There are several solutions to improve the acoustics in a space. However, the most optimal solution depends on the use of the space and whether it is a new construction or an adjustment to an existing building.

Whether it is one or the other, it is easy to make a noticeable result.

Even if we do not notice it in our everyday lives, acoustics are an important factor for our general well-being and health. Therefore, it is significant to assess whether the acoustics are optimal, no matter if it is in an open-plan office, meeting room, classroom, or any other room.

Three Ways to Improve the Acoustics

When talking about “bad” acoustics, it is usually caused by a long reverberation time, due to hard and sound-reflecting surfaces in the room. When the sound hits the surfaces, it will be reflected back and forth between the hard surfaces in the room, therefore we will hear the echo and discover the bad acoustics.

To solve this problem it is crucial to add sound-absorbing elements or materials to the room. In this case, the ceiling and walls are ideal to implement in the acoustic upgrade, while it is also often on these surfaces, you will get the best results.

1: Optimise the Acoustics Through the Ceiling

The ceiling is a big surface, which, specifically when talking about a suspended ceiling, is close to the sound source e.g., people talking. Therefore, this is an excellent surface to implement sound-absorbing elements.

When talking about ceilings there are three possibilities:

A New Comprehensive Acoustic Ceiling

Suppose the current ceiling is not an acoustic ceiling. In that case, the whole ceiling’s surface reflects the sound waves, which creates a long reverberation time and contributes to undesirable acoustical conditions.

A new acoustic ceiling is an extensive cost-intensive solution when adjusting to an existing building. However, this is where you will get the best results.

Read more about our different ceiling solutions.

Upgrade Your Current Acoustic Ceiling

Suppose you have an acoustic ceiling, but it does not live up to the present acoustical requirements, it can be ideal to examine whether it is possible to make acoustical improvements to the existing ceiling.

Such improvements can be e.g. done by placing extra sound-absorbing materials in the space above the acoustic ceiling. However, be aware to keep a part of the space above the ceiling, as this is essential when lowering the reverberation time in the lower frequencies.

Read more about sound absorption types and reverberation time here.

Use Acoustics Baffles

An acoustic baffle is a sound-absorbing element that hangs down from the ceiling. This is especially ideal in rooms that need acoustical improvements in specific areas. This could be a meeting room, where you add an acoustic baffle over the meeting table, to make it more comfortable and easier to hear, what the other people are saying.

The acoustic baffle will not only have a positive effect on the acoustics around the meeting table but also the rest of the room.

2: Use the Walls to Upgrade the Acoustics

If it is not sufficient or possible to install an acoustic ceiling, acoustic wall panels can advantageously be installed. There are many acoustic solutions for the walls, which are easy to install and for a low cost.

The rule of thumb when creating optimal acoustic is that the walls must be covered with sound-absorbing material corresponding to approx. 10-20% of the floor area – the actual percentage does however depend on the location of the sound absorbers, their absorption class, and the composition of the room. The walls are often close to the sound source, especially in narrow spaces, and will thus provide an improving and noticeable effect.

Read more about DAMPA^® Silent Board here.

3: Furnishing

It will have a positive effect on the acoustics when furnishing a room with porous materials e.g., carpets and curtains. However, the sound-absorbing effect is only a fraction of the effect achieved when using acoustic ceiling or wall panels.

Optimize Continuously

Optimizing the acoustics of a room can seem like a major renovation and cost-intensive. But it does not have to be. For example, sound absorbers can be added to ceilings and walls on an ongoing basis, depending on the specific needs.

The higher the sound absorption class is on each product, the fewer elements you need e.g., with wall panels in absorption class A, such as our DAMPA^® Silent Board, you will quickly achieve results with fewer elements than if you choose wall panels with an absorption class C.

Get Experienced Advice

There are many parameters to consider when it comes to optimizing your acoustics. It is therefore important that you get expert advice, so you are assured, that the solution solves your acoustics needs and to ensure that you do not end up with an incorrect placement of the wall panels or more sound-absorbing elements than you need.

To ensure that the selected acoustics elements work as intended, it is also important to choose thoroughly tested elements with the right documentation.

You are always welcome to contact us directly by email at dampa@dampa.dk or by telephone at +45 63 76 13 00 for a talk about your acoustic needs and a possible solution.

TAKEAWAYS

• There are three different options for improving acoustics: ceiling, wall, and furnishing
• The best solution depends on your current situation and needs
• You can install a brand-new acoustic ceiling or try to upgrade your current acoustic ceiling with new/extra acoustic batts.
• Installing acoustics wall panels is often the most cost-effective solution.
• If you already have acoustic wall panels, we recommend examining whether they are placed optimally
• Furnishing with porous materials such as carpets and curtains only works to a limited extent.
• The higher the acoustic class is, the fewer acoustics elements are needed
• Choose acoustic elements, which have been tested and get expert advice, so you are assured that your investment in acoustic optimization pays off.