Acoustics are pivotal in building design. Sound quality is an important part of the environment. Whether the kitchen or entertainment room, the sound quality influences lifestyle. Inefficient sound quality can inversely impact human health.

The drawbacks of inefficient acoustics

Acoustic quality of closed spaces are an increasing concern worldwide, because noise pollution is one of the main pollutants. A sustainable design for any closed space should focus on acoustics and the well-being of it’s future occupiers. From a study in 2011, the World Health Organization listed noise pollution as a public health concern. Approximately 1 million years of healthy human life on the planet are lost yearly due to noise pollution, stemming from traffic noise in city spaces.

In physics phenomena, the general rules of acoustical layout is outlined. When you are choosing the right material for acoustical setup, here’s what to consider.

Sound absorption

Three families of absorbent material are used to fulfill their function in sound absorption: porous/fibrous materials, membrane absorbents, and resonators. Each material has a unique performance in tackling noise levels by sound absorption. Absorbents are elastic materials, not very dense and are permeable. They are mostly formed by air, with soft fibrous materials creating a fine channel of inter-connectivity with each other. They are considered as the best materials for acoustic performance but not the only type. They absorb sound energy through deformation or vibration. Their response to sound waves create a loss in noise energy, thereby absorbing sound and converting it into heat energy. Most porous and fibrous absorbent materials also feature excellent thermal properties.

An example of commonly used acoustic panelings are the glass-wool installations, consisting of thin fiberglass panels with an inner layer of wool that creates an absorbent vacuum. The fiberglass properties and wool and it’s viscoelasticity offers excellent acoustic functions and good thermal insulation.

In glass wool panels, the combination of membrane absorbents (fiberglass) and fibrous materials make for top-notch acoustics.

Insulation

Acoustic insulation of materials contributes to the reduction of flow of sound waves when it passes through the medium. Effective sound insulation reduces the energy levels of noise that is received on the other side of the material, affecting the amplitude of sound waves. This fine tuned sound wave is then transmitted across the other side of the material. Commonly used in workplaces, studios, home theaters and more, the acoustic insulation property is helpful in reducing reverberations and echoes. By producing crisp, clear sound, the material can also be used to alter incoming sound in busy city spaces and such areas.

A material with effective sound insulation is the Mass loaded Vinyl block,  used for reducing sound transmission through the walls and offers noise isolation from unwanted sources in the environment. This property makes it excellent for open space office environments, to provide a productive work environment with controlled noise levels.

Diffusion

Diffusion of sound happens when multiple reflections and diffractions are projected at irregular surfaces. The diffusers are incorporated to create a sound field that scatters the reflected acoustic energy in all directions. When the diffuse field is created, acoustic energy is distributed evenly in space and time.

Usually made from different layers of acoustic materials, the diffusion field is carefully engineering for the requirements of each space. When sound is dissipated onto the surface of the material, the diffuse field created allows sound to pass through at a different phase altogether. This makes a diffuse field great for sound distribution across a large area. Auditoriums and large theaters can use a diffusion field for superior acoustics. One example would be the use of wood composites, fiberglass paneling for walls and ceilings.

 When designing a space, the absorption, insulation and diffusion of acoustic energy is an important factor which influences atmospheric quality. If you want to know more about acoustic materials and the varying performances and uses, read through our blog and discover acoustical  building materials. Acoustical engineering is a vital part of your life that can fine tune your atmosphere to offer a better lifestyle and improved sound quality.