ARC322-18
BUILDING UTILITIES 3:
ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC
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SECOND SEMESTER A.Y 2023 – 2024
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AR. JULIET B. RAMOS
3AR-1
RESEARCH 01
ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC MATERIALS
ARCILLA, KENNETH I.
TABLE OF CONTENT
I. Architectural Acoustic …………………………………………………….…3
II. Types of Acoustic Materials…………………………………………………3
1. Acoustic Plaster………………………………….……………………..3-4
2. Acoustic Tiles……………………………………………………………...4
3. Perforated Plywood……………………………………………………….5
4. Fibrous Plaster…………………………………………………………….5
5. Pulp Board …………………………………………………………………6
6. Foam Glass…………………………………………………………….…..6
7. Acoustic felt/Hair felt…………………………………………..………….7
8. Cork Board Slabs………………………………………………………....7
9. Compressed Fiber Board…………………………………………………8
10. Acoustic Foam plastic……………………………………………………..8
III. References……………………………………………………………………9
TYPES OF ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC MATERIALS
I. ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC
In architecture, "acoustics" refers to the enhancement of ambient sound. It's a complicated science,
but it's simpler than to grasp the fundamentals and make wise decisions. The first step is to become
aware that soundproofing and acoustical treatment are the two technical categories employed in
acoustics. "Better sound" and "less noise" are the goals of soundproofing.
Architectural acoustic is the study of sound in homes and other buildings and how those structures
are designed for best acoustic performance, including managing sound transmission throughout the
building, upholding standards for clear speech, and preserving sound isolation for private
conversations.
Sound-absorbing materials are essential in many areas of building construction. Since listening
requires more focus in spaces like: studios, classrooms, reading rooms, and movie theaters,
acoustics treatments are offered to control both interior and exterior building noise until the sound is
audible without being distracting or bothersome.
This involves considering numerous factors such as:
• Geometry of the room: Shapes, angles, and surfaces influence how sound waves bounce
and reflect within the space.
• Materials used in construction: Different materials absorb or reflect sound waves
differently, impacting the overall acoustics.
• Noise and vibration control: Strategies are employed to minimize unwanted noise and
vibrations from external sources or building machinery.
• Speech intelligibility: Ensuring clear and understandable communication within the space
is crucial for conference rooms, auditoriums, etc.
• Sound quality for occupants: Depending on the function of the space, optimizing sound for
music, theater performances, or general comfort might be the primary focus.
II. TYPES OF ACOUSTIC MATERIALS
1. ACOUSTIC PLASTER - Plaster that has aggregate or fibers added to it to absorb sound waves
and reduce noise levels within a space. It offers a valuable solution for achieving a more peaceful
and comfortable environment in various setting.
Key features and Benefits:
• Acoustic plaster significantly reduces noise transmission and echo, enhancing acoustic
comfort and speech intelligibility.
• Acoustic plaster provides a seamless and aesthetically pleasing finish compared to
traditional soundproofing materials like baffles or acoustic panels.
• Fire resistance: Certain types of acoustic plaster offer additional fire-resistant properties,
enhancing building safety.
• Energy efficiency: By reducing the need for mechanical ventilation for noise control,
acoustic plaster can contribute to improved energy efficiency.
Illustrations:
2. ACOUSTIC TILES - A specific type of wall or ceiling tile called an acoustical tile is intended to
improve the sound quality of a space by lowering noise levels and managing reverberation. It is
crucial for designing acoustically balanced areas, such as conference rooms in offices and home
cinemas, because it is made of sound-absorbing materials. Tile is used in building construction
to maximize the quality of sound produced in the area where the tile is installed.
Key features and Benefits:
• Acoustic tiles come in various textures, colors, and patterns, allowing you to enhance the
visual appeal of any space while addressing noise issues.
• Space efficiency: Compared to acoustic curtains or baffles, tiles effectively utilize wall
and ceiling space for noise control without impacting floor area.
• Flexibility: The wide variety of types and installation options allows you to customize the
use of acoustic tiles to specific needs and preferences.
Illustrations:
3. PERFORATED PLYWOOD - Perforated plywood is simply regular plywood with a series of holes
punched or drilled throughout its surface. These holes can vary in size, pattern, and density
depending on the intended use.
Key features and Benefits:
• Acoustic control: The perforations absorb sound waves, reducing echoes and
reverberation. This makes it ideal for soundproofing walls, ceilings, and partitions
• Ventilation: The holes allow air to flow freely, facilitating ventilation and preventing
moisture buildup. This makes it suitable for: bathroom walls and ceilings, kitchen exhaust
panels, and furniture components
• Aesthetics: Perforations can create visually interesting patterns, adding a decorative
element to various applications.
Illustrations:
4. FIBROUS PLASTER - a specialized form of building material combining the decorative elegance
of traditional fibrous plaster with the sound-absorbing properties of modern acoustic technologies.
It offers a unique solution for achieving both aesthetic appeal and noise control in various settings.
Key features and Benefits:
• Sound absorption: The presence of sound-absorbing materials helps dampen sound
waves and reduce noise levels within a space.
• Decorative flexibility: Fibrous plaster can be molded and shaped into intricate designs,
offering endless possibilities for creating visually stunning ceilings, cornices, and other
architectural details.
• Fire resistance: Certain types of acoustic fibrous plaster offer additional fire-resistant
properties, contributing to building safety.
Illustrations:
5. PULP BOARD - Acoustic pulp board is composed primarily of recycled wood fibers (often
sustainably sourced).These fibers are compressed and formed into panels with varying
thicknesses and densities.
Key features and Benefits:
• Excellent sound absorption: Acoustic pulp board effectively dampens sound waves and
reduces noise levels, making it ideal for various applications where acoustic comfort is
crucial.
• Aesthetic appeal: The natural texture and warm tones of the material offer a unique and
visually pleasing aesthetic, suitable for modern and contemporary design styles.
• Fire resistance: Certain types of acoustic pulp boards possess inherent fire-resistant
properties, adding to their safety benefits.
• Moisture resistance: Some manufacturers offer formulations resistant to moisture,
making the material suitable for humid environments.
Illustrations:
6. FOAM GLASS - Acoustic foam glass is a lightweight, porous material manufactured from recycled
glass that's been heated and then rapidly cooled, creating a honeycomb-like structure filled with
air pockets. These air pockets trap and absorb sound waves, making it an effective noise-control
solution.
Key features and Benefits:
• Superb sound absorption: Its porous structure excels at absorbing sound waves across
a wide frequency range, making it suitable for tackling both low and high-frequency noise.
• Lightweight and easy to install: Compared to other soundproofing materials, acoustic
foam glass is lightweight and can be easily cut and shaped, simplifying installation.
Illustrations:
7. HAIR FELTS / ACOUSTIC FELTS - Acoustic felts are versatile materials used to control sound
and enhance the atmosphere in various spaces.
Key features and Benefits:
• Sound Absorption: Their thick, fibrous structure traps sound waves, reducing echoes
and reverberation. This improves speech intelligibility and creates a quieter, more pleasant
environment.
• Design Options: Acoustic felts come in a wide range of colors, textures, and thicknesses,
allowing you to customize the look and feel of your space.
• Multifunctionality: Beyond sound absorption, acoustic felts can act as pin boards, wall
art, room dividers, and even insulation.
• Sustainability: Many acoustic felts are made from recycled materials like polyester or
PET bottles, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Illustrations:
8. CORK BOARD SLABS - Cork board slabs offer a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to
improve sound absorption in a space. They are most effective for moderate noise reduction and
echo control, particularly in low-frequency ranges.
Key features and Benefits:
• Sound absorption: Cork is naturally porous and elastic, which helps it absorb sound
waves, reducing echoes and reverberation. Thicker slabs (around 13mm or thicker) are
more effective than thinner ones.
• Versatility: Cork slabs can be used as wall, ceiling, or even floor coverings. They can
also be mounted on furniture or used as pin boards.
Illustrations:
9. COMPRESSED FIBER BOARD - Compressed fiberboard, also known as acoustic panels, is a
versatile and effective material for sound absorption and noise reduction in various applications.
They're made from recycled wood fibers or other natural materials compressed into high-density
boards with various thicknesses and surface textures.
Key features and Benefits:
• Sound Absorption and noise reduction: The porous structure of compressed fiberboard
traps sound waves, preventing them from bouncing around and creating echoes or
reverberation. Compressed fiberboard reduces noise levels in a space, creating a quieter
and more pleasant environment.
• Fire resistance: Many compressed fiberboard panels are fire-retardant, adding an extra
layer of safety to your space.
• Thermal insulation: Some panels offer thermal insulation properties, helping to regulate
room temperature and save energy.
Illustrations:
10. ACOUSTIC FOAM PLASTIC - Acoustic foam plastic is a type of open-cell foam that is used to
absorb sound waves and improve acoustics. It is made from polyurethane foam, which has a
porous structure that traps sound waves and prevents them from bouncing around. This can help
to reduce noise levels, echoes, and reverberation.
Key features and Benefits:
• Reduced noise levels: Acoustic foam plastic can help to reduce noise levels in a variety
of settings, such as homes, offices, and recording studios.
• Improved acoustics: Acoustic foam plastic can help to improve the acoustics in a space
by reducing echoes and reverberation.
• Increased focus and productivity: In office settings, acoustic foam plastic can help to
improve focus and productivity by reducing noise distractions.
• Enhanced listening experience: In home theaters and recording studios, acoustic foam
plastic can help to improve the listening experience by creating a more immersive and
accurate sound environment.
REFERENCES:
[1] Souza, E. (2023, April 24). Keys to improve architectural acoustics: sound absorption and
diffusion. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/912806/understanding-sound-absorption-
and-diffusion-in-architectural-projects
[2]Holmes, C. (n.d.). Article headline. ROCKWOOL. https://www.rockwool.com/north-
america/advice-and-inspiration/blog/fundamentals-of-architectural-acoustics/
[3]Vicky. (2019, July 19). Acoustic material and their different types. Civil Engineering
Notes. https://civilengineeringnotes.com/acoustic-material-types/
[4] Wikipedia contributors. (2022, July 1). Architectural acoustics.
Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural_acoustics
[5] Marquez, R. (2021, May 5). Sound insulation with fibrous plaster. Rouveure
Marquez. https://www.rouveure-marquez.com/en/all-the-news/plaster-decor/sound-
insulation-with-fibrous-plaster/
[6] Bernardo, K. (2024, January 16). What is Acoustical Tile? Home Questions
Answered. https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-acoustical-tile.htm
[7] Felt: the ideal acoustic and decorative solution. (n.d.). https://www.idealfelt.com/en/felt-
products/decofelt/acoustic-felt-solutions
[8] Polyethylene / PE foam. (n.d.). https://www.gteek.com/polyethylene-pe-foam
[9] Wikipedia contributors. (2023d, October 7). Acoustic foam.
Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_foam
