcanic ash colour.
The delivery programme began in September 2024, with intentions to commence teaching in the labs in the 2024-25 academic year, necessitating the majority of work to be completed during term time. To make this possible, the ceiling installation needed to be completed by the end of the Christmas holidays, with drylining work concluding in February 2025.
Significant delays could have compromised these plans, risking disruption to students and potentially reputational and financial implications for the university. The successful delivery of the project avoided such harmful consequences, placing MENTA Construction Ltd as a reliable specialist contractor to deliver similar projects in future.
Lee Curry, Director, MENTA Construction Ltd, comments: “Working with the university has been a valuable opportunity for us to showcase our capability to deliver large projects to a high standard within the required timescales. With Encon and Nevill Long’s help, we completed the refurbishment on time and handed over the project as planned, ready for teaching to begin on schedule.
Since our business was established in 2022, Encon has consistently supplied materials when we need them, ensuring we can deliver for our clients, and this job was no different. I’ve known Karon Pye [Sales Office Manager] for years and she always goes the extra mile to help us exceed client expectations, which has laid the groundwork for more exciting opportunities to work with the university going forward.”
Nicola Ball, Internal Sales liaised with the customer and manufacturer to ensure reassurance of supply and technical support. The client required a specific aesthetic design which necessitated bespoke coloured tiles being imported, resulting in significant lead times which could have been critical to the project’s success.
Nicola explains: “The bespoke tiles were manufactured in Sweden, so I remained in contact with Ecophon and the customer to keep all stakeholders informed on the progress of both the manufacturing and installation processes so the programme could be tweaked where required. I also put MENTA Construction in contact with an Ecophon representative who visited site and helped resolve a couple of technical issues, which was especially useful as the customer had not previously worked with this particular product.”
Lee concludes: “As a relatively new business, Encon’s longstanding relationship with Ecophon was crucial to help us meet the required timescale. Nicola and Karon made sure materials arrived when they were needed and that any changes to scheduling were communicated in advance so we could plan accordingly. With Encon taking care of the logistics, we could focus on delivering a successful solution for the university and its students.”
Encon & Nevill Long North East offers total project solutions for the built environment, spanning the four specialist divisions of The Encon Group: Encon Insulation, Nevill Long Interior Systems, Encon Technical Solutions and Encon Construction Products.
To benefit from knowledgeable and reliable support from our specialist team at the branch, email northeast@encon.co.uk or call 0191 293 1090.
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