Domestic Acoustics

Domestic Acoustic Comfort: Still Being Ignored?

For all the spaces we treat, we are often surprised how few domestic acoustics 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? View our tips on how to improve noise and sound problems at home.