Don’t Sacrifice Aesthetics for Acoustics

Acoustical paneling solutions look good while improving sound levels.

Soundproofing versus Noise Control

Example of acoustic panel construction. (Image courtesy of Acoustical Surfaces.)

Example of acoustic panel construction. (Image courtesy of Acoustical Surfaces.)

The acoustics of a building or other interior space should be a primary concern for commercial venue architects and construction designers. 

However, this is a factor that is often overlooked during initial design and construction, only to surface as a noise problem after the space is in use.

Many architectural engineers, construction designers and other commercial venue operators will know they have a noise problem, but they may not necessarily know what to do to solve it.

Often they will think they need soundproofing when in actuality they are looking for techniques and technologies to assist in noise control.

Soundproofing is prevalent in structures such as recording studios or sound testing facilities. It involves the design of construction to mitigate or limit sound transfer into or out of a space through walls or other building materials. For this reason, soundproofing is usually planned and constructed specifically for this use from the very beginning.

Noise control is much more common and is generally what venues need when they identify noise issues. 

Noise control is usually accomplished through interior finishing in order to reduce noise, echo and reverberation. This is in order to improve the acoustics within the space and make it more comfortable for human users to work, talk and hear. 

While noise control can be incorporated from the start of design and construction, it often isn’t considered until later. In these cases, it will be installed as a retrofitting process.

“Good designers and engineers take acoustics into account when they are designing a space, but there are also budget issues tied in. Acoustics by design, unless it is a very high-end environment, are only built to code,” explained J.R. Anderson, president of Acoustical Surfaces Inc., a manufacturer of specialty acoustic paneling.

“The code right now mandates acoustics as a building practice, but as a relative application most times it is value-added that they don’t want to pay for up front. They build the substrate, but determine they have a significant issue. That’s when they call us in to fix it.”

Aesthetic Acoustics – Look as Good as You Sound

With many options for acoustic paneling available from a specialty manufacturer such as Acoustical Surfaces, there is no need to sacrifice aesthetics for acoustics.

Acoustical Surfaces’ Microperf Acousticore panels are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing or planned designs, so that your space will look the way it’s intended to.

The core of these panels is made of sintered resin-reinforced glass wool called Soundply, which offers high-quality acoustics. Surfaces are available in a variety of finishes including wood veneer, vinyl, high-pressure laminate and paintable exterior surfaces.

NRC ratings and product specifications for Microperf Acousticore panels. (Images courtesy of Acoustical Surfaces.)

NRC ratings and product specifications for Microperf Acousticore panels. (Images courtesy of Acoustical Surfaces.)

When presented with a noise control problem like a noisy restaurant, crowded office space or concert hall, acoustical product specialists such as Acoustical Surfaces are able to provide custom solutions designed to meet a wide range of noise control needs.

Expert sound technicians will perform on-site testing, sound and space measurements to determine the levels of noise and calculate paneling needs. They can also do remote room modelling based on information about the venue, characteristics, construction and desired outcome to make recommendations for acoustical paneling products that will best accomplish the sound needs of the space.

They will determine what type of paneling is required and how much coverage is needed. Depending on the venue and construction, available options include wall mounting and ceiling mounting. Panels can be installed flush to solid surfaces or gap-mounted to leave space between the panels and the wall.

For more information on Acoustical Surfaces and its Microperf Acousticore panelling solutions, check out the website.

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Acoustical Surfaces, Inc. has sponsored this post.  They have no editorial input into this post.  All opinions are mine.  James Anderton.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.