Acoustics
Interior Acoustics are an important element to any good building design. Optimizing the acoustical properties of ceiling and wall products can achieve great outcomes demonstrated by a higher level of protection from unwanted or intrusive noise. The tangible benefit for occupants is a feeling of well being, less stress and more concentration leading to an engaging classroom environment and a more productive workplace.
Click here to download an Acoustic Ceiling Tile Selection Guide
Auckland University Acoustic Services (AUAS) are New Zealand’s leading provider of testing, research and development for the acoustical properties and sound measurement of building materials. AUAS are hosted by the School of Architecture within the University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries.
The majority of our ceiling tiles have been tested and measured by Auckland University Acoustic Services. AUAS have worked closely with Ecoplus Systems to help develop a comprehensive range of ceiling tiles with genuinely high levels of Acoustic absorption. Architects, Designers and Acoustic consultants appreciate the peace of mind that having our products tested and measured here in New Zealand can offer their projects.
Office Acoustics
Two of the key parameters for achieving optimized interior acoustics are sound absorption and sound attenuation.
Sound absorption:
Noise reverberation is caused by hard surfaces such as gypsum board, glass, wood and concrete. These types of surfaces cause sound to reflect. This effect raises background noise levels and to compensate for this, people will raise their own voice which in turn, increases reverberation.
Reverberation is controlled by selecting high quality sound absorbing ceiling tiles. Absorbers are classified into 5 classes rated from A to E according to ISO standard 116 54. Class A tiles are rated as extremely absorbing. The majority of the Acoustic Plus category of ceiling tiles are Class A providing NRC 0.85 – 0.95 Noise reduction.
Sound attenuation:
All interior spaces are subjected to external noise. This can come from adjacent rooms, the floor level above, mechanical equipment within the ceiling void and noise emanating from outside such as traffic, aircraft and rain. Isolating an interior space from unwanted external noise can be achieved by selecting ceiling tiles with a good level of ceiling attenuation (CAC)
Recommendations:
For general office and meeting room situations where partitions terminate at the ceiling height we recommend ceiling tiles that provide a combination of sound absorption (Class C or above) and good to high levels of attenuation for room to room privacy such as;
• Performance Plus Ultra are a mineral fibre construction finished with an acoustically transparent and durable surface facing providing an optimized level of combined acoustics. Click here to view Data Sheet
• Acoustic Plus Dual Bloc 35 are a composite tile providing a good level of sound absorption, a high level of attenuation and will muffle external noise such as rain on metal roofing. Click here to view Data Sheet
For open plan office areas and call centres we recommend ceiling tiles that provide extremely high levels of sound absorption (Class A) and a medium level of attenuation such as;
• Acoustic Plus High performance are a Class A, lightweight, glass fibre absorber with a non perforated crisp clean surface finish. Click here to view Data Sheet
• Acoustic Plus Thermo Acoustic are a Class A, glass fibre absorber with the added efficiency of best in class thermal resistance R2.1 m2 K/W Click here to view Data Sheet
Acoustic Ceiling Tile Selection Guide:
The Acoustic Tile Selection Guide is a useful resource for selecting the correct ceiling tile for your project application. Click here to download
For more information on acoustics or assistance with your project please contact us
Classroom Acoustics
Good acoustics in the classroom is crucial for both the teacher and students. Research conducted overseas and in New Zealand has found that teaching spaces with optimized acoustics translates into a high quality teaching and learning environment.
Background noise and reverberation can create problems for students, especially young children who haven’t fully developed the skills needed to predict from context. The ability to differentiate between what the teacher is saying and competing background noise can cause children to miss words and phrases. Poor Acoustics can reduce the student’s ability to learn and significantly inhibit the effectiveness of the teacher.
Sound absorption:
Background noise and reverberation is controlled by selecting high quality sound absorbing ceiling tiles. Absorbers are classified into 5 classes rated from A to E according to ISO standard 116 54. Class A tiles are rated as extremely absorbing. The majority of the Acoustic Plus category of ceiling tiles are Class A providing NRC 0.85 – 0.95 Noise reduction.
Recommendations:
For modern classrooms that allow a variety of teaching styles we recommend ceiling tiles that provide an extremely high level of sound absorption (Class A) such as;
• Acoustic Plus High performance is a Class A, lightweight, glass fibre absorber with a non perforated crisp clean surface finish. Click here to view Data Sheet
• Acoustic Plus Dual Bloc 60 are a Class A composite thermo acoustic absorber. The combination of sound absorbing glass fibre laminated to a plasterboard attenuator backer provides the dual benefit of extremely high sound absorption and a high level of attenuation for control of both reverberation and transmitted noise from adjacent rooms. Click here to view Data Sheet
Acoustic Wallcoverings
Ecoplus Systems are a preferred supplier and installer of Autex and Woven Image decorative and acoustic wall coverings.
Autex Acoustic Wallcoverings Woven Image Acoustic Wallcoverings
Recent School Installations include;
Westmere Primary, Papanui School, Pinehill School, Warkworth Primary, St Kentigern’s Girls, Waltham Primary, Marina View School
More information: For more information on Ministry of Education guidelines for acoustics in classrooms
Acoustic Ceiling Tile Selection Guide:
The Acoustic Tile Selection Guide is a useful resource for selecting the correct ceiling tile for your project application.
Click here to download
For more information on acoustics or assistance with your project please contact us
