We invested in the interior design down to the smallest detail, the lighting is right, the floor is shiny – and still something is missing. When every small noise becomes big and disturbing… We must have forgotten something:
They say that if an architect’s job is to design the interior of everything – the job of acoustics is to design the interior of sound. Indeed, this elusive element that is hidden from sight, which deals with the study of sound behavior in buildings, will largely determine the experience of the guest in the space.
Acoustics in the modern world
Space acoustics go hand in hand with interior design, and today we can see a noticeable trend that is growing. Modern trends in interior design open up spaces, and interior planning is becoming minimalist: fewer walls, more space.
Acoustic partition – CascadeThe main goal of acoustic design in the modern era is to be able to manage the sound within the ever-growing space, effectively according to the activity and need – to meet and socialize during a coffee break at work, or to stay in a space where a degree of acoustic privacy is required, such as in a doctor’s waiting room.
Two main components
In acoustic design, there is a need for acoustic understanding and treatment of the phenomenon of reverberation, which results from the reflections of sound waves that hit the surfaces of the space. When the surfaces of the space reflect sound, there is an overlap between sounds that causes noise and does not allow you to hear the person who has just started the presentation on the other side due to the conference room.
In addition to the phenomenon of reverberation, noise from an external source can also be a serious problem. For example, in a restaurant located in the heart of a crowded commercial area, an acoustic load can be created that does not allow you to concentrate on a conversation with the person sitting across from you in the restaurant.
One of the common solutions for improving the acoustic quality of a space is by installing an acoustic ceiling. The ceiling has a design advantage, since it hides all the systems and piping that pass above it and contributes to the aesthetic appearance of the space. The selection of acoustic ceilings ranges from different materials, but from a design perspective they can also be divided into two types:
“Integrated” ceilings
In these ceilings, you “don’t feel they are there” since they blend in completely with the appearance. One example is the Nittobu tile system, which is made of strong and dense glass wool with an extremely high acoustic level (0.9-1.0NRC). These Nittobu tiles are an excellent acoustic solution, inexpensive to apply and provides a solution to the need to dismantle the ceiling from time to time to treat the systems above. The classic acoustic tiles are placed as squares, one next to the other, creating a uniform and clean-looking surface.
Acoustic ceiling – glass woolAnother example is the use of an ARMOURCOAT acoustic plaster system that integrates into the acoustic activity as a hidden agent. The material, made of mineral wool with a gypsum finish, provides a high acoustic level and a monolithic, smooth and elegant appearance. ARMOURCOAT is hydrophobic and therefore suitable for use in wet public spaces such as spa halls or luxury swimming pools in hotels.
“Standing” Ceilings
Other solutions add design value, including ceilings with a dominant appearance. Ceilings from the German company DURLUM, for example, are characterized by a division into cells of varying size and shape, which together highlight the ceiling and create an industrial look full of character and presence. Another example is the metal ceilings manufactured by Hecht&Afrim, including a drop-in expanded, suspended or semi-recessed tile ceiling that is installed as visible with a bold, exposed and modern look.
Metal ceiling – Expanded meshAcoustic ceilings come in a variety of shapes and colors, and even made from recycled materials. For example, a product family from New Zealand-based Autex has unique acoustic tiles. The tiles are made from recycled material, which gives the product a sculpted appearance with a large surface area that effectively absorbs echo and reverberation in interior spaces. The tiles are made from recycled polyester (PET) and come in a variety of colors that allow you to leave a powerful sensory message in the space.
