Its students benefit from a campus that continues to develop as well as state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in all academic disciplines including health, design and engineering laboratories, performing arts studios and computing centres. A showcase feature of the University is its ‘in the round’ lecture theatre in the new engineering and computing building.

Working with architect, Arup Associates and contractor, Vinci Construction UK, Style was specified to sub-divide the space using Skyfold – the innovative, unique, vertically rising acoustic partitioning wall system.

With privacy being the essential ingredient when teaching is being conducted either side of the closed wall, Skyfold’s Rw 51dB rating was as important as its ability to maximise floor space and be opened and closed quickly and with ease.

As a fully automatic wall, housed neatly in the ceiling cavity, Skyfold is activated by a simple pushbutton and is effortless and smooth to operate as well as being flat, rigid and lightweight.

“We’re seeing a real acceleration in the number of Skyfold specifications,” said Mike Fine, Style’s director for the Midlands, “and it’s of no surprise when you see this incredible moveable wall in action."

“When open, no-one would even know that a partitioning wall was in the room. But when activated it glides silently into place creating a stunning, acoustic wall enabling the University to maximise the use of space, and vary the use of the lecture theatre, at the touch of a button.”