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Moveable partitioning experts Style worked with Todd Architects and contractor Felix O’Hare & Co, to divide the Student Hub at Queen’s Business School, Belfast. An impressive 290-seat tiered lecture theatre like this demands an equally remarkable movable wall solution — which is why Style recommended the fully automatic Skyfold Classic 60 system.

 

This pioneering operable wall is discreetly concealed within the ceiling cavity and descends gracefully at the push of a button, seamlessly dividing the stepped auditorium. With an outstanding 59dB Rw acoustic rating, Skyfold enables two independent teaching spaces to be quickly created, with no risk of sound interference.

Style is the exclusive UK distributor for Skyfold movable walls, including the Mirage glass system and the Zenith, featuring a narrow descent path that is ideal for restricted spaces.

Founded in 1845 as Queen’s College Belfast, Queen’s University Belfast became an independent university in 1908. Today, it is ranked as one of the top 200 universities in the world and is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities.

University lecture theatres are often under-utilised, but the stepped flooring makes it challenging to divide the space into two functional rooms using traditional solutions. Skyfold overcomes this problem, offering a fast, safe, and efficient way to partition the facility while providing exceptional acoustic separation. For easy movement between the two areas, an access door can be incorporated.

 

“This is a unique and impressive moveable wall solution,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group managing director.

“When the Skyfold descends from the ceiling it creates real ‘wow’ factor, sub-dividing this very high-ceilinged lecture quickly and efficiently. We were very proud to have been involved in the Student Hub, which was named Northern Ireland’s Building of the Year 2025 by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA).”

 

“Skyfold’s innovative design and seamless functionality ensure that Queen’s University Belfast now has a flexible, future-ready lecture theatre that combines acoustic excellence with striking visual impact.”


CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE STYLE PARTITIONS WEBSITE

 

DESIGNING WITH COLOURED CEILING TILES FOR PATIENT-CENTRED CARE

 

Healthcare facilities play a crucial role in our lives, offering high-quality care when we are most in need. The spaces that are successfully designed not only provide medical treatments but also ensure patients and visitors feel comfortable and safe during their time there. One often overlooked aspect of healthcare design is the importance of a well-crafted colour palette. It can provide clear guidance and wayfinding to patients and visitors, helping them navigate the complex environment efficiently, which is why creating effective zoning in hospitals using coloured ceiling tiles can contribute to optimal acoustic, hygienic, and zoning potentials.

 

The Significance of Effective Zoning in Healthcare Settings

Effective zoning in healthcare settings is crucial for several reasons. It promotes a streamlined flow of patients, visitors, and medical staff, ensuring everyone can find their way easily and quickly, which can lead to faster treatment and improved patient satisfaction. Well-defined zones are also particularly important in healthcare settings because they can often be the background to high-stress situations, so reducing confusion where possible is advantageous. More benefits include:

  • Wayfinding – Hospitals are usually large, complex buildings and they can be daunting for patients. Effective zoning makes it easier to navigate the building; reducing stress and anxiety for everyone.
  • Infection Control – Zoning can help segregate areas, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission.
  • Improved Acoustics –Providing clear pathways can contribute to better acoustics, reducing noise pollution, especially in sensitive areas such as recovery rooms or specific wards.
  • Efficient Use of Space – By dividing spaces efficiently, healthcare facilities can optimise the use of real estate, ensuring each area is used effectively and serves its purpose.

 

Zentia’s Coloured Ceiling Tiles: The Solution for Effective Zoning

Zentia understands the importance of effective zoning in healthcare settings and offers a versatile solution to enhance any healthcare setting in the form of its extensive range of coloured ceiling tiles. The tiles are designed with the unique needs of healthcare facilities in mind, helping them to achieve any zoning potential.

Various shapes and coloured ceiling tiles can be strategically used to mark different zones within a health facility. For example, calming, soothing lighter colours can be used in patient rooms, while vibrant, energising hues can be used for waiting areas, differentiating wards or wayfinding in corridors. Zentia’s extensive range of colours and styles allows healthcare facilities to create unique and visually appealing spaces, further aiding in zoning efforts.

The benefits do not end with zoning and wayfinding. Zentia’s coloured ceiling tiles are engineered to absorb sound, reducing noise levels in busy healthcare environments, providing a total design solution. This helps create a more peaceful atmosphere, benefitting patients’ recovery and staff productivity. It is also crucial for healthcare facilities to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. Zentia’s ceiling tiles are easy to clean and are resistant to moisture and mould, making them an ideal choice for hospitals and clinics.

For example, Sonify by Zentia offers a coloured suspended ceiling tile solution that allows you to play with colours and configurations to create exciting acoustic solutions. The range is available in 35 colours, offering an exhaustive range of products that can be used in all kinds of applications. Our Aruba Triangle range is another coloured suspended ceiling tile solution that is available in 35 colours and comes together to create a symmetrical triangular pattern that can create a real design statement, and stand out, ideal for effective wayfinding. For zones that require more of an industrial, edgy solution, the DecoMesh range, made from galvanised steel, is available in eight different colours and with three different edge details.

Effective zoning in healthcare facilities is essential for the well-being of patients and the efficient operation of the facility. Zentia’s coloured ceiling tiles offer an innovative and practical solution to support these efforts. With their acoustic benefits, hygienic properties, and customisable designs, they are an ideal choice for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments. By incorporating these tiles into your facility’s design, you can create an environment that is not only visually pleasing but also optimised for zoning, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and satisfaction.


To find out more about Zentia CLICK HERE