Acoustic panels and acoustic islands

A good sound insulation is a source of well-being, of course, and this is one of the essential qualities that characterize the correct way of understanding green building. It's a topic that relates to the casing, ie the walls and horizontal surfaces of the dwelling, and is dealt with in the new construction or renovations.

There may be, however, special needs, linked to limited areas of a space, be it public, be it an office or even a living space at home. Consider the case, for example, an entrance, or an area of the house used as a home office or space for the nursery or the children's room when one studies at the conservatory and must practice the piano ...

It would be convenient, in these cases, to count on a way to acoustically isolate this corner of the house, but maybe it is not possible for structural reasons or of other kind, to mount false ceilings to insulate acoustically. It can happen, for example, because the ceiling is very high, or even because there is already a false ceiling and you can not add another similar structure.

Acoustic panels in variable densities

Consider residential areas where they are present, even at the same time very often, ceramic, concrete, glass or marble, all materials that produce annoying reflections and echoes. Or environments with very high ceilings, perhaps decorated in an ancient, classical house.

To improve the acoustic comfort, it would be appropriate for certain requirements, to have ad hoc panels, compact, to be placed directly in that space and maybe even do that with a nice finish.

Caimi Brevetti has a long story in developing the Snowsound® Technology, and from the same company is now available a complete catalog with three collections of sound-absorbing panels. The three collections are called Mitesco, Chorus and Flap, respectively, designed by Michele De Lucchi, Lorenzo Palmieri and Alberto Meda, together with Francesco Meda.

The idea at the base of the technique is innovative, as these panels are made of a material, polyester, which is variable in density, which allows to obtain an absorption of selective type at different frequencies, thus optimizing the acoustics of the environment despite the extremely reduced thickness of the panel itself. The sound absorption takes place on both sides, the compositions are therefore absolutely free.

In the case of Flap, for example, as described by the two designers, we wanted to create a form absorbing that they should not disguise, in short, not a partition but a wall or ceiling aerial sculpture that let the end user the maximum freedom of composition and expression (A. and F. Meda).

The surfaces of all three collections are coated with a technical fabric, Trevira CS®, applied to the padding so to be as one with it, to which the panel is very durable and at the same time the design remains very soft to the view. There are no frames nor seams.

All panels are 100% recyclable and belong to Italy Class 1 fire reaction and Euroclass B-s2, d0. In reverberation chamber test, in testing, they have got the certification of Sound Absorption Class A, in accordance with the UNI EN ISO 11654.

Curved noise slands

It's called Optima Canopy Curved the isound sland sound by Armstrong that you can mount directly also under a ceiling that already exists in the concave or convex version or in two versions at the same time, to create particular games.

Its superficial finish allows an high reflection of light, it is very useful in the case of entrances or of spaces where it is important to study the lighting. Very simply, this feature can be an ideal solution in an open space, to create spectacular special effects and to highlight a part of a space.

Acoustic islands of various shapes

Continuing the theme of acoustic islands for ceilings, when it is impossible to predict a traditional false ceiling, a great aesthetic solution is offered by Rockfon, with the Eclipse™ collection, which was developed to give broad stylistic freedom and to solve a particular problem of practical isolation.

The Eclipse™ ceiling panels are frameless and with beveled edge, the shapes available are many.

Both sides are equipped with absorbing quality, which help to reduce the reverberation time and the noise level of the room, for a great general acoustic comfort.

The panel is made in rock wool with excellent fire resistance and to moisture. It is recyclable and branded Danish Indoor Climate, qualities that make it particularly suitable for the use in residential environments.

The surface is smooth and white, something that last a long time, ensuring a perfect reflection of light and heat, thus contributing to energy saving. Eclipse™ is ideal when it is impossible to realize a traditional false ceiling because of the presence of high and large windows or to increase the insulating action in the case of existing suspended ceiling.