The Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) recently opened the new Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) and Mark Henry Administration Building on a 26-acre site. Designed by PBK Architects as part of the CFISD’s 2019 bond funding, both facilities showcase Rockfon stone wool acoustic ceiling panels throughout their interiors.
The 85,000-square-foot VPAC presents CFISD’s visual and performing arts programs. Next door, the 220,000-square-foot, five-story Administration Building was designed with efficiency, safety and health in mind for the district’s 700 employees. Rockfon acoustic stone wool ceiling panels in both facilities support the current and future well-being, comfort and productivity of students and staff.
The VPAC and Administration Building mirror each other in their design, materials and finishes, including their ceiling systems. In total, Applied Finish Systems installed more than 245,000 square feet of Rockfon acoustic stone wool ceiling panels in Chicago Metallic 4000 Tempra 9/16-inch suspension system.
For the new buildings’ modern appearance and acoustics, PBK Architects specified the Rockfon Module System with Rockfon Sonar and Rockfon Medical Standard technical ceiling panels in six-inch widths. The panels’ narrow, rectangular size and square tegular narrow edge enhance visual interest to the ceiling design and conveniently integrate with linear lighting. Rockfon Infinity Perimeter Trim adds a crisp, durable, clean edge to the ceilings.
Brandon Ross, AIA, LEED AP, partner at PBK Architects, who designed both buildings, is quoted in the Houston Chronicle as saying, “This central facility will provide both some relief in size and in quantity for future activities. It’s set up to support true visual performing arts to support your band, orchestra, dance (and) arts. It’s truly an all-inclusive facility. It has spaces to support all of those.”
The VPAC’s multi-level, 1,500-seat, state-of-the-art auditorium includes two balconies. It hosts approximately 1,600 student theatrical, orchestra, dance and other artistic performances each academic year. The building also has a small secondary theater that seats up to 200, a multipurpose room, a dance studio, warm-up areas, and ticketing, concessions and fine arts spaces.
Engaging audiences with excellent acoustics, the VPAC’s interiors primarily are composed of Rockfon Sonar panels, which deliver best-level sound-absorption as demonstrated with a 0.95 Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). Stone wool a high NRC lowers noise levels and reverberation time, improving speech intelligibility and acoustical comfort.
Accentuating the VPAC’s dramatic atmosphere, the large theater showcases Rockfon Cinema Black acoustic stone wool ceiling panels. The black panels also provide excellent sound absorption with a 0.95 NRC. Distinguishing the smaller theater, Rockfon Tropic white acoustic stone wool ceiling panels were selected in square two-by-two-foot sizes.
Because acoustical comfort also is important to effective, efficient workplaces, Rockfon Sonar ceiling panels also are installed in the Administration Building. Even small changes in people’s acoustical experience may have a significant impact on their well-being, concentration and comfort. Sound-absorbing, high-NRC acoustical ceiling panels reduce noise and its negative impact on occupants in large, open office and collaborative spaces. Ceiling panels that absorb sound at high performance levels also meet today's strict acoustics building standards.
“I’m so excited for students to have a facility like this to showcase their work and to hone their craft and to develop those skills. I’m pleased that our employees who work so hard will have a good work environment for them to do their work and to serve our district in," CFISD Board Trustee, Julie Hinaman, said in a Community Impact article.
Maximizing daylight and energy-efficient lighting, Rockfon Sonar stone wool ceiling panels’ white surface reflects up to 85 percent of light. The diffused illumination reduces glare on screens and monitors, which further promotes the staff’s comfort, concentration and productivity.
Rockfon ceiling systems offer designers optimal design freedom, while maximizing performance and occupant well-being. Because Americans spend the majority of their time indoors, office buildings and schools deserve extra attention for IAQ. For CFISD’s VPAC and Administration Building, Rockfon stone wool ceiling panels are UL GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low VOCs.
Contributing to IAQ and occupant health, stone wool is inherently moisture resistant and does not support harmful microorganisms, like mold and bacteria. These properties also minimize maintenance. Rockfon ceiling systems are simple to clean and are easily removed to access the plenum for future renovations and upgrades. Reducing labor and material costs with resilient material choices further respects the school district’s bottom-line and taxpayers’ investment in their community.
CFISD’s new VPAC and the Administration Building provide a centralized, convenient, accessible and inclusive destination for the district’s staff, faculty, students, families and other visitors. Inside these buildings, Rockfon ceiling systems contribute to providing people with a comfortable experience that supports their well-being, productivity and performances for many years to come.
