Acoustic Design Guide

An introduction to acoustic design

Sound is often a key element that can significantly improve the functionality, comfort and atmosphere of a space. Whether you're designing a home, office, or public space, acoustics — or the way sound moves through a space — has a huge impact on the experience of the people who stay in it.

Acoustic design is about the right combination of materials, technologies and strategies to control sound. This includes, for example, selecting sound-absorbing materials, limiting outside noise and improving indoor sound quality. When these elements are applied correctly, a design is created that not only looks beautiful, but is also functional.

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Why acoustics matter in functional design

Acoustic design has a direct impact on the user experience and contributes to well-being, productivity and communication. Understanding how noise control complements these aspects can lead to spaces that truly excel in functionality.

Imagine walking into a restaurant where every sound echoes and you can barely hold a conversation, or an open office where you're constantly distracted by sounds around you. These are examples of how acoustics affect the user's experience.

A good acoustic design ensures that a room feels comfortable, conversations are easier and that people can concentrate better there. For example, a restaurant where you can talk to each other quietly or an office where employees can stay productive without distractions. These are examples of how acoustics can really bring out a space.

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Key Principles of Acoustic Design

• Sound absorption vs. sound insulation:

It is essential to distinguish between sound absorption and sound insulation when planning a building's acoustic design. Sound absorption refers to the reduction of noise within a space, while sound insulation blocks external noise from entering or noise from escaping.

In office buildings or homes, you may want to focus on absorption to reduce echo and improve speech clarity. Sound insulation, on the other hand, is crucial in areas where privacy is paramount or where external noise is annoying, such as hotels or hospitals.

• Noise control materials:

Materials such as acoustic foam or mineral wool can help capture noise and reduce echoes. Strategic use of this on walls, ceilings and floors can make a world of difference.

• Sound reflection and diffusion:

Sometimes you want sound to be reflected or spread correctly, for example in concert halls. The smart placement of curved surfaces and diffusers can help create the desired acoustics.

• Sound reflection:

Sound reflection is the reflection of sound waves off surfaces. Although sometimes unwanted, it can be used to enhance sound in certain settings, such as concert halls.

Sound reflection designs:

By using curved surfaces and specific materials, sound reflection can be controlled, directing sound waves to desired areas within a room.

• Sound diffusion:

Sound diffusion diffuses sound waves to reduce intensity and prevent echoes.

Sound diffusion techniques:

Implement diffusers, irregular surfaces, and geometric designs to achieve effective sound diffusion.

• Controlling reverb:

Reverberation occurs when sound waves bounce off surfaces, leading to prolonged sound or echo. In spaces such as auditoriums or open offices, uncontrolled reverb can make it difficult for users to hear clearly. By using soft materials such as carpet or acoustic panels, you can effectively reduce reverberation.

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Acoustic design in different types of spaces

Each type of space has unique requirements for acoustics:

• Office spaces:

Modern offices, especially those with open floor plans, present unique acoustic challenges. Without proper noise control, noise from phone calls, conversations, and office equipment can distract and reduce productivity.

You might want to consider acoustic zoning, where specific areas of the office are designed for quiet work, while others are more open to collaboration. Using acoustic partitions, sound-absorbing furniture, and noise reducing materials on walls and ceilings can help control noise levels in these environments.

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• Open spaces:

Open spaces such as theaters, auditoriums, and conference halls require precise acoustic design to ensure both speech intelligibility and sound clarity. In these environments, acoustics are key to delivering a memorable experience, whether it's a musical performance or a keynote speech.

Designing for public spaces often involves balancing sound diffusion and absorption. Acoustic panels, curved walls, and specialized ceiling treatments can help distribute sound evenly, so that every seat in the house offers a clear and pleasant sound.

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• Living areas:

In residential buildings, noise control is vital for privacy and comfort. Noise from adjacent units, street noise, or even internal household noises can cause disturbances. Acoustic insulation between walls, floors, and ceilings can help prevent this.

For multi-family homes or high-rise buildings, it is important to take into account both external noise (e.g. traffic) and internal noise transmission (e.g. from common areas or adjoining apartments). Implementing soundproof windows, insulated walls and noise reducing floors can significantly improve the quality of life for residents.

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Innovative acoustic solutions and technologies

Acoustic design is constantly evolving, with new technologies and materials that are both aesthetic and functional:

• Customizable acoustic panels:

These panels are available in various colors, patterns and textures, these panels not only provide pleasant acoustics, but also fit seamlessly into any architectural design, from classic to modern.

• Smart acoustic systems:

‍Smart acoustic systems are an emerging trend in architectural acoustics. These technologies enable real-time sound control, adapting the acoustics of a room to its current use. Imagine a meeting room that automatically adjusts its acoustics based on the number of people or type of activity.

These interactive sound systems are already being integrated into smart buildings, increasing the flexibility of spaces without sacrificing sound quality. As these technologies evolve, they are likely to become a standard in modern acoustic design.

• ‍Advanced sound modelling tools:

Sound modelling software can predict how sound will behave in a room. These tools help you visualize sound tracks, reverb times, and areas where acoustic treatments are needed. This allows for more accurate planning and ensures better integration of acoustic elements from the start.

Popular tools such as ODEON and Catt-Acoustic provide detailed simulations that help refine designs so that the final structure performs acoustically as expected.

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Common acoustic design mistakes to avoid:

• Overlooking early acoustic planning:‍

One of the most common mistakes is waiting until the later stages of design to think about acoustics. Retrofitting acoustic treatments can lead to higher costs, design limits and suboptimal performance.

By tackling acoustics in the early design phase, you can prevent expensive adjustments and ensure a more coherent and functional design. Early planning enables better integration of materials and improves collaboration with specialists.

• Choosing the wrong materials:

Not all acoustic materials are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to ineffective noise control. For example, the use of excessively absorbent materials in a room that requires sound diffusion can lead to a “dead” acoustic environment, where sounds are unnaturally attenuated.

The choice of materials should be based on the specific needs of each room. Working with an acoustic specialist can help ensure that the right balance between absorption, diffusion and reflection is achieved.

• Ignoring regulations:

‍Acoustic compliance is an often overlooked aspect. Failure to comply with local and international regulations can result in fines, delays, or the need for costly redesigns. Standards such as ISO 717 (for air sound insulation) or ISO 354 (for sound absorption) should be considered throughout the design process.

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Working with Acoustic Specialists

By working with an acoustic advisor or partnering with a company such as Akoesta, you can ensure that your designs meet the highest standards of noise control. Together, you can ensure that acoustic solutions are integrated into the design from the start. This saves time, prevents costly adjustments later and ensures that the space functions optimally.

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Akoesta: Your Partner for Acoustic Design

At Akoesta, we understand how important it is to design a space that is both beautiful and functional. We offer customized solutions that fit seamlessly into your design. From homes to offices and public spaces — together, we can make sure that your project is not only beautiful to see, but also sounds great.

Ready to discover the acoustic potential of your design? Get in touch with us today, and we'll be happy to help!

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