Rockdale Public School has installed a Bildspec acoustic operable wall at their school on behalf of School Infrastructure NSW. Bildspec installed the Series 100 Rw45 Centre Stacking Operable Wall between class rooms to allow class rooms to be able to operate simultaneously without unwanted noise passing between the two.

The operable wall panels were finished in an Autex Composition face finish, with inset, vitreous enamel whiteboards both sides. Autex Composition is a high-performance acoustic wallcovering with a rich colour and soft yet durable polyester fibre finish. The hook-and-loop receptive pile and pin-able self-healing surface lends itself to creative and education focused spaces. The school chose colours Granny Smith for one side and Phantom for the other – bright, dynamic colours to promote budding ideas and visual expression.

Children spend a lot of time in classrooms and it’s estimated that the majority of this time is spent trying to comprehend their teachers’ and classmates’ speech. Environments where it is difficult to hear can lead to students becoming disconnected and struggling to focus. This in turn can impact their cognitive development, reduce learning outcomes and cause behavioural issues. To this end, the acoustic environment, including moveable acoustic wall panels, are now regarded internationally as one of the prime considerations in the design
of new classroom facilities.

Bildspec folding walls have an important part to play in providing an improved acoustic environment. These operable wall systems are often used to assist the creation of innovative, high-quality learning environments for students. Innovative learning environments offer flexibility and adaptability where teachers and lecturers can provide opportunities for student engagement.