Categories
Construction

Acoustic ceiling

-Acoustic ceilings, sometimes called “acoustical ceilings” or even simply “ceilings”, are an essential component in any building.

-These structures serve to attenuate sound (reduce the intensity of sound vibrations), reduce noise pollution, and improve speech intelligibility in situations where loudspeakers are used to amplify voices, music, public announcements or other audio signals. In buildings where people work, such as schools and offices, they also help reduce disruption from outside noises by dampening echoes and reverberations. Acoustic ceilings play a key role in creating a more pleasant acoustics for both workers and consumers.

-In modern buildings, the requirements placed on the ceiling have increased dramatically since acoustic ceiling was first introduced. Modern acoustic ceilings aim not only to reduce sound levels, but also to provide a pleasant background ambience and character.

-This is commonly achieved by an ever-growing number of decorative elements created in acoustic ceilings:

-Columns: Acoustic panels with the appearance of columns give the ceiling a more traditional and solid look, and can even enhance this effect when made from materials such as wood or stone. This gives the room an impression of elegance and refinement.

-Pillars: A similar effect can be produced by adding pillars that support the ceiling, sometimes accompanied by other features such as archways or ornamental mouldings. These will help break up the monotony of large expanses of flat ceiling space. The result is a “classier” atmosphere which can make a big difference in the quality of life for those working in the building.

-Coves: Coves – recesses placed at strategic points – can improve speech intelligibility and reduce noise complaints due to secondary noise effects such as echoes, flutter echo and room mode effects. Acoustic panels and sound absorbing elements inside the cove will absorb reflected sounds that would otherwise reach listeners or workers from other directions, and help reduce reverberation time (the time it takes for a sound to stop echoing). The shape of coves can be changed to affect their effect on acoustic performance. For example, the rounded backs of the soffits provide an attractive visual aspect but also seal off dead airspace behind them which reduces reverberations. Designers often prefer curved coves over flat coves because they provide a superior sound absorption coefficient.

-Pieces: To add visual interest to their acoustic ceilings, designers use recessed squares, rectangles and other shapes. Besides improving the aesthetics of the ceiling, these pieces can also serve to reduce echoes by breaking up regularly spaced hard surfaces in a room.

-Acoustic ceiling – A type of ceiling which serves to attenuate sound (reduce intensity), reducing noise pollution and improving speech intelligibility where speakers are used to amplify voices, music, public announcements or other audio signals. They also help reduce disruptions from outside noises by dampening echoes and reverberations. Acoustic ceilings play an important role in creating pleasant acoustics for both workers and consumers.

Benefit – Provide a useful or positive attribute toward an object, person, or outcome.

Background sound – The unnoticeable and constant sounds that occur within a location such as the hum of an air conditioner or refrigerator motor.