Acoustic aluminium wall cladding for Outernet London
The UK’s most visited cultural attraction
Gooding Aluminium supplied the striking acoustic perforated aluminium wall cladding for HERE at Outernet London, the 2,000-person underground venue in WC2.
As lead architect Howard Jones of Archer Humphryes explained: “We contacted many companies and even attempted to have our own panelling custom cut from plywood sheeting but eventually we landed on the Gooding Aluminium product. Not only did this meet our requirements but it looked really cool too.”
Engineering meets acoustics
“GA’s WC1 Wall Cladding Panel System allowed us to achieve the 70% free area required by the acoustic engineers,” said Jones. “And to fade out the perforations to solid towards the bottom where acoustic absorption was not required, because this was provided by the people standing in front of the stage.”
Gooding Aluminium’s WC1 Wall Cladding Panel System, equipped with GA Ver‑T‑Fix secret fixings, allowed for precision installation. Panels were filled with acoustic insulation to absorb sound and eliminate panel rattle – critical when live sound can reach peaks of 110 dB, comparable to a full orchestra.
Hexagonal perforations were chosen for their excellent strength-to-open-area ratio, distributing stress more efficiently than round or square holes. With 69.5 per cent open area, the panels resolve both design ambition and acoustic performance.
Part of an immersive cultural landmark
Situated near the entrance to the Elizabeth Line at Tottenham Court Road, Outernet London is already considered the UK’s most visited cultural destination. According to Business Director Daran Akintola, the Now Building alone draws over 6.2 million visitors annually.
The 360-degree digital screen experience above ground continues below, with live shows and music events taking place in the highly engineered HERE at Outernet auditorium. This is where acoustic panelling, audio-visual design, and architectural cladding converge.
Tessa Gooding, a spokesperson for Gooding Aluminium, said: “We’re thrilled to have contributed to such an impressive London venue that offers something unique for all ages and audiences.”
Project details
Feature | Description |
Location | Outernet, Denmark Street, London WC2 |
Application | Acoustic wall cladding |
Product | |
Fixing System | GA Ver‑T‑Fix concealed fixings |
Pattern | Custom hexagonal perforations, 69.5 % open area |
Lower panels | Cascading pattern with fade to solid |
Surface finish | Matt black powder coat |
Acoustic rating | The WC1 Panels (with Ver-T-Fix fixings and filled with mineral wool and black insulation material) for this music venue were assessed: minimal rattle – inaudible at 110dbs. |
Architect | Archer Humphryes |
Supplier |
Engineered for impact and performance
Every element of the cladding was designed with purpose. While the black powder coated aluminium finish ties in with the moody and dramatic feel of the venue, it also performs well in terms of reflectivity and resilience.
The perforated panels were not only tailored to meet acoustic requirements, but also fabricated and supplied with GA’s precision manufacturing standards. The Ver‑T‑Fix system ensured invisible support, allowing panels to float seamlessly across the interior.
Why choose GA’s WC1 wall cladding system?
- Customisable panel sizes and perforations
- Infill-compatible design for acoustic or thermal use
- Available in anodised, mill or powder-coated finishes
- Concealed Ver‑T‑Fix system for clean installations
- Tested for pressure, sound and long-term durability.
Each panel was produced using GA’s 5 Star Fabrication Service, allowing the team to meet exact acoustic specifications while supporting a fast-moving, high-profile project.
Suitable for a wide range of applications
Although this project was for a London performance venue, the GA WC1 system is suitable for:
- Retail fit-outs
- Corporate interiors
- Transport hubs
- Hospitality spaces
- Educational buildings.
Whether you’re designing for atmosphere, acoustics or technical control, the combination of aluminium perforated panels and concealed fixings gives you the tools to create a refined, functional wall surface.
Built to British and European standards
GA’s aluminium materials and products meet the following standards:
- BS EN 485 / 515 / 573 for sheet material
- BS EN 755 for aluminium extrusions
- BS EN ISO 7599 for anodising
- BS 6496 for powder coating.
We typically use grade 1050A or 5005 aluminium for wall cladding panels, both offering excellent corrosion resistance and formability. A choice of mill finish, natural anodising, satin brushing and RAL powder coating allows for flexibility across design and performance specifications.
Summary of benefits
- Architectural-grade powder coated aluminium cladding
- Custom perforation patterns with over 60 % open area
- Optimised for acoustic control
- Precision fabricated in the UK
- Fixings completely hidden using Ver‑T‑Fix
- Independently tested for internal wall applications
- Rapid lead times with dedicated fabrication support.
Explore more
Visit our Wall Cladding page to:
- Download datasheets and acoustic test results
- Build a custom specification
- Request free material samples
- Watch the Ver‑T‑Fix installation video
- Explore other GA panel types: WC2 to WC5.
Contact GA today
To speak with our expert team or request technical support for your own project, call the GA Helpline on 020 8692 2255or email sales@goodingalum.com.
You can also browse our full range of architectural aluminium solutions online.