Knauf has developed a range of high-quality plasterboard systems that enhance comfort and wellbeing through enhanced acoustic performance.
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Acoustics are often overlooked in the planning and design of internal spaces, yet they significantly influence how we interact and feel within a room, even impacting our overall quality of life. To address this, Knauf, which is committed to providing effective solutions, has developed a range of products that enhance comfort and wellbeing through enhanced acoustic performance.
Poor acoustics can impact us in a number of ways, and sometimes lead to long-lasting problems. For example, in healthcare settings, noise pollution can hinder patient recovery and increase stress levels for both patients and staff. Studies have shown that hospital patients exposed to excessive noise levels experience longer hospital stays, increased risk of complications, and slow recovery rates. Moreover, poor acoustics can contribute to fatigue, irritability, and decreased job satisfaction among healthcare professionals, potentially leading to diminished quality of care.
Similarly, in educational environments, poor acoustics can have a detrimental impact on student learning and concentration. Research has demonstrated that excessive noise levels and poor sound insulation can impair speech intelligibility, making it challenging for students to understand teachers and retain information effectively. This, in turn, can lead to decreased academic performance and a less conducive learning atmosphere.
In the workplace, acoustic discomfort can significantly impact productivity and employee well-being. Excessive noise levels, echoes, and poor sound insulation can create distractions, increase stress levels, and contribute to fatigue, ultimately leading to decreased job satisfaction and potential health issues such as headaches, anxiety, and even cardiovascular problems.
Aside from the negative effects of poor acoustics, there are many practical advantages when designing a home or building with enhanced acoustics in mind. As home offices have recently started to become more popular, particularly as outbuildings in gardens, effective acoustic treatment in the building’s fabric is just as important to prevent unwanted noise interfering your workplace.
Acoustic Products from Knauf
Knauf’s range of high-performance plasterboard systems have been designed to offer the convenience of plasterboard but with significantly higher performance in key areas. Two examples are the Sound Panel and Soundshield Plus.
The Sound Panel offers enhanced levels of sound performance and a greater density over standard wallboard. It is particularly helpful for residential buildings that are required to meet the sound insulation requirements set out in Part E: Resistance to Sound building regulations, particularly the 10kg m2 density required for effective sound reduction.
The Soundshield Plus is the ideal plasterboard for when sound reduction is particularly important. The range includes two variations of thickness, 12.5mm and 15mm. The 15mm Soundshield Plus contains a high mass and tuned core that offers enhanced acoustic performance, excellent fire resistance and severe duty impact rating when used as part of a Knauf partition system.
When installed as part of a full Knauf system, the 15mm offers up to 54 Db (Rw) acoustic sound reduction and 120 minutes of fire protection. The full Knauf system includes Performance Plus screws, made with a reverse thread on the driver, enabling for a better grip on the board and enhancing the performance of the Soundshield Plus.
When used within a full-system, Knauf’s acoustic solutions are backed by extensive research and testing, ensuring that the highest industry standards are met and the relevant building regulations are compiled to.
Performance in Practice
Knauf’s enhanced performance plasterboard solutions were recently used in a new £16 million development, consisting of 51 canal side apartments and 10 town houses. Set within a five-storey textile factory in Tamworth, the grade two listed mill building was required to retain its industrial character.
Brookland Group along with V&D Interiors were required to fit out the living spaces according to Crosby Granger Architects’ visions, which placed safety and comfort as the main priorities for product specification. Given the listed nature of the building, it was crucial to ensure all materials met and exceeded safety and acoustic performance standards.
To meet the acoustic needs of the brief, standard 12.5mm and 15mm Knauf Soundshield Plus panels were used on the walls and ceilings, alongside a full Knauf system, including metal partitions which offered speed advantages on site and enhanced fire protection.
As the demand for enhanced acoustics continues to grow across various sectors, Knauf remains well positioned to provide tailored solutions that prioritise occupant well-being while meeting industry standards and regulations. By developing comprehensive systems that integrate, Knauf ensures that architects, buildings, and homeowners can create truly comfortable and productive living and working environments.
Contact Details
For more information please call 01795 424499, email or visit the Knauf website.
Source: Architecture Today