Manchester College: Fire Rated & Acoustic Steel Doors for Film and TV Studios

Precision-engineered acoustic windows and steel doors meeting stringent fire, safety and performance standards.

Project overview

QuietStar worked with Manchester College and Willmott Dixon to design, manufacture and install fire rated and acoustic steel doors and high-performance acoustic windows for a new film and TV studio facility.

What began as a single door enquiry evolved into a comprehensive package: 8 doors and 11 acoustic windows, engineered to meet demanding studio acoustic and fire safety specifications.

The project was successfully delivered on time, with all acoustic elements passing performance testing on the first attempt.

Manchester College 9

The Brief

Manchester College required specialist acoustic and fire rated steel door and window systems to support the construction of their new film and TV studio. The performance criteria were extremely high — both in terms of acoustic isolation and fire certification.

The client needed a single supplier capable of delivering custom-sized doors and windows that could integrate seamlessly into the building’s architecture while meeting strict performance standards. QuietStar was brought in for its technical expertise and proven product range.

Our Approach

Initially engaged to supply a single high-spec acoustic steel door, QuietStar’s scope quickly expanded when the contractor, Willmott Dixon, recognised the capabilities of the QuetLock door system.

Key design and delivery steps included:

  • Custom manufacturing to exact site-surveyed sizes

  • Quadruple-glazed acoustic windows, with angled outer panes for noise reflection

  • Installation of 3 m tall doors, maintaining both acoustic and fire performance

  • Integration of push bar signage, threshold plates and on-site adjustments during snagging

  • Full coordination with multiple trades on a busy, live construction site

The entire process — from order in April 2021 through to installation and sign-off — was smooth and efficient, with minimal snagging required.

The Results

Fully integrated acoustic and fire safety solution for the college’s new media facilities

This installation ensures the recording studios and performance spaces at Manchester College deliver professional-grade sound isolation while meeting stringent fire safety standards.

Rw 77 dB

acoustic performance verified by independent specialist testing

60-min

60-minute fire resistance to EN 1634-1

19 Elements

installed (8 doors, 11 windows) with zero test failures

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