Flexibility, strength, and durability make metal an ideal material for acoustic solutions.

Hard materials such as glass and metal are often seen as enemies of good acoustics, to be replaced with softer alternatives. However, the acoustic manufacturer DAMPA, based in Funen, challenges this notion. With over 70 years of experience, DAMPA has been creating effective metal acoustic solutions.

Since 1951, DAMPA has harnessed the advantageous properties of metal in producing acoustic ceilings. More recently, they have taken this to the next level by introducing acoustic wall panels, the DAMPA® Silent Board and DAMPA® Silent Board Flex.

These panels are now installed as sound-regulating elements in a wide range of businesses, schools, and institutions. Most recently, DAMPA® Silent Board Flex was installed at Teamtronic’s new headquarters, where, according to co-owner Karsten Nellemose, it contributes to more than just improved sound quality:

“The panel’s effective noise reduction has enhanced the acoustics in the room, while also serving as a modern and innovative wall decoration, where we’ve added our personal touch,” he says.

Lighting manufacturer Teamtronic customised the wall solution through the design and by mounting their aluminium profiles with LED lighting between the panels, adding an extra dimension. While the combination of light and good acoustics grabs attention, it’s easy to overlook the significant role metal plays in the product.

Metal Effectively Dampens Low Frequencies

Soft materials effectively dampen noise across a wide range of frequencies, making them a cornerstone of acoustic solutions. However, they struggle to absorb low frequencies, highlighting the need for complementary materials in truly effective acoustic designs.

By combining soft materials with metal, the solution becomes far more versatile. Thin metal sheets act as membranes, bending to sound waves and neutralizing them effectively. At the same time, perforations in the metal surface capture much of the sound energy, while the soft material behind absorbs the rest.

Metal acoustic solutions also stand out for their sustainability. After use, the metal from acoustic panels can either be reused directly in new designs or fully recycled into new products with minimal resources. At DAMPA, we prioritize designing flexible acoustic solutions that are not only highly effective but also easy to reuse or recycle, ensuring long-term environmental benefits.

Acoustic Ceilings with Hidden Temperature Regulation

DAMPA operates with a ‘form-follows-function’ philosophy, ensuring their acoustic solutions are tailored to individual projects. The ceilings can also integrate various features, such as lighting, diffused ventilation, and climate control.

For example, DAMPA has supplied acoustic ceilings with integrated cooling for Danske Bank’s new headquarters. The ceiling not only ensures good acoustics but also provides active temperature regulation.

Danske Bank’s new headquarters includes a café and a large food market open to the public. With over 6,000 employees needing to work focused and hold confidential conversations in the building, excellent acoustics are crucial.

DAMPA delivered approximately 56,500 square metres of ceiling, ensuring a good indoor environment on multiple fronts. For the project, DAMPA provided perforated DAMPA® Clip-In Cassettes. These cassettes emphasise the raw aluminium surface, treated with a special clear lacquer to let the raw metal shine through. Behind the perforated cassettes is grey acoustic felt, ensuring an elegant appearance and optimal acoustics.

This article was originally published at byggematerialer.dk – read the full article here.