Acoustic

Managing noise levels in large spaces to maximise productivity and enjoyment of an area is a vital part of any successful design, not limited just to auditoriums where acoustic panels are commonplace. In fact, acoustic performance is a significant consideration in many buildings, including schools, tertiary institutions, offices, and retail and hospitality settings, and the panels available are more creative than ever, often incorporated into light fittings, partitions, window dressings and even furniture. 

Panels and tiles are acoustic wall finishes that absorb sound to reduce reverberation within a room. These types of acoustic solutions can be used to cover an entire wall or specified only for certain areas where noise is an issue. Often, acoustic wall panels and tiles are designed into an interior scheme as a feature due to the vast range of colours, textures, materials and three-dimensional options available. There are also various ‘DIY’ acoustic wall products available, including stick-on panels that are simply installed by peeling off the backing and placing them on the wall where they are required. Reducing noise transfer between rooms also requires attention to the wall construction, rather than its surface finish alone. 

Acoustic products designed for ceilings are much the same as those used for walls in that they are available in many forms from suspended panels to clip-in systems designed specifically for timber ceilings and walls and acoustic lighting solutions. Acoustic ceiling tiles are a common choice for commercial spaces and cover many design possibilities from timber-look to those suitable for clean-room environments such as hospitals and surgical rooms.  Acoustic tiles for commercial ceiling installations in the United States must meet the applicable building-code requirements for interior finishes.

Acoustic insulation is designed as an effective insulation product as well as an acoustic solution that provides sound absorption properties and reduces the noise transfer between rooms. Soundproofing insulation generally has a higher density than standard insulation to allow for its dual functional qualities. Other than its density, acoustic insulation can be specified into a project in the form of foam, rolls or batts, much in the same way as a standard insulation. Acoustic insulation can, in many cases, be retrofitted into an existing building. 

Acoustic fabric is often used in the form of screens, wall hangings or wall tiles to improve the acoustic performance of a space. Acoustic fabric is also commonly used in office spaces as a covering for desk cubicles or workstations, or incorporated into lighting features to create design accents. The options for acoustic fabrics are vast, and cover numerous materials and are not limited to the traditional notion of a ‘fabric’. Reindeer moss, for example, can be used as an effective method of improving the acoustic performance of a room.