If a space hasn’t been designed with acoustics in mind, it can be a highly unpleasant environment in which to work, relax or socialise. Spaces without proper acoustics can be loud, distracting and make it difficult to communicate effectively due to the uninhibited reverberation of sounds. Conversely, a well-designed acoustic solution can create calm, inviting spaces that are protected from exterior noise pollution as well as from noise generated in different parts of the internal areas of a building. The right acoustic solution is integral to both residential and commercial buildings.

What are the options for acoustic products?

The latest innovations in acoustic technology are wide-ranging, comprising everything from screens, fabric, furniture and lighting to insulation and wall and ceiling solutions, creating endless possibilities for bespoke and customisable acoustic designs. The right solution will differ for every project, depending on the intended uses of the space, size, location and the materiality of the building itself. For larger, commercial projects the services of an acoustic engineer are often utilised to ensure the most suitable solution is designed.

Acoustic panels for walls and ceilings

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. 

1. Acoustic wall panels and tiles

Wall panels, tiles and screens are used to absorb sound and block unwanted noise from entering a space. 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. These sorts of products have a decorative as well as the functional purpose and can be used to brighten up an office or commercial area or use as an element of interest in terms of shape, texture or materiality. 

2. Acoustic ceiling panels and tiles

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.

Where can acoustic insulation be installed?

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.

What is acoustic fabric?

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.