Dragon School, Oxford - 13 modular music studios

Whilst installing a brand new set of bespoke instrument storage at Dragon School in Oxford, we were informed that the music department had recently applied for planning permission to drastically extend their existing music school. Much to their dismay however, they were struggling to get permission for the build. This was proving to be a real problem as the music school was expanding very quickly without enough space to provide one-to-one tuition. How on earth could they resolve this problem? Amadeus had the perfect solution…

The Dragon School found an unused space on abutting the existing music department, where they could erect a temporary building. It may not sound like much at this stage, but this humble temporary building was soon transformed into something extraordinarily special, solving all the aforementioned problems. A sneak preview inside one of our Boxy modular rooms in the temporary building at Dragon School. Many more photos at bottom of blog.

Plans were then put in place to install 13 brand new Boxy modular acoustic music studios within the temporary building. This included floating floors, suspended ceilings and fully decorated and carpeted hall ways. Now, at this stage it must be explained, that despite the guaranteed acoustic rating our rooms can offer, the stunning and unique design of the rooms, the speed of installation and the flexibility of acoustic attenuation, one of the crucial benefits of the rooms is that that can be dismantled and re-installed into any space. Therefore, when the school finally get permission to extend their physical music department they are going to re install the very same rooms into the new building – thus saving a great deal of money, time and effort in the future, without hindering the quality they need in the short term. Perfect.

Please take a look at the photos below and comments from the Director of Music, John Madden. As you can see, the entire project has been more of a success than anyone could have hoped for.

"With the prospect of building a new music school receding, it was necessary to seek some interim improvement to our cramped and out-moded facilities. From the first visit to Italy to view the Boxy modular rooms it was clear that here was a product that would not only provide the immediate (and cost effective) up-grade we needed but would also shape our future thinking. Once we had agreed some basic criteria the design process was slick, consultations were comprehensive and courteous and, when it came to the construction, marvellously swift and efficient. The modular rooms themselves are quite simply superb, with very little sound transference or leakage, and the whole building feels light and airy despite there being only four windows in the portakabin shell. The controlled environment in each room is comfortable and the décor attractive. Staff and pupils are delighted with the facility and there is a good deal more practice being done than before their arrival! We certainly intend these rooms to be a central feature of the permanent build in the future." (Director of Music at Dragon School, John Madden)

Photos of the Dragon installation below:


If you wish to get more information on our acoustic modular music rooms, acoustic panels, acoustic consultancy, acoustic treatment, acoustics for education or any of the services & products we can offer, please visit www.amadeus-equipment.co.uk or email info@amadeus-equipment.co.uk

Hampton School - 450th Theatre/Hall

Amadeus Acoustic Solutions Ltd were appointed by Hampton School as the acoustic consultants in association with Adrian James Acoustics Ltd to define the acoustic specification of the planned 450th Hall development at the school. This initial appointment took place in 2005. After several years of planning, designing, and preparation the hall, in all its glory, had it's official opening in September 2009.



The hall was opened to commemorate the 450th year of Hampton Schools existence; the scheme also involved significant work to improve the music and drama departments. We worked in conjunction with the design team, led by IID Architects, to complete this amazing project - and as you will see from the photographs above and below, it really is a STUNNING space. Another key player involved in the project was Michael Holden, the Theatre Designer.




AAS manufactured and supplied all the acoustic reflectors and diffusers. These can be seen gracing the ceiling and around the proscenium area. We also provided a wide range of bespoke acoustic doors, and supplied the beautiful beech handrails and balustrades throughout the theatre. As Mike King (Bursar) commented “we are delighted with the product, it has exceeded all expectations”.



On stage and in the pit musicians enjoy the unique comfort & ergonomically designed Amadeus OPUS range of chairs designed specifically for musicians - see photos below. These extraordinary chairs were initially designed for the CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra), it’s then Conductor (Sir) Simon Rattle insisted that world class musicians required the very best posture. Hampton School joins many illustrious Orchestras in the UK and around the world in providing the best of the best.

Projects at Cheadle Hulme School

Cheadle Hulme School - Studio & music room
Amadeus Acoustic Solutions Ltd were employed by the prestigious Cheadle Hulme School to undertake two separate projects within their music department.

Project 1.

The first of the two projects involved the acoustic treatment of an existing classroom that was going to be used for the teaching and practice of music. The treatment included the creation of an acoustic wall between a music classroom and a ‘non music’ area, a fully functional floating floor and a brand new acoustic door with vision panel. The whole job was completed by our team of experts in 5 days, including decoration.

The wall was rated for > 55dB of separation. In order to achieve this, it was isolated both at the floor and where it connected to the ceiling.

The floor was designed to reduce flanking transmission and reduce foot fall. The special acoustic door rated at 41dB has reduced sound transmission into the classroom from the abutting corridor and main exit. .

Project 2.

It had become impossible for the music department to allow any form of drum and/or band practice whilst exams or other, quieter forms of music were being taught or practised within the vicinity. This obviously causes problems for music students specialising in percussive or amplified forms of music.

Therefore, the second project involved the installation of a Boxy modular acoustic room – in this case, a demountable percussion room that could also be used for any other music teaching or practice.

An unused small mezzanine floor/balcony inside the Concert Hall was identified as a potential space for the modular room. Below are a few pictures of the space prior to installation.

Weight loads were verified and a plan submitted for a room that was to be built to ensure no sound transmission into the Hall. This was particularly important as the hall is used a regular basis for Associated Board exams, and a host of different music activities. Please see CAD drawing below, and subsequent project photos:

The room was designed to meet the Director of Music’s specification in terms of sound, shape and performance. The entire installation, from the point at which the materials arrived on site to completion of the project, took only 2 DAYS. Below are comments sent to us from Philip Dewhurst, Director of Music at Cheadle Hulme School:

Our new modular practice room is splendid! Staff love teaching in it. This is a first class product both acoustically and from an aesthetic stand point. The smart, contemporary design has enhanced an otherwise ordinary area. I cannot fault the management of the project from the initial consultation with Amadeus to the design and installation of the room. Excellent!

(Philip Dewhurst – Director of Music 14/09/09)