The ABC of acoustics is often cited as the elements to consider for managing noise in buildings, particularly in the workspace, and learning space. These elements are; Absorption, Blocking, and Covering, all essential in managing noise and sounds for optimal acoustic comfort.
The workspace and learning space are dynamic environments where employees and students thrive in collaboration and productivity. Acoustics play a pivotal role in ensuring their well-being and comfort. While there may not be a magical solution for achieving optimal acoustics, carefully selecting the right floorcoverings can significantly contribute to absorption, reducing impact sound, and minimizing drum noise caused by footfalls.
Greenfelt, a revolutionary backing made from recycled materials, offers a multitude of benefits for managing noise in buildings. With its ability to reduce echo, reverberation, and footstep noise, Greenfelt is a game-changer in the world of acoustics. When combined with the textile structure of ntgrate woven vinyl flooring, this innovative backing boasts an impressive acoustic absorption value of 15% (tested to ISO354). In fact, it is a staggering 3 times more sound absorbing than traditional flat vinyl flooring. Say goodbye to unwanted noise and hello to a more peaceful and productive environment with Greenfelt.
Impact sound, also known as the noise that resonates in the area below, is typically caused by vibrations transmitted through the building's floor construction. This type of sound can easily travel through both solid structures and cavities, and its intensity is influenced by various factors such as the force of impact, the surface being struck, the radiating surface, and the structure that carries and transmits the vibrations.
Ntgrate woven vinyl flooring, combined with the groundbreaking Greenfelt acoustic backing, presents two remarkable choices for diminishing impact sound, tested to ISO10140. Immerse yourself in the remarkable reduction of impact noise with options that offer an impressive sound reduction of 19dB, or indulge in an even more astounding reduction of 22dB.
Walking sound is frequently overlooked and disregarded when evaluating floor coverings, yet it holds significant acoustic value. It encompasses the noise that permeates a space as a result of footsteps. Few things are as bothersome as the incessant sound of footsteps echoing throughout an office, shop, hotel, or learning environment.
The standard acoustic Greenfelt backing from Ntgrate boasts a walking noise value of 71dB (EN16205). In simpler terms, this means that it would require the presence of 10 individuals to generate the same amount of walking noise as one person on a flat vinyl flooring measuring 80dB. With the Greenfelt 22dB acoustic backing, this value is further reduced to 67dB, meaning that it would take the presence of 20 people to create the same walking noise as one person on the flat vinyl flooring. Say goodbye to the annoyance of footsteps in your office, shop, hotel, or learning space with Ntgrate's exceptional acoustic solutions.
Contemporary and sleek architectural designs may pose a challenge when it comes to managing reverberation, leading to insufficient sound absorption. To combat this issue, it is crucial to incorporate enough absorbent materials that can counterbalance and complement the use of hard building materials like glass and concrete. By limiting the time for sound to reverberate to just 0.8 seconds, we can ensure that speech clarity remains crystal clear in these spaces.
The popularity of open-plan offices has soared over the years, driven by the belief that this concept encourages communication and team camaraderie. However, the reality is that these open spaces, lacking proper sound insulation, can lead to a staggering 40% decrease in productivity compared to more private environments. Architects and managers have recognized the growing significance of implementing top-notch sound insulation while still maintaining open spaces that foster connectivity among teams. It is also crucial to strike a balance and create smaller, quieter spaces for more focused groups, especially when employees need to concentrate or engage in confidential conversations.
Maintaining the right level of background noise is crucial for a comfortable and productive environment. Excessive noise, such as from ventilation systems, can be irritating, while too little noise leaves you vulnerable to disturbances and compromises your privacy. The ideal background noise is one that you cannot consciously hear, yet provides a sense of masking and helps maintain a pleasant ambiance. It should blend seamlessly into the surroundings, allowing you to focus without being distracted, and ensuring that your privacy remains intact.
Creating an environment where sound sources, like human speech, are not visible can significantly reduce their disturbance. However, it is equally important to maintain visual and auditory interaction among individuals. To achieve this balance, partitions between furniture can be implemented, especially in larger workstations with multiple people. These partitions effectively limit sightlines while still allowing employees to engage with one another. Conducting a thorough study of the office layout is a valuable asset in harmonizing these elements.
The aesthetics of workspace offices and meeting rooms, including the furniture, walls, and floor, are often characterized by their cleanliness. While this may seem positive in a professional setting, it can also give off a cold and impersonal vibe. In an overly sterile workspace, both employees and customers are less inclined to linger. It is important not to underestimate the impact of the look and feel on acoustic well-being. Workers in a stark and clinical environment are more likely to pick up on every word spoken by others, compared to a warmer and more inviting atmosphere. The appearance of an office also plays a role in shaping its corporate image. Therefore, it is crucial to base your design choices on the expertise of acoustic design engineers and the insights of interior designers.