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Soundproofing office false ceilings

Technical Performance and Soundproofing Guide

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Content Overview

  • Introduction
  • Soundproofing office false ceilings
  • Sound Absorption
  • Sound Blocking
  • Articulation Class
  • Airborn and Impact sound absorption
  • False ceiling soundproofing recommendations
  • Recommended Articles

 

Introduction

There’s no denying that the architectural statement of a false ceiling has recently become synonymous with modernity and sophistication.

A false ceiling aesthetically hides the ductwork, pipes, electrical wires, lighting, heaters and door frames to impart a clutter-free office. But beyond aesthetics, the acoustic performance of a ceiling is vital. You may have the best wall acoustic soundproofing and insulation. Still, if you install a standard office ceiling, the soundproofing benefits you would have achieved will be drastically reduced.

Office bulkhead ceiling design
Office bulkhead ceiling design

 

Sound Proofing Performance Considerations

There are three primary performance criteria to consider when choosing a soundproofing solution.

  • Sound Absorption
  • Sound Blocking
  • Articulation Class

 

Sound Absorption

Sound absorption treats sound waves within the space, utilising products made of soft materials to absorb noise. Sound absorption is measured in dB (decibels). This value will reflect the amount of sound the product can absorb.
For example, A whisper is 20 dB, normal speech is 60 dB, and someone shouting at you is 85 dB.

 

Sound Blocking

Sound-blocking materials will reduce sound transfer through the walls of your space, but the sound within the room will be just as loud. This is where sound absorption comes into play. Sound blocking is also measured in dB (decibels).

 

Articulation Class

Articulation Class is a measure for rating the attenuation of reflected speech passing over the top of wall partitions or furniture into the adjoining workstations. A ceiling system with AC < 150 is low performance, whereas one with AC >180 is high performance.

Office false ceilgins
Office false ceilgins

 

Airborn and Impact sound absorption

For each room, two types of sound need to be considered; Airborne and Impact.

Airborne noise is created by talking, and phone and video meetings, whereas impact noise is caused by footfall, such as people walking around, doors opening and closing or items being dropped.

The soundproofing measures required to stop the transfer of these different types of noise are different. Impact noise requires a dampening system to absorb the vibrations, and Airborne sounds require extra mass to be added to the ceiling.

To make it a little more complex, the higher the dB figure for airborne noise, the better and the lower dB figure for impact noise, the better.

 

 

 

Soundproofing Office False Ceilings Recommendations

Your options for soundproofing your false ceiling will vary depending on the ceiling height space available.

If you have suitable height space in the ceiling, you can soundproof your ceiling by installing acoustic insulation in the cavity above the ceiling. If space is limited, you can use soundproof ceiling panels instead of conventional plasterboard.

Click on a room to view our soundproofing performance recommendations.

  • Reception Area

    Your reception area should set the tone for your brand and office design theme, setting expectations for visitors and your team of business professionals. For example, research has shown that warm, tranquil and well-lit waiting areas set the perception of higher standards and quality of service as opposed to an area that is dark, noisy and cold. The ceiling style and acoustics performance for your reception space need to provide a good quality of sound and impact noise reduction to ensure you make the right first impression. We recommend you seek levels of Sound Absorption
    Sound Blocking
    Articulation Class

  • Board Room / Conference room

    Board rooms and conference rooms require confidentiality. To present meetings well and keep conversations private, these rooms need excellent acoustic performance, combining sound absorption and sound blocking and we recommend seeking a solution with Sound Absorption
    Sound Blocking
    Articulation Class

  • Private Office

    As with the board room, private or closed-plan offices demand privacy so that employees within this space can focus. These rooms need superior acoustic performance, combining sound absorption and sound blocking.
    Recommendations. Sound Absorption
    Sound Blocking
    Articulation Class

  • Open Collaborative Spaces

    The intrusion of unwanted noise is a leading factor in workplace dissatisfaction; it reduces work effectiveness and increases stress. In an open, collaborative space, the primary function of the ceiling is to absorb sound that would usually bounce off the ceiling into a nearby space or cubicle and block sound from mechanicals in the plenum. For these multi-functional spaces, the right balance of sound absorption and sound blocking is essential to ensure employees can collaborate and concentrate all in one space. These spaces can be significantly more challenging, but smart design concepts like acoustical clouds and canopies can be incorporated to control sound.
    Sound Absorption
    Sound Blocking
    Articulation Class

  • Hallways and Corridors

    Corridors require the functionality to handle high traffic and the design flexibility to connect seamlessly to key spaces. We would recommend a solution to reduce impact noise Sound Absorption
    Sound Blocking
    Articulation Class

  • Restaurants & Cafeterias

    The cafeteria can often be one of the most versatile rooms in your office. Used by employees and visitors to unwind, fuel up, and hold less formal impromptu meetings. These areas generally require the functionality of a kitchen with the comfort and style of a conference room. We would recommend Sound Absorption
    Sound Blocking
    Articulation Class

Get Advice

 

The Changing Designs and Performance of False Office Ceilings

Selecting the right office false ceiling is important to ensure it can fulfil both the style and performance needs of your office. We’re here to help make spaces healthier and safer, from reception areas to cafeterias, open areas to offices requiring privacy. For further help and advice, please get in touch.

 

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