Build Architecture Awards 2016

2016 Architecture Awards Build 115 Company: Theodoros Timagenis Architects-Acoustics Consultants Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.timagenis-acoustics.com Address: 5 K. Palaiologou, Piraeus, Hellas Telephone: +30 210 41 19 545 Over the past 20 years the practice has expanded its working horizons to the rest of the Balkans including but not limited to Serbia, Albania as well as the Cypriot grounds, as well as offer- ing a great range of national products and services. Theodoros discusses the firm and how it aims to create innovative spaces which meet the needs of their clients. “Here at Theodoros Timagenis Architects-Acoustics Consultants our work encapsulates all kinds of design interventions within the architectural world, others easy to spot and others unnoticeable for the untrained eye. “From the acoustics of concert halls, auditoria, museums, airports and stadia to the silencing and insulation of HVAC systems and machinery noise running in any type of edifice, it is our duty to shape prime and elegant acoustic environments. Moreover, we have a rich experience in court appeals support for noise complaints and consultation for arbitrations of legal context relevant to acoustical issues. Furthermore, our “twofold” nature enlarges our horizons.” One of the firm’s recent success stories was the newly completed New Op- era House and National Library of Athens, designed by Renzo Piano building workshop and funded by the Stavros Niarhos Foundation. Theodoros Tim- agenis Architects-Acoustics Consultants was the Acoustic Consultant of JV Impregilo S.p.A – TERNA S.A. (Contractor) from the start of the project. The work involved the resolution of the developed design drawings so they can be realized during the construction, the holistic soundproofing of the whole complex from any building and MEP service from scratch, as well as catering for any sound insulation issues by developing the relevant acoustic details that could apply on the architectural drawings. Additionally, the firm have also been monitoring the site noise for protecting the adjacent residen- tial areas prior and during the construction. The aspect that the practice is really proud of is that it managed to achieve an impressive PNC 15 rating with the sound insulation measures it applied. This full service offering is a key part of what differentiates the firm from its competitors and marks it out as the best possible option for its clients, in line with its mission, as Theodoros outlines. “Our mission is to shape prime acoustic spaces while maintaining the economic needs of the client, without sacrificing the quality of the final outcome. Thus we always offer to the client the best possible solution that will achieve his requirements. “The idiosyncratic element that makes our practice stand out in the field of acoustics is our “twofold” nature; Our engineers have a rich architectural background (Chartered architects, National Technical Chamber of Greece), which allow us to comprehend in depth the practical needs of the con- struction industry from the side of the designer and not merely applying the scientific laws. Additionally, we employ the most up to date and calibrated measuring and acoustic systems, which are essential for surveying calculat- ing and validating the spaces we are working into. “Our working method is based on the feedback model and the constant communication with the whole design team with the aim at resolving the practical issues that arise during the construction. We do not like to just give away generic construction drawings -out of the book-. During the construc- tion stage we invest a considerable amount of time “in-situ”. Weather it’s a night club or an opera house, a small flat or a grand villa we come into touch with all the credits of the projects; contractors, engineers, builders.” Technology is vital to the success of any project, but Theodoros firmly believes that whilst staying up to date with the latest techniques and pro- grammes is important, it should never be a practice’s sole focus. “Our practice has the necessary equipment that can reproduce digital and physical acoustic models through virtual acoustic simulations and 3D printed ray-tracing prototypes already from the design stage. The same goes for our architectural projects; we use lots of models to test our ideas and find the best possible solution. Moreover, we have a wide range of in-situ measuring systems from sound level meters, portable computer systems sound generators that can be operated before and during the construction of the building to test the validity of the progress. “Despite this strong reliance on technology, as part of our ethos we use tech- nology merely as a medium that strengthens our workflow rather than driving it, as being too reliant on technology can divorce the practice from the real aim- to support the client and meet their needs.” Ultimately, the practice takes acoustics very seriously, as Theodoros is eager to emphasise in his final comment. “In acoustics you cannot ‘experiment’, when the detailing is applied it is already late for changes, so it is not cost effective for the client to pay for something that “might work”. The fact that our projects ‘always work’ without experimentation or small letters in the contracts as well the fact that we do not take a project for a particular design stage but we drive it all the way to the closure and handout is what makes us the best possible option for our clients.” Architectural Acoustics & M.E.P. Silencing Solutions Best for Architectural & Building Acoustics 2016 - Greece Established in 1975 in Piraeus, Theodoros Timagenis Architects-Acoustics Consultants maintains a long tradition in the field of Acoustics and Architecture by being the leading consultant practice for the most major acoustic oriented projects in Greece. We invited Owner Theodoros Timagenis to tell us more about the firm and the services it provides. AR160057