Former Magistrate's Court with two Hunter Douglas Architectural ceiling systems

HeartFelt® planks and solid oak grille panels were chosen to compose the ceiling of this building, giving it a new look, in accordance with its new function. The “Old Court House” now houses the offices of the William Grant & Sons family scotch whiskey distillery.

A spectacular transformation, for a new life

It was not until 2019 that the old Richmond Magistrates' Court, a building constructed in the 1970s, has housed the offices of the William Grant & Sons company. Known as the Old Court House, the building had in fact been acquired by property developer Exton Estates and pension fund British Airways for its potential, before being subject to a spectacular renovation and redevelopment, and then to to be sold in May 2018 to the family-owned Scottish whiskey distiller.

Of great architectural value, the district court was built in a contemporary and modernist style. In charge of the renovation project, the architects of the ESA architecture agency have enabled the building to retain much of its individuality and character. And this despite the extensive renovation work, which has since made the Old Court House part of Category A buildings according to the British classification (new buildings or buildings that have undergone quality renovation, with high quality finishes , state-of-the-art systems, exceptional accessibility and a certain presence on the market) and to benefit from the “excellent” rating of the BREEAM certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

The interior of the building, covering almost 3m350, has been transformed: the architects have enabled it to acquire a spectacular design, full of elegance and sophistication. And to find the right architectural ceilings, the architectural firm turned to manufacturer Hunter Douglas Architectural.

Two Hunter Douglas Architectural systems, for efficient and stylish ceilings

So these are two of the many manufacturer's systems that have been installed. In total, Hunter Douglas Architectural supplied 150m2 of 20mm x 68mm solid European oak wood grid panels, as well as 250m2 of HeartFelt® panels in various shades of gray.

For Justyna Rzeszotarska, Project Manager at ESA architecture, it was the aesthetic appeal and the good acoustics of these systems that motivated this choice. Regarding the multi-award-winning HeartFelt® system, she explains: “HeartFelt® ceilings have added warmth to the interior of the building, while improving acoustics. We have chosen a few shades of gray because they harmonize with the rest of the material palette and thus create a backdrop for office activities. Felt panels have also been used in unusual ways in some informal open spaces, where employees can meet to work in groups or visit if they need a private space. Indeed, in these rooms they were installed in such a way as to create a specific circular design. Justyna Rzeszotarska specifies: “These circular shapes add
an original element and allow to reduce even more the reverberation.

HeartFelt® panels: different types of installation, for different environments

Solid wood grille panels, meanwhile, were installed in the exchange areas and the bar to create an elegant space, complementing the solid oak flooring. The Project Manager adds, “We wanted attractive solid wood ceilings in spaces where staff and their guests can meet, relax and attend a presentation. »The panels were installed with a space of 120 mm, a black acoustic support and incorporated spots, to ensure a comfortable environment for users. A custom-made luminaire suspended below the ceiling is an eye-catcher, its dynamic form contrasting with the calm rhythm of the grille.

Hunter Douglas Architectural solid oak grille panels, in the William Grant & Sons bar area

For Juliette Halliday, UK Sales Manager at Hunter Douglas Architectural, the choice of ceilings complements the building's grand aesthetic: “There are striking design features throughout the Old Courthouse; HeartFelt® and solid wood grid panels contribute to this unique look and complement the overall aesthetic of the building. We are happy to have played our part in this spectacular renovation ”.

HeartFelt® and solid wood grille panels: demand for durability and freedom of design

With sustainability as a guiding principle, the architectural products company offers solutions whose manufacture is based on the Cradle to Cradle principle. For example, HeartFelt® panels are made from 100% recyclable thermoformed polyester fibers, which earned them the C2C Bronze certificate from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. As for the solid wood grid panels, they are C2C Silver certified and the wood comes from sustainably managed forests (FSC and PEFC certifications). Characteristics in accordance with the “excellent” rating of the BREEAM certification enjoyed by the new premises of William Grant & sons, in Richmond.

On the design side, the range of solid wood grid ceilings from Hunter Douglas Architectural allows you to design unique ceilings. It is made up of more than twenty different essences; In terms of finishes, in addition to the standard transparent lacquer, there are many stains and colors available. In addition, architects and designers can choose their own grid sizes, and add light fixtures, vents or speakers in the ceiling. All panels are therefore custom made off site. Thus, the amount of cutting required at the installation stage is minimized and installation costs are reduced. The panels of the HeartFelt® Linear Ceiling System also allow for great design freedom. They are available in lengths of up to 6 meters and are fixed by a special support system which also allows use as wall covering. They are available in a wide range of panel sizes, joint widths and mounting heights and in ten colors.

These systems also have various security advantages. Thus, solid wood, impregnated, achieves class B-s2, d0 fire resistance in accordance with standard EN13501-1; in some cases higher classes are also available on request. The modular felt linear ceiling system complies with regulations for use in non-polluting buildings and meets European standard EN 15251 for interiors and fire certification EN 13501 Class B, S1, d0 .