Akuart Explained Acoustics 2016

AKUAR T - ACOUSTICS

AKUART

EXPLAINED ACOUSTICS C O N T E N T

SOU ND, NOISE & ACO U S T IC S CONSEQUENCES OF POOR ACOUSTICS EFFECTS OF ACOUSTIC REGULATIONS BENEFITS OF AKUART PRODUCTS AKUSTISKE DESIGNLØSNINGER

LOVE ART KILL NOISE

CONTENT

01

SECTION 1

|

SOUND, NOISE & ACOUSTICS

| 02

SECTION 2

|

WORK CLIMATE

| 04

SECTION 3

|

EXPLAINED ACOUSTICS

| 05

SECTION 4

|

DEMANDS FOR BETTER ACOUSTICS

| 08

SECTION 5

|

EFFECT OF WALL ABSORBERS

| 09

SECTION 6

|

ACOUSTIC PLANNING

| 11

SECTION 7

|

OPTIMISE THE OFFICE LAYOUT

| 12

SECTION 8

|

REACH OPTIMAL EFFECT

| 13

SECTION 9

|

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

| 15

SOUND, NOISE & ACOUSTICS

Disturbing noise in work environments is common.

The challenges in a room with bad acoustics are the

Sound builds up from the various functions in the room;

hard surfaces, such as glass, concrete and steel, which

conversations, telephones, office machines and much

reflects the sound back into the room. They are espe-

more. As these sounds travel around the room, mixing

cially common in open-space offices, conference rooms,

with new sounds, they become noise, which comes off

classrooms and cafeterias. The acoustic environment,

as nuisances and impairs the work environment.

deriving from this type of interior, tend to lead to difficulties concentrating, stress, tiredness and poor acoustic comfort, decreasing the well-being and efficiency of the work force.

02

Top: Maersk Tankers / Left: Danish National Police / Right: Copenhagen University Hospital

03

GOOD ACOUSTICS IMPROVES THE WORK ENVIRONMENT •

Stimulates concentration & motivation

•

Enhances the ability to listen, focus & remember

•

Decreases stress & mental fatigue

•

Increases welfare, well-being & quality of life

•

Encourages communication & knowledge sharing

•

Supports productivity

04

EXPLAINED ACOUSTICS

Surfaces consisting of hard materials, such as concrete,

2: HORIZONTAL SOUND WAVES

glass and steel, reflects sound in the room, creating poor

Refers to the sound waves that occur and move be-

acoustic conditions. The poor acoustic conditions can

tween parallel surfaces of hard material. The horizontal

be explained by the following three acoustic concepts.

sound waves can create an annoying echo and impair the acoustic environment of the room. Mounting sound

1: REVERBERATION TIME

absorbing materials on the given walls and surfaces will

Refers to the continued circulation of sound in a room

decrease the horizontal sound waves and the reverbera-

and how long it takes for the sound to die out. Long re-

tion time.

verberation time will be experienced as a diffuse noise or an echo. Covering an amount of the surface in the given

3: ACOUSTIC HOT SPOTS

room with sound absorption, will shorten the reverbera-

Refers to the areas in the room where sound energy

tion time. It is often important to cover both walls and

gathers and increases due to the sound reflecting ma-

ceilings to obtain the nescessary impact on decreasing

terials in the room. Acoustic hot spots are afflicted by

the reverberation time.

disturbing sound, creating an uncomfortable, stressful and distracting acoustic environment. Wall absorbers mounted on the walls will minimize acoustic hot spots.

01

05

REVERBERATION TIME

02

03

HORIZONTAL SOUNDWAVES

ACOUSTIC HOTSPOTS

06

IKEA / Open-plan office

07

INCREASED DEMANDS FOR NOISE REGULATIONS Room acoustics and building regulations have received increased attention from organisations, scientists and governments in recent years. As knowledge and research are growing, the demands for better sound environments and indoor acoustics increases accordingly. Organisations worldwide have realised the consequences of bad acoustics, and are increasing their focus on noise pollution in the office space and public institutions.

In 2014, the International Congress on Sound and Vibration acknowledged the urgent need for international research and focus on acoustics and sound environments. This indicates the importance of scientific research and legislative action, in order to reduce the health risks associated with poor acoustics and improve the wellbeing and work life quality of employees worldwide.

The Scandinavian countries have been frontrunners in the field. Governmental regulations for acoustics in office spaces and children’s institutions have been significantly tightened leading to a growing demand for acoustically improved sound environments with shorter reverberation time.

08

THE EFFECT OF WALL ABSORBERS A minimum of 10-15% of the rooms total sound absorption should be mounted on walls or other vertical surfaces. Regular pictures does not have any mentionable sound absorbing qualities and pictures in glass frames reflect sounds even more than bare walls.

09

The Danish National Bank / Open-plan office / Akuart graphic render

01

Reduces horizontal sound waves

02

Can be placed closer to the source

03

Minimizes acoustic hotspots in the office

04

Supports the use of partition walls and desk screens

05

Easy and cost effective to install

10

OPEN PLAN OFFICES:

CREATING COMFORTABLE ACOUSTIC ZONES

Office layout and design has, over the last years, seen a growing emphasis on openness, transparency and flexibility in architecture. While many facets of the work life prosper in this type of open offices, the sound environment suffers, having an enormous influence on employee productivity. Therefore it is essential to consider the room acoustics and sound environment when designing your office plan.

Intelligent acoustic space planning promotes satisfaction and efficiency, and makes it possible to utilise the full capacity of the room, creating extra and efficient work stations. Studies have shown up to 52% increased performance as a result of improved acoustics in office spaces.

Realising your office needs makes it possible to plan the interior design and create different acoustically screened zones according to the given work functions. This contributes to an acoustically comfortable ambience, creating a distractionfree environment that facilitates varied activities; concentrateted working, communication and cooperation.

11

CONCENTRATION INTENSIVE WORK

FORMAL COMMUNICATION

The largest proportion of office work requires high

Meeting- or conference rooms are dedicated to a

and undisturbed concentration. This can be facili-

more formal inter-group communication exchange,

tated by high sound absorption that decreases dis-

requiring high speech comprehensibility and con-

turbing noise and echo.

centration. This is obtained by installing efficient sound absorption on at least two perpendicular

TEAM WORK In team work, the emphasis is on collaboration, communication and knowledge sharing. It is a work function requiring high intelligibility and low formality, facilitated both by furniture and acoustic interior.

walls.

COMMON AREAS Areas such as receptions, waiting areas or lounges are a part of the multifunctional office landscape, facilitating informal social exchange, collaborative work, sparing and recreation. A good acoustic environment supports the comfortable use of these

THINK TANK

areas, while shielding conversations from the rest

Areas designed for short meetings, brainstorming

of the office.

and sparing sessions requires high concentration and privacy. A think tank is often in close proximity to the general work area, therefore requiring acoustic screens of high efficiency

GUIDE

ACOUSTIC REGULATIONS BASED ON ROOM FUNCTIONALITY SMALL ROOMS: In smaller rooms in the office the sound environment is easily secured by installing efficient wall absorbers on minimum two perpendicular walls. If the room is used for video- and phone conferences, the absorbers need a depth of at least 40 mm, to secure the acoustic quality within the 125 – 4000 Hz frequency range.

CANTEENS: Due to the large gathering of sounds and noise in a canteen, sound absorption is never overdone. In these spaces it is necessary to install as much sound absorbing material as possible, on as many surfaces as possible. Wall absorbers are of great importance in canteens, as they place the absorption closer to the sound sources.

OPEN OFFICES: In open plan offices, the general sound environment and acoustics can be secured by installing an efficient acoustic ceiling and making sure that the rooms total absorption equals 1.1 times the floor space. Supplementing the general acoustic regulations, it is possible to locally optimize the acoustics and create specific acoustic zones within the office. Efficient wall absorbers, acoustic art, table screens or screen walls can be placed closer to the specific sound sources and facilitate improved workstations and employee behaviour.

12

OPTIMISING YOUR ACOUSTIC SOLUTION:

EFFICIENT COMBINATIONS OF SOUND ABSORBING PRODUCTS

A sound-absorbing ceiling is essential for good acoustics in large rooms, but to efficiently reduce horizontal sound waves and make a real impact on the rooms reverberation time, it is recommended that a minimum of 10-15% of the room’s total sound absorption is placed vertically - either on walls or as screens.

An acoustic ceiling reduces general noise and echo in the room, but without the supplement of wall absorbers or shielding it will not be sufficient in order to create good acoustics, because the ceiling initially absorbs the vertical sound energy in the room. The horizontal sound waves will still move freely and reflect on the walls.-

Wall mounted absorption is an efficient way to absorb horizontal sound waves and stop the sound reflection between parallel walls. Acoustic pictures can be installed closer to workstations and sound sources and therefore absorb sound fast and efficient.

Acoustic screens is a great help around workstations and desks that stands near each other, but can not ensure the acoustics in large rooms alone. Sounds hitting the screen will be absorbed, but sound energy can still move over or under the screens, reflecting on the ceiling and walls, which can be a great nuisance for workers who can hear noise without being able to identify the source.

In this way, the different sound absorbing products compliment each other, and by installing various types of sound absorption in several different spots in the room, the effect of the individual acoustic products increases and the acoustics can effectively be regulated and adapted to the rooms layout and features. It is further possible to supplement the acoustic solution with either open shelves, soft furnishings etc.

Employee behaviour is in addition essential in creating a comfortable sound environment in the office. It is especially important that the employees are aware of each other’s activities and tolerance to disturbing noise, and behave considerate of each other’s work.

13

Illustration of the movement and reflections of sound waves in a room, before and after acoustic regulation with both acoustic ceiling, sound absorbing pictures and acoustic screen.

14

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS AKUART products are made using highly efficient and fully

All AKUART products are tested by third party acousticians.

certified sound absorbing materials from European producers.

This means that architects, building consultants and designers

The products consist of a frame design that creates space

can count 100% on the acoustic characteristics of an AKUART

between the acoustic panel and the underlying wall surface.

absorbing picture. Recent tests of AKUART SmartArt 60 shows

This optimises the acoustic properties further. The result is

that the sound absorption is close to 100% in the frequency

an acoustic performance that is superior on the market and

range 500-4000 Hz. The acoustic properties in the frequency

thereby supports the increased requirements for room acoustics

range 125-500 Hz are also good. AKUART is a perfect solution for

in several countries. The strict requirements emphasise the

effective acoustic control, especially in environments with high

AKUART

importance of effective wall absorbers, and in many cases, in demands on acoustic conditions.

Laboratory measurement of sound absorption

Page 11 of 12 pages

Reportthat no. P2.054.15 schools, day care centers and offices, it is recommended 10

-15% of the total sound absorption in a room, is placed on the wall surfaces.

APPENDIX E

ACOUSTIC EFFICIENCY THAT YOU CAN COUNT ON

Measurement result of sound absorption coefficient Client:

Measurement: A5 Date of meas.: 28-10-2015 Performed by: PIE/SRA

AKUART Rådmandsgade 55 2200 København N

Object description AKUART canvas in front of 40 mm glass wool panels, mounted in 60 mm frame, leaving approx. 10 mm of air space behind panel. Periphery enclosed with tape Measurement method The measurements were performed according to DS/EN ISO 354, and the weighted sound absorption coefficient as well as the sound absorption class are determined according to DS/EN ISO 11654 Comments to the measurement

Weighted sound abs. coefficient: αw = 0,95

Sound engineering laboratory / Danish Technological University

15

Temperature

Relative humidity

Empty room (T1)

17˚C

53%

Measurement A1 (T2)

18˚C

50%

Sound absorption class: A

p:\projects\357\35726201\04_output\p2.054.15 akuart measurement of sound absorption.docx

CERTIFICATIONS AND ECOLABELS FOR AKUART SOUND ABSORBING CORE MATERIAL & CANVASES

ISO: International standards for sound absorption: EN ISO 354 & EN ISO 11654 International Standard for fire safety in core materials: EN ISO 1182.

DIN: The German Institute for Standards in interior and decorative materials has certified the AKUART canvases with DIN 4102-B1.

M1: The Finnish Indoor Air Association and Building Information Foundation has assessed the core materials of AKUART products to be M1 quality products with the lowest emission rate possible.

The Indoor Climate Label: The sound absorbing core material of AKUART products is rated in the best quality category with the Indoor Climate Label of Danish Technological Institute CE: All core material of AKUART products meets the requirements for environmental concerns and customer safety.

The Swedish Asthma and Allergies Association has assessed the core material in all AKUART products to contain no materials that can cause allergies.

Nordic Environmental Label: The official Danish Eco label, guaranteeing an environmentally friendly production of AKUART products’ sound absorbing core material.

The International Recycling Label: Indicating that at least 45% of the products’ core material is made from recycled materials.

Confidence in Textiles: All AKUART canvases are made from ECO-TEX 100 fabrics, and tested free from harmful substances.

16

AKUART SMART ART 60

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AKUART SmartArt 60 is a sound absorbing picture with a changeable canvas. Acoustic regulation in the highest absorption class available (Class A), is combined with graphic print of extremely high quality. The clever design makes it possible to detach the canvas from the frame, ensuring that the print can easily be replaced at any time. The SmartArt design makes it possible to print sizes up to 3x7 meters in one piece. This solution is particularly ideal when the requirements for acoustic regulation are extra high and therefore requires regulation over a wide frequency range, meanwhile supporting the desired visual expression.

SPECIFICATIONS: Product:

Framed acoustic image

Acoustic material: 40 mm high-density glass wool Canvas:

Polyester mixture

Plate type:

Wall panel

Frame:

60 mm aluminum profile

Weight:

6,4 kg pr. m2

Mounting:

Mounted with wall brackets

The ultra thin profile frames the image elegantly as well as discretely making the image visually pop out from the wall surface.

The canvas is detachable from the frame and pulls off easily with the AKUART hand tag. The canvas can even be washed at on a gentle wash cycle at 40 degrees celcius.

The clever AKUART design makes it possible to print individual formats.

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RATINGS & CERTIFICATES AKUART SMART ART 60 ACOUSTIC CORE MATERIAL Absorption:

Test results according to EN ISO 354

Classification according to EN ISO 11654

Flammability:

Fire retardent. Classification EN ISO 1182

Environment:

M1 label, The Indoor Climate label, CE label,

Recomended by the Swedish Asthma

and Allergies Association, Nordic Environmental Label,

The International Recycling Label.

CANVAS Flammability:

Fire retardent. Classification B-s1 according to DIN EN 13501-1

Environment:

Tested free from harmful substances according to Eco-Tex 100

ABSORPTION

CERTIFICATES

Absorption Classification:

Class A

Absorbency:

Îąw = 0.95

1,0

0,8

0,6

0,4

0,2

0,0

19

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

0,35

0,65

0,95

1,00

1,00

1,00

Hz

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS STANDARD FORMATS (WxHxD) 610X610X60 mm | 1210x610x60 mm | 1210x810x60 mm | 1510x1010x60 mm 1210x1210x60 mm | 1520x1210x60 mm | 1210x1810x60 mm | 1210x2400x60 mm All standard sizes can be produced either vertical or horizontal.

610 x 610

1210 x 610

1210 x 810

1510 x 1010

1210 x 1210

1520 x 1210

1210 x 1810

1210 x 2400

CUSTOM FORMAT (WxHxD) The clever AKUART design makes it possible to print both individual and oversize formats up to h:3 x w:25+ meters in one piece. No additional costs are charged for ordering custom formats.

PROFILE COLORS

?

PROFILE TEXTURES

WHITE

BLACK

BIRCH

Color RAL 9016

Color RAL 9005

Laminated

Gloss 30 %

Gloss 05 %

Birch veneer

CUSTOM PROFILE COLORS All RAL colors are available. Additional costs are charged for custom colors and profile textures.

CARE & MAINTENANCE Frame: Endures daily dusting, vacuum cleaning and weekly wiping with wet cloth.

Canvas:

Endures daily dusting, vacuum cleaning and wiping with wet cloth.

Canvas Wash:

Canvas endures machine wash on gentle wash cycle at 40 degrees celcius.

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AKUART SMART ART 36

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AKUART SmartArt 36 is a sound absorbing picture with a changable canvas. Acoustic regulation is combined with graphic print of extremely high quality. A clever design makes it possible to detach the canvas from the frame, ensuring that the print can be replaced easily at any time. The SmartArt design makes it possible to print sizes up to 3x7 meters in one piece. Therefore this solution is particularly ideal if you need the visual expression of your acoustic solution to be changeable, or images in large formats are required.

SPECIFICATIONS: Product:

Framed acoustic image

Acoustic material:

20 mm high-density glass wool

Canvas: Polyester mixture Panel type:

Wall panel

Frame:

36 mm aluminum profile

Weight:

4,2 kg pr. m2

Mounting:

Mounted with wall brackets

The ultra thin profile frames the image elegantly as well as discretely making the image visually pop out from the wall surface.

The canvas is detachable from the frame and pulls off easily with the AKUART hand tag. The canvas can even be washed at on a gentle wash cycle at 40 degrees celcius.

The clever AKUART design makes it possible to print individual formats.

22

RATINGS & CERTIFICATES AKUART SMART ART 36 ACOUSTIC CORE MATERIAL Absorption:

Test results according to EN ISO 354

Classification according to EN ISO 11654

Flammability:

Fire retardent. Classification EN ISO 1182

Environment:

M1 label, The Indoor Climate label, CE label,

Recomended by the Swedish Asthma

and Allergies Association, Nordic Environmental Label,

The International Recycling Label.

CANVAS Flammability:

Fire retardent. Classification B-s1 according to DIN EN 13501-1

Environment:

Tested free from harmful substances according to Eco-Tex 100

ABSORPTION

CERTIFICATES

Absorption Classification:

Class C

Absorbency:

Îąw = 0.60

1,0

0,8

0,6

0,4

0,2

0,0

23

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

0,10

0,30

0,80

1,00

1,00

0,85

Hz

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS STANDARD FORMATS IN MM (WxHxD) 610X610X36 mm | 1210x610x36 mm | 1210x810x36 mm | 1510x1010x36 mm 1210x1210x36 mm | 1520x1210x36 mm | 1210x1810x36 mm | 1210x2400x36 mm All standard sizes can be produced either vertical or horizontal.

610 x 610

1210 x 610

1210 x 810

1510 x 1010

1210 x 1210

1520 x 1210

1210 x 1810

1210 x 2400

CUSTOM FORMATS (WxHxD) The clever AKUART design makes it possible to print both individual and oversize formats up to h:3 x w:25 meters in one piece. No additional costs are charged for ordering custom formats.

PROFILE COLORS

WHITE Color RAL 9016 Gloss 30 %

?

PROFILE TEXTURES

BLACK Color RAL 9005 Gloss 05 %

BIRCH Laminated Birch veneer

CUSTOM PROFILES All RALcolors are available. Additional costs are charged for custom colors and profile textures.

CARE & MAINTENANCE Frame: Endures daily dusting, vacuum cleaning and weekly wiping with wet cloth.

Canvas:

Endures daily dusting, vacuum cleaning and wiping with wet cloth.

Canvas Wash:

Canvas endures machine wash on gentle wash cycle at 40 degrees celcius.

24

AKUART SMART WALL

25

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AKUART SmartWall is a whole new breed of acoustic screen walls. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the printed canvases on both the front and back surface of the screen wall are replaceable. This paves the way for creating different visual expressions depending on which side of the wall you are looking at. AKUART SmartWall is categorized in absorption class A, the highest absorption class available. This ensures that the propagation of sound in a given space is efficiently stopped.

Up to 95% of the acoustic energy hitting the wall surfaces is absorbed in the frequency range 500-4000 Hz. This screen wall is perfect for all types of organizations in which sound sources such as servers, printers, colleagues, etc. cause acoustic problems.

SPECIFICATIONS: Product:

Screen wall with replaceable textile canvas

Acoustic material:

40 mm high-density glass wool

Canvas: Polyester mixture Frame:

Aluminum - white powder coating

Feet:

Steel with white powder coating.

Wheels:

Rim polyamide in white, Tread Polyurethane

The ultra thin profile frames on both front and back are elegantly as well as discretely making the images visually pop out in the middle of the room.

The canvas on both the front and back is detachable from the frame and pulls off easily with the AKUART hand tag.

The canvases can even be washed at 40 degrees celcius on a gentle wash cycle.

The SmartWall also comes with wheels. Sleek swivel castors with total lock makes it possible to move the screens around easily without any effort.

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RATINGS & CERTIFICATES AKUART SMART WALL ACOUSTIC CORE MATERIAL Absorption:

Test results according to EN ISO 354

Classification according to EN ISO 11654

Flammability:

Fire retardent. Classification EN ISO 1182

Environment:

M1 label, The Indoor Climate label, CE label,

Recomended by the Swedish Asthma

and Allergies Association, Nordic Environmental Label,

The International Recycling Label.

CANVAS Flammability:

Fire retardent. Classification B-s1 according to DIN EN 13501-1

Environment:

Tested free from harmful substances according to Eco-Tex 100

ABSORPTION

CERTIFICATES

Absorption Classification:

Class A

Absorbency:

Îąw = 0.95

1,0

0,8

0,6

0,4

0,2

0,0

27

125

250

500

1000

2000

4000

0,35

0,65

0,95

1,00

1,00

1,00

Hz

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS STANDARD FORMATS IN MM (WxHxD) 1210X1520X60 mm | 1520x1520x60 mm | 2000x1520x60 mm 2000x1210x60 mm | 1810x1210 mm

1210 x 1520

1520 x 1520

2000 x 1520

2000 x 1210

1810 x 1210

CUSTOM FORMAT (WxHxD) The clever AKUART design makes it possible to deliver individual formats up to 2700x1800 mmm in one piece. No additional costs are charged for

?

ordering custom formats.

FEET / STANCE

PROFILE / FEET COLOR

WHITE Color RAL 9016 - Gloss 30 % CUSTOM PROFILE COLORS 01 | WINGS

02 | BOOMERANG

03 | BOOMERANG WHEELS

All RAL colors are available for both profiles and feet. Additional costs are charged for custom colors.

CARE & MAINTENANCE Frame: Endures daily dusting, vacuum cleaning and weekly wiping with wet cloth.

Canvas:

Endures daily dusting, vacuum cleaning and wiping with wet cloth.

Canvas Wash:

Canvas endures machine wash on gentle wash cycle at 40 degrees celcius.

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