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Acoustics and Interior Design

The document discusses the importance of architectural acoustics in interior design, emphasizing that sound quality is as crucial as visual aesthetics in creating functional spaces. It outlines key considerations for designing acoustically acceptable environments, the role of acoustic panels in noise reduction, and various types of acoustic materials available for different applications. Additionally, it addresses common myths about acoustics and concludes with a focus on the absorption and reflection of sound in interior spaces.

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13 views18 pages

Acoustics and Interior Design

The document discusses the importance of architectural acoustics in interior design, emphasizing that sound quality is as crucial as visual aesthetics in creating functional spaces. It outlines key considerations for designing acoustically acceptable environments, the role of acoustic panels in noise reduction, and various types of acoustic materials available for different applications. Additionally, it addresses common myths about acoustics and concludes with a focus on the absorption and reflection of sound in interior spaces.

Uploaded by

faculty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Acoustics and Interior Design

Architectural acoustics is both an art and science. Acoustic features in


interior spaces are as important as in a public space. Acoustic values must
be considered both at the construction stage as well as at interior
design/decoration stage. Surprisingly but naturally most of us realise this
only after occupancy. This makes the job of interior designers more
important as well as more complicated and challenging.

PHONETI
C Fabric Faced Acoustic panels on the roof
Any interior should sound as good as it looks. It should be pleasing the
eyes as well as pleasant for the ears too as we work or live there.
Architectural acoustics plays a vital role in achieving this and provide
satisfying experience.
Points to consider while designing acoustically acceptable spaces:

1. Sound requirements for the space.


2. Who uses the space, how and for what purpose.
3. Interactions, privacy and ambiance needed.
4. Sources of sound both inside and outside the space.
5. Effect of surface materials, fixtures and furnishings.
6. Assess design options for acoustics enhancement.
7. Convenience and wellbeing of people living/working in that space.
8. Type of acoustic panels that serve the purpose best.

And of course, the constraints of budget and other limitations.

Importance of Acoustics

Acoustics is inherently linked with sound communication.

Large specialized rooms like auditoriums, gyms, and cafeterias needs


careful acoustical engineering and should be designed using certain thumb
rules:

The importance of acoustics is not limited to rooms.


Noise in corridors and public spaces can also be too reverberant and soar
the voices louder and louder. This background echo must be overcome.
Sound is an important navigational tool and either end of the reverberation.

Sound is created by vibrations of air or other materials.


Why Acoustic Panels:

Unwanted sound is Noise and it can be a nuisance.


It can disturb and distract us; harm us physiologically and psychologically.
In a large room with several groups of people in conversation, the overall
effect is a lot of noise. Enough sound must be absorbed instead of
reflecting off the walls. Typical cafeterias are built without much sound
absorbing material, so they are very noisy.

Acoustic panels help reduce the noise from activity in the room. Sound
waves produced by conversation, music, phones or other sounds
reverberate too long as a result of hard surfaces such as concrete, glass,
drywall, and even wood.

Acoustic Panels absorb the reflected energy which causes “echo” within a
space and speech becomes clear;

Listening becomes easier and music sounds better; People tend to become
more efficient, effective and relaxed. Learning is about concentration, and
external noise is a major distracting factor in education.

To reduce sound energy entering from outside through doors, walls or


windows you need specific building products and construction techniques
to block sound transmission between spaces.

Interior acoustics is about the airborne sound inside the room, how it
interacts and proliferates with the room’s surfaces and objects.

 Absorption: A porous material absorbs sound and the sound wave


propagate into them.
 Scattering: The sound waves may reflect randomly in an unordered
way as per the object they interact.
 Reflection: A hard surface such as concrete, glass acts as a mirror
for the sound wave and thus reflects it.

REVERBERATION TIME IS THE MOST COMMON MEASURE IN


INTERIOR ACOUSTICS.
Absorption and Reflection of Sound

GROOWOOD acoustical Panels for walls

Absorption of sound is particularly difficult in special environments like


cafeterias, kitchens, gymnasiums, and swimming pools. Conventional
materials may be subject to damage, absorb odours, or be incompatible.
However, other compatible materials do exist.

Perforated Acoustical Ceiling Panels

Some Myths and Truths

 Myth: Noise can be controlled just by installing carpet.


 Truth : Carpet is not the sole remedy for all acoustical issues. It can
be effective for reducing noise from movement of furniture and foot
falls. However, the carpet system absorbs mostly the high
frequencies of speech only.

 Myth: Ceiling tile is enough.


 Truth: Acoustical ceiling tile, can be a very effective means of
absorbing sound. There are many types of tiles with different
absorption characteristics (wood fibre, mineral fibre, glass fibre, etc.)
To ensure effectiveness, one has to match the acoustical problem to
the solution. Misplaced or poorly selected acoustical material can
result in louder voices and defeat the purpose.

Conclusion :

In acoustics, the energy of sound waves is being taken in and trapped


within the material rather than being bounced off or reflected. Materials are
rated in terms of their ability to absorb sounds.
1. Acoustic Plaster systems

These are plasters with sound absorbing properties . They are used when
there is a need for customization like curved walls or ceilings, and also when
no additional suspended ceilings are possible. Acoustic plasters allow a
seamless and homogenous application; it’s particularly suited for spaces
where there is a constraint for room height. These are usually available in a
standard white shade, but can be tinted or painted over to suit the
requirements. The plaster may be applied to the surface using a trowel or can
even be sprayed depending on the exact product to be used.

Application Curved or customized ceilings,

Features Seamless and homogenous finishes possible

Category Absorber
2. Plasterboard Acoustic Panels

These are acoustic panels made of plasterboard. To enhance the


acoustic properties of the panel, full depth round perforations are
made to the panel. These are typically used in high traffic area
ceilings, library ceilings, theater and auditorium upper walls and
ceilings. These are usually 13 mm thick; the panels usually come in
sizes of 3.6 m to 6.0 m and a standard width of 1.2 m.

Knauf Danoline has designed seamless plasterboard panels which


provide continuous random perforations in a seamless ceiling—
giving a monolithic ceiling appearance. It usually comes in a
standard white shade and is a fully recyclable, non-combustible
material.

Application Residences, Library ceilings, Theater, auditoriums

Features Fast and easy installation

Category Absorber
3. Metal Acoustic Panels (Perforated Panel)

Acoustic metal panels are made of perforated metal skins


encapsulated in acoustical sound absorbers. This combination of
metal and absorptive material is particularly useful in locations
where durability and aesthetics are needed along with maximum
noise absorption. Acoustic metal panels are commonly used in
gymnasiums, industrial fabrication areas, airports, concert halls,
HVAC noises etc.

Application Gymnasiums, Airports, Industrial fabrication areas etc

Features Durable, Perforated metal skin finish

Category Absorber
4. Micro-Perforated Acoustical Ceiling & Wall Panels

These are panels perforated with 0.5 mm micro-holes only


perceptible at short eye distance and laminated on a 16 mm thick
MDF substrate already perforated. The aesthetic of wood is
preserved while offering high acoustic absorption performances.

Application Residences, Home theatres ,Restaurants, Train stations, hospitals, lobbies

Features MDF core, available in satin, relief, matt and brushed finishes

Category Absorber
5. Wood wool Acoustic Panels

BAUX acoustic panels are environment-friendly, recyclable materials


made from wood wool, cement and water. Together, its natural
components provide many functional characteristics. They are
available in 5 patterns; Quilted, Check, Stripes, Lines and Diagonal—
all designed for infinite combinations.

Application Ceilings, walls, (wet areas such as swimming pool ceilings)

Features Recyclable, Customizable design from the 5 available patterns.

Category Absorber
6. Fabric Acoustic Panels

These are panels wrapped in fabric and are used for sound
absorption in indoor spaces; they are typically good for spaces
where speech intelligibility is important. These are available in
different shades and textures of fabrics.

Application Lecture halls, classrooms walls and ceilings

Features Customizable, ideal for speech based rooms.

Category Absorbers
7. Timber Acoustic Panels

These are grooved panels made of timber which are available in


varied finishing options including laminates and veneers. There are
also different groove widths available, providing different acoustic
performances.

Application Libraries, Museums, Theatres, lecture halls

Features Varied wood finish options available

Category Absorber
8. Printed Acoustic Panels

These panels come with printed designs. Many companies offer


panels which can be customized to suit the theme of the space of
installation. They come in depths of 0.8 m – 1.2 m.

Application Walls. For residential or commercial (office, meeting rooms, etc).

Features Customizable, Eco Friendly

Category Absorber
9. Plastic Acoustic Panels

These are made of acrylic with a thickness of 4mm – 10m. They can
be used in a variety of spaces like offices, classrooms, lobbies,
auditoriums etc. They are completely free of glass fibres, and the
visual appearances can be customized to blend in with the design
theme of the space. They can also be printed on or transparent with
either a polished or matte surface finish. Customized panel sizes
are available with a maximum size of 2000 x 3000 mm.

Application offices, classrooms, lobbies, auditoriums

Features Recyclable, colored, transparent or translucent

Category Absorber
10. Acoustic Furniture

Acoustic furnitures are designed with the aim of providing privacy


and comfort, mostly in open plan offices. These include high backed
chairs and sofas, acoustic meeting pods for small social meetings or
one-on-one talks, acoustic lamp shades etc. These are specifically
designed to absorb the noises created within these spaces without
affecting the overall sound levels in the office space. Companies like
Buzzispace and MTM offer exclusive ranges of acoustic furniture.

Application Furniture

Features Multi-functional

Category Absorbers
11. Acoustic Moss Panels

These are made from Reindeer moss which is hydroscopic. It has no


roots and absorbs moisture and nutrients through the air. It also
filters out air toxins and requires no maintenance. Acoustic moss
panels are very effective at sound absorption, especially in the
range of the human voice.

Application Offices, meeting rooms, lobby

Features Fire resistant, maintenance free, air purifier, hypoallergenic

Category Absorber
12. Acoustic Sheers

Acoustic absorbent sheers use a yarn and weave technology which


contributes to sound reduction in a space. These can be used in
place of normal sheers; they provide 40% sound reduction when
hung flat and 50-60% sound reduction when draped—which is over
10 times a regular sheer.

Application Interior fabric, sheer drapery

Category Absorber
13. Paper Acoustic Panels

These are modular panels made with PaperForms and can be


installed as a temporary solution with double-sided tape or as a
permanent solution with the help of mastic adhesive. They may be
used in residences, board rooms, waiting spaces and events. These
are made from recycled paper and are completely environment
friendly.

Application Residences, Boardrooms, Temporary events etc

Features Ideal for indoor environments only

Category Diffuser

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