Old Dominion University (ODU) – Chemistry Building

Old Dominion University’s (ODU’s) new Chemistry Building, a 110,500-square-foot facility, is located in the City of Norfolk in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of coastal Virginia. The university serves as a dynamic public research institution educating 23,500 students, 5,000 of which are enrolled in its chemistry program. Exemplifying health, wellness and sustainability, the four-story building was designed by Moseley Architects and SmithGroup JJR, and built to meet U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® criteria. Watch a video tour of the new Chemistry Building here.

The Chemistry Building’s interior spaces are organized to promote interaction and conversation. A good acoustic experience is critical to supporting this intention.

With respect to the occupants’ wellness and the university’s sustainability initiatives, ODU Design Standards state that “interior finish selections shall be high quality, durable materials” and that “environmental attributes of all interior finishes should be specified when product is proposed, including percentage recycled content, low/zero volatile organic compound (VOC)” or other attributes.

With ODU’s location just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, resistance to moisture and humidity was important to the design team. ODU Design Standards also call for materials to meet or exceed the latest version of the LEED rating system.

Rockfon’s ceiling systems were specified to meet the project’s multiple goals including for sustainability, acoustics and aesthetics.

Complementing the STEM-based aesthetic, Rockfon’s metal ceiling panels were specified to for a sleek, futuristic look. In areas designed for quieter conversations, perforated metal panels with acoustic backers achieve an Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of up to 0.95. In classrooms and conference rooms, Rockfon Alaska panels provide high levels of sound absorption with a 0.90 NRC.

With respect to ODU’s Chemistry Building, Rockfon acoustic ceiling panels made from stone wool consist of a blend of naturally occurring, volcanic basalt rock and recycled content. The stone is a plentiful, natural resource and high-tech production processes ensure environmentally responsible, efficient product manufacturing. Made in the U.S., Rockfon Alaska ceiling panels contain up to 49% recycled content.

Acoustic stone wool ceiling panels from Rockfon are UL® Environment GREENGUARD Gold certified for low VOC emissions. This stringent certification process considers safety factors that may impact people who are more vulnerable, such as people with chronic illness, the elderly and children.

Further supporting indoor air quality and healthy interiors, Rockfon’s acoustic tiles take advantage of stone wool’s natural resistance to moisture and mold. Stone wool is a hydrophobic material, meaning that it does not absorb water. Rockfon’s stone wool products not only resist moisture, but also maintain their rigidity at 100% humidity.