Domestic Acoustic Comfort: Still Being Ignored?
For all the spaces we treat, we are often surprised how few residential acoustic enquiries we receive. Yes, we do often get contacted about issues relating to ‘noisy neighbours’ where there is a requirement for ‘sound proofing’ (preventing noise from escaping or entering a room). But relatively few enquiring about acoustic comfort within the room from domestic clients. Those projects we have completed for residential clients have transformed spaces from being uncomfortably noisy, to calm, relaxing sound environments with a much more luxurious feel. We are not quite sure why more people don’t improved the acoustics at home – to the same extent as we do in the office.
We don’t let down our eyes with poor lighting. We don’t allow our homes to feel too cold or too hot – so why do we allow them to sound so horrendous?
Many homes now enjoy open plan living, kitchen and living spaces are often open, with solid floors, glass doors to the outside. TV on, family all together, kids making noise, the dog barking, the clash and clang of the kitchen can all combine to make the heart of the home a sub-optimal sound environment. Considerable sums of money are spent on kitchen extensions and beautiful interior wood and stone finishes, but the acoustics are often ignored with nothing to absorb noise in the liveliest parts of the home. We don’t let down our eyes with poor lighting. We don’t allow our homes to feel too cold or too hot – so why do we accept them sounding so horrendous?
How To Fix Bad Acoustics At Home?
Consider first if your problem is soundproofing related; or poor acoustics within your room. If sound is escaping a room or entering a room from outside then this is a soundproofing problem. Visit this article for some simple tips for reducing the unwanted transfer of sound.
If you have a room, say an open plan kitchen/living space which is too noisy, with a harsh echo – then you need to install absorption into the space.
Do you have a clear wall where you can install sound absorbing panelling? If you do, then consider a stretched fabric system. So many fabrics to choose from and a system like this, being site fabricated, can incorporate recessed sockets and switches. Use a minimum 50mm depth system for maximum absorption. Remember that a small wall in a large space will only make a small improvement.
The largest expanse of uninterrupted surface area is most often the ceiling. The ceiling is the best place to install acoustic product and guarantee you get the results you want. Again, a site built stretched ceiling can allow recessed down-lights and be installed around skylights. Use a wide width material such as ‘CLIPSO’. The result can be a seamless finish that looks like painted plaster – only better!
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