Rockfon Universal Baffle

1. Meet our National Technical Manager Earlier this year, Modern Supplies recruited respected acoustic ceiling industry identity Damian Bowden into the newly created role of National Technical Manager. In this Q & A, we ask Damian why he chose Modern Supplies, what gets his acoustic motor running and why he believes Rockfon is poised for exponential growth in Australia. Question Question: : Firstly, congratulations on your new role. What is your background? Answer Prior to that, I worked in retail and this gave me an excellent grounding in customer service and sales support. My skills transferred nicely to the construction industry and I have provided sales and technical support to commercial thermal insulation and acoustic ceiling solutions ever since. Answer: : Thank you, I am excited by the opportunity. I have been in the commercial construction industry for over13 years. Question: Question: Can you tell us a little bit about Modern Supplies? Answer:Modern Supplies was appointed as Australia’s official partner to Rockfon acoustic tiles and panels in July 2020. It was Answer: clear that the appointment of a dedicated partner meant Rockfon saw the potential of their product range in Australia. Modern Supplies had built their business plan on the restoration of competition in the acoustic ceiling Industry. Rockfon reflect their Danish heritage with that renowned eye for meticulous design and quality.At Modern Supplies, we aim to replicate this. Question: Question: Why do you believe Rockfon chose Modern Supplies as its Australian distributor? Answer: were able to demonstrate decades of industry relationships, partnerships and contacts. This is undoubtedly one of the strongest reasons the partnership was inked in. Answer: It may seem unusual for a manufacturer to align with a start-up business, but the brains behind Modern Supplies Secondly, I would say the business plan itself had some solid appeal. It challenges the same clunky route-to-market that plagues the industry, where market channels are incredibly limited and restricted to selling only what the supplier has in their warehoue. The Modern Supplies team already lives and breathe the Rockfon philosophy for sustainability, quality and excellence, so there is a harmonised approach already. I must say,we enjoy a terrific dialogue with our Rockfon counterparts and I am highly encouraged by the level of support we receive in the service of our clients. Question Question: : What do you enjoy about your new role? Answer: to a large room of industry professional. I made it a pre-requisite in taking this role that I had the freedom to talk to all levels of industry practitioners. Answer: Those that know me already, know that I’m as comfortable in high-vis on site, as I am wearing a suit and presenting

2. It’s so satisfying to be around the design table solving problems with architects and acousticians. To then work with the construction team on-site and give them an overview on why those materials were selected, as well as sharing installation tips definitely drives great outcomes. I find that the construction teams really get behind a product when they understand the intent of the design team as well. I think it is important that specification professionals do not lose touch with on-site considerations. We make better product recommendations when we really take the time to listen to installers and end-users. Question: Question:Acoustics are often referred to asa “dark art”. Any insider commentary to share? Answer: to solve a problem, you are likely to get 10 different solutions. At least they are solving the problem in different ways! Answer: It is funny you mention it. It was the first acoustician I ever met who told me that if you put 10 acousticians in a room I think what makes it a ‘dark art’ of sorts is some of the long-held conventions in acoustics that have been debunked many times over, yet still dominate manufacturer datasheets. This creates a discord between science and engineering in acoustic design, with the cost conscious building contractor using a manufacturer’s datasheet to discard the recommendations of the acoustician. I’ve seen terrible decisions made-over the years in this respect. The result is always rectification and disruption of the building occupier and this is far more expensive than adopting the prescribed solution in the first place. Qu Question: estion: Why do you personally align with Rockfon as a brand and a product? Answer: future-proof for our construction market. Answer:Rockfon’s attention to sustainability in manufacturing and use of abundant materials found in nature makes them I see a brand whose products are ahead of the curve in Australia which means we are ready for an exciting time ahead. Already, Rockfon products meet the next level of stringency for fire and smoke performance when the Construction Codes evolve further. They are lighter in weight which helps with seismic ceiling compliance and lowers occupant risk. They have higher acoustic absorption than many traditional materials, and for healthy buildings provide no growing medium for mould and mildew. Australia also has such high humidity conditions which is why Rockfon solutions just make sense here. They can naturally resist water and remain vapour permeable in up 100% humidity conditions. It remains important to me to align with a quality brand and product, because the materials I work with and advise on really do have the potential to affect the way many people live, learn, work and heal. Question: Question: Thanks for your time, Damian. How about you leave us with your elevator pitch? Answer: Answer:That’s easy. From design through to construction, Rockfon acoustic solutions provide a health-conscious, sustainably manufactured and durable high-performance acoustic ceiling or wall solution. They not only suit the Australian climate and construction preferences, but building owners want them in their buildings. Modern Supplies is the official Australian partner to, and importer of Rockfon® acoustic materials. Contact Us Contact Us Fill in the form or call us at 1300 305 557 1300 305 557 and we’ll get right back to you.