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Underpinned by our Scandinavian design heritage, we bring you regular stories about architecture and interiors, exploring natural materials, acoustics, and the creation of safe and harmonious environments.
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Fiona Godlement, from UK-based architecture practice Gray Baynes + Shew, talks about how they worked to establish a new look and feel to the science department of Radley College in Oxfordshire, using a harmonious palette of materials including fritted glass, zinc and oak veneer.
Radley College celebrated its 175th birthday in 2022. The boys boarding school in Oxfordshire is continuing to stay ahead of modern day educational needs and to this end has invested in modernising a number of facilities, among them its science block, over the last few years.
FIONA GODLEMENT
Uniting old and new
“The building is originally 1930s but the space also has a 1980s extension,” explains architectural and interior designer, Fiona Godlement who is a director with Gray Baynes + Shew. This Oxford-based architects practice, which has experience across a number of sectors, among them education and healthcare, has worked on other elements of Radley College such as the Countryside Centre completed in 2018 and the reconfiguration of the Old Wardens House into the Social (boarding house) completed in 2020.
Work on the Science Block where both physics and chemistry are taught finished in 2019 with a construction cost of £5 million. The intention for its refurbishment was to establish an aesthetic language that unites the existing structure, the later extension and newer elements such as the lecture theatre and atrium.
Photo: Andrew Ogilvy
CHANGED OVER TIME
Material changes
The existing building with its exposed concrete frame and infill panels was designed by W.G. Newton and constructed in 1937. The original structure had large expanses of Crittall windows but the window pattern had been changed over time as the building underwent several extensions. “We wanted to get some light in the middle and change the circulation routes,” continues Godlement. Low-pitch industrial metal roofs superseded the original flat roofs.
Photo: Lance McNulty
REDUCING THE NOISE
Staircase design
Gray Baynes + Shew’s response took into account both the original features and these later additions, refreshing spaces where required and reconfiguring others to work alongside new extensions which increased the number of laboratories for both physics and chemistry. “There is a large, wide main staircase right in the middle which is clad in Gustafs. We changed the orientation so it now runs the other way,” Godlement says. This switch was important in making wayfinding more legible and direct. Getting around the science block was previously confusing and protracted, which reduced the identity of the department.
“There is a single staircase in what was the 1980s extension, which goes up to the top floor, uniting the physics and chemistry departments,” she adds. Here there’s a new top-lit central atrium space bringing much needed illumination into the project. Addressing sound as well as light was important here. The acoustic properties of Gustafs help to assuage the noise from the hustle and bustle of dozens of teenagers climbing up and downstairs to reach their lessons.
Products specified in this scheme are Gustafs Linear Rib, 22 mm and SM8 perforated acoustic panels, both in oak veneer.
Photo: Lance McNulty
NEW LECTURE THEATRE
A lesson in acoustics in the lecture theatre
Getting the acoustics right was also a key part of the new lecture theatre which also includes Gustafs products. This new structural addition has a dramatic circular form which is part glazed and part rendered. Its silhouette is emphasised by a series of aluminium vertical fins in front of the fritted glazing.
Explaining the rationale overall, Godlement adds finally, “I just wanted to contextualise the space with what works for the school, adding an acoustic buffer where necessary.”
Photo: Lance McNulty
STORIES
Architects Gray Baynes + Shew interview
GBS Architects’ Fiona Godlement speaks about their reconfiguration of Radley College Science Block.
Report from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2025
We summarize our week in the Swedish capital, where we participated in the annual furniture fair.
Wellbeing and sustainability for Vilnius office
Lithuanian interior design studio DVI tell us about their recent workspace project.
Flexible office space built for the future
Myles Burke from PLP Architecture talks about the Arbor building in central London, where 300 sqm of Gustafs Linear Rib is installed in the entrance area.
Rustic elegance in the English countryside
Interior Designer Stephanie Dunning speaks about the ‘cathedral like’ Exton Hall building at Exton Park Vineyard, and the installation of Gustafs Linear Ribs in the ceiling.
Tradition meets the contemporary
We explore a new intarsia artwork designed by artist Anna Hedström for Gustafs. Collaboration is an important aspect of our creative approach at Gustafs, we love to test what can happen when creativity and craftsmanship merge!
Achieving natural room acoustics: A holistic approach
Experienced acoustician Johan de Sousa Mestre uses a blend of perforations for best reverberation and diffusivity in his search for optimal room acoustics.
Gustafs presents Feltfon range
We introduce a new acoustic line with felt absorbers inspired by nature, offering a wide selection of silent designs for both walls and ceilings.
New design: Lamellow+ Puzzle
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New collections offer unlimited potential
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Gustafs awarded Brand of the Year
Gustafs was nominated twice at Stjärngalan 2024, winning the Brand of the Year category.
Unlocking potential in 3D printing
Designer Simon Mattisson’s collaboration with Gustafs to 3D print acoustic panels from waste materials.
Material choices in healthcare environments
BDP’s Vicky Casey on using natural materials in Southmead Hospital, Bristol.
The future of retail interiors
Learn why experience and materials are the key to the future of retail.
Gustafs celebrates ‘A Living History’
Creative agency Nineties Studio explain the concept behind Gustafs new brand identity.
Three thoughts on materials and lighting work
Experienced consultant Paul Nulty on how to combine lighting and materials such as wood.
Scandinavia’s first zero-energy hotel
House of Choice by White Arkitekter gives guests a greener choice.
Three thoughts on reuse in architecture
Carol Costello, practice leader of Cullinan Studio, discusses what architecture studios can do to reduce their environmental impact.
Redeveloping a historic building
Hawkins\Brown tell us how they approached the modernisation of a Grade II Listed building in London.
Three materials of the future
Chris Lefteri, renowned expert in material technology, speaks about materials of the future.
Karen Haller on colour in interiors
Colour expert Karen Haller tells us how behavioural colour and design psychology can create harmonious interiors.
Introducing Feltfon Linear
Gustafs introduces Feltfon Linear, a customisable linear felt solution which gives a soft, warmth to walls and ceilings.
Our guide to the top five interiors in ash
From courtrooms to concert halls. We list five favourite projects that use ash.
3XN’s centre for climate research and collaboration
Jan Ammundsen talks through Denmark’s gamechanging Klimatorium scheme
An introduction to office acoustics
An overview of how material choices affect sound absorption in a workplace environment.
An introduction to neurodiversity in design
We explore how workplace design can be adapted for people with neurodiverse conditions.
The design of accessible workplaces
A conversation with Daniel Rönnqvist, Architect and Accessibility Consultant at Gatun Arkitekter, about human-centered architecture and workplace design.
Three thoughts on building materials, with Jan Ammundsen
3XN’s Design Director explains the studio’s approach to material selection.
The importance of silent study spaces
Architect Colin Moses reflects on his key learnings from the University of Bedfordshire library project.
Designing for mental wellbeing
Exploring how architects can create happy cities by designing for mental wellbeing.
Wooden Ribs: New research in fire safety
Fire engineer Håvard Strøm Halvorsen examines interiors with wooden ribs.
Three reasons why I love wood
Property developer Folkhem’s Anna Ervast Öberg talks about her favourite material.
Flexible learning environments
An interview with Graven’s Ross Hunter on designing multi-use education spaces.
Three key points to know about fire safe wooden panels
The benefits of avoiding fire retardants, and other important points.
Does architecture affect blood pressure?
Workplaces designed with acoustics in mind can avoid noise and stress.
Associated Architects on University libraries
Joe Belcher lists his key learnings from The Davison Library, University of London.
Malmö Live, a community house on an international scale
We chat to Kristian Ahlmark of Schmidt Hammer Lassen about how this “city within a city” was designed for the local community.
The top 3 trends in Swedish school design
We examine how architects focus on daylight, acoustics and materials in educational facilities.
Helping architects design spaces with great acoustics
Experiencing how buildings sound at the design stage: we look at a new research project of sound simulation software.
Scandinavian design essence by Tengbom
Take a trip around Arlanda VIP Services as Mark Humphreys of Tengbom Arkiteker explains how it epitomises Scandinavian style.
A deeper dive into forest bathing
Jenny Lovebo of Linnaeus University answers three questions on the wellbeing effects of forests.
A wealth of wood at Hejmdal Cancer Patients House in Aarhus
The wooden interior of Hejmdal Cancer Patients House.
The new campus of Stockholm’s Royal College of Music
Architect Annika Askerblom of AIX explains how interior design and acoustic excellence were combined to create stunning performances spaces.
Optimising room acoustics to improve wellbeing
We explore how reducing noise and creating harmonious sound environments can improve wellbeing.
Forest bathing
Why forest bathing is here to save your social life: exploring how woodland walks have become the new way of socialising.
Sound in digital meetings
Want to get the best out of your digital and hybrid meetings? Get your acoustics right.
The design of music
The legendary Swedish acoustician Jan-Inge Gustafsson joins us for a conversation about concert halls, collaborating with architects, and the creative process.
Fire Safety in Wooden Interiors
We ask fire consultant Anders Bach Vestergaard of COWI consulting to answer three questions about the creation of safe, beautiful and design-led wooden interiors.
Sloyd – The Next Scandinavian Export?
In this article we explore the Scandinavian culture of educational sloyd, and its potential to inspire future generations of wood-centric designers.
The Origins of Gustafs
The story of our heritage: from a forest in rural Sweden, based on traditions of carpentry and craftsmanship, to world-leading wood panel systems.
A Colourful Collaboration
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Innovative Solutions in Doha
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Fighting Stress With Wooden Interiors
Wood is nature’s original stress-reliever, and studies have proven that its use in the built environment can greatly improve our wellbeing.
The Collaborative Office
We talk to Wingårdhs Arkitektkontor on the future of offices and the shifting role of workspaces.
Introducing Lamellow+
Introducing Lamellow+ from Gustafs, a beautiful combination of felt and wood for indoor public spaces with natural fire safety properties.
Cisco’s Webex Room Panorama Awarded Red Dot: Best of the Best
Gustaf’s collaboration with Cisco has resulted in a fantastic conference solution that has been awarded with Red Dot: Best of the best
New Narrow RIB Dimensions For Creative Installations
We have developed a new design for our timber slats. A narrower model is now available for walls and ceilings.
Lund District Court Featured Under Best Applied Products on ArchDaily
The project Lund’s district court is featured on Archdaily – Building of the year award. The project is featured under Best applied products.
New Gpod at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2020
Once again we have a new product to present at the Stockholm furniture fair – come and experience our new meeting pod.
New Stripe-XL With Dark Core Achieves Unique Fire Classification A2-s1,d0
In our aim to lead the development of fire classified wooden claddings for public spaces we now launch a brand new linear timber cladding panel that achieves the market’s absolute highest possible fire classification A2-s1, d0.
QNCC Among the Pritzker Prize Winner’s Project
Architect Arata Isozaki has been awarded the pritker prize. One of his projects is QNCC, which consists largely of Gustaf’s interior panels
An Office Meeting Pod with a Modern Design – Gustafs Acoustic Gpod
Gustafs Gpod is our new Office meeting pod, designed for both meetings but also as an exclusive wooden furniture with perfect acoustics.
Product Launch at Stockholm Furniture Fair
During the Stockholm Furniture Fair we will be launching a brand new product – we’re redefining the workplace, again
Introducing Gustafs D-Line Spot
We continue to develop our product range. It is now possible to install spotlights as D-Line, we introduce Gustafs D-Line Spot
DTU Building 202 Awarded Detail Inside Special Prize 2018
Once again DTU Building 202 has been awarded for it’s design. This time the prestigious Detail Inside Special Prize.
Introducing Linear RIB-S – A New Linear RIB Design
Introducing Linear RIB-S design. a new design with sharper edges that give the increased feel of a solid wooden rib.
Gustafs D-Line – A new linear LED lighting for our Linear System
Gustafs D-Line is our new integrated LED lighting system, fully compatibel with our Linear System – LED lighting for wall and ceilings.
Library Project Receives RIBA Award
Bedfordshire library project has been awarded the RIBA East Award 2018. We are delighted to have been part of this project.
DTU Building 202 Awarded Carpentry Prize 2017
The stunning project DTU building 202 has been awarded the Carpentry Prize 2017. We are proud to have delivered our panels to the project.
European Healthcare Design Award 2017
The Brunel Building of Southmead Hospital has been awarded European Healthcare Design 2017. Gustafs and LSA have produced and supplied panels to the project.
New Library at University of Bedfordshire
Gustafs together with LSA have produced and supplied slatted wood panels to this new library at Bedfordshire University.
Royal College of Music nominated for the building of the year
The Royal College of Music in Stockholm is one of ten projects nominated for Stockholm Building of the Year.
Gustafs Panels at Royal College of Music in Stockholm
Gustafs are producing interior acoustic wood panels for all music venues at the new royal college of music in Stockholm.
Gustafs Awarded for the environmental work at NKS
Gustafs have been awarded by the contractor Skanske for our environmental work at the project site NKS, we are truly glad!
Emporia, BREEAM Building of the Year
Gustafs have contributed with interior wall panels in laminate and wood surfaces to the BREEAM Building of the year project.
Dark Core Fibre Gypsum
Our brand new dark fibre gypsum core can be used to hide the perforations in a better way, using dark veneered wood panels.
Gustafs win Malmö Live contract
Gustafs have won the Malmö Live contract and will produce and install interior wall and ceiling panels for this spectacular venue.
First project in China
We’re happy to announce Gustafs’ first ever project in China. We have produced and supplied this auditorium with wood panels.
Gustafs Scandinavia celebrates 100 years
This summer Gustafs celebrated 100 years as a business, with the start of Andreas Tunander acquired the business back in 1913.
The New Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburgh
Together with our Russian supplier, Gustafs has manufactured and delivered fireproof wooden panels for this historic building.
Introducing Gustafs Linear System
Gustafs Linear System is our brand new cladding system with linear design, utilizing real wood veneer and a Quick-Up installation system.
Gustafs wooden panels with A2-s1,d0
Gustafs’ wood panels are now certified with fire classification A2-s1,d0 according to the European fire class.