Scientists in white lab coats work in a bright, modern laboratory with lab equipment, shelves, and workstations, while others walk in the background. The space is clean and well-lit with large windows.

Government millions for updated room acoustics in laboratories

With a budget of six billion Danish kroner, the Danish government launched an initiative in 2010 to renovate and refurbish laboratories at the country’s universities.
Room acoustics was one of the key focus areas for the responsible authority, Bygningsstyrelsen (BYGST), ahead of the renovation work. Other priorities included air quality, thermal comfort, visual design, lighting, cleanliness, and the environmental profile of materials (cradle-to-cradle).

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Hygiene Protec Ds

Modular ceilings

Research/Case studies Laboratory Hygiene Protec Ds Access C

At the University of Southern Denmark (Syddansk Universitet) in Odense, the initiative provided a welcome opportunity to modernise the laboratories of the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy. The buildings, dating from the 1970s, cover a total of 7,000 square metres. The renovation was divided into five phases: the first was completed in December 2011, the second in 2012, and the remaining three were scheduled for completion in 2013.

Making the most of daylight

BYGST, which operates under the Ministry of the Environment’s Climate and Energy Department, appointed Nøhr & Sigsgaard Arkitektfirma A/S (architects) as a partner in the project.

“The goal was to create more transparency, contact and visibility,” explains Mads Kock of Nøhr & Sigsgaard. “We achieved this by using a lot of glass, to introduce natural daylight. This fostered a greater sense of openness, a more cohesive aesthetic, and a flexible design capable of accommodating future changes.”

Modern glass facade of a building with the sign Syddansk Universitet above the entrance, reflecting the sky and surrounding environment.

A scientist wearing glasses and a lab coat works in a bright laboratory, surrounded by lab equipment, bottles, and scientific instruments.

Two appropriate class A acoustic systems

Ecophon Hygiene™ Labotec Ds C1^* was selected as the new acoustic ceiling system for the laboratories. This wall-to-wall solution is designed for environments requiring low particle emissions and where cleaning and/or disinfection may be necessary. The Ds system features vertical joints with a concealed grid, and the absorbers can be easily removed to access the installations above.

Construction boom at Odense Campus

In addition to the laboratory renovations, a new 40,000 square metre health sciences complex is under construction on campus. It will house the Institute of Molecular Medicine.

The University of Southern Denmark is the country’s third-largest university and relatively young, having been established in the mid-1960s. It has nearly 20,000 students across six campuses, primarily located in southern Denmark.

The Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy in Odense is renowned for its research into modified DNA. It also conducts successful biomembrane research, contributing to the development of pharmaceuticals that behave like target-seeking robots, attacking diseased cells in the body.

Positive outcomes

“It’s been a success right from the start,” says Stefan Vogel, chemist, PhD and lecturer at the Faculty of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacology at the University of Southern Denmark.

A man with light brown hair, wearing a red button-up shirt, stands indoors in front of a glass wall, with a blurred modern office or laboratory setting in the background. — Stefan Vogel, chemist, PhD, and lecturer at the Faculty of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy.

“All aspects of the indoor climate have improved. The ventilation system, now installed above the ceiling, is much quieter. The rooms are brighter, and we’re no longer disturbed by noise.”

He emphasises that a good acoustic environment is essential, as teaching often takes place in group settings.

All aspects of the indoor climate have improved. The ventilation system, now installed above the ceiling, is much quieter. The rooms are brighter, and we’re no longer disturbed by noise.

Stefan Vogel, chemist, PhD and lecturer

Easy access to these systems was also a requirement for the acoustic ceilings in the corridors. Corridors are known to amplify and transmit noise throughout buildings, making acoustic treatment essential. At the University of Southern Denmark, Ecophon Access™ C was used. This system features an inset grid and easily accessible absorbers. Both acoustic systems are rated in the highest absorption class (A) and feature the Akutex™ surface that reflects and diffuses light evenly, without glare – an ideal feature in areas designed to maximise natural daylight. Enhancing daylight use also contributes to energy savings.

“Energy efficiency and a healthy indoor climate have been two of the project’s key objectives from the outset,” notes Mie Thomsen, Project Manager at BYGST.

Enthusiastic reception

Thomsen is pleased that the renovation work caused minimal disruption to university operations. The aim was for staff and students to relocate only once.

“It’s been a pleasure to witness everyone’s enthusiasm about moving into the new facilities,” she says. Mads Kock echoes this sentiment: “I feel we’ve achieved everything we set out to do.”

*The product has been updated and is now available under a different name: Ecophon Hygiene Protec™ Ds.